Izabela Kozioł Photography is the signature brand of Izabela Kozioł, a photographer who spent several years running her own fashion label before picking up a camera. Her experience working with form, colour, and detail, combined with professional training under renowned specialists, including Emi Karpowicz, laid a strong foundation for her work in interior photography. Today, Izabela Kozioł specialises in interior photography grounded in natural light and a warm, authentic visual narrative. She collaborates with architects, designers, and brands, offering a comprehensive approach to presenting architectural spaces together with video production and home staging professionals.
From a fashion brand to an independent studio: the professional path of Izabela Kozioł
Izabela Kozioł’s passion for interiors dates back to childhood, when she would study IKEA catalogues and continually rearrange her own surroundings. Before photography became her primary profession, however, she ran her own fashion label. The decision to close that chapter proved to be a turning point in her career. A candid reassessment of her professional path led her towards a field that allowed her to continue working creatively, without the challenges associated with production and logistics. Izabela Kozioł’s first interior shoots took place in friends’ homes. These projects laid the foundation for her portfolio and confirmed that interior photography was the field in which she felt most at ease. In 2017, Izabela Kozioł Photography was established, dedicated exclusively to interior photography from the outset.
Natural light and an authentic narrative: the signature style of Izabela Kozioł
Izabela Kozioł’s visual language is shaped by travel, encounters with people, and observations of how spaces evoke emotion. She also draws significant inspiration from the work of leading international interior photographers. Her work combines natural light with carefully composed shots and thoughtfully planned lighting. The result is a body of warm, authentic imagery: photographs that present interiors as places people want to spend time in. The portfolio of Izabela Kozioł Photography includes collaborations with brands such as Prato, Homla, and Stegu Inspired, as well as projects for hotels, restaurants, architects, and interior designers.
What is your process for preparing for an interior photo shoot? Are there any key steps?
I always begin with a conversation and consultation – I want to understand how the client perceives the interior and the story behind it. I establish the key shots and priorities, and when necessary, I conduct a site visit to assess how light interacts with the space. During the session, I often work with a tablet if the client wishes to review the frames in real time. After the shoot, I provide preliminary previews for selection, and ultimately deliver a complete gallery – diverse in composition, yet cohesive in its colour palette.
What significance does natural light hold for you? What do you do when there isn’t enough of it?
Natural light is the foundation of my work – it takes centre stage in my photographs because it provides the authenticity and softness I love in interiors. I complement it with carefully designed lighting within the space to convey the room’s atmosphere even when lamps are on. And when natural light is limited, I always have my own lights on hand, which I can arrange so that the interior still feels warm and natural.
Do you prefer certain interior styles, or do you adapt to different aesthetics?
I don’t have a single preferred aesthetic – and that’s exactly what I enjoy most. Different interiors can surprise with their colour palettes, lighting, and energy. Each style offers the photographer a unique field for interpretation, so I adapt to the character of the space and highlight its most interesting features. That said, if I had to specify, I am drawn to warmer tones, soft light, interspersed within a single session with areas of sharper contrast.
What are your favourite tools and equipment that you always bring to a shoot?
My essentials are my Sony Alpha A7 III and a tripod – I never go to a session without them. I most often work with the Sony 24–70mm f/2.8 lens, as it provides the greatest flexibility for creating a cohesive gallery. I also bring a wide-angle lens for more challenging, tight spaces, and a Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 prime lens, which allows me to capture beautiful details. I also always carry lights and a tablet in my bag – it’s important to be prepared for any lighting conditions.
How do you work with architects, designers or property owners to capture their vision?
Understanding the intention behind a project is key for me. I always ask about the vision: what should be the strongest focal point of the interior, which details are a priority for the designer, and what story the space is meant to tell. Only then do I compose images that are not just ‘beautiful,’ but that faithfully represent the project and support its purpose.
Tips for architects/designers starting a collaboration with an interior photographer?
First and foremost, take the time to carefully review their portfolio and see whether the photographer’s style aligns with your aesthetic. Next, it’s worth having a conversation, requesting a quote, arranging a consultation, and clearly outlining what matters most to you. When there is mutual understanding of vision and communication from the outset, the collaboration usually works like a well-oiled partnership.
