The Spanish sun continually refines his approach to working with natural light, while the work of Polish artists provides a constant source of invigorating inspiration. Marcin Leszczyński – founder of Marle Studio – has been working as an interiors photographer for the past three years along the coasts of Spain and in Poland. He is driven by a desire to share his passion and sense of wonder, as well as to bring out the unique, natural character of every space he photographs.
How did Marle Studio come into being?
The story behind the birth of Marle Studio is not a typical tale of childhood dreams fulfilled. For many years, Marcin Leszczyński pursued photography only as a side endeavour. He holds a background in IT and spent over a decade working in the corporate sector within the technology industry. A period of professional burnout found him while he was living in an apartment designed by two architects from Gdynia. Appreciating the interior’s ergonomics and aesthetics, as well as the pleasure of engaging with natural textures, he discovered a growing interest in thoughtful design.
Although he had no prior experience in interior photography, Marcin Leszczyński decided to combine this new fascination with a somewhat long-neglected passion. He honed the intricacies of photography and post-production both at home and through additional courses, and in August 2023 he decided to go all in. That is how Marle Studio came into being – today operating successfully in both the Polish and Spanish markets, while continually expanding its portfolio of published work.
However, photography is not all that Marle Studio does. Marcin Leszczyński also produces video content focused on interiors and architecture, recognising that moving images can convey aspects of a space that even the finest photograph cannot capture. Shifting light, the sound of footsteps, an atmosphere that only reveals itself in motion. For design studios and interior brands, such recordings are an invaluable complement to their portfolio.
What is your process for preparing for an interior photo shoot? Are there any key steps that you always take?
I always ask for visualisations, renders, or floor plans of the apartment or house so that I can familiarise myself with the space. Before the shoot, depending on the distance, I try to visit the property – even if it is still in the process of being finished. It is important for me to assess the lighting conditions and plan the compositions in advance.
What is the importance of natural light in interior photography for you? How do you deal with situations where there is insufficient light?
I photograph almost exclusively using natural light – around 99% of the time. In my view, images taken with all the lights switched on simply do not look good. I only use artificial or flash lighting in spaces where there is no natural light at all (such as many bathrooms). However, if a bathroom is positioned in such a way that, when the door is open, light enters from an adjacent room, I will sometimes photograph it in that way. This can produce surprisingly compelling results.
Do you prefer to photograph interiors with a particular décor or style, or do you adapt to different aesthetics?
I adapt to a range of aesthetics; however, I feel most at home with interiors that are minimalist and natural, free from an excess of decorative elements.
Do you have your favourite gear or piece of kit that you always take to your interior design shoots?
A reflector, which can work wonders in interiors with strong and harsh lighting.
How do you work with architects, interior designers or property owners to capture their vision in photographs?
Before collaborations, I review the client’s profile to understand their style. At times, I also discuss the project with the client – the underlying concept, their objectives, what they aimed to achieve, and what matters most to them. Based on these insights, I assemble the overall plan for the shoot.
What advice would you have for architects or interior designers who are planning to start working with an interior photographer?
In my view, the most important aspect is ensuring that the apartment is properly prepared for the shoot. If someone is planning a publication in a magazine, it is worth considering the services of an interior stylist.
I also recommend an initial conversation or meeting with the photographer to briefly present the project and outline expectations for the session, so that I can properly plan the shooting day.
It is also important to allocate sufficient time for the photo shoot – typically, such a session lasts from four hours upwards.
