Hawksmoor

Hospitality

17 May

Written By Jamie Hackett

Hawksmoor Dublin, located in a landmark building on College Green, Dublin, beautifully combines the historical charm of William Barnes' mid-1840s design with contemporary elements. The restaurant's interior features comfortable leather upholstered dining chairs, wooden table tops, and a parquet floor, creating a masculine ambiance. Dark paneling adds intimacy while the leather upholstery is softened with touches of velvet.
As a photographer tasked with capturing the essence of Hawksmoor Dublin, my goal was to create images that convey the warm and inviting ambiance of the space. Through careful consideration of composition, lighting, and a focus on the unique design elements, I aimed to transport viewers into the dining experience and evoke a sense of comfort and allure.
To create a sense of immersion and highlight the inviting atmosphere, I approached composition with a wide-angle perspective. By capturing the entirety of the dining area in certain shots, I aimed to convey the grandeur of the space and invite viewers to explore every corner. Utilising leading lines formed by the wooden table tops and the parquet floor, I guided the viewers' gaze, emphasising the depth and perspective of the scene. Experimenting with different angles allowed me to emphasise the distinctive features, such as the dark paneling and the interplay between the leather upholstery and velvet accents.
Creating warm and inviting images relied heavily on the thoughtful use of lighting. I sought to harness the natural light streaming through the large windows, as it added a touch of natural warmth and accentuated the rich tones of the wooden elements. By strategically placing subjects and objects in the path of the light, I emphasized the textures and brought them to life. For evening and low-light shots, I employed soft, diffused lighting techniques to maintain the cozy ambiance, ensuring that each element was beautifully illuminated without overpowering the scene.