Capturing the Elegance of La Dolce Vita Dover

Photographing the interior of La Dolce Vita, a newly opened restaurant in Dover, NH, was an opportunity to showcase the craftsmanship of both the HJD Builders and RAE interiors. The space blends deep emerald tones, warm wood, and soft lighting to create an atmosphere that’s equal parts elegant and inviting. Commissioned as a commercial project, the shoot focused on capturing the design elements that bring the space to life — from the materials and layout to the lighting choices and architectural details.

Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately struck by the emerald green tile work behind the bar. The tiles complemented the dark wood and accent lighting beautifully. Phyrom’s use of lighting is a signature feature of his work, and I love how he wrapped it around the arched mirrors and within the wine wall. This initial impression influenced my approach to the shoot, making me focus on highlighting these stunning elements.

To capture the restaurant's dark, moody ambiance, I expanded on my usual two-light setup. Instead of using the two lights to illuminate the entire room, I broke the space into smaller sections, lighting one table or part of the bar at a time. This meticulous approach required extensive work in Photoshop to assemble, resulting in huge files but a perfectly balanced final product.

One of the unique challenges of this shoot was balancing the light coming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows with the deep, rich, and warm feel that I wanted to create. It was a tricky process, but the end result was worth the effort.

My favorite shot is the one-point perspective of the bar with the chairs lined up, the arched mirror, and the iridescent tiles. Though, the luscious green velvet chairs also stand out to me. It’s tough to choose just one favorite detail, as the entire space is so thoughtfully designed.

Working with Phyrom and Kirstin was a fantastic experience. They gave me wide latitude to find the best looks while also offering creative suggestions to get the most out of the space. This collaboration taught me the importance of flexibility and creativity, valuable lessons that will benefit future projects.

This shoot at La Dolce Vita Dover was a wonderful opportunity to work with talented professionals and capture the beauty of a new dining destination. The experience reaffirmed my love for architectural and interior photography, and I look forward to more projects that allow me to showcase such exquisite spaces.

If you are looking for professional architectural or restaurant photography in the New Hampshire Seacoast area, or want to see more of my work, follow me on Facebook, check out my portfolio, and follow me on Instagram @kevinedgephotography.

To learn more about the creative minds behind this project, visit HJD Builders and RAE Interiors, whose craftsmanship and design vision made this space such a joy to photograph.