6 Questions to Ask When Hiring an Interior Photographer
Whether you’re new to hiring an interior photographer or a vet who’s on the hunt for a new one, I hope this post puts you on the right track for your upcoming investment.
Basic information like cost and turnaround time is necessary to know. But if you really want to understand the quality of the interior photographer you’re about to hire—and whether you will be a successful fit for each other—consider the talking points below.
“Can you tell me more about your photography brand?”
I have found that my most successful designer-photographer relationships are founded on shared missions and common philosophies. If you and your photographer can connect on a level that runs deeper than just good imagery, you will enjoy the process and look forward to session days!
I connect well with designers who not only create impeccable spaces but are also humble, service-minded, authentic in their personality, and promote philosophies that show their business is for a greater purpose than simply themselves. I’m big on long-term relationships, so I also connect well with designers who are looking for just that—a photographer who’s in it for the long haul.
Ask the interior photographer open ended questions that get them talking about what makes then tick and why they do what they do. You will quickly learn about who they are as a person, not just a business owner.
“Do you tether your camera?”
To really see what’s happening in each frame, you need to see the image on a screen larger than the back of the camera. By tethering the camera to an iPad or laptop, the photographer not only sees what technical adjustments they need to make but also verify you are happy with the composition and styling.
The difference between a good photo and an exceptional one sometimes lies in the smallest details. So you need to be able to see what’s happening at any given time during the session.
Behind-the-scenes image of how my iPad wirelessly tethers to my camera so you see every image. Image courtesy of Delaney’s Design
Another BTS shot of me wirelessly tethered to my camera. Image courtesy of Timer Sky Interiors.
“How many images can I expect to receive?”
An experienced interior photographer should be able to give you an idea of how many images you can expect from the session. This depends on two things:
the scope of the project to be photographed
the time constraints of the session
For example, if an interior designer hires me for a full day to photograph five rooms, I will likely deliver around 15-20 images they will choose from. However, if I am hired for the same amount of rooms in only a half day, that number is closer to 8-10 images.
“How can I use the image license you sell?”
Do you want to use the images online for your website and social media? Do you want them for publication in a magazine? Are you expecting to be able to share them with a third party?
Contrary to popular belief, just because you’ve purchased the image doesn’t necessarily mean you can do as you please with it. What you’re actually purchasing is a usage fee or license to use the photo (the photographer inherent owns the copyright).
Any experienced interior photographer will have set rules around the license they sell. So make sure you have this conversation from the get-to avoid any surprises down the road.
“How can my GC, architect, or the project vendors also be able to use the images?”
It’s very common for an interior designer to ask me if other parties involved in the project can also use the images. Yes they can! But they need to pay for a license to do so.
Multiple parties purchased the rights to use this image, which reduced the overall investment of each party. Design by Chelsi Hix Interiors and Creative Elements by Lucie
Ask the interior photographer you’re interviewing how they handle these scenarios. Many times the photographer will offer a split fee arrangement (also called cost sharing) if multiple parties want to buy into the session.
With that said…
“Do you offer cost sharing when third parties want to buy-in to the session?”
Many photographers, myself included, will offer a split fee arrangement between you and third parties if you know prior to the session that they want to buy-in. This reduces the overall investment per party.
Just make sure you ask this question from the get-go as this discount is often offered only when all parties buy in prior to photo session days.
Final Thoughts
Hiring an interior photographer is a big investment. So make sure you’re selecting the right one by asking a few thoughtful questions—an experienced interior photographer will have no problem discussing these topics with you.
Sarah is an interior photographer based in Dallas, Texas. She photographs residential spaces to help interior designers grow their brands and book ideal clients.