Advice for Designers Stressed About an Interiors Photography Session
Clients and I chat a WHOLE lot at our sessions. Even before the big day, there’s lots of info sharing that happens between our initial phone call and the moment that first frame is captured.
Early on in my photography career, I learned quickly in these chats that there are a handful of super common stressors interior designers experience when they think about photographing a space.
If you read this list and they ALL resonate with you, you’re in good company. They’ve made the list because many of you have them!
Rest easy, Padawan. I’ve got some answers that will help you breathe a sigh of relief.
While interior photography sessions are a lot of work (and tiring AF), they should be fun, not stressful. At least not too stressful.
Overwhelmed with styling?
Budget for a stylist.
Not only will doing so make your life easier, your work will instantly elevate. It’s totally worth the investment. I have great recommendations for you, so reach out if you need one.
If you’ve been on the fence about making this next-level move, may this be your sign to do so. Perhaps it makes the most sense—in terms of budget and convenience—to hire out styling for your larger projects only.
But if you just can’t fit it into the budget, see my following suggestions.
Professionally styled by Thais Schmidt; design by Beyond Interior Design
Professionally styled by Thais Schmidt; design by Beyond Interior Design
Bring more than what you need.
It’s a beating, I know! But you want lots of good options, and it’s worth the effort. In this scenario, it’s actually a good idea to overpack.
Don’t forget a collapsible wagon to haul you stuff in and out of the residence.
Remember that florals go a long way.
They add fullness, life, texture, and color when each of these elements are needed. Consider bringing a variety of color and scale. And don’t forget several vase options.
Think high end for branded products.
For example, if you’re styling a bathroom counter or shower niche, use Aespo soap. I typically prefer non-branded styling items, but if you’re going to use them, think recognizably high end.
Consider a lived-in look.
For example, if we’re photographing an office, try an open book with reading glasses opened on the desk (see example below). If we’re photographing a mudroom, try laying one rain boot on the floor and the other standing, as if someone just walked inside the house. Make the spaces look as if something is happening or just happened there.
Think about eliminative overly literal items. If I see a box of tissues, I just may move them out of the frame!
Tall, full branches add drama to the frame. Design by Juliana Joy Interiors.
The “lived-in” styling adds life by making it seem as if someone was just here. Design by Alisa Cristine Interiors.
Uncertain about the lack of natural light?
If you’ve hired the right photographer, this shouldn't be an issue. At all.
Every interior photographer has their own shooting methods. At the risk of stating whether those methods are right or wrong (since many of them are subjective and/or style specific), a good interior photographer should know how to use artificial light.
I incorporate artificial light when—
there’s no natural light (a pantry, a powder bath).
the natural light is lacking depth or is falling in the wrong direction.
the image contains issues caused by natural light, like color casts, weird shadows, and distracting glare.
I personally incorporare artificial light in a way that looks very natural (go look at my portfolio—I bet you can’t tell which of those images where shot in natural or artificial light).
Natural light was available from this window, but it was totally flat. By shooting this space in artificial light (shot from outside the window, just like the sun!), every design element truly shines. Design by Lewis & Rose Interiors.
Would you believe I shot this with my strobe? In this entry, artificial light created more shadows and depth than the natural light was providing. Design by Sey Interiors.
Lighting is KING when it comes to photography, and good interior photographers know how to use light to make your designs look as good as possible.
Afraid of offending or frustrating a homeowner?
Prep them for session days early on in the process.
You know what your homeowner and a toddler have on common? Life is less upsetting for them when they know what to expect!
Including a photography clause in your contract is not enough.
Tell them early on—and several times—how eager you are to include this project in your portfolio, and how excited you are to have it photographed. Help them understand the project isn’t over when the drapes are hung, it’s over when photos are taken.
Ask the homeowner to leave/run errands/go to the office when we’re shooting.
The whole process of photographing their space can feel very personal for a homeowner. You may also feel reluctant about moving their belongings or being honest with me about the one thing to avoid capturing because the homeowner insisted on keeping it.
We will work more efficiently if it’s just me, you, and the creative team that day.
Art photoshopped in to prevent offending homeowner who preferred a different piece. Design by Delaney’s Designs.
Blame Me!
For example, if we are swapping out homeowner’s art so your brand is more accurately represented in the image, say, “Oh, yes, I love that painting too, but my photographer has asked me to try a couple different art options.”
Nervous we won’t get it all photographed?
Have your photographer scout the location.
Prior to the session day, I will scout the location to be photographed. Not only does scouting help me prep for the technical aspects that day, like lighting, but it also helps me prioritize each space. That way we know we’ve give ourselves the time necessary to capture what we need.
Typically, my half day sessions are scouted virtually by having you send me quick phone pictures.
My full day sessions are scouted in person. I will snap phone pics of potential compositions and create a simple PDF that contains time frames, order of spaces to be photographed, and the phone pictures I took.
On session days, I always veer from a scouting document! That’s totally fine—it’s ok for the shot list to evolve as the session progresses. But starting with one gives us a framework for the session day and helps us feel confident we will get all the images necessary.
Here’s what the cover page of my scouting documents looks like:
By creating a schedule and shot list, a scouting document ensures we stay on track when photographing a full-day session.
Have I missed any of your pain points? I would love to hear more about your hesitancies when it comes to thinking about or preparing for an interiors photography session. Comment below!
Sarah is a Dallas, Texas interiors photographer. She creates publish-ready images for designers to use in their portfolios and publication submissions.