“Why Is This Taking So Long?” Plus 3 Other Things You Might Ask at Our Session
An interior photography session can feel like a learning curve for newbies. But even if you’re a veteran designer, you may see your photographer make choices at a session that either don’t seem intuitive or make sense.
Ask your photographer what’s up! There’s no need for you to sit in silence wondering why she’s doing what she’s doing. Here are a few questions I get asked from time to time:
“There are a ton of widows in this room—why are you using your strobe?”
Because the window light lacks dimension and is failing to showcase your design.
While using artificial lighting in a dark space is the most common and obvious use, I also use one when the light is either
Flat or lacking dimension
Isn't falling into the space where I want
Creating a problem like white glare on the floor or window bloom
Each of these reasons could literally be a post all on it’s own! But just know that if I’m using artificial light in a natural-light filled room, it’s because I’m either enhancing the image or elimination a problem. Always intentional. Read the descriptions in my examples below.
I used a pop of my strobe on the plate wall. As you can see, we had many windows available; however, the covered porch created dull light that needed some help. Design by Malissa Ankeney Interiors
Just as in the previous image, I used my strobe to create more depth—more highlights and shadows. Plenty of windows here, but the strobe added more pop in the overall lighting that the natural light wasn’t giving. Design by Malissa Ankeney Interiors
“Why does an interior photography session take so long?”
Because there are many factors that go into creating a strong image, and sometimes it takes a while to get there.
Note this progression: I walk into a space, set up my camera/iPad, and the first thing I assess is the lighting…
Then I realize two windows without curtains or blinds need to be blocked, and I need to strobe a couple shots to add dimension to the space. So I have to pull out and set up more gear.
We notice the windows in view were overlooked during cleaning and now need to be wiped down.
The furniture placement was perfection in the previous shot, but now it’s awkward in our new composition. So we rearrange things.
Now the styling needs to be adjusted as well, so we fuss with objects, books, pillows, and everything else in the frame.
The dining chair legs continue to look confusing because of they way they’re overlapping, so we rearrange again.
Do you get the picture?
Rarely do I walk into a room with perfect light and perfect styling, totally ready to go for the shot. Sometimes that actually doesn't happen, and man is it nice! Otherwise, count on a single composition taking about 20-3o minutes before moving on to the next.
Good interior photography can take much longer than you think. If you’re new to hiring a niche-specific interior photographer, you may need to adjust your expectations.
My client and I spent about 30 minutes on this single shot, mostly due to the time it took to block lighting (to remove reflection off the art) and remove color casts coming from the sky. The drama and clean finish on this image proves it’s worth spending the extra time at a session to get the image right. Design by Burkle Creative
“Why are you blocking the window light?”
Because not all natural light is necessary, nor does it always create the look and feel we’re going for.
One of the first assessments I make in a space is where the natural light is coming from and whether we need all of it. Most of the time I say no and decide which windows need to go. We eliminate light from these windows by either closing existing window treatments or using light blocking material I bring with me.
By using the light from a limited number of windows, we create more shadows and deeper shadows. Shadows give us dimension and depth. They can also push the image towards an overall moody vibe.
I took the video below at a session for my Instagram Stories, and it’s a perfect example of this lighting method in practice. Final image is included below.
Footage from a session showing how I use limited natural light to create deeper shadows and a moody vibe
By blocking the windows across from the bed, using only the window light from the right, we maintain lots of deep shadows. Design by Graystone Salvage
“Why aren’t you including the entire piece of furniture in the frame?”
Because sometimes letting things strategically fall out of the frame actually makes for a stronger shot.
You don’t always need to show the full room nor every design element in full. Sometimes you do, but my preference is to let some of the room, furniture, etc. fall out of the frame on purpose, because it creates a strong composition.
A tighter vignette shot draws the eye in, and it makes you feel like you’re in the space rather than sitting outside of it.
I understand for lots of designers its hard to see your intentional choices partially left out. But less is more—in many ways—when it comes to editorial interior photography. Your viewer doens’t always need the full sofa, rug, lamp, etc. to understand your design.
Letting large furniture pieces fall out of the frame draws us into the composition and highlights the gorgeous gallery wall and seating area. The out-of-focus foreground helps with this, too! Design by Julianna Joy Interiors
Viewers know what’s beyond the crop lines of this composition—no need to include the full bookcases. Design by Burkle Creative
Decisions a photographer makes when shooting don’t always seem intuitive. But trust your photographer! And when you’re feeling bewildered, ask. Ask her what she’s doing and why. I’m a natural teaceher (and verbal processor!), so I find myself explaining these things unsolicited. But there’s no need for you to sit back and wonder what’s going on. A good photographer and service provide will be more than willing to explain.
Whatcha think? Drop a comment.
Sarah is an interiors photographer in Dallas, Texas. She helps designers build beautiful portfolios that land ideal clients and gain industry recognition.