HOW I APPROACH PHOTOGRAPHING A ROOM

As an interior design photographer, most of my work is photographing luxury homes in South Florida, Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. When I first walk into a space that a designer has created, I’m like a kid in a candy store. My eyes bounce around from detail to detail while I try to absorb all aspects of the room. I’m easily distracted with all the pretty things at this point so in order to organize my ‘visual thoughts’, I like to use my cell phone to line up potential photographs. As I do this, I’ll have a conversation with the designer about what we like or dislike about each shot. We keep our favorites and discard the rest. This walk-through creates our shot list.

How do I make sure to capture the room effectively to create high quality interior design photos for my client’s website portfolio and social media marketing? I have a simple process I like to follow.

Here are my steps:

Shoot Wide
I like to start by getting a nice wide shot that showcases as much of the room as possible without making it look like a real estate shot. I want to ‘set the stage’ so the viewer will understand how the room is laid out. This type of image is usually in a landscape format and makes a great ‘hero’ shot for the front page of your website or as a cover photo for your project gallery. They work well on Facebook as well. Capturing the essence of the room in a single frame sets the tone for the rest of the shoot. It’s about finding that balance between showing enough of the space to provide context, while also maintaining a sense of intimacy and warmth.

2. Shoot Medium

Now it’s time to drill down a little and shoot the vignettes. These shots are often vertical and really focus the eye of the viewer to see specific design details of the space. If I can, I like to layer the shot with items in the foreground and background to add visual interest. Vertical shots are great for Instagram and Pinterest. These medium shots allow me to highlight the elements that make the room special – the unique textures, the interplay of colors, the thoughtful placement of furniture and decor. Each vignette tells its own story within the larger narrative of the room.

3. Shoot Details

These are the fun shots! They can be super zoomed in with a shallow depth of field or can simply focus on one element of the design. These are great on their own but can also be used as a background image for copy on top describing your business in some way. These shots can be used everywhere - on your website, in your marketing and on your social media platforms. Detail shots create the mood of a space. They draw the viewer in, inviting them to appreciate the finer points that might otherwise go unnoticed.

How many images do you get from one room?

This really depends on the room and what the designer wants from the photoshoot. I have had some designers only want one wide image per room, however, this is not the norm. Normally each room has at least 3-5 unique perspectives that you can capture that really tell the design story. Having scouting images will help determine the number of images per room and then we can get an idea on the length of time we will need to shoot the home.

I also like to have input from the designer; there are always items that he or she will want to highlight but sometimes there are things that need to be hidden or fixed. For example, a vent hood may still need to be painted the correct color or drapes may be too long and haven’t been hemmed yet. Certain things we can do on set, like hide the bottom of drapes with a potted plant. Other things I can fix in post production - like make a slight color change to a vent hood. These conversations are best to have before the shoot and then again repeated during the shoot to make sure we are capturing everything as close to the intended design as possible.

Working with Lighting

Lighting is a critical element in photography, and it plays a significant role in how the final images turn out. What are my interior photography techniques for natural light? I use strobes. LOL! Though I normally want the room to look like it’s only lit by natural light, I usually have to incorporate some sort of strobe or flash on set and then I edit it to look like natural light.

I find that adding professional lighting to an image makes the colors pop and showcases the richness of the textures in a space. Even if I photograph a room entirely lit by my strobes, I make sure it is edited in such a way to look like it’s only lit by the windows in the room. This adds warmth and authenticity to the photos while keeping the colors accurate. The goal is to make the room look inviting and true to life. I pay close attention to the way light interacts with different surfaces and textures, ensuring that each shot captures the room’s ambiance accurately.

Styling the Space

Styling a space is so important. After I have framed up a shot based on the architecture (the things that cannot move), I then start rearranging the items in the shot that can move. Sometimes this is minimal while other times it involves moving an entire sofa and coffee table to create the best composition. I’m always careful not to alter the designer’s vision but rather to enhance it through my lens.

The designer is always very involved with these decisions. Some designers prefer more of a sparse design look while others enjoy more styling to create an editorial look. Sometimes styling a shot takes minimal time while other times, it can take an hour just to set up one shot. But even small adjustments can make a big difference in how the room is perceived in photographs. For example, fluffing up pillows, arranging books on a coffee table, or adjusting the angle of a chair can all contribute to a more polished and appealing image.

POST-PRODUCTION EXAMPLE:

In this image, the homeowner hadn’t decided on artwork yet so the designer brought a piece that would work in the space and held it on the wall. In post-production, I removed the designer leaving just the piece of art.
DESIGNER // SK Interiors

Interior Design Photography with Advanced Post-Production

Once the photoshoot is complete, the work doesn’t stop there. Post-production is where the magic happens. I use software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to fine-tune the images. This can involve adjusting the brightness, contrast, and saturation, as well as straightening lines and cropping the photos for better composition. Sometimes, I’ll remove minor imperfections or distractions that couldn’t be addressed during the shoot.

Again, it’s imperative that I have a conversation with my client about the goals of the photoshoot. Normally I remove light switches and air vents but in some cases, the design of the switches and vents is actually a design feature that the client paid more for and the designer wants to be able to offer to future clients. The goal of post-production is to enhance the images while keeping them as natural and true to the original design as possible.

Collaboration with Designers

Collaboration is key in this process. Working closely with designers helps me understand their vision and what they want to highlight in the space. Before the shoot, we discuss the specific elements they want to focus on and any concerns they might have. During the shoot, I make sure to get their input and show them previews of the shots to ensure we’re on the right track. This collaborative approach ensures that the final images reflect the designer’s intent and showcase the space in the best possible light.

Staying Inspired

Staying inspired is crucial for maintaining creativity and passion in my work. I find inspiration in various places – from browsing design magazines and websites to exploring different architectural styles and trends. Attending industry events and networking with other professionals also helps me stay updated and inspired. Each new project brings its own set of challenges and opportunities, pushing me to experiment and refine my techniques. Photography is an ever-evolving art form, and I strive to keep learning and growing with each shoot.

Adapting to Different Spaces

Every space is unique, and part of my process involves adapting to different environments. Whether it’s a cozy living room, a sleek modern kitchen, or a luxurious bedroom, each room requires a tailored approach. I consider the room’s function, style, and the designer’s goals when planning my shots. This flexibility allows me to capture the essence of each space, highlighting its strengths and unique features. It’s about telling the story of the room in a way that resonates with viewers and showcases the designer’s vision.

The Impact of Photography on Design

Photography plays a crucial role in the design industry. High-quality images are essential for designers to showcase their work and attract new clients. They help convey the atmosphere and style of a space, allowing viewers to envision themselves in it. Good photography can elevate a design project, making it more appealing and memorable. It’s not just about capturing a room; it’s about creating an emotional connection with the audience. Through my photography, I aim to bring out the beauty and functionality of each space, making it come alive for viewers.

Final Thoughts

Photographing a room is more than just taking pictures; it’s about capturing the essence of a space and telling its story according to the vision of the designer. My process involves careful planning, collaboration, and attention to detail, ensuring that each image showcases the room’s design in the best possible light. From wide shots that set the stage to detailed close-ups that highlight the finer points, every photo is a piece of the larger narrative. By working closely with designers and staying inspired, I’m creating images that not only look beautiful but also convey the intended message and feel of the space. Photography is a powerful tool in the design world, and I’m passionate about using it to help designers bring their visions to life.

My Photography Process