10 Top Tips For A Successful Interior Photo Shoot
Clean the space If the space is lived in and not freshly completed you have got to clean up and remove all clutter, trinkets, items that don’t go with the decor such as a random blanket or pillow etc.
Rebuild the space This is when you want to add just enough items that gives you a lived-in feeling without distracting from the space. The items should introduce texture and color that blends well and moves the eyes throughout the space.
Add Flowers and greenery When adding flowers and greenery be sure to vary it up and do not EVER use roses or orchids! Do not use the same flower(s) or bouquets around the house. The flower arrangements should be varied varieties, colors and sizes. Don’t put flowers in every room either. You don’t want every photo featuring flowers but instead as some vignettes. See below for more detail.
Add some life to the kitchen What’s in a kitchen? Food! Add some fruit or perhaps a loaf of bread set up partially sliced or something. Just bring a little life to the space to make it inviting. Think about the realtor trick of baking some cookies before a showing…well, do that visually.
Turn off all the lights This is a BIG one that will separate your images from looking like they were shot by an amateur. When I see images of interiors and the lights are on I know that they were NOT shot by a professional interior design photographer. Real estate photographers typically photograph with the lights on even in the middle of the day. With that said, if the shoot is about the lights then you want to do it late evening as sun is setting and turn the lights on or darken the room and use the lights that you want to display and add some fill light via flash. The best general rule is the lights should be OFF.
Be mindful of what is on the walls Alway be aware of what is on the walls and don’t be afraid to subtract. Family photos, nicknacks hanging, get them out of there. The art should be tasteful and go with the space and decor. I understand this can be a delicate matter if the home owner is present. I suggest approaching softly but be confident and firm. And if need be sway art out. It can take more time but in the end it WILL make a difference.
Remember less is more If you are unsure if an item should remain or be removed. I can tell you, just remove it! Less is more.
An absent homeowner is best The smoothest shoots are typically when the homeowner is not home. Try your best to achieve this. It will make for smoother and quicker shoot. No need to explain why you are removing family photos or perhaps a blanket that does not go, no feelings will be hurt if the home owner is not there.
Hide all cords If at all possible remove or tuck all cords out of sight. This helps drastically with the aesthetic of the room and will make a big difference in each photograph.
Add lived-in vignettes Create little scenes on the coffee tables, night stands, islands, entry way, etc that build a short story of a lived in space. A moment caught in time.
Thanks for taking the time to be here today. I hope these useful tips will help you and your clients prepare for your next interior design photoshoot. Your work deserves the best representation and this list will help you get that.
