How to Shoot Interiors Like a Pro Photographer
Expert Tips for Interior Designers
Capturing the essence of a beautifully designed interior is an art. As an interior design photographer, I know that even the most incredible spaces can lose their magic if they’re not photographed properly. In this post, I’ll share tried-and-true tips to help interior designers get magazine-worthy shots—whether you’re doing it yourself or prepping a space for a professional interior photography services session.
Why Great Images Matter
In an industry driven by aesthetics, interior design photography is the key to showcasing your work effectively. Prospective clients, magazines, and online publications all need to see clear, compelling visuals that bring your designs to life. Poor photos can diminish the appeal of your meticulously crafted interiors, whereas well-executed shots elevate your brand and help you stand out in a crowded market.
1. Start with a Strong Foundation: Lighting
Tip: Prioritize natural light whenever possible.
Natural Light First: Open those curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as you can. Doing so highlights the colors, textures, and finishes within a space.
Supplement When Needed: If you’re working in a room with limited daylight or on a cloudy day, consider using a softbox or continuous light as an additional source. Just remember to keep the lighting consistent; mixing different color temperatures (e.g., warm tungsten and cool daylight) can muddy the final shot.
Turn Off Overhead Lights (Sometimes): Depending on the design and mood, overhead fixtures can cast unflattering shadows or create color casts. Try shooting with them off, then on, to see which works best for your scene.
Why It Matters: Proper lighting is fundamental to architectural and interior photography, ensuring every detail stands out and the overall mood of the space is preserved.
2. Consider Composition and Angles
Tip: Put yourself in the viewer’s shoes.
Eye-Level Shots: Generally, taking photos from eye level (or slightly below) helps create images that feel welcoming. If you’re shooting near furniture, like chairs or sofas, lowering your camera to highlight these elements can produce more balanced compositions.
Use Leading Lines: Lines from walls, counters, or architectural features guide the viewer’s eye through the image. Align these elements in a way that enhances the focal points of your design.
Capture Multiple Perspectives: Don’t be afraid to move around. Shoot from different angles to provide variety—this is especially useful if you’re a commercial interior design photographer showcasing multiple design angles in a large portfolio.
Why It Matters:
Thoughtful compositions are essential in interior design photography, leading viewers’ eyes exactly where you want them to go and underscoring key design features.
3. Declutter, But Maintain Character
Tip: Clear the space of distractions without stripping away its personality.
Remove Non-Essentials: Take out items that don’t align with the design’s theme or visual style. This keeps the focus on the core elements—furniture, color palette, statement pieces.
Highlight Accents: If the design’s theme leans rustic, for example, keep those tasteful wooden bowls or woven rugs in the shot; they tell the story of the space. However, remove random electronics or personal items that can be visually distracting.
Stage with Purpose: If you’re shooting a dining area, you might style the table with a centerpiece or place settings that match the color scheme. This subtle touch can make the scene look professionally styled, yet lived-in.
Why It Matters: Your final images should reflect the design’s intention without overwhelming potential clients. A tidy, intentional space highlights your skills as an interior design photographer and a designer.
4. Pay Attention to Small Details
Tip: It’s often the little things that separate a good photo from a great one.
Straight Lines & Symmetry: Make sure frames are level, pillows are fluffed, and chairs are evenly spaced. Crooked lines can appear amateurish and distracting.
Color Cohesion: If possible, add or remove small items—like throw pillows or blankets—to maintain a consistent color palette throughout the scene.
Textural Contrast: Whether it’s a luxurious rug or a smooth marble countertop, emphasizing varied textures adds depth and interest to your images.
Why It Matters: As an architectural and interior photography professional, one of my core principles is to ensure each element in the photo has a place and purpose. Small details translate to big impact in the final image.
5. Use the Right Equipment (But Don’t Overdo It)
Tip: Gear supports your vision, not the other way around.
Tripod: A tripod is a must for crisp, stable shots. This is especially vital in lower-light settings or for multi-exposure composites.
Wide-Angle Lens: While a wide-angle lens is a staple in professional interior photography services, be cautious not to go too wide—it can distort walls and make rooms appear unrealistic.
Remote Shutter Release: Avoid camera shake by using a remote, or utilize your camera’s built-in timer if you don’t have one.
Why It Matters: High-quality equipment, paired with thoughtful techniques, is critical for professional, polished results. As a commercial interior design photographer, investing in dependable gear ensures consistency across all project scales.
6. Editing to Enhance, Not Overwhelm
Tip: Edit for realism, not surrealism.
Color Correction: Keep walls looking true-to-life. Over-saturating can make neutrals appear unnatural and skew the design’s actual vibe.
Perspective Fixes: Use post-processing tools to correct lens distortion or converging lines. Interior designers want to show off the space as accurately as possible.
Balanced Brightness & Contrast: Highlights and shadows should be adjusted so every detail is clear, yet the overall look remains cohesive.
Why It Matters: Designers take immense care in choosing colors and finishes. Over-editing can misrepresent their hard work. Subtle enhancements preserve authenticity, helping you maintain trust as a professional interior photography services provider.
7. Timing Is Everything
Tip: Plan your shoot to capture the space at its best.
Natural Light Windows: If possible, schedule your shoot when the room receives the best sunlight. Morning or afternoon light can create a warm ambiance that accentuates design elements.
Avoid Rush Hour: If you’re working on a commercial space, avoid shooting when foot traffic is at its peak. For residential settings, communicate with homeowners or staging staff to pick a quiet time.
Why It Matters: The environment around you—traffic, daylight hours, weather—can significantly influence the final look and mood of the photographs. Proper timing ensures a smoother, more professional shoot.
8. Know When to Hire a Pro
Tip: If you want a truly elevated look, consider hiring a professional interior design photographer.
Collaborative Process: A professional brings not just high-end gear but a trained eye to highlight your design’s best features. We work closely with you to understand the project’s goals and mood.
Saved Time & Hassle: When you’re juggling multiple projects, outsourcing the photography can free you to focus on your core design work, confident the visuals will turn out stunning.
Polished Portfolio: In a visually driven industry, subpar photos can undermine your brand. Working with an experienced commercial interior design photographer helps you curate a portfolio that truly sets you apart.
Why It Matters: While DIY photography can be a cost-effective temporary solution, professional shots are an investment in your brand identity and marketing materials. Consistency, quality, and aesthetics are key in impressing high-end clients and publications.
Ready to Elevate Your Interiors with Stunning Photography?
Showcasing your designs in the best light is crucial to growing your interior design business. If you want to skip the trial-and-error phase and let an experienced interior design photographer handle the technical and creative work, I’m here to help. My professional interior photography services are tailored to your unique needs—whether you’re designing a sleek modern home or a sophisticated commercial lobby.
Let’s Collaborate!
If you’re ready to stand out with high-quality images that highlight every nuanced detail of your work, get in touch today. From architectural and interior photography to editorial-quality images for your online and print marketing, I’ve got you covered. Let’s create a portfolio that captivates clients, publications, and design enthusiasts alike.
Final Thoughts
Photography is your silent brand ambassador. Doing it well can translate to more inquiries, better brand recognition, and stronger client trust. Whether you’re capturing your own images or partnering with a commercial interior design photographer, follow these tips, invest in the right resources, and watch how the perfect shot can bring your design projects to life.
