5 Things Interior Designers Should Know About Working With a Photographer
As an interior designer, you've poured your time and creativity into crafting beautiful, functional spaces. Capturing those designs professionally is essential—not just for your portfolio, but for marketing, press features, and building your brand. Partnering with an interiors photographer is one of the best ways to showcase your work, but to get the most out of the collaboration, it helps to understand a few key things before the shoot.
Here are five essential insights every interior designer should know before working with a photographer:
1. Styling Is Still Your Job (But We’ll Help Guide - or bring a stylist if you need one!)
While as a photographer we may tweak a few pillows or adjust a lampshade for symmetry, overall styling is still your responsibility. Bring your design to life with thoughtful layering, accessories, fresh flowers, and personal touches that reflect the space’s vibe. If needed, you can also hire a professional stylist to assist—especially for editorial-level shoots. I can recommend a few wonderful stylists that we often use on interior shoots - trust me they add SO much to the overall image.
Tip: Don’t forget the small details—like removing cords, personal clutter, or tags—that can disrupt a polished image.
2. Natural Light Is King—Plan Around It
Photographers who specialise in interiors typically work with natural light as much as possible for a soft, authentic look. That means timing is critical. Here’s where I can discuss with you when the light is best in each space, and help us plan to be ready to shoot during that window—even if it means early starts or split-day sessions. You need the best light for the best image!
Tip: If you're scouting a new space, take note of when each room gets the most flattering light so you can plan ahead. I may ask you before a shoot where the light falls in certain times of the day
3. More Time Is Better Than You Think
Interior photography is not a fast process. Each shot might take 20–45 minutes (or more) to perfect. That includes setting up the composition, adjusting furniture and accessories, styling, and fine-tuning lighting. Be prepared for a full-day shoot for even a medium-sized home.
Tip: Don’t overbook the day. Allow ample time so the process doesn’t feel rushed—and you get the quality imagery your work deserves.
4. Communication = Better Results
Share your vision, goals, and key shots ahead of time. Are you aiming for magazine submission? Website refresh? Instagram content? These goals affect how we shoot—wide shots, vignettes, detail images, or vertical crops may be prioritised differently depending on the platform. If you have a vision, let me know, I’ll do my best to create what you have in mind, whilst offering other angles you might not have thought of!
Tip: A shared mood board or reference images can be incredibly helpful to align creative direction.
5. Licensing and Usage Rights Matter - An important one to be aware of!
Not all photography packages include unlimited usage. Make sure you understand (and agree upon) where and how you can use the images. Some uses—like national ad campaigns or resale to third parties—may require extended licensing. You might want to share images with suppliers - let me know ahead of time and we can create a bespoke licence for all your use. There’s a different licence for multiple uses, so always best to have this in mind ahead of the shoot!
Tip: Clarify usage rights up front, especially if multiple collaborators (e.g., builders, vendors, furniture brands) also want to use the images.
