Tips for how to Prepare for an Interior Design Photoshoot:
We work with interior designers, builders and architects to create magnificent images of styled and beautifully designed homes. Here is a list of tips that help our interior (and exterior) shoots run smoothly!
Before the photoshoot:
Schedule your shoot with plenty of notice for the homeowner. Typically homeowners do not need to be present and often a shoot will move faster and more expeditiously if we can work quickly in their space without being in the way of daily life.
Enlist the help of a professional cleaner to have the home or specific rooms cleaned and tidied in advance of the shoot. Having beds neatly made and surfaces clear of all clutter and personal items will set us up for success.
Communicate your expectations. Let us know the number of rooms you would like photographed in the home and if necessary, approximate square footage of the entire home for planning purposes. Will you need exterior shots or images of the firepit or pool area? Be sure to share this with us so we can plan accordingly.
Create a "shot list" of rooms and any outstanding details/elements desired in each specific area. Share this via email or a phone call in advance of the shoot. Are there specific lighting fixtures, masonry work, specialty moldings, entryway, bar area or an interesting architectural element you’d like to feature? It’s easier to overshoot than need us to return for a missed shot.
If you have specific artwork you’d like hung for the shoot, consider using 3M or other removable mounting hooks (and consider the time it takes for a secure mount to be established).
At the photoshoot:
Before the shoot begins, plan for a walk through, right before the shoot or a day or two in advance if possible. This will allow for natural lighting, time of day, and general flow to be taken into account for a good plan.
Ideally, you as a designer are present to relay your vision and ensure rooms are styled to your liking. Plan to style rooms ahead of time or work at least one room ahead of the photographer during the shoot.
If needed, having a few props on hand for styling (such as a variety of flowers, a clear bowl with lemons for the kitchen, sea sponge for the bathroom, special linens, etc.). Be prepared to be flexible and creative with the space to get the shot you want. Bring in color with fruit/vegatables/flowers/greenery. Bring in natural elements with wooden cutting boards and spoons, sea shells, books, and blankets, etc.
Don’t overlook the laundry room – often clients want a great photo of a laundry room, mudroom or closet. Unless these rooms are cleared out or carefully styled they can appear messy, so plan to keep the personal items to a minimum in these areas or remember to prep your client if these spaces will be photographed.
Colorful accents can bring a room to life in a photo (contrast colors can make a room pop – an orange vase in an otherwise serene blue room might lend some interest). Plan to stay true to your brand and vision.
Once a plan is established for the photoshoot, plan to prep one room ahead of the photographer – or ensure everything is well communicated if you will not be on site for the duration of the shoot.
Bring a basket! During the shoot, you may be moving personal items around that need to be put back (such as shampoo, soap, toothbrushes from a bathroom; or phone chargers, personal items from a dresser; clearing a coffee pot/toaster from a kitchen counter). Having a basket or small cart (watch the floors!) on hand to keep the items organized room to room as you go will make it easier to keep them out of the way of your shot, and also easily accessible to return items to their place of origin.
A step stool can also come in handy and a small kit of cleaning supplies (paper towels, glass and surface cleaner). While you may not need these things, it’s always easier to have them accessible.
After the photoshoot:
After the shoot, do a walkthrough of the home and rooms to ensure everything is put back the way you found it and lights are turned off.
A thank you note or flowers for your homeowner is a great gesture. We know that planning these photoshoots is more than just putting a date on the calendar for these special clients. Acknowledging their effort in our work is a great way to show them you care.
