10 Tips for Great Interior Design Photography
Capture Interiors That Truly Reflect the Design
Interior photography is part art, part strategy.
It’s not just about showcasing a space, it’s about telling the story of the design, the light, and the atmosphere. Whether you’re an interior designer prepping for a shoot or a photographer breaking into the interiors market, these tips will help you capture interiors with clarity, beauty, and intention.
1. Plan Around Natural Light
Schedule your photoshoot during the time of day when the space gets the most flattering light usually late morning or early afternoon. Avoid harsh midday sun and use sheers or flags to diffuse direct light when needed.
2. Declutter (But Don’t Overstyle)
Remove distractions like cords, trash bins, personal photos and clutter on counters. However, don’t strip the room of personality. Keep objects that tell a story or add texture like coffee table books, ceramics, or a casually draped throw.
3. Use a Tripod
A tripod ensures tack-sharp images and makes it easier to keep vertical lines straight. It also allows for slower shutter speeds in low-light spaces without sacrificing image quality. This also allows you to stack and combine the best parts of each image in photoshop. If you would like a tutorial in how to edit interior photography reach out.
4. Style with Intention
Bring in fresh flowers, fruit bowls, or textiles to enhance the space but don’t over-prop. The goal is to support the design, not distract from it. Think about telling a story with the props such as using breakfast items on a deck.
5. Keep Vertical Lines Straight
This is one of the golden rules of interior photography. Use a tilt-shift lens, or correct any distortion in post-production. Leaning walls or door frames can be visually jarring.
6. Shoot Wide but Not Too Wide
Wide-angle lenses are great for showing spatial relationships, but going too wide can distort proportions. Aim for 24mm range on a full-frame camera for balance. I only like to go wider when it is necessary or a very large space where I can get far enough back.
7. Don’t Forget the Details
Close-up shots of textures, vignettes, or unique design elements add depth to your gallery and are perfect for social media and press.
8. Watch for Reflections
Mirrors, glass, and metal surfaces can pick up reflections of the photographer or lighting gear. Check each shot carefully and adjust your position or angle to avoid them. If you can’t avoid the camera in the mirror then use a remote trigger and remove the camera in post processing in photoshop.
9. Take Your Time with Composition
Check the edges of the frame. Are there objects cut off awkwardly? Is the furniture aligned? Making small adjustments before shooting saves time later and leads to cleaner images. Look carefully at the space between items. Things look much different in camera then the do in person. I always tether to a computer or a laptop using Cam Ranger or Capture one.
10. Collaborate with the Designer
If you’re photographing someone else’s work, communicate about what matters most. Ask which angles or features they want highlighted. Before photoshoot day, ask your designer for a mood board, and work together on a shot list as well as a list of hero shots the images that matter most to them. That conversation changes everything. Great collaboration = great results.
Want Your Project Professionally Photographed?
I specialize in interior design photography that reflects the heart of your space. With a background as an Art Director of a home and design magazine and years of experience capturing interiors for designers, builders, and magazines, I bring a detail-oriented, collaborative approach to every shoot.
Based in Southern Maine. Available for travel.
View my interior work
Get in touch to book your photoshoot or ask questions.
