When you think of interior design photoshoots, it’s easy to imagine the glitz and glamour that accompany the design industry. You might picture the stunning, polished images featured in magazines or shared on social media. However, what often goes unnoticed is the extensive behind-the-scenes effort required to bring a successful photoshoot to life.
In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes to reveal what a typical shoot day looks like for me, as well as the critical preparatory work that ensures everything runs smoothly.
To stay organized and ensure no detail is overlooked, I follow a four-step process in the lead-up to every shoot. Regardless of the project’s size, this method helps me stay on track and delivers consistent, impressive results.
Step 1 – Choosing the Right Photographer
- Selecting the right photographer is one of the most crucial decisions in the process and should never be taken lightly. As a business owner, it’s essential to choose someone who not only delivers exceptional results but also truly understands your brand and aesthetic.
- When hiring a photographer, start by reviewing their portfolio and photography style to ensure it aligns with the vision you have for your final product. Ask yourself key questions: Does their work reflect my design style and business values? Do I appreciate their editing style? Do they have the experience and expertise to elevate my project? Can they offer valuable insights and ideas on the day of the shoot?
- Once you’ve found the right photographer with whom you have great chemistry, you’ll likely find yourself eager to collaborate with them on future projects.
Step 2 – Prepping For The Photoshoot
- Proper preparation is key to ensuring the photoshoot runs smoothly. One of the first tasks is to create a detailed shot list. While the list can be flexible, having a clear guideline in place is essential to avoid any confusion on the day of the shoot. It helps keep everyone on the same page and ensures that assistants or other team members know exactly what needs to be done.
- Take the time to review rough plans or images of the space and share them with your photographer and any assistants involved. This allows everyone to familiarize themselves with the space and the goals for the shoot ahead of time.
- The more detailed you can be in your communication, the better. Providing ample information and setting clear expectations will help the day unfold seamlessly.
Step 3 – Sourcing For The Photoshoot
- Start by creating a detailed list of the furniture and decor needed for each room. This step will help you stay organized and ensure that nothing is overlooked. It’s always a good idea to bring more than you think you’ll need, as certain items may look better on camera than others. Having options will give you the flexibility to choose the best pieces once you’re on-site.
- To keep everything organized, separate your items into bags or boxes based on the rooms they belong to. This simple trick will save you time during both setup and cleanup. You can even label the bags to provide clear directions for design assistants, ensuring that everything ends up in the right place.
- When sourcing items, consider both the design style of the space and the aesthetic you’re aiming for in the photos. Also, arrange a walkthrough with the homeowners before your sourcing trip to identify any existing furniture, art, or decor they may have that could enhance the shoot. Often, homeowners have beautiful pieces that can be seamlessly integrated into the photoshoot.
Step 4 – Setting Up For The Photoshoot
- The setup can often be the most stressful part of a photoshoot, but with proper planning, it can go smoothly. If possible, I recommend setting up the day before the shoot. This allows you to take your time and ensure everything is perfectly arranged. However, this isn’t always feasible, particularly when homeowners have already moved into the home.
- If you’re setting up on the day of the shoot, aim to arrive early in the morning to place furniture, decor, and artwork in their designated spots. It’s important to tackle one room at a time rather than trying to set up the entire home all at once. This approach allows the photographer to begin working in one room while you continue to set up the others.
- It’s completely fine for the photographer to start shooting in one space while you work on preparing another. Just be sure to remain available to answer any questions they may have or to provide feedback on lighting, composition, and other details. This can be a hectic time, and you may find yourself rushing around, but if possible, consider bringing along a helper or assistant to ease some of the pressure.
The Power Of Preparation
A successful interior design photoshoot requires careful planning, organization, and collaboration. From selecting the right photographer to sourcing the perfect decor and managing the setup, each step plays a crucial role in achieving stunning results. By following this process and preparing ahead of time, you can ensure that your photoshoot runs smoothly and that every detail is captured beautifully. While it can be a demanding task, the end result—a set of images that truly showcase your design work—is well worth the effort. With the right team and the right approach, you’ll be ready to create captivating visuals that elevate your brand and leave a lasting impression.
