My 5 Step Interior Photography Process
One thing you should know about me right off the bat—I’m a go-getter! And that translates 100% to my interior photography process as well. If I think we’d be a great fit working together, chances are I’ll reach out to YOU. That was the case in July of 2021 when I approached Hilaire of Design Lines Signature. Based on our initial call, it seemed I wasn’t quite up to the caliber of photographer they were used to working with… OUCH. I felt the sting for a hot second before ultimately using it as motivation to get better.
Fast forward almost one year later to May of 2022, when Hilaire called to ask about my availability. This time, I was ready. I had hustled and put in the work to become the high-caliber type of photographer needed in the luxury interior design world. After finally working together, this is what she said in reference to my interior photography process:
“Abigail is a rock star at what she does. The whole process of working with Abigail is seamless – from onboarding – to creative collaboration, on-site, and even post-production. She will give you the very best images for your brand. If you are ready to take your business to the next level. Hire her. You absolutely will NOT regret it.”
Hilaire Pickett Martin, Design Lines Signature
It’s crazy to think that Hilaire and I have now worked together on not just one, but many beautiful projects. Our third project together was a large multi-day travel shoot on the coast, which went off without a hitch. One of my proudest moments working with Design Lines Signature was getting a published magazine spread and COVER! That would not have been possible if I hadn’t spent time honing my interior photography process to make it as seamless as possible for future clients.
Step 1: The Onboarding Stage
The most important aspect of my onboarding stage is our communication. One thing you should know when you hire me is that I care deeply about client relationships. I am intimately involved in every stage of your project from planning to gallery delivery, which means we’ll really get to know each other. I mean, photoshoots are often 4-8 hour days, sometimes even multiple days, so it’s vital that we have some compatibility to ensure a good working relationship!
When you first reach out to me for a project, I can tell we’re a great fit when (1) the conversation flows easily, (2) we have similar business values, and (3) you have the drive to grow your business through luxe interior imagery. I love when clients are eager to plan shot lists, discuss styling, and learn more about my working style.
Interior Photography inquiry call
Our initial inquiry call is your chance to braindump virtually everything I need to know about your brand and vision for the project. It also gives me a chance to get familiar with your company, strategic goals, and other project stakeholders. If you’re cost-sharing with other vendors or stakeholders, we’ll talk through those logistics in depth. If your goal is to get published, like many of my clients, I want to do everything in my power to get you there!
Scheduling the First Photoshoot
Before we run to your project site to start photographing, I like to schedule a scouting visit. This helps me learn more about your space, plan our shot list and timeline to ensure the best lighting, and chat styling direction for each room. This is especially important for whole-house interior shoots or full-day photoshoots. If your project isn’t local, we can always scout it virtually via FaceTime video walkthrough or cell phone pictures!
Step 2: Creative Collaboration
Going into a new project, I’m acutely aware of the fact that you’ve already reviewed your own work 10,001 times. Chances are, your eyes are glazed over, and coming up with a fresh styling plan and shot list is taking all of your mental energy. Luckily, I’m a pro at providing inspiration for styling interior photoshoots.
Professional Interior Photography Styling Inspiration
As a former designer, I know firsthand the impact that amazing photography can have on your business! I believe all designers are worthy of viral imagery that truly reflects their talent and work—the types of inspirational images that make people hit “SAVE.” The planning and collaboration stage is crucial for a successful shoot.
A few ways I support my clients during the collaboration stage:
- Use scouting images to help with visualization
- Ask questions that get you to see your project through a new lens
- Scour Pinterest and other design resources to create a custom styling plan
- Share interior photography ideas to take your prop styling to the next level
IMHO, these steps empower my clients to shop for styling props when the budget doesn’t allow for a photo stylist. From there, creating an interior photography shot list is a simple next step!
Planning for Interior Photography Publication
If your project has the potential for publication, I review the project to make note of various publications that might be a good fit. From there, we would actually style your project to fit a specific publication.
For example, a feature for Domino mag would be styled differently than Cottages and Bungalows.
I love the fact that I get to bring my design knowledge to the table for every single project I work on. My background in interior design allows me to take a unique approach to helping designers plan out scenes and provide creative feedback on photoshoot styling direction. My goal is to create cohesive images for your business that resonate with your target audience and effectively sell your design work.
Step 3: The Production Stage
Interior photography composition
It’s photoshoot day! This day is so exciting for a multitude of reasons, the primary one being that we get to finally craft those stunningly beautiful compositions that showcase your hard work. My approach centers around making sure you feel as involved in the interior design photography process as possible. With many moving parts the day of, I try to make sure you are satisfied with the compositions and will have you review each photograph as we go. Interior photography is an investment, and I want to ensure you are completely satisfied with the images.
Interior photography lighting and equipment
I advise and oversee the technical aspects, such as how to light the interior with supplemental lighting or manipulate the natural light to highlight the room’s design features. I build images off of natural light, and while I do use supplemental lighting (call it a “kiss of flash”), it helps to know where the sun is positioned over the house. This is why we did our scouting visit or virtual walkthrough in stage 1!
Shooting & Tethering interior photography
I physically connect my camera to a larger screen so you can see the images as I take them. I’ll spend some time showing you how I connect (ie, tether) my camera to an iPad so you can review the images as we move through the shoot. The iPad allows me to make adjustments to composition, lighting, and more on a larger screen. I also employ gridlines to ensure proper alignment and that we are following composition “rules.”
My biggest joy? Seeing designers light up as their designs transform from 3d to 2d. Witnessing your work “come to life” in this way is so fun!
This aspect is not always a given when you work with an interior design photographer. However, it’s very important to me because if something isn’t photographing the way you envisioned, you have the power to communicate with me on the spot. Not feeling that bowl of lemons, let’s swap it out!
This particular stage of my interior photography process is also where my design background comes in super handy. I’m not just going to stand around waiting for someone to pose the scene so I can snap a photo. Nope. You better believe I’m going to be right there next to you, arranging the fruit in the bowl, dusting the lampshade, and getting the lighting just right. My job is not just getting the shot; I’m capturing the story and artistry of your brand. I take that responsibility seriously.
Step 4: Interior Photography Editing and Post-Production
I believe in quality over quantity any day. What you won’t get working with me is 75 lower-quality, possibly random images with no real purpose. What you WILL get is a lower quantity of VERY high-quality images that serve your business by being hyper-focused on selling your design work well. They say a picture is worth a thousand words! Let’s make sure those images are the ones that represent your business best.
I am ultra-detail-oriented in my interior photography retouching; think, removal of can lights, outlets, floor vents, cleanup of paint lines, tile work, etc. Images are always publish-ready when I hit send on your gallery. I guarantee you won’t have to circle back to ask about removals/edits— they are already done!
Interior Photography Gallery Delivery
You’ll receive a final gallery within 2-3 weeks after your photoshoot. Most of the images in your final gallery will be the retouched and perfected versions of the images you saw and loved on photoshoot day. Don’t be surprised if you stumble on a few fun extras in the mix as well. Most of the time, there are just too many good ones for me to narrow down! Plus, I pride myself on always over-delivering on my work.
If your project was a whole house or multi-day shoot, I like to send over a proofing gallery so you can review and select images to edit. I ensure each image of your gallery flows together before I hit send. This goes back to how I create my images and build off natural light, supplementing when needed. Check out some examples from my portfolio.
Submitting A Project for Publishing
If you’re interested in pursuing the publication of your project, I can also submit it for you! I’ve prioritized building relationships with editors at reputable magazines and publications to make sure you get your images in front of your ideal clients!
Step 5: Our Continued Partnership
Our relationship doesn’t end after the images are delivered (I hope). In fact, I’m lucky enough to have formed beautiful friendships with several of my clients. Interior design photography is a collaborative effort and an art form all in one, and once we’ve established a working relationship, I hope to maintain that, plus get to know you as a friend would, for as long as you’ll have me! I am a huge believer that treating people with kindness and genuinely caring for them forms the best and most long-lasting partnerships.
While I am a North Carolina-based interiors photographer and primarily work with clients in the Triangle, traveling is also another part of my job. I would love to help tell your project or brand’s story, whether it’s located in Raleigh, NC or not! My passion is helping interior design professionals create vibrant images that are authentic, timeless, and fresh. If you’re ready to elevate your brand with beautiful interior photography, let’s talk!
