When you see a stunning photograph of a room in a magazine it has probably been styled by professionals…
And as a property and interiors photographer (and a bit of a perfectionist!) I know how important it is to prepare a space properly for a photoshoot.
If it’s for your interior design portfolio, for an estate agent listing or you just want to show off an amazing bathroom or kitchen your company has fitted, a few practical tips will help you on your way to top-notch photos.
Why an interiors photoshoot?
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s just talk a bit about why people use professional property or interiors photographers.
- For interior designers high quality photographs showcase their work and capture the beauty and design elements of the space they’ve created. Professional photographs are also essential if they want to get their work featured in magazines.
- If you’re selling your house, you need photos with a bit of wow-factor that show the key selling points of the property and but also make potential buyers want to book a viewing.
- Lots of high end bathroom and kitchen design and fitting companies need top quality images to show off what they can do and the quality of their workmanship.
Whatever the photos are for, here are some simple things you can do to get the space photoshoot ready…
#1 Make sure it’s clean…
This is crucial.
It may sound obvious, but you’d be amazed at how much I use my duster in interiors shoots, particularly in bathrooms!
A bathroom shower screen may look clean to you, but the camera often picks up smudges and streaks on shiny surfaces and glass so make sure you check it from all angles.
So taps and mirrors polished, floors cleaned and all surfaces dusted. And don’t forget to put the lid down!
And if your photos are for an estate agent listing, head outside too. Sweep the front path, tidy up overgrown/dead plants and polish any front door furniture.
Be aware that some of the inside photos may include views to the outside, so have a look out of your windows and move any possible background distractions that may be visible from inside. Especially things like trampolines, kids toys and dustbins!
#2 …and tidy!
Remove unnecessary items from kitchen worktops, tables and shelves, and keep personal items to a minimum.
If you’re preparing your house for estate agent photos, you don’t need to go overboard with clearing all your stuff, but temporarily removing things like toothbrushes, toiletries and kitchen utensils will help potential buyers visualise the space as their own.
Removing the clutter will also help make the space look bigger.
Don’t forget to give the shelves a tidy!
If you’re anything like me bookshelves tend to be a bit of a dumping ground for anything that doesn’t have a natural home.
Remove that stuff and return the shelves to their former glory. A few nice photos or artefacts are fine (it is a home after all) just not piles of post, keys, remotes… or is that just me?
And nicely arranged shelves will create a sense of order and contribute to a more streamlined look.
Tuck away any visible leads and cables to maintain a clean and uncluttered look, or use cable organisers to keep them tidy.
Again, this probably goes without saying, but make sure all beds are made neatly with co-ordinating bedding and cushions, and plump up those pillows (this goes for sofa cushions too!).
#3 Maximise natural light
Good natural light is an interiors photographer’s best friend, so maximise it wherever possible. Clean the windows (they need to be spotless as any glare on a dirty window can have a huge impact on the photos), open the blinds and use curtain tie-backs to let in as much light as possible. Remove or reposition any furniture or large items that may block the window light.
NOTE: Direct sunlight can be challenging for interiors photography. If you know there is likely to be sun streaming into a room sheer curtains can control and soften the light, and angled blinds can help to direct it.
Mirrors can also enhance the sense of space and light in a room. Placing mirrors across from windows will reflect natural light and create the illusion of a bigger space.
TOP TIP: Interior photographers will often turn wall lights or lamps on to create a more warm and ambient feel to the photos. So make sure all the lamps are working and try to use bulbs with a consistent colour temperature for a more cohesive look.
#4 Furniture
Consider removing any furniture that doesn’t contribute to the overall aesthetic or purpose of the room. This will help create a cleaner and more streamlined look.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different furniture arrangements before the photoshoot. And be prepared for your interiors photographer to move things around a bit to create the most visually appealing setup.
#5 Styling and props
A well-styled space looks infinitely more inviting and this is where interior designers and professional stylists come into their own. But if that isn’t you, don’t panic! There are some small things you can do to enhance your space.
First of all, consider the room’s purpose and feel. If it’s a sleek modern kitchen then make sure any accessories are also sleek and modern. A tranquil bathroom will benefit from some well-placed candles or stylish toiletries (but make sure the Domestos and bath toys are out of sight!)
To improve the overall look of a room add small stylish details like a folded throw on the sofa or a bowl of fresh fruit on the dining table.
Fresh flowers or plants in key areas like the dining room or living room add a pop of colour and can create a more inviting atmosphere.
In interiors photos it’s rare to see side tables and coffee tables that are empty. They are usually styled with a bit of colour and interest like photo frames, books, small accessories or plants – just don’t overdo it!
And finally… don’t make it too perfect!
Not everything has to be neatly arranged. Having a few things in the room to make it look ‘lived in’ will create a more authentic and interesting photo.
These are just some things you can do to enhance your home, or a specific room, for an interior photoshoot. With a little bit of thoughtful arranging and attention to detail you’re well on your way to top-notch photos that showcase the space at its absolute best.
I work with interior designers, building companies and property developers who want to wow people with their stunning creations on their website and social media. Here’s what one interior designer said about working with me…
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All photos are copyrighted to Michelle Richards Photography. The bathroom mirror shot was taken for The Bromley Bathroom Company, the shelves for at studio interior design and all the rest for Anna Patten Design.
