The three interiors photos you need
A great interiors portfolio isn’t just about individual shots, it’s about how they work together to create a cohesive set of images to showcase all aspects of a space.
Composition is a key part of interiors photography. A well composed image will lead the viewer naturally through the room, it will help to show layout, function and flow as well as highlighting key features.
For a portfolio of images that showcases all aspects of an interiors project, these are the three main types of photos you should be aiming for.
The hero shot
This is the one main photo that will show off the whole space either on a website or social media, or in a magazine. It’s the shot I always start with and I’ll walk around the room looking at different angles, composition and available light to get the best possible photo.
The interiors hero shot is usually a wide-angle photo and will show as much of the space as possible. Make sure it includes the most important parts of the room in terms of architectural features or furniture. Once you’ve decided on the best angle, you may need to move furniture and accessories to create a more balanced photo.
Also make sure there are no ‘barriers’ between the viewer and the room. You want people’s eyes to be drawn into the picture and anything in the way will stop them doing this. There is usually only one hero shot but if the space is particularly large there may be two or even three different hero shots showing alternative aspects.
Top Tip
Be careful if you’re using a wide angle lens.
Go too wide and you’ll start to see distortion around the edges, and the walls and door frames may end up looking curved!
And don’t forget to make sure the horizontal and vertical lines are straight.
The navigator
When people look at a series of photos of a room or house, they will mentally try to piece them all together to get a better idea of the layout. You can help by using ‘navigator’ shots to guide viewers through the space. It works well if there is a point of reference from one photo to the next. Include something like a door or piece of furniture in a photo and make sure it also appears in the next shot, so viewers can ‘follow you’ around the space.
You could use something unfixed that you can reposition slightly between photos – in this example I’ve used the hanging towel as a reference point between shots to help viewers mentally map out the room.
The detail shots
These are the photos that bring out the ‘personality’ of the space.
It’s where you can show off the different design elements and highlight special features. Think colour, texture and light.
You could focus on an interesting surface, a stunning object or a clever design feature. All the things that when put together create the overall style of the room and make it unique.
So remember…
- Firstly work out the best angle for the hero shot
- Take the viewer around the room with the navigator shots
- Finish with the some close-up detail shots of the design features
About Me
Hi, I’m Michelle, an interiors photographer specialising in high quality bathroom and kitchen shots. But I also photograph complete refurbishments, redesigns and new-builds.
Whatever you’ve created, my aim is to make your work shine online.
If you would like imagery that reflects the quality of your work, I’d love to help. I work with designers and contractors across south east London and Kent to create refined, natural photographs that showcase craftsmanship, layout and design — perfect for websites, brochures, awards entries and editorial features.
Feel free to get in touch to discuss an upcoming project, or to plan photography for your latest installation.