Being successful as an interior designer means understanding how the various components of a room — both great and small — come together to create an atmosphere. However, being able to showcase that skill for marketing purposes is also integral to success.
Taking eye-catching interior photos is an art form in itself. Here are seven tips for capturing captivating interior design photos.
Choose the Right Camera
Choosing the right camera plays a pivotal role in taking high-quality interior design photos. According to the experts at Run Gun Shoot, you’ll need a camera that can take high-resolution photos that capture sharp details with clarity. It’s also important to have something responsive that takes amazing photos in low-light settings.
For many interior designers, ease of use is another key consideration. Taking photos isn’t meant to be their full-time job; they want something they can use with a minimal learning curve or training. Both Canon and Nikon offer a variety of mirrorless and DSLR cameras that fit the basic needs of an interior designer.
Use Natural Lighting
When it comes to taking interior photos, nothing beats natural lighting. Getting enough natural lighting can be a challenge with interior photos, causing many designers to mistakenly turn on lights in the room. However, this action can create unflattering shadows and reflections that take away from the design features.
To get natural photos, leave the lights off and plan your photoshoot during the brightest daylight hours. Gray, overcast days work well for interior photography, especially as you’ll want to have the curtains pulled back to maximize the light exposure.
Opt for a Tripod and Long Exposure
Stability is essential for capturing crisp, clear photos. Using a tripod will help you capture consistent angles while preventing blurry images. In many cases, those subtle blurry bits aren’t visible until you’re in the editing process.
Using a long exposure setting will help you in low-light settings when capturing interior design photos. As these images are more susceptible to motion, having a tripod will ensure a crisp, clean photo with a long exposure.
Think Magazine and Social Shots
Different photography styles work in different media. As an interior designer, you’ll want both magazine (or portfolio-ready) shots as well as social media marketing photos. Many designers find that a close, cropped photo works well in a portfolio setting while wide angles work better in social media.
Social media also provides more opportunities to hone in on finer details and showcase those small touches that make such a significant impact in your craft.
Opt for Straight-Facing Shots
When taking photos of an interior space, using a straight-on shot is best. Creative angles have a time and place, and it’s rarely in interior design photography — the exception being a curated flat lay for social media.
Shooting angles when capturing a room creates distortion and disproportionate sizing that could deter people from enlisting your services. Set your tripod to a predetermined height (approximately waist to chest level), and shoot the room straight on. Don’t hesitate to create space by backing through doorways as needed.
Know Your Depth
The depth of your field will also play a role in your photography. Take the time to understand your aperture and the effect it has in the background of a photo. A lower aperture will create a blurry background effect, which is great for close detail shots. A higher aperture will create a crisp background, which is better for showcasing the room as a whole.
Use Consistent Editing
Finally, take the time to edit every photo after the shoot. Use consistent editing to connect a series of photos and to fit your overall brand strategy. Remember that how you edit your photos also plays a role in your social media marketing efforts.
With these seven tips, you can capture compelling interior design photos to showcase your work in its best light.