Photoshoots can be stressful. Because it’s usually at the very end of project and the result of months of hard work there can be a lot of pressure to make sure the shots turn out perfectly. Whether you've done one before or not, if you like to be hands-on the day often involves a lot of running around, changing beds, carting styling pieces from room to room and worrying whether the end result will showcase your project in the best light — no wonder you're feeling the pressure!
Here's the cheatsheet we use on photoshoots to make sure the images turn out exactly how we want them...
Is everything tidy?
Seems obvious, but look at the live feed (usually on a nearby laptop) as the photographer’s working and remove anything distracting - move furniture if you need to! If you’re shooting the same setup from various angles, each shot will require some tweaking when it comes to styling as what you see in real life can look different through the lens. The photographer will be used to waiting for this, so don't feel like you're wasting their time.
Shooting from the hip?
Having the camera somewhere between chest and hip, rather than where you naturally hold a camera, will give you the best results - it seems odd but creates a much more inviting image and feels as if you could step into the room.
Got your close up?
Better to take extra shots and have too many, than realise you’ve not got the image you need 2 weeks later. Get multiple angles of every room and close ups to capture the mood and create a great marketing message - you never know where you might need to use them!
Images: Paul Craig
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Top Tip
Have a look through Pinterest or interiors magazines to get a feel for what you like and bring them along to show your photographer on the day to make sure they capture what you want.
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No wide boys, please.
Leave the wide angle lens to the estate agents - taking multiple angles of the same room (over trying to get everything into one image) will give a much more premium result. If you've ever gone on a viewing thinking it was much smaller than it looked the pictures, that's the result of a wide-angle lens.
Image: Richard Oxford
No-ones home — are the lights off?
Unless it’s an internal bathroom or a particular lighting feature — natural is always best! Artificial light can be super unflattering in photography, cast distracting shadows and images can always be brightened afterwards. If the room is dark and moody let it show in the photography!
Images: Chris Snook
What's the focus?
Make sure that whatever you’re trying to capture in a space is the star of the show and that every image has a focal point. Your photographer will be used to working like this but it's always handy to know what features you want to emphasise in each room to guide them.
Identify your tricky spaces
There's always one space a property (usually the bathroom!) that's on the tighter or just awkward to photograph. Try shooting through a doorway to get a different perspective and make small rooms seem more open. Mixing up the also shots gives an additional layer of interest to interior photography and is great for setting a mood.
Image: The Interior Photographer
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Top Tips
Take photos on your phone as you go through the project to test and see if there are angles you like or really work…this is also good for setting up before and afters!
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Does it feel liveable?
Do you want to jump right into the space? Lived-in details create a much more compelling shot - e.g. open books or half-filled glasses of wine help to create a lifestyle for anyone viewing, think about your buyer and the sort of thing they'd like to see. You want to feel like the rooms are inhabited, not just a backdrop.
If you can relax and have fun with it I promise you it'll be a much more enjoyable experience - and don’t be afraid to get stuck in! Yes the photographer is the pro and should be able to help and guide you through the day, but don't be afraid to ask for what you want as these images may be used for a whole number of different things your photographer isn't aware of; investor packs, website imagery, refinance documents — i.e. not just for the estate agent.
Happy snapping! 📸
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