As an interior designer, you’ve worked tirelessly to create beautiful, functional spaces. Every detail has been considered, each color choice, texture, and piece of furniture was thoughtfully placed. When it’s time for your work to be photographed, you want to make sure those details are captured just as perfectly as you’ve designed them. However, during photoshoots, some common interior mistakes can be avoided with a little planning and preparation.
Over the years, I’ve experienced the occasional hiccup during photoshoots! I’ve seen firsthand how little issues can affect the outcome of the entire session. From last-minute clutter to awkward angles and unexpected distractions, there are a variety of common pitfalls that can pop up. But no need to worry, this is where a professional interior photographer can really make all the difference!
Let’s dive into the most common interior mistakes I see during photoshoots and how I, as an experienced photographer, help you avoid them!
1. Last-Minute Clutter: The Hidden Danger
I’ve seen it happen several times; where we show up to shoot a space that has clutter everywhere. Having to clean up the clutter before you start styling the space really eats up time during a photoshoot.
How we fix it: This is so important that I have it in my photoshoot contract. The spaces we are photographing must be cleaned, styled, and ready to go by start time. Decluttering and getting most of the styling done the day before makes one of the biggest differences for a successful photoshoot. This applies whether you are doing the styling yourself or hiring a professional stylist, like Becki with Curious Details (which I highly recommend).
2. Unprepared Photographer: The Importance of Planning Ahead
Not showing up prepared for the shoot is probably the next common interior mistakes for your photoshoot. I’ve seen what happens when we do not have a defined shot list, site visit images or better still, videos of the completed spaces prior to the photoshoot. Not being prepared can cause unnecessary delays and even time and money spent over styling a space.
How we fix it: Before shooting, I like to do a walkthrough with the designer or the project manager to go through and look at the best possible shots of each room. My job is to make sure that every angle is considered, evaluated, and chosen. This allows myself and the designer know focus on the goal shots for the shoot. That way they only spend time styling for those shots. Images and videos of the whole room are second best if the shoot will be out of town or scheduling conflicts prevent in person walkthroughs.
By having all of this information, I can preplan where artificial light and modifiers will be needed and where they will be setup which saves time on shoot day…. regardless of what the weather outside is doing.
3. Lighting Challenges: How to Make Natural and Artificial Light Work Together
Lighting is arguably one of the most critical elements of any interior photoshoot, and it can be a tricky balancing act. Photography mistakes often stem from poor lighting, either too much natural light flooding the room or not enough artificial light to highlight special design elements or overly dark corners.
How we fix it: I’m constantly adjusting and tweaking the lighting during the shoot to achieve the perfect balance. I take note of the time of day to optimize natural light, and if the space needs more artificial light, I’ll bring in additional lighting modifiers and equipment. During shoots, I actively monitor shadows, reflections, and the mood the lighting creates, making sure the story we are capturing resonates with how the designer envisioned it.
4. Unexpected Events: How We Adapt On The Spot
The unexpected happens, whether it’s a sudden rainstorm (common here in Texas!) that changes the lighting or an unplanned power outage. Sometimes, even a piece of furniture doesn’t quite fit. But this is the beauty of working with a professional: we roll with it and make the best of the situation! Definitely a skill I learned from shooting weddings in the past.
How we fix it: We adapt quickly! The first thing I do when something unexpected happens is stay calm. I’ll change angles, adjust lighting, or sometimes even reframe the entire shot to adapt to the new situation.
One time, we had planned to shoot an entire project in one day for Whittington Bridal, but Hurricane Beryl had other plans for us! The day was sweltering, and the power was still off following the storm, so no air conditioning. We pushed through the interior portion of the photoshoot without AC, adjusting to the heat and keeping the space styled and looking its best despite the discomfort. We wrapped up the interiors and then decided to reschedule the branding part of the photoshoot for another day. And let me tell you—we were so happy to have the AC back on for that one! But in the end, everything turned out beautifully, and we made it work, which is what matters most!
Book your Houston Interior Photographer!
Every interior design shoot presents its unique challenges. But with the right photographer by your side, these interior mistakes and photography mistakes can be transformed into opportunities for creativity. I take pride in my ability to adapt, think on my feet, and deliver beautiful results every time!
If you’re ready to elevate your design portfolio with professional, stunning interior photography, contact me today to book your session! Together, we can solve any issue, create beautiful images, and showcase your designs in the best light!
Check out more of my blogs on what it looks like to work with me and more of my work on Pinterest!
What to Expect When Working With Houston’s Interior Photographer Ellen Renee
5 Key Differences Between DIY Interior Photos and a Professional Interior Design Portfolio
From Concept to Camera: The Creative Process Behind Capturing Stunning Interior Design Shots
