It’s crazy to look back on how far I’ve come. I started my photography journey capturing smiling seniors, each with their own hopes and dreams, then moved on to documenting the love stories of engagements and weddings. Over time, those heartfelt ceremonies and emotional receptions eventually led me to discover my true passion—photographing spaces that tell a story. And now, here I am, a professional interior photographer who helps designers and creative entrepreneurs bring their visions to life. Every phase of my journey taught me something new, and I’m so grateful for where I’ve landed today!
When I first picked up a camera, I didn’t imagine ending up specializing in interiors. At that early stage, seniors and their big, excited smiles were my focus. Then came engagements and weddings, a whole new world of capturing love, laughter, and a fair share of happy tears. Documenting weddings was like a masterclass in adaptability, chasing the perfect light, dealing with unpredictable weather, and finding candid moments in the middle of organized chaos. Little did I know how valuable these experiences would be later when I transitioned into professional interior photography!
Why mention weddings at all? Because wedding photography, at its heart, is about storytelling! You’re capturing more than just a dress or a happy couple; you’re bottling up emotions, personalities, and fleeting moments that together form a unique narrative. I had to learn how to create a cohesive story that would allow anyone flipping through the album to feel like they were right there, witnessing the day unfold.
This knack for storytelling serves me well as a professional interior photographer. Interiors also have a story to tell: from the materials chosen to the layout that encourages conversation, from the heirloom art pieces that carry history to the color palettes that set a mood. Wedding photography taught me that every shot can contribute to a bigger picture, and that’s exactly what I do now, but with rooms instead of rings!
Even while immersed in the wedding world, I began dabbling in photographing unique vacation rentals, an experience that introduced me to the nuances of interior work. Shooting spaces rather than people taught me to pay closer attention to detail, light, and composition. A bedroom wasn’t just a place to sleep; it was a curated environment designed to make a guest feel relaxed and inspired. A kitchen wasn’t just where meals were made; it was a statement about a certain lifestyle or aesthetic.
Vacation rentals gave me a glimpse of what it means to be a professional interior photographer: controlling angles to highlight features, capturing the texture of fabrics or the sheen of countertops, and making sure every shot invited viewers to step right into that space.
As I moved from weddings to interiors, I discovered a different kind of satisfaction. Photographing interiors focuses on details and design decisions rather than capturing fleeting emotional moments. Each design choice in a room—the type of wood for the dining table, the selection of throw pillows, the specific paint hue on the walls—tells a story about the people who live or work there. Instead of chasing a perfect candid moment, I was now chasing the perfect angle that emphasized the designer’s intent!
Over time, I realized my best work happened when I trusted my instincts. Instead of mimicking other photographers’ styles, I embraced my own approach. This authenticity helps me convey not just a beautiful room, but also the feeling that room evokes. That feeling is what makes a photo memorable and sets a professional interior photographer apart from someone just snapping a quick shot.
Potential clients, especially those looking to book an interior designer—aren’t just seeking pretty rooms! They want spaces that resonate with them emotionally and functionally. Photography that only shows a sofa or a nice lamp is one thing, but images that make you feel like you can sense the texture of the rug under your feet or imagine the morning sun warming that reading nook? That’s the kind of storytelling that turns casual browsers into engaged clients!
My wedding background taught me to communicate a feeling through images. Now, as a professional interior photographer, I use that skill to capture the mood and narrative of a space. I pay attention to how natural light shifts across the room, how textures interact, and how carefully chosen decor items add personality. The result is imagery that tells a story—one that makes viewers think, “I could live here,” or “I’d love to spend time in this space.”
If you’re an interior designer seeking a professional interior photographer, consider these points:
I never imagined that the journey from photographing seniors and weddings would lead me to interiors and branding photography for creative entrepreneurs and interior designers. Yet, here I am, grateful for every step that taught me how to find (or create) perfect light, how to tell a deeper story, and how to celebrate my unique style. Every client, every space, and every moment spent behind the camera has prepared me to serve you better.
If you’re an interior designer in Texas, or beyond, I’m happy to travel—looking for a professional interior photographer who understands storytelling, let’s connect! I’m here to help you showcase your work in a way that’s authentic, inviting, and uniquely yours! Contact me today to book your session!
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
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Ellen Renee Photography is a Houston-based interior photography and storytelling studio dedicated to creating collaborative and beautiful experiences through imagery.
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