Interior Photography Guide: 5 Shooting & Editing Tips

Both professional photographers and passionate DIY enthusiasts will often face the challenge of interior photography. These spaces, filled with the dance of light, space, and decor elements, highlight the nuanced beauty of interior design photography. The quest on how to photograph interiors is an art and science combined. Let's dive in with some expert tips and insights.

Interior photography isn’t just snapping pictures of rooms; it’s about capturing the essence of a space and conveying its mood, style, and design so it resonates with viewers. Interior design photographs communicate more than plain aesthetics. Whether you're a homeowner showcasing a fresh living room design or a business owner displaying elegant hotel suites, mastering how to take interior design photos is crucial regardless of your industry and goals.

In an age where our customers (and we ourselves) are expressing themselves through visual and digital formats more than ever, the importance of how we present spaces is just as essential. People prefer visual content in all aspects, including real estate and interiors - the rise in popularity of platforms like Airbnb, real estate websites, and design portfolios is one factor that proves this. 

A photo might be worth a thousand words, but a well-executed interior design picture in your signature style? It's priceless, potentially securing you a booking, sale, or new project.

Here’s a list of essential tools for taking your interior photography to the next level:

Camera
While DSLRs are a favorite, don't underestimate the power of a good smartphone, especially when combined with the right mobile presets. A high-quality camera offers control over various settings, from exposure to ISO, ensuring every shot is just right.

Tripod
Stability is key for interior photography. Whether you're shooting a vast ballroom or a cozy corner, ensuring your camera is steady will result in sharp images that truly capture the essence of a space.

Lighting
Natural light is a photographer's best friend. However, sometimes, additional sources like flashes or reflectors can help even out shadows or highlight specific elements.

Lenses
Different spaces require different perspectives. A wide-angle lens can capture an entire room, while a macro lens might focus on the intricate details of a chandelier.

Presets
In the digital era, post-processing plays a pivotal role in enhancing interiors design pictures. Lightroom presets, for example, allow photographers to consistently apply a specific style or mood to their images, ensuring cohesiveness and a professional touch. For those who are keen on refining their editing techniques, elegant presets like those available at Refined Co can be a game-changer.

1. Natural over artificial light

Photography is deeply rooted in the art of capturing light, so there’s no better way to start a list of tips for interior photography than with lighting. While it might seem tempting to keep all the lights on, natural sunlight often provides the most balanced and inviting illumination for interior design photography.

By opening all blinds, curtains, and doors, you can allow as much sunlight in as possible. Shooting during the early morning or late afternoon, known as the golden hours, can infuse your photos with the magic of soft sunlight.

If natural light is scarce, consider avoiding direct, harsh ceiling lights. Instead, you can make use of external flashes, bounces, or shoot-through umbrellas, which help distribute and soften the light evenly across the room.

2. Create a balanced scene with composition and lines

Interior spaces are often dominated by straight lines such as those of walls, furniture, and windows. It's crucial to ensure these lines are straight in your viewfinder to prevent any visual distortion.

The classic "rule of thirds" in photography is just as relevant in interior photography. By placing points of interest at the intersections of this imaginary grid, you create a visually balanced composition. Additionally, leveraging the room's natural structure, like hallways or furniture arrangements, can be an effective way to guide a viewer's eyes throughout the image.

3. Showcase the essence of the space

For an interior shot to truly shine, it should feel deliberate and intentional. Removing unnecessary distractions is one of the cornerstones of how to take interior design photos. So getting rid of the extras, such as cords or personal items, can make a significant difference.

While decluttering is essential, accessorizing the space thoughtfully can add depth and character. This could be through complementary items like vases, books, or pillows. Moreover, a harmonious color palette can elevate interior designing photographs. In neutral spaces, introducing a pop of color through accessories can add visual interest and depth.

4. Diversify your angles

There’s not just one way to approach how to photograph interiors. Varying the angles from which you shoot can dramatically alter the perception of a space. Instead of always capturing from standing height, consider taking shots from a lower angle to emphasize furniture or from a higher vantage pointto offer a unique overview of the space.

Shooting from corners can provide a wider perspective, highlighting more of the room's features. While capturing the entirety of the space is vital, focusing on specific details like artwork, unique patterns, or custom furniture pieces can provide a richer, more detailed story of the interior.

5. Refine your end product

After capturing, refining your interior photography shots is crucial. Making sure colors are true to life is one of the most important interior photography tips during post-processing. Adjusting the white balance in your editing software can help colors avoid looking too yellow or blue.

Enhancing details through sharpening tools can make elements pop, but it's essential to use them sparingly to maintain a natural look. And adjusting brightness and contrast can make the image feel vibrant and full of life. Lastly, cropping can eliminate any unnecessary distractions and can help realign the subject matter, fortifying the composition's intent.