How to Prepare Your Space for an Interior Photo Shoot
A little prep goes a long way. The better a space is set before I arrive, the more of the day we spend making great photographs instead of fixing distractions. Here's a practical checklist to get a room camera-ready.
Clear the clutter first
The camera notices everything the eye glosses over. Before the shoot, pull out anything that doesn't belong in the final image:
Cords, chargers, and power strips
Trash cans, cleaning supplies, and visible toiletries
Stacks of mail, remotes, and everyday countertop clutter
Anything branded or personal you don't want published
When in doubt, take it out. It's easier to add something back than to retouch it away.
Clean like it's going in a magazine
Because it might be. Glass, mirrors, and stainless steel show every fingerprint and streak on camera. Floors should be spotless. Clean the windows inside and out if you can manage it.
This is the single highest return thing you can do before a shoot.
Style for the camera, not for the room
A space styled for daily living and a space styled for a photograph aren't the same thing. Fluff and angle the pillows. Smooth the bedding. Straighten the art. Fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit can bring a flat surface to life.
Small props: a stack of design books, a throw with some texture, a couple of ceramics, all add warmth. Don't overdo it. The space is the subject; the styling just supports it.
Handle the details that read big
A few things look minor in person but loud on camera:
Lampshade seams turned to the back
Cords tucked and hidden
Blinds and shades set to the same height across a room
Burned-out bulbs replaced, and matched in color temperature where you can
What you don't have to worry about
You don't have to get it perfect. Styling on the day is part of what I do, and we'll fine-tune every frame together while we shoot. This checklist just clears the big stuff so we can put our attention on the photographs that matter.
If you're working with a stylist or designer on the project, even better — loop them in early and we'll all be pulling in the same direction.