Are You Overcomplicating Your Interior Photography? The #1 Mistake Designers Make

As an emerging interior stylist or designer, you’ve probably found yourself staring at your work, wondering how to capture its beauty in a photograph. You’ve styled every detail, from the carefully chosen textiles to the perfect decorative accents, yet the photos don’t quite reflect the vision you had in mind.

Here’s the thing: you might be overcomplicating your interior photography.

Many people starting in the interior design or styling field believe that to create beautiful, editorial-quality images, they need to spend hours perfecting every detail, adding layer upon layer to their designs. While attention to detail is essential in your craft, when it comes to photography, less is often more.

The #1 Mistake: Overstyling for the Camera

When you’re styling a space, it’s easy to forget that the camera sees differently than the human eye. What looks beautiful in person—layers of textures, intricate patterns, and multiple decorative pieces—can feel cluttered or chaotic in a photograph.

The result?

- The eye has no clear focal point.

- Your carefully curated pieces compete for attention.

- The overall composition looks busy rather than cohesive.

This common mistake doesn’t mean you lack the skill to photograph your work. It simply means you need to approach photography with a slightly different mindset.

The Solution: Simplify and Focus

The good news? Learning how to simplify your styling for photography is easier than you might think. Here’s how you can start:

1. Choose a Focal Point

Every great interior photograph needs a hero—the element that draws the viewer’s eye. It could be a statement armchair, a beautifully set dining table, or a cozy reading nook. Let this element shine by clearing away distractions around it.

2. Edit the Scene

Before snapping a photo, take a step back and assess the scene. Are there too many small objects competing for attention? Remove anything unnecessary and embrace negative space.

3. Focus on One Area at a Time

Instead of trying to capture an entire room, start with smaller vignettes. These close-up shots of styled corners or details not only tell a story but are also easier to frame and light.

Why Simplifying Your Photography Matters

Simplifying your photography isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing it with intention. When you focus on capturing clean, cohesive images, you’ll:

- Showcase your designs in their best light.

- Save time editing out distractions.

- Create content that resonates with your audience, whether on social media, your website, or a portfolio.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the idea of photographing your work, you’re not alone. Many interior stylists and designers start out thinking they need professional-level skills or expensive equipment to succeed. The truth? You can learn to take beautiful, editorial-quality images of your styling work without overcomplicating the process.

Sign up for my newsletter, where I share actionable tips, tools, and strategies to help you simplify your interior photography. This week, we’re diving deeper into how to style and shoot your spaces with confidence—without the overwhelm.