Styling for Interior Photography: 5 Simple Steps
Styling for interior photogrpahy is subtley different to styling your space for living. When you want elevated photos for use in promoting and growing your business, it’s important to get it right.
When shooting interiors you’re essentially translating the 3D space to a 2D image and your styling can make a significant difference to the end result. Here are 5 simple steps to help you achieve elevated images that showcase your home or business at its best.
1. Declutter
The first step to styling any space for photography is to declutter and clean. A clutter-free environment allows the design elements to stand out and brings a sense of intentionality to your photos. Pay particular attention to details like mirrors, windows, and reflective surfaces, as smudges and fingerprints can be distracting in photos.
2. Don’t be afraid to move things around
This step is all about composition. Considered placement of furniture and objects will allow you to create balanced images that feel natural and inviting. If you can, tether your camera to a larger screen to allow you to check the shots and tweak the arrangement as you go. Avoid placing furniture too close to the camera, as this can make the room feel cramped and distort the perceived size. You may have to position furniture closer together than you would in everyday life to create balance and communicate scale. Arrange furniture to guide the viewer's eye through the space and use rugs and other elements to anchor the furniture and create a cohesive look. When you’re photographing a vignette, you might be surprised how even the smallest movement can improve your shot.
3. Create layers and movement
Add depth to your interior photography with layering. One of the simplest ways to create layers is with the use of fabric. Whether it’s a throw rug, a coat tossed on a chair or a towel hung on a bathroom hook, fabric will bring richness and a sense of life to your images. Arrange the fabric with natural-looking folds to add movement to your shot and take some time to get cushions looking just right.
4. Add texture
Texture is my go-to design element. It brings a lived-in warmth to interior shots and is so simple to include. Wood, stone, ceramics and artwork will all add texture to an image. Collect wooden kitchen boards, ceramic vessels and vases and framed prints to use as styling props, and forage in your garden for branches, twigs and natural objects. Remember that less-can-be-more when it comes to texture and try to balance rough elements with smooth.
5. Tell a story
Story is how we communicate best and if you scroll through your favourite interiors accounts on Instagram, you’ll probably notice objects such as shoes, bags and books strategically placed to evoke the idea that the space is lived in. Start by considering what you want to communicate to your viewers or potential clients. Is the story about luxury and relaxation, or is it about a particular lifestyle? A cosy photo with wine glasses and a throw rug will communicate a very different story to one with a surfboard propped against a wall or a bike in an entryway. Use props intentionally and thoughtfully to communicate the story you want your images to tell.
Try these 5 steps to styling for interior photography to uplevel and elevate your images. I’d love to see the results!