11 Step Interior Design / Architecture Photography Workflow
I am not trying to just document-as-is a beautiful residence, a modern bathroom, or a living room. My goal as a photographer is to create images of the interior designer's and architect's intent. In 99% of the cases, the intent is unfortunately quickly drowned out once the homeowners move in and bring in plastic toys, grandma's heirlooms, playpens, and personal stuff. There is a very short window of opportunity between completion and handover to photograph a design project for competitions, promotion, advertising. It is very often the one and only chance.
My portfolio only shows the final output. A lot of things have to happen to get to that point. So, what are the steps from a client's idea to publication? What is my process as a photographer to create those images? How do I work?
Let's take the following case: An interior designer and architect want me to photograph a project, and I have never worked with them before.
I will break up my process into several blog posts with different workflow topics. You are a corporate, retail, or hospitality client? Read on. The workflow is pretty much the same, with some differences in accessibility and staging options.
My 11 Step Interior Design / Architecture Photography Workflow
Determine the scope of the project and manage expectations. Every project is different.
How will the images be used? Who else wants to use them?
Location scouting. In-person scouting vs. online scouting.
How much staging/styling will be necessary for the photoshoot? What are the logistics?
Create a shot list and an estimate/quote
Assemble the team for the photoshoot
Prepare and pack equipment needed for the photoshoot
Shoot day
documenting the client's intent
less is more
monitoring on a big screen
shooting for the edit
Post-Processing & Delivery
Archival, Copyright Registration, Protecting client's usage rights
Submission of projects & Publication
Stay tuned for more.
