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Method for Taking Interior Design Photos

Now that I'm starting to do more interior design and interior decorating work here in Boulder, I'm in the process of going through my design oriented photos to find the projects I want to include in my interior design portfolio.

I noticed that I didn't really like the 'feel' of all my wide angle shots that I've gotten into the habit of taking for real estate photography. So I started cropping them down to only show the room set, and when I went even closer, to more of a vignette style I was surprised by the results!

I really like the resulting artistic shot; it gives a good representation of the materials within, but there's something compelling about a partial photo that I think makes a viewer want to see more.

interior desing boulder colorado

My only regret is that a true 'vignette' style shot is a close-in partial shot with the center focused and going slightly out of focus at the edges. I do not get the same soft edge effect since my photos weren't shot with that lens or setting, & I can't achieve the same look after the fact. I will definitely keep this in mind for future projects!

I put together a slide show of interior shots from a model project that was included in last year's Flatirons Tour of Homes which featured innovative home and interior designers from the Boulde/Denver area. On this project HW Home provided most of the furnishings, and Nima Rug Gallery provided the rugs. All photos of of our actual work!

Jessica Hughes

Ambiance Design
You don't have to pay Interior Design prices to get Interior Design Quality!!

If you are in the Boulder area and need some interior design or decorating advise giveAmbiance Designs a call @ 303-435-1784!

Posted by Jessica Hughes on 11/07/2008 04:17 PM

Comments (16)

interior design, interior decorating, photography, boulder, colorado

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16 Comments on Method for Taking Interior Design Photos

NOV

2008

Great photography and pretty interiors. You have great taste. The only problem with cropped photos for Realtors using on websites and MLS is that it might stretch the picture out to skew it. Just a little note. For display of your works, very nice.

Jessica, Sorry I cheat I just call Frank.

Excellent point you make, taking the photos like that really shows the details...great pics.

Jessica, this looks GREAT! You've been missed and I now see why!

NOV

2008

Completely awesome pictures!

Question and your 2 cents. When I take pictures of my listings I try to focus on the room, walls, floors, windows and fixtures. You are taking pictures of the furniture, and do-dads. I'm thinking about the house, you are thinking of the ambiance. I'm selling the steak, and you're selling the sizzle. Which do you think will attract a buyer more on the MLS and marketing matterials? Or is that the point?

NOV

2008

Connie~ These photos aren't designed as much for MLS. They are just for the Interior Design Portfolio I'm working on. Whenever sizing for the MLS I always make sure to have the 400 x 600 or 400 x 267 dimensions otherwise they can turn out distorted.

Larry~ Great shot! However, I think you may have missed the point. These photos are not for Real Estate Photography, but for interior design.

Marci~ Thanks for the kind words... it's good to be back!

Dena~ You hit the nail on the head! I love the "steak/sizzle" analogy! I do think that we often lose the 'personality' of a home with all those wide shots. I think that for higher end homes, or any home that has anything worth doing a close-up on; there should be some close-ups mixed in with the standard room shots. When I'm doing Real Estate photography, I will take close up shots of anything that captures my interest. The big difference here is that my focus is still on the actual home (not the furniture/interior design elements). The focus is still marketing the home not the interior design, although this obviously does often end up influencing buyers (otherwise I would be out of a job!)

Great examples for Real Estate Photography are: architectural features of a home, flowers, landscaping, a garden bench, kitchens and bathrooms.

I do think that any time you can get away with taking a close-up artistic shot; go for it! These kinds of images are not the norm and they WILL help your property stand out more!

I would take these any day over photos of the laundry room, or multiple photos of the same room taken from each of the 4 corners (this really bugs me!). you get the picture! Here are some examples:

Boulder Real Estate Photography

Boulder Real Estate Photography

I think these are great examples of both the sizzle and the steak because they incorporate the architectural elements: garden walkways, fireplaces, over head vent, granite counter tops, brick exteriors all with some extra elements.

Yep! Thanks Dena! Feel free to give me a call if you ever need photography services!

Although, I think the travel time would probably just a teensy bit prohibitive ;)

Jessica, I couldn't agree more - 'close up' shots can convey mood very well. The only thing I'll add is that I think they also work well for real estate (provided they are supported by some wide shots also).

I wrote a blog about this very topic (also reminding folks that 'close' shots can be wide as well).

Cheers, -B :)

http://activerain.com/blogsview/510291/Two-important-things-to-consider-about-wide-angle

NOV

2008

Thanks Bryce! I always strive to include close-ups and wids shots when doing Real Estate Photography.

I read your blog, great advise and fab photos!

Jessica, nice work and I like the close up photos. We've been starting to play more with that as opposed to just the wide room shots. It's a great idea to take options in every single room and then the images can be used in a variety of ways. Good post.

NOV

2008

Jessica - I hear you - I never like the feel of my photos because I usually do all wide angle shots. I am definitely going to try this. I also think it is great for real estate to mix up some wide angles and tight shots showing the architectural details. They are so different and pretty that I think they would stand out on MLS.

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