Top Tips for preparing for an interior shoot

Over the last few years I have shot many interiors for different clients.  To help get the best out of a shoot I have put together my top tips for preparing for an interior shoot.  New clients might find the points below useful too.  After reading the tips below, why not head over and have a look at some of my portfolios.

1. Thoroughly clean and tidy the property

Make sure to put away things like toys, and personal things.  There is nothing more uninviting than a messy and cluttered house.  A photograph of a clean house is much more enticing.  Presenting a clean house to a photographer means they can spend less time packing away or Photoshopping, and more time photographing and getting those great shots.

2. Turn on lamps and overhead lights, and make sure all the bulbs are working

Before the photographer arrives go around the house and turn on all overhead lights and lamps.  This is also a great time to make sure all the bulbs are working, and to replace any if there are broken bulbs.  You’ll surprised how much more warm and inviting interior shots look when the lights are on.  Once the photographer arrives they should be able to offer advice on what the best lighting setup should be.

3. Clear the kitchen of clutter, and make sure to remove fridge magnets

Get in the kitchen and pack away most of the appliances and clutter.  Clean, empty countertops look much more appealing in photos.  Removing any magnets and photos on the fridge is a good idea too.  Maybe consider a bowl of fruit strategically placed on a counter top.

4. Smooth out the beds and fluff the pillows

Go through each bedroom and make sure the beds are made, and the covers have smoothed over as much as possible.  This will help the photographer in post production.  Trying to photoshop out creases in duvets and sheets is not an easy job, and will look far from natural.  While you’re busy, now would also be a good time to fluff the pillows and don’t forget the lounge cushions.

5. Put the toilet seat down!

Go through the bathroom, and make sure it’s spotless. Make sure that all medication has been packed away, and all shampoos and shower gels in the shower are gone.  A fresh set of towels is a good idea too. Make sure any mirrors are clean….Oh, and put the toilet seat down and close the lid!  If the toilet has to be in the shot, a closed loo is much better!

6. Minimize personal effects such as photographs

Go around the house and make sure any family photographs and personal or valuable items have been packed away.  This helps create a clean uncluttered living space which looks excellent in images.  

7. Dress up the room

Don’t be afraid to go around the house and dress it up a little.  Adding a vase of flowers, or a book on the coffee table will make your images look a little less clinical and much more inviting.  In the dining room you could even consider setting the table.

8. Hide the dustbins

While you’re going from room to room, make a point of either hiding or removing the dustbins.  There’s nothing more unsightly than a dustbin in a shot!

9. Open the blinds or curtains

Open all the blinds and curtains as you go from room to room.  Letting in natural light from outside will also create an inviting shot.  Once the photographer arrives they may ask to have the blinds or curtains closed.  This is a good idea as it will give you options in the final selections.  With slatted blinds it’s sometimes a nice idea to have them half opened.

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