What Your Photographer Needs Before an Interior Shoot

You’ve styled every corner, fluffed every pillow, and made sure the brass hardware actually matches. But the one thing that can make or break your interior shoot? A plan. Specifically: a well-thought-out interior photography shot list.

I know, I know. It’s not the glamorous part of a shoot. But skipping it could mean walking away without the photos you actually needed…and that’s something you don’t want to realize after we pack up. So let’s talk about the “shot list” for a second. Why is it important? What happens if we DON’T have one? And how do you make sure you’re putting together a great shot list? I’m going to go all of this below, so let’s dig in!

Why a Shot List Isn’t Optional

I know you’re busy and when I ask you to spend time on a shot list, its probably pretty annoying. But here’s the thing..this project is one of your babies. You know this project better than anyone else. There are things in the project that you want highlighted and you want to be able to showcase to the world (i.e. your potential dream clients!) I can absolutely make it beautiful for you…but I can’t read your mind. I need you tell me what your marketing objectives are. Having a solid shot list prior to your photo shoot is the difference between a gallery of pretty photos and receiving intentional marketing assets to move the needle in your business.

What Happens Without One?

Think of the shot list as your to-do list. If you have a bunch of things to do, and don’t have it in a list, you might forget to do something! Or even worse, you might feel decision overwhelm and waste a lot of time! That’s why creating a solid shot list is key to a successful interior photography shoot. We don’t want to miss any of the important details, whether its a unique faucet, a creative use of furniture placement, or a beautiful wallpaper. Also, if we’re thinking about each individual room one at a time, we can make sure to plan for different angles for your portfolio or press needs. And again…having a plan means we aren’t rushed or working through an out-of-order flow on shoot day. We want things to run smoothly and efficient, all while capturing your work in the most beautiful light possible.

What Goes Into a Great Shot List?

An interiors photography shoot is your project’s time to shine! Here are a few things we want to make sure to include in the list so that we don’t overlook them:

Must-Have Rooms & Angles

Did you design a kitchen to die for? And do you love the way it looks from a wide angle as well as when you look at it from the breakfast nook? Note those special angles you love and we can look at them together on shoot day to make sure the composition is picture-worthy.

Key Lighting or Space Info

Which direction are the windows facing…North? South? East? I love to mimic natural sunlight, and if there are windows, its likely that I’ll want to shoot light through them. Even though my primary light source for interiors is strobe, natural light sometimes comes in handy.

Custom Details to Highlight

You designed a show-stopping stove hood that deserves to have the spotlight. Make sure to note that in the shot list so it can have its own shining moment.

If your client added personal touches after your install that you don’t want photographed, note that in the shot list. That way, we can either remove those items or frame the shot to keep them out.

Hero Vignettes or Styling Moments

You nailed that coffee table styling and want to show off your skill in thoughtfully completing a space. We’ll set up a shot to highlight those details and add them to the shot list.

Anything with Press or Portfolio Potential

Do you have a goal of submitting a project for publication and there are details that are sure to catch a pub’s eye? Make sure to call those details out so we know spend the time capturing them with an editorial eye.

What I Do With the Interior Photography Shot List

Your shot list isn’t just busy work. I don’t just use it as a guide for your entire shoot, but also as a planning tool. Once I get an idea of the scope of the project, it will help me plan a timeline. Knowing the order of the rooms we want to shoot helps us be efficient with our time so we aren’t spending time making those decisions on location. Also, it helps me plan ahead with how I want to set up my lighting. Lighting is the most important (and time consuming!) part of a shoot. Instead of spending time with trial and error on session day, I am able to make those decisions ahead of time. And if the lighting strategy is preplanned, then I know what equipment I will need to make sure I am fully prepared for your interiors shoot.

Lastly, an important reminder – Photos Are a 2D Version of a 3D Space

Even if something looks amazing in person, it doesn’t always translate on camera. Having a shot list gives us time to adjust layouts or styling so those features really shine.

If you’ve got a shoot coming up, let’s plan for more than just “getting it done.” A smart interiors photography shot list helps you make the most of your time, your investment, and your design work. Need help putting together a stellar shot list? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. You can get my Interiors Shoot Prep Guide and Shot List here so your photo shoot is set up for success before we even step foot in the home.

Want help photographing one of your projects? I’d be honored to help you with your Fort Worth interiors photography shoot needs! Reach out here and let’s chat!