4 Ways to Get Photos for Your Interior Design Website
(before you ever have a project)
If you’re just starting out in your interior design career, you may face this common “chicken and the egg” scenario. You’ve yet to complete a project or have their first client, but you need pictures for your website to attract clients. Here’s a little secret…you can get high-quality, on-brand images for your website before you ever have a project. Today I’m giving you 4 ways to do it. When you mix these images together, you can achieve a beautifully branded images for a stunning website.
#1 | Brand Shoot
Hire a photographer to take a variety of photos of you working and designing. The photographer can also take photos of also take pro flat-lays with elements of design. such as material samples, architect ruler, drawings, sketches, paints, fabric etc.
Find a photographer who has a style that resonates with you and can take images that fit well with your brand. For example, if a photographer is known for dark and moody images but your style is bright and ethereal, don't expect them to be able to accommodate the look you are after. It's better to invest and have images you're happy with for years to come.
Obviously this is will be an investment, but it will also have the biggest impact for your website and social media.
You may also like: 10 Steps to Plan a Successful Brand Photoshoot
#2 | DIY Flat Lay
You can take your own images using natural light, foam core (or another pretty surface), and your smartphone. Tape 3 foam core panels together to create a white box, arrange your flat lay in a place that gets really good natural but indirect light. Shoot the image from above aiming to get as straight on as possible. The foam core panels will help direct natural light onto your arrangement.
You may also like: How to Take Beautiful Flat Lay Photos
#3 | Vignettes
Never designed or decorated an entire space you are proud to showcase? No problem, start by creating a few vignettes to capture your style. Vignettes are small decorating moments like the side of a bed, a coffee table, a bar cart, or an entryway. You can do this at home or at a friend/family member’s house. Don't hesitate to shop for things you love that you can return if you decide not to keep them (This is a secret from pro stylist everywhere) Get out your iPhone and take straight on shots using natural light.
#4 | Stock Photos
When mixed in with your own photos, stock imagery can be a very effective placeholder until you get more of your own images. Avoid images of interiors as they can be perceived as false advertising (plus they are usually very generic). Instead, opt for images that depict ideas such as booking a call with you or meeting with a client. Here are a few free stock photo resources to consider.
Don’t let the “chicken or the egg” scenario keep you from getting the photos you need to create a stunning website. Remember, images are important but it’s the words that really keep people on your website (More on that in a later post). Get the photos you need so you can have the confidence to start sharing your site.
