Planning & Shot List

Take some time to think about important elements or angles you’d like to capture. If you’d like to make a specific shot list, this can be helpful so we don’t miss anything. However, I do like to leave a bit of flexibility for the day of, as sometimes certain angles don’t work as well as anticipated or we might find another way to capture an element that speaks more to what we are trying to communicate.

Scout pictures taken with your phone or floor plans can be sent ahead to me if you have time, to give me a better sense of the space.

If you want to do a scout with me, where I visit the location ahead of the shoot day for planning purposes, this is available for an additional fee. If you are interested in this please inquire as to availbility and the cost.

Styling & Prep

Ideally you will prep the space mostly before I arrive. This can include, but is not limited to:
• A thorough cleaning of the space - don’t forget mirrors, faucets, stainless steel appliances and windows (when possible).
• Textiles, bedding and drapery should be looking their best, this may involve steaming or ironing (or having one on hand in case there’s a problem area).
• Removing screens on windows or sliding doors when possible.
• Ensure fireplaces or specialty lighting you may want captured are operational.
• If we see the view outdoors, consider what is there and whether it needs some attention
• Style the space with your preferred accessories and elements (books, greenery, vases, dishes, candles, throws, artwork, objects etc.). It can help if you have with you a variety of items that can offer alternative styling options. Sometimes what we see in person doesn’t translate as well on camera, it’s great to have a few extra things on hand in case we need something taller/shorter/more greenery etc. If you know the homeowner has a lot of great options, be sure to check ahead of time with them if we are able to borrow from their cupboards. If you purchased items you plan to return, be sure to tuck tags under or behind as much as possible
• If you are looking to do one point symmetrical shots, making sure large furniture items are centered (ex. dining room table under light fixture). We can do this day of, and often will make minor adjustments with furniture positions anyways, however if some pieces are particularly heavy, it’s helpful to get it dealt with ahead of time when possible.
• I bring with me a kit of various supplies to help with final adjustments. Some things that help clean up the frame include using a bit of tape or clamps to hide cords or make a drape fall straight etc. These temporary measures are carefully added, and always removed at the end of the day.
• Hiring a freelance stylist is always an option, if you feel you don’t have time or could use the extra help this can be well worth the investment.

If you are looking for more help with styling, review my blog post here!

Shoot Day

When I arrive, if we haven’t scouted previously, I’ll get you to take me on a quick walkthrough of the areas we are planning to shoot. Based on this and the time of day, I’ll suggest a place to start and begin setting up.

I shoot tethered to a laptop to a program called CaptureOne. This allows us to view in real time the composition and helps with styling and propping. If we have access to wifi, you can download the CaptureOne Pilot app to view on your own device as we work throught the day.

We will likely have to shift things around a bit based on where the camera is positioned. Sometimes we might thin out items or add more depending on the angle. Many thing can be corrected in postproduction, however, it is almost always easier to tidy up in person if possible.

Once we decide on a composition for a shot, I will get you to approve the angle before I move on. If you aren’t able to be on site, we can arrange for me to send you images as I go, but you’ll need to be very available so that it doesn’t slow down the day. In the event that no one is available, I am comfortable proceeding on my own, just know that I then am left to make the final creative decisions in terms of angles and propping. These things for the most part cannot be altered in post production.

Most final images are a composite of several exposures or elements. Once we are ‘locked in’, we’ll need to take care not to move anything until I’ve captured all my frames so that everthing will line up in Photoshop later. If you want an alternate of the same angle (for ex. with a door open/closed, with /without a certain object, with a person etc.) we can always take additional frames. Some additional frames may also need to be taken to block reflection or glare. Every situaion is unique, some angles will be quick others will take a bit more time.

At the end of the shoot, we’ll review the shots we took to ensure we didn’t miss anything. Editorial interior photography is about telling the stoy of the space, highlighting the materials used, the feeling the space gives and elements that make it unique. I aim to capture a variety of vignettes, details and wider shots.

Post Production & Follow-up

Following the shoot, I will prepare your images. My post production process includes blending exposures, correcting verticals/distortion, addressing colour, contrast, vibrancy and general clean-up (removing distracing elements) to give you a final set of images that best represents your space.

Within 2-3 weeks I will send you a set of proofs in an online gallery for you to review. Please take some time to review them and send me any additional requests or changes.

Once I’ve completed your requests, I’ll send you your final set of images as JPEGS via a Dropbox link. If you’d like another set at a specific resolution or in another format, please let me know and I can export a second set for you at no additional cost.

Check out some of the many ways you can use your images on my blog post here!