The art of capturing interior design and architectural spaces: Why quality photography matters, especially today.
As someone creating spaces for others to live, work, and get together, you have enormous power and responsibility in how humans feel and interact. You know this, and you spend time laboring over materials, light, colors, and textures so your clients can feel the best when experiencing the spaces you create.
Your creations take time, hard work, and patience; then you deliver, and shortly you are on your way to the next project. Is your next project aligned with your brand and business goals? Ideally, you are building the kind of client portfolio you want.
Have you ever paused to consider how you present your projects to the world?
Are you ensuring that your photography is part of your brand identity?
Are you capturing projects in the best way so that you attract more of the type of clients you want?
Investing in good-quality photography is key. I do not say this only because I am a photographer. I started my career as a brand strategist working on defining the visual and verbal expressions of brands. I understand that our messaging, both visual and written, has to resonate with our intended audience. And that photography, as a key part of your brand messaging, can help elevate your brand, attract the right audience, and ultimately transform your business.
Most importantly, I see many of our favorite designers document their projects in the best way. And you see the beautiful work that Nicole Frazen, Harris Kenjar, and William Jess Laird are producing for their clients.
Why is it important to have good-quality photography?
Creates a memorable first impression - In our visually-driven era, first impressions matter more than ever. When prospective clients visit your website or portfolio, what do they see? High-quality photographs of your previous projects serve as your visual calling card. Clear, well-composed images immediately capture attention and set the tone for the entire client experience.
Builds trust and credibility - Clients want to see your work before they entrust you with their spaces. Professional photography bridges that gap. It provides an authentic glimpse into your design sensibilities, showcasing your ability to transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces. When clients see your work presented beautifully, they gain confidence in your expertise.
Helps you differentiate - Exceptional photography sets you apart. Your images should reflect the same level of care and attention you put into your designs, and they should help connect with the audience you are looking to grow. Ask questions like, who am I as a designer? Who is my aspirational audience? What do I do differently? Work with a photographer who understands this so you can get the right message out into the world. I know it is tempting to look like a designer you admire. I get it, but if everyone is doing that, then why will people choose you?
Gets you published - Great photography is a step into the world of publications. Paired with a good writer, your work can reach the heights of publications looking for inspirational content. A set of good-quality images can help you be more successful at pitching to publications.
Increases your revenue (especially during a tough economy) - Investing in professional photography pays. Your design work appears more valuable and desirable. As clients perceive the quality of projects through images, they’re willing to invest in those who align with what they want. Spending on good photography today can lead to higher project fees tomorrow.
Ensures a strong last impression - Remember, your photographs are more than pixels on a screen; they evoke emotions and tell stories. When clients browse your portfolio, they should feel inspired, intrigued, and excited. Whether it’s the light, textured fabrics, or the choice of colors in a living room, your photography should resonate with viewers long after they’ve closed their browsers.
You are probably wondering now… “ok, how do I do this?”.
In our next post, we’ll delve into practical steps for building a compelling photography portfolio. From how to think about photography for your brand to hiring the right photographer. We’ll help you get closer to showing your portfolio in a way that helps you bring more of the type of clients you want.
Your portfolio isn’t just a collection of images—it’s how your audience experiences you and will think about you.
Alessandra
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For an additional treat: Listen to designer Ilse Crawford in conversation about Time and Design, and hear hear this favorite quote by architecture critic Edwin Heathcote:
“Luxury is no longer an idea defined by expense or display, but rather a notion of what is valuable in life. And the greatest value in contemporary life today is ascribed to time. Time to read or talk, to think or eat. But also the time which is embodied in the preparation, in the crafting of materials; this is something which can be implicit in the architecture, the furniture, and the design itself.”