The Shot List Every Interior Designer Needs
- Brenna Knight
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Your guide to scroll‑stopping project photos (and getting the most out of every shoot).
Professional photography is one of the biggest investments an interior designer makes, and when done right, it should work overtime for your business.
Your project photos aren’t just for your portfolio. They’re for:
Evergreen website content
Instagram, Pinterest, and email marketing
Press submissions and features
Brand partnerships and future opportunities
But here’s the catch: even the most beautiful project can fall flat if the shoot isn’t intentional.
That’s where The Shot List comes in.
A thoughtful, repeatable shot list ensures you walk away with a full library of images—not just pretty pictures, but strategic assets you’ll use for years. Below is the exact framework every interior designer should bring to every shoot.
Design: Cortney Bishop Design | Photography: Katie Charlotte
Full Room Shots
These are your foundational images.
Make sure every major room is photographed:
Horizontal full‑room shots (wall‑to‑wall)
Vertical full‑room shots (essential for Pinterest and publications)
From each major angle so editors and platforms have options
If you only walk away with one category done well—let it be this one.
Half‑Room Views
Often overlooked, endlessly useful.
Use these to:
Capture defined zones within an open space
Highlight layout, flow, and functionality
Create visual breathing room between full‑scale shots
Half‑room views are ideal for blog posts, carousels, and design breakdowns.
Angled Context Shots
These images show how everything connects.
Look for:
Shots taken from corners or doorways
Views that visually link rooms together
Perspectives that feel natural, lived‑in, and architectural
Context shots help tell the story of the home—something editors and clients care deeply about.
Design: Emma Ainscough | Photography: Kensington Leverne
Vignette + Styling Shots
These are the details that stop the scroll and set the tone of your brand.
Make sure you capture:
Straight‑on shots of all vignettes (shelves, consoles, nightstands, vanities)
Angled shots for variety and visual interest
People or hands in frame when appropriate (flipping a page, adjusting a pillow, reaching for a glass)
These images are gold for social media, blog headers, and layered storytelling.
Details + Close‑Ups
This is where your craftsmanship shines.
Don’t skip:
Textures and finishes (stone, wood grain, tile, fabric)
Hardware details (cabinet pulls, plumbing fixtures, switches)
Layering moments like pillows, drapery, lighting, and styled surfaces
Custom design elements you want future clients to remember
Close‑ups help communicate quality, intention, and the why behind your design decisions.
Lifestyle + Functional Moments
These shots bring emotion into the space.
Ask your photographer to look for:
Natural light pouring in or dramatic shadows for mood
Spaces in use (pouring coffee, opening drawers, pulling back curtains)
Kids, pets, or natural movement if it aligns with your brand and client
Lifestyle shots help potential clients imagine themselves living in the space—not just admiring it.
Design: Hadley Wiggins | Photography: Maureen Martinez-Evans
The Secret Formula to a Smooth Shoot
A successful shoot isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation.
Before your photographer arrives:
Have a detailed shot list on hand (and share it in advance)
Confirm your photographer brings a tripod for consistency and sharpness
Choose versatile styling props you can move room‑to‑room
Turn off all lights and hide clutter (cords, trash cans, remotes, personal items)
The calmer and more organized the shoot, the better the final images—every time.
Your photography is a reflection of your brand, your process, and your level of professionalism.
When you approach each shoot with intention—and a rock‑solid shot list—you don’t just document your work. You build a visual library that supports your business long after install day. Because great design deserves to be seen. And seen well.