Photography is the currency of interior designers online. But if you can’t afford to call a big-time photographer, there are things you can do to make the shots you take on job sites look pro. How? Find out from pro Stephen Karlisch.

A professional photographer who has been published in Architectural Digest, Veranda, Elle Decor, House Beautiful to name a few, Stephen has consistently helped designers pitch stories to get published in local, regional and national publications for over 15 years. As a former architecture student, Stephen learned how to see space in an orderly way. That education has been invaluable in his pursuit of photographing interiors. 

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social

[1:15] Natalie can’t complain, but will

[6:50] Take two for Stephen

[8:48] How to start out working with a photographer

[16:04] The pros and cons of hiring a real estate photographer

[23:25] How do photographers shoot little vignettes

[27:00] What lenses should you get for your own camera? 

[29:40] Some lighting tips

[32:30] Phone photo tips

[35:00] Whut up, Wingnut?

Connect with Stephen Karlisch

Stephen Karlisch

Stephen Karlisch on Instagram

Resources & People Mentioned

Vanessa Helmick on WSP

Snapseed

Do the Work

Define your brand before finding a photographer

If you’re just getting started, or ready to finally budget for a photographer, the first thing you need to decide is what style of photos you want. If your brand is casual, or high-end, or you want to evoke a certain lifestyle, then you need to define the style of photography that captures that lifestyle. And once you know that, you can start looking for the right photographer who shoots in that style.

You can also look at your competition, and see what photographer they are using. It’s also important, when you hire a photographer, to know what kind of shoot you want, what kind of photographs you’re looking for (lots of detailed close-ups, more sweeping real estate photos, etc.) 

Why not just hire a real-estate photographer?

Sometimes designers trying to save money will hire a real-estate photographer because it can be slightly cheaper. But Stephen broke down for Darla and Natalie the difference between an interior photographer and a real-estate photographer. The real-estate photographer is going to show up and shoot a room the way it is. But an interior photographer is going to have a much stronger sense of what an interior designer has done to a room. Maybe it’s keying into the fabric that was used or a particular design choice. So an interior photographer is going to be able to partner with you on really highlighting your design and the products, not just the space.

Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social

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Darla’s Interior Design Website

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