Dynamic Aquatic Center exterior in Stratford.

How to take professional interior photos

by Architectural Photography

The First Thing You Need to Know About Shooting professional interior photos

Capturing the beauty of an interior space is harder than it looks. Whether you’re an interior designer documenting your work, a photographer building your portfolio, or a property developer showcasing a project, learning how to take professional interior photos can set your visuals apart—and attract the right kind of attention.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact process I use as a London-based architectural and interior photographer. From lighting and lenses to composition and color accuracy, you’ll learn how to elevate your interior photography from “good enough” to “publishable.”

Choose the Right Time of Day to make professional interior photos

Lighting is the most important factor in interior photography—and often the most overlooked.

Rely on natural light when possible

Natural light creates softer shadows and more authentic tones. Aim to shoot during the day when the space is naturally well-lit, but avoid harsh midday sun that can create blown-out highlights or sharp contrast.

Create your own “golden hour”

While golden hour is often associated with exteriors, the warm, diffused light of early morning or late afternoon can fill interiors with soft ambient glow—especially in London, where low-angle sunlight adds texture and warmth.

Be mindful of mixed lighting

Turn off overhead spotlights if they cast harsh shadows or mix poorly with natural daylight. If you must use artificial light, try to keep the color temperatures consistent throughout the space.

Use the Right Lens — But Don’t Go Too Wide

Choose the right focal length

A 24–35mm range is ideal for most interior shots on a full-frame camera. It’s wide enough to show the space without introducing heavy distortion, which is a common giveaway in amateur photos.

Avoid the ultra-wide look

Using a 14mm or 16mm lens might seem like a way to capture “more,” but it often creates stretched, unrealistic proportions. Stick to lenses that reflect the space as it actually feels.

Dynamic Aquatic Center exterior in Stratford.

 

Staging Matters – Simplify and Guide the Eye

A beautiful space doesn’t always translate into a beautiful photo without a little preparation.

Declutter, straighten, and soften

Remove unnecessary items, adjust furniture alignment, and fluff pillows or drapes. Clean surfaces and simplify wherever possible.

Style with intention

Keep key decorative items that reflect the mood or design intention—like a single vase on a table or carefully placed books.

Master Your Composition to  make professional interior photos

Composition transforms a technically decent image into a compelling one.

Use leading lines and symmetry

Architectural lines (floorboards, countertops, beams) should guide the viewer’s eye. Align your camera to emphasize geometry, and when possible, compose with symmetry to create visual balance.

Shoot slightly above eye level

Position the camera around chest height or slightly higher to avoid distortion and to keep vertical lines straight.

Keep verticals vertical

Use a tripod and level the camera—especially in tight spaces. Correct verticals in post-processing if needed, but it’s best to get them right in-camera.

To make professional interior photos always use a Tripod and Shoot with Intention

Eliminate motion and increase control

A tripod gives you full control over composition and exposure. It allows you to shoot at lower ISO, use longer shutter speeds, and keep everything sharp.

Try bracketing for high-contrast interiors

Shoot multiple exposures to blend later in post—this helps when one window is too bright or a corner is too dark.

Control White Balance and Color Accuracy

Getting colors right is essential, especially if your photos represent someone else’s work.

Use a grey card

This helps you lock in correct white balance during shooting and ensures consistency across a full set of images.

Avoid harsh color casts

Turn off lamps with yellow-orange bulbs if they conflict with natural daylight. If you’re using flash or LEDs, match their color temperature with the environment.

Edit with Restraint

The goal isn’t to fake the scene, it’s to reveal it beautifully.

Keep contrast and clarity subtle

Over-processed interiors lose authenticity. Bring out shadow details, clean up highlights, but maintain a natural feel.

Use lens corrections

Apply lens profiles to fix subtle distortion and vignetting. Straighten lines and crop carefully.

Bonus Tips for Small Spaces

Shoot corners, not just walls

Position yourself diagonally to show depth. A single wall often flattens the image.

Use doorways or mirrors creatively

Mirrors can open up a space if used intentionally—just avoid reflections of yourself or your gear.

Don’t overfill the frame

Leave breathing room. Allow negative space to do its work. Don’t try to show everything in one shot.

Final Thoughts – Photographing Interiors with Purpose

Professional interior photography is all about respect for the space, for the designer’s vision, and for the viewer’s eye. With the right tools, timing, and mindset, you can take interior photos that don’t just show a room, they express what it feels like to be there.

If you’re in London and need help capturing your space or want to collaborate on a project, feel free to get in touch. I’d love to hear what you’re working on.

Dynamic Aquatic Center exterior in Stratford.

How to Hire the Right Architectural Photographer in London

by Architectural Photography

Why Hiring a Professional Architectural Photographer in London Matters

If you’re planning to hire an architectural photographer in London, understanding what to expect can save you time, money, and ensure your project looks its best. London is one of the most architecturally diverse cities in the world, blending centuries-old landmarks with cutting-edge modern design. In such a dynamic environment, capturing architecture demands more than a camera; it requires a trained eye, professional technique, and a deep understanding of space and light.

Whether you’re an architect, designer, or property developer in London, hiring a local architectural photographer ensures your work is documented with both precision and artistic sensibility. Great images don’t just show buildings—they sell projects, win awards, and tell stories.

Know What You’re Looking for When Hiring an Architectural Photographer in London

Before you contact a London-based photographer, get clarity on your objectives.

Define your project goals

Are the images for a RIBA submission, a design portfolio, marketing collateral, or a press feature? Knowing this helps the photographer plan the shots, format delivery, and guide the creative direction.

Interior, exterior, or mixed-use photography?

London interiors are often tight, light-challenging spaces. Exteriors may involve crowded streets or protected heritage sites. Make sure you know what kind of expertise your shoot demands.

Research the Photographer’s Style and Experience in London

Working with a local London photographer brings huge advantages—they understand the city’s architecture, light conditions, regulations, and even the seasonal timing for exteriors.

Review London-based portfolios

Look for experience with buildings similar to your project: Victorian restorations, Brutalist spaces, or glass-clad offices in Shoreditch or Canary Wharf.

Understand specialisation

Does the photographer work more with residential interiors, commercial developments, or cultural institutions? London projects often have tight access or time restrictions—a seasoned local knows how to work efficiently.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Architectural Photographer in London

To avoid surprises and miscommunication, ask:

What’s your shoot process in London?

From location scouting to traffic planning and permit needs (especially for outdoor shots), a local pro can guide the logistics.

Do you work with available light or bring your own?

Some older London buildings have challenging lighting. Find out how the photographer handles mixed light, reflections, or heritage-listed spaces.

What’s included in your fee?

Ask if travel within London is included, how many edited images you’ll receive, and if they offer image formats for press, awards, and online use.

Understand Pricing, Licensing, and Usage Rights

How architectural photography is priced in London

Day rates in London can vary significantly depending on the project, the shoot duration, the number of images required, and complexity. Be transparent about your budget—many photographers offer flexible packages.

Licensing in the UK

Standard licensing often covers editorial and web use. If you need images for advertising, third-party resale, or long-term use, negotiate those terms upfront.

Prepare for the Shoot (London-Specific Considerations)

Clean and prepare the site

In a fast-paced city, time is money. Ensure the property is ready to go when the photographer arrives—clean, staged, and lit.

Be mindful of timing

London’s weather can change quickly. Schedule accordingly, especially for exteriors. Morning light varies in Mayfair compared to South Bank due to building density.

Plan for street access and permissions

Shooting in public areas, even outside private properties, can sometimes require permits or consideration of foot traffic.

Dynamic Aquatic Center exterior in Stratford.

 

Build a Collaborative Relationship

Communicate clearly

Share visual references, your vision, and key project goals in advance.

Respect their creative process

A skilled London photographer brings experience with some of the world’s most photographed architecture—give them space to work.

Agree on review timelines

Understand how proofs are delivered, how long revisions take, and when you’ll receive final images.

Final Deliverables and Ongoing Collaboration

What should you expect to receive?

Typically: high-resolution images for print, web-optimized files, and a clear license outlining usage.

How to credit the photographer

On social media, architecture awards, or design publications, proper credit helps both parties—and ensures ethical representation of the work.

Consider future work

If the collaboration goes smoothly, consider bringing the same photographer into future London-based projects. Consistency in style and workflow is a major plus.

Final Thoughts – London Projects Deserve London Expertise

When it comes to architecture, London offers endless complexity, beauty, and contrast. Capturing it requires not just photography skills—but local insight, professional communication, and a collaborative mindset.

Hiring a professional architectural photographer in London is an investment in your project’s legacy. The better you prepare, the better the results. And when done right, those images will speak louder than any brochure or pitch deck ever could.