A Detailed Guide for Travel Accommodation Providers, Designers, and Architects

Capturing a space through photography is more than just snapping pictures; it is about telling a story. Whether you're a designer, architect, hotel manager, or property owner, how your space is presented visually can significantly influence your audience’s emotions and decisions. I put together this guide to help you prepare your space for a successful interior photoshoot. In an ideal case, this would mean that every image evokes the feeling of stepping inside the room, inviting viewers to experience it firsthand. Make sure to read it to the end to get a little gift 😉
So let’s dive in!

1. Understanding the Story You Want to Tell

Before getting into any cleaning or styling, pause to consider the story your space conveys. What is the experience you want people to have when walking into this room? Is it calm and cozy or sleek and modern? This narrative should guide your every preparation step:

Define the mood: Decide if you want the photos to feel warm and inviting, bright and airy, or sophisticated and luxurious, or a mix of these.

Align with brand identity: Your shoot should reflect your property's unique character and brand identity. For example, a seaside vacation rental may want to evoke relaxation and lightness, while a boutique hotel might focus on emphasizing elegance and style.
Communication is key: Communicating this vision to your photographer is what makes it possible for them to capture the spaces and details in a way that truthfully tells your story.

By thinking of your space as a setting in a story that your guests will live, you frame every photo as an invitation to experience that atmosphere and create more engagement with them.

2. Cleaning and Decluttering: The Foundation for Great Photos

A spotless, clutter-free environment helps the room’s special features take center stage. By decluttering the space, you ensure that nothing distracts from the story you’re want to tell. So here is what you should consider:

Thoroughly clean every surface: Windows, floors, walls, and fixtures should be spotless. Dirty windows cause glare and reduce light quality, while smudges on furniture distract the eye.
Clear all clutter: Remove personal items like mail, chargers, or toothbrushes. Clear countertops, tabletops, and shelves to create a clean visual effect.
Tidy up textiles: Wash curtains, cushions, and throws. Make sure bedding is freshly laundered without wrinkles for a fresh, crisp look.
Repair as needed: Fix small damages like chipped paint, loose handles, or stains to avoid attracting attention to unwanted details.

It’s all about creating a welcoming, well-loved atmosphere that lets the space’s own story unfold.

3. Styling to Create Mood and Atmosphere

Styling transforms a clean room into a space that speaks visually to your audience. This is a crucial step that can make or break your images. This is also the point where you can truly add your personal touch and show viewers what it feels like to be and live in the space you are presenting.

Arrange furniture strategically: Create an open flow that naturally guides the eye through the room. Avoid blocking windows or key architectural features.
Use lifestyle details: Thoughtfully add elements like vibrant cushions, elegant throws, fresh flowers, a stack of books, or tasteful artwork. These details help display moments of everyday life and make spaces inviting and familiar.
Balance minimalism and warmth: I know that minimalism has been the trend for many years now. Still, strive for balange and harmony between the space looking fresh and lived-in. Too sterile can feel cold, while too cluttered can feel chaotic.
Choose colors purposefully: Use muted or vibrant colors that support the mood you want to communicate. For example, warm tones are perfect to convey coziness, while crisp neutral colors can achieve a more modern look.

Styling lets you set the tone of the story you want your space to tell, bringing in your personality through comfort, elegance, or pure simplicity.

4. Lighting Considerations for Ambiance and Clarity

Light is the backbone of any photographic story. Without light, there is no photography. It is also a powerful storytelling tool in shaping the mood and perception of a place. So what should you consider when it comes to lighting in your photoshoot?

Maximize natural light: Schedule the shoot for when the light is soft but bright. This will often occur in mid-morning or late afternoon. Make sure to open all curtains and blinds fully.
Clean your windows: Spotless windows can let in as much as 15% more light than dirty ones, which can make a huge difference in the ambience of your space.
Control harsh sunlight: If the direct sunlight is too strong, you can use sheer curtains or angled blinds to soften the shadows.
Manage artificial lighting: Turn off any lights that have significantly different color temperatures to help create a uniform look among your pictures. Instead, use lamps with matching warm bulbs for a cozy feel or instruct your photographer to set studio lighting for a more direct result.
Use mirrors intelligently: I love mirrors in interior photography for their ability to reflect natural light and create an illusion of expanded space. If you have them in your property, make sure to angle them in a way to make the most out of their positioning.

Good lighting is essential as it enhances the textures, colors, and spatial dimensions that make your space feel alive in the final images. Knowing how to work with the light you have available is an essential step towards getting the pictures you want.

5. The Devil is in the Details

Small finishing touches can elevate the visual story of your place and sometimes it can even be the decisive factor for why someone decides to book your place. Here are some of my tips, and feel free to add your own unique ideas to these:

Fluff cushions and smooth linens: It’s a small thing, but neatly arranged textiles add a polished and comforting feel.
Arrange plants and decor: Never underestimate the power of fresh greenery or flowers when it comes to making a place feel lived in. I just love including these elements in my photography and viewers immediately connect to the natural elements in a space.
Hide unattractive items: These are functional things that are necessary for everyday living. Still, it’s better to keep them out of the picture for aesthetic reasons. Keep, for example, electrical cords, trash bins, and cleaning supplies out of the frame.
Bathroom details: Even though it is not the central element of your property, closing toilet lids, removing personal toiletries, and adding elegant soaps or rolled towels can make a huge difference in the final images.

These micro-adjustments don't take long to make but have a significant impact on how the viewers perceive the quality and feel of a property.

6. Collaborating with Your Photographer

This is one of the key steps in preparing for a successful photoshoot. Your photographer is your partner in telling your place’s story visually and needs to have a clear understanding of your vision. To make the most of their expertise, make sure to:

Share your vision: Communicate the mood, key features, and brand style you want to highlight. Go into details, collect pictures. Even a song can be effective in communicating what mood you want to convey in the pictures.
Discuss shot priorities: Identify which rooms or architectural features must be showcased and whether you need certain elements to be covered from multiple angles (to show the flow of the house, rooms connecting etc.).
Plan timing and logistics: Spend some time in the area you want to have photographed. Different spaces receive wildly different light throughout the day and year, so make sure to choose the best time for natural lighting and inform your staff or family of the time of the photoshoot to minimize disruptions.
Walk through the space together: This helps finalize and communicate the vision in real-time, make styling tweaks, and communicate anything that will ensure a smooth shoot day.

A good, collaborative relationship with your photographer will ensure that the photos align with your marketing goals and storytelling aspirations. Your photographer is there to serve your vision, and communication is key so that you can be on the same page the day of the shoot.

7. Scheduling Tips for a Seamless Shoot

Last but not least, organizing the shoot optimally makes the process efficient and helps your photographer capture the best images. In order to do this, make sure to:

Choose the right time of day: For natural light, mid-morning to afternoon is ideal in most cases.
Avoid busy periods: Schedule when the property is least occupied to prevent interruptions.
Prep the space in advance: Have all cleaning, styling, and repairs completed before the photographer arrives.
Allow flexibility: Allocate extra time for adjustments, re-styling, or moving heavy furniture if needed.
Consider weather conditions: If exterior shots are included, plan for sunny, clear days.

When everything is well organized, we can focus on what matters most: creating strong images.

There’s quite a bit to think about, I know — but preparation has a beautiful way of clearing space for creativity. When the practical things are taken care of, your vision can unfold freely.
To make it simple, I’ve put together a gentle, easy-to-follow PDF checklist. It’s the same kind of tool I love using myself when I start something meaningful. Click here to download your copy.

And if you need help turning your story into standout images, reach out for a free consultation so that we can discuss what your vision is and how I can help you bring it to life.

7 Tips on How to Prepare Your Space for an Interior Photography Shoot