Whether you're hiring an interior photographer for the first time or you're a seasoned pro looking for someone new, I hope this post helps you make the right choice for your next project.

Of course, you'll need to know basic stuff like cost and turnaround time. But if you really want to gauge the quality of the photographer and see if you’re a good match, check out the points below.

“CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BRAND?”

I've found that my best experiences with designers happen when we share the same goals and philosophies. When you and your photographer connect on a deeper level than just producing great images, the whole process becomes enjoyable, and you’ll actually look forward to session days!

I vibe best with designers who not only create amazing spaces but are also humble, service-oriented, genuine, and have a bigger purpose behind their business. I’m all about long-term relationships, so I also get along well with designers who are in it for the long haul.

To really get to know an interior architecture photographer, ask them open-ended questions that let them talk about what drives them and why they do what they do. This way, you'll quickly find out who they are as a person, not just a business owner.

“DO YOU TETHER YOUR CAMERA?”

To really understand what's going on in each shot, you need to see the image on a screen bigger than the back of the camera. By connecting the camera to an iPad or laptop, the photographer can spot any technical tweaks needed and make sure you're happy with the composition and styling.

The difference between a good photo and an exceptional one often comes down to the tiniest details. So, it's important to be able to see what's happening at any point during the session.

“HOW MANY IMAGES CAN I EXPECT TO RECEIVE?”

An experienced interior photographer should be able to give you an idea of how many images you'll get from a session. This depends on two things: the scope of the project and the time constraints of the session.

For example, if an interior designer hires me for a full day to photograph five rooms, I'll probably deliver around 20-25 images for them to choose from. But if I’m hired to shoot the same number of rooms in just half a day, that number drops to about 8-10 images.

“HOW CAN I USE THE IMAGE LICENSE YOU SELL?”

Do you want to use the images online for your website and social media? Or maybe you want them for a magazine publication? Are you planning to share them with a third party?

Contrary to popular belief, buying the image doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want with it. What you’re actually purchasing is a usage fee or license to use the photo, while the photographer still owns the copyright.

Any experienced interior photographer will have specific rules about the licenses they offer. So, make sure to discuss this upfront to avoid any surprises later on.

“HOW CAN MY GC, ARCHITECT, OR THE PROJECT VENDORS ALSO BE ABLE TO USE THE IMAGES?”

It’s pretty common for an interior designer to ask if other parties involved in the project can also use the images. Yes, they can! But they need to pay for a license to do so.

When interviewing an interior photographer, ask how they handle these scenarios. Often, the photographer will offer a split fee arrangement (also called cost sharing) if multiple parties want to buy into the session.

So, ask them: “Do you offer cost sharing when third parties want to buy into the session?”

Many photographers, including myself, will offer a split fee arrangement between you and third parties if you know ahead of time that they want to buy in. This reduces the overall cost for each party.

Just make sure to ask this question upfront, as this discount is usually available only when all parties buy in before the photo session days.

Final Thoughts

Hiring an interior photographer is a big investment. So make sure you’re selecting the right one by asking a few thoughtful questions—an experienced interior photographer will have no problem discussing these topics with you.