On our most recent From the Tap podcast, I spoke with Elizabeth Lord-Levitt, principal designer of Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design in Denver and Amy Pigliacampo, owner of Los Angeles-based Amy Pigliacampo Interiors about all things kitchen & bath project photography, which I know a lot of our listeners and readers have questions about. The two designers have collaborated on some photo shoots, and each brings many useful things to the table.
They talked about why it is crucial for designers to have professional shots of their projects – if no one can see the projects, how can you share your work with potential clients? Pigliacampo says it can be hard for people to understand the costs of professional photography, which is ironic when designers do know what it costs for a great kitchen or bath project. Professional photos can also be helpful in winning design competitions through organizations like NKBA. Judges are not going to choose winners based on iPhone photos alone.
The two designers also recommend a benchmark style in mind for a portfolio. While all projects may not look the same, an “underlying vibe” is good to have that lets potential clients know the project was yours. It is also important to show a range of projects on your website with a little thread that ties them all together.
They also shared tips for accessorizing a kitchen or bath for a photo shoot, and having a good prop library is essential. Taking the time to plan it out is also a good idea to ensure the lighting is just right, etc. A great photographer will know how to structure the lighting for an interiors design project.
The designers also suggested some other dos and don’ts when it comes to professional photos and tips for interacting with your photographer and knowing what your expectations are in terms of fees, usage rights and their strengths.
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