Top Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a London Interior Photographer
Booking the right interior photographer can make or break the way your work is showcased.
Your projects deserve visuals that attract clients, elevate your brand, and communicate the quality of your design.
But here’s the truth: not every photographer is the right fit for interiors. And choosing the wrong one can cost you more than money—it can cost you reputation, time, and peace of mind.
Let’s look at the top mistakes to avoid when hiring an interior design and architecture photographer (with some real stories thrown in).
1. Falling Into the Word-of-Mouth Trap
A recommendation from a networking group feels safe—but it’s not always.
One of my clients booked a wedding photographer at higher rates to shoot their design project while I was on maternity leave. He came recommended, but he wasn’t an interiors specialist. Very quickly, they were calling me, saying, “Please come back! He was overcharging, and the photos just didn’t work.”
Lesson: Word of mouth is powerful, but always check if the photographer has specific interior expertise.
2. Choosing a Photographer Who Can’t Collaborate
Even technically skilled photographers can be difficult to work with.
Another client hired someone with a great portfolio, but the photographer wasn’t collaborative. It made the project stressful. The client later told me, “Working with you was a breeze compared to before.”
Lesson: Look for a photographer who’s a partner in the process, not just someone pressing the shutter.
3. Hiring the Complainer
Yes, they exist. The photographer who complains, takes forever, and can’t adapt when things don’t go to plan.
One client compared their previous experience with mine and said, “This was so easy with you. Last time the shoot dragged on for ages.”
Lesson: Energy matters. A can-do attitude saves you stress (and hours on set).
4. Ignoring Past Client Experiences
A well-known showroom in Clerkenwell once told me, “We overspent because the previous photographer did a bad job. This time, we’re bringing you in.”
That opportunity came through a recommendation—I had originally been photographing the space for another company. They saw the results, appreciated the quality and attention to detail, and passed my name along.
The showroom team was so happy with the outcome that they not only avoided repeating the costly mistake of the past but also purchased additional images because the photography added more value than expected.
Lesson: If multiple clients are sharing similar experiences about a photographer—positive or negative—listen. Strong recommendations, paired with consistent results, are often the clearest sign you’ve found the right professional.
5. Choosing Purely on Price
This is one of the biggest mistakes.
It may feel tempting to go for the cheapest option, but it rarely pays off in the long term. Bad photos mean wasted money, lost opportunities, and sometimes having to reshoot with the right photographer anyway.
Here’s the good news: not every project needs to be photographed. Save your budget for the important projects, and invest in a professional interiors photographer when it counts. The ROI is worth it.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
✔️Check portfolio consistency: Ensure their work matches the style you want.
✔️Ask about collaboration: How do they work with designers, developers, or teams?
✔️Test communication responsiveness: A prompt, professional photographer is crucial for smooth projects.
✔️Understand their niche: Don’t hire a generalist or someone outside your interior design sector just because of a recommendation.
✔️ Check recommendations and reviews: Look at testimonials, Google reviews, or word of mouth. Trusted feedback can confirm professionalism—but balance it with your own research to make sure they’re the right fit for your project.
✔️Get to know your photographer before booking: Follow their social media and LinkedIn. See if their style, energy, and way of doing business resonate with you. Send a message to check how they respond. If multiple photographers catch your eye, interacting with their content will also keep them on your radar and help you make a conscious choice. Even after all this effort, if the decision doesn’t work out, don’t give up—there’s a photographer out there who’s the perfect fit.
✔️Ask questions: Unsure about anything? Ask additional questions—the good photographers won’t bite! Their clear and professional responses may convince you they’re the right fit.
✔️ Consider budget strategically. Don’t chase the cheapest deal. Instead, be intentional—allocate your photography spend where it will make the biggest impact.
✔️ And if you do get it wrong, don’t give up. There’s a photographer out there who’s the right fit for you.
By following these tips, you can book a photographer who will elevate your spaces, reflect your brand, and make the photoshoot a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Let’s Connect
Finding the right interiors architecture photographer is about more than ticking boxes—it’s about building a relationship with someone who understands your vision. Let’s build a connection and see if our future projects align.
– Trusted London interior and portrait photographer helping designers, architects, and creative professionals tell their visual story.