Architecture photographer adjusting settings for a shot, with blurred photographer in the background, against a backdrop of modern pottery on shelving unit
Interior Design + Architecture Photography Sessions


FAQ + PROCESS

I help guide clients through every step of the process so they feel confident in the process and  investment.

FAQ

Who owns the images and what is licensing?
Under Canadian copyright laws, as soon as the shutter clicks all photographs are owned by the photographer. When you commission a photographer to capture a project, you are paying for time, creativity and a set of licensing rights to use the images. Image licensing is when rights are purchased to use a photo and gain permission from the photographer to use it in a specific way. It is important to understand the terms of a photo license and be fully educated on what is actually being purchased, and clients have all the rights they need to use the images in their marketing plans.
How long does a typical Interiors photo session last?
The duration of a photo session varies depending on the type and scope of the project. For most interior sessions, I will be on location for a full day to ensure that your photos are magazine-ready. The photography process is slow-paced and detail-oriented, involving several steps such as adding or removing light, adjusting decor, and determining the right composition before the shutter clicks. Throughout the process, I work collaboratively with clients on site to ensure that the final images meet all requirements.
What is cost sharing and how can it benefit you?
The cost sharing program is arranged before a shoot, and is an opportunity for clients to receive a healthy discount on the cost of a session. Cost sharing allows any and all relevant trades involved in your project to split the fees of a session and receive final photographs. This may be the interior designer, architect, contractor, or supplier that had a hand in your project. This practise will also alleviate the need for each trade to find & hire a photographer. It’s a win-win. The more businesses you have involved with one session, the more you will save. A fee of +30% of session costs are added per party. Any 3rd party that wants access to the photos after the shoot has wrapped, they will have the option to purchase the images separately based on a per-image rate
Can I give the photos to others to use?
If you know prior to the shoot that you have interested third parties, you can take advantage of the cost sharing discount which is a win-win to get some great savings on the overall cost of the project. Otherwise, third parties must purchase their own license if they wish to use the photos from our shoot for marketing materials.
Can vendors/manufacturers I tag use the photos too?
Feel free to tag vendors that had a part in your project! If they however would like to post the images on their own feeds, they will need to contact me to purchase a license for usage.
How does re-licensing images benefit both photographers and clients?
The ability for photographers to re-license images to other parties is integral to their business strategy. Photographers benefit from the ability to re-license images as it provides an ongoing revenue stream without frequently raising client rates. This sustainable model allows photographers to continue producing high-quality work and maintaining fair pricing for clients over the long term.
How long does it take to receive the final edited photos?
As I handle all my editing personally with extra time and care, the average turnaround time is typically 2-4 weeks after proofs are selected for editing. For larger projects, I recommend planning closer to 3-4 weeks, but I always strive to deliver finals early whenever possible. Turnaround times can vary based on my current editing queue, project size, and retouching requirements
How can I prep my spaces for photography?
Preparing your spaces the day before a photoshoot day is key to maximizing your investment. It ensures your spaces looks its absolute best—clean, styled, and ready to shine. It is normal while we are shooting to move decor & shift furniture, but by having the spaces fully ready will allow us to focus on taking beautiful photos. If you fully stage & style the morning of the session, you may find yourself in a stressful time crunch and I want you to enjoy the day and get as many photos as your package includes. If you have any questions about staging or styling before the session I am more than happy to help.
Should I invest in a stylist or stager for my project?
To create eye catching, editorial targeted images I do recommend styling and staging your projects before your session. Incorporating flowers, food, and drink into your interior photography can transform your images from visually appealing to unforgettable. Beyond adding pops of color and texture, these elements infuse warmth into your compositions. This approach not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also provides a personal touch, making your photos stand out and resonate with your audience. Hours can quickly add up when you spend time sourcing & setting up for your session. If styling isn't your thing, I have stylist recommendations I can connect you with to do the styling for you! A stylist will help elevate your photos and get time back in your day to spend with your clients.
How many final photos can I expect to get?
This varies greatly from project to project but for residential design, generally I am able to create anywhere from 13-20 photographs in a full-day. Each composition can easily take up to 45 mins to capture, as I do collaborate closely with clients. Staging, styling & adding models (or pets!) will elevate images for an editorial look, but it will affect the number of images we can create in one day. Additionally, some spaces may require some extra time if a space has high or low natural lighting. Larger properties may require 2 session days to capture. My process is quality over quantity based, however the images we capture will be carefully planned photos that fit your needs exactly. 5 curated, polished images will be more effective than 25 snapshots of a space. Quality marketing attracts quality clients!

Our Booking process:

Interior design photographer arranging decor for a shot, meticulously adjusting details to capture the perfect composition

I. Reach out + Discovery call.

Reach out by email to set up a time for a discovery call so I can learn more about you! We will chat about your business & I will give you insight on my process and how we can work together.

II. Session planning.

If you think we would be a good fit, we will plan a second call to discuss details of your upcoming project. We will discuss the scope, vision & date. I will request site images or renderings of the project in advance, so that I can better understand the spaces and prepare accordingly. This will help me create a more tailored approach to the photography. I will then prepare an estimate for the project. To book & reserve your date the next step will be to sign the photography agreement and pay retainer before any pre-production planning begins.


Tip: To maximize the potential of larger projects, consider planning a site visit for both of us. Once a retainer has been paid for your project, site visits are included in full-day sessions for projects located within the Ottawa core. This can be a great opportunity for collaborative planning, allowing for better coordination of your shot list and approach.

III. Shoot day.

Work collaboratively to create storytelling, high quality images. Review compositions and styling on a larger screen for a more detailed assessment of photos. Photo sessions can be long days, but we will be extremely productive and take snack breaks to refuel! It is important to me that clients enjoy their experience and look forward to capturing their project.

Overhead view of an interiors photographer reviewing composition on an iPad, ensuring every detail is captured with precision

Session Day

I use a blend of artificial and ambient light to create lighting that is balanced. Before capturing the photo, I make a number of adjustments, including adding or blocking light, fine-tuning décor placement, and determining composition.


1

Review

Walk through spaces to determine a starting point. Then review the shot list and discuss design features


2

Setup

Unpack and set up equipment. I will then set up the first composition for review with clients on my iPad screen


3

Prep the shot

Check styling, decor and shift furniture as needed. Collaborate on any other details to create the perfect image.


4

Light it up!

Finalize composition & styling. Take a series of photographs using natural & artificial lighting.


5

Break + wrap up

After 3-4 hrs of shooting we will take a break to recharge and discuss next steps. Lastly, we will review the images captured in our day.


Interested in learning more about licensing and copyright? Hit play on the video below

Video by Matthew Anderson

Licensing + Copyright

Image licensing


Did you recently see your product or work featured in one of my photographs? Instantly upgrade your website or social media pages by purchasing a license to use images for your marketing materials. Use the contact form below to reach out! *subject to availability

Ottawa, Montreal & Kingston Home Photographer