Architectural and interiors photography
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Wondering what it’s like to hire an architectural and interiors photographer? See the answers below to common questions. If you still have questions or would like to discuss a project, fill out the contact form to start the conversation.
General Questions
Professional architectural photography involves a highly intentional approach to composition, lighting, and perspective. It’s not just about documenting a space, but representing it in a way that reflects the original design intent. This is especially important for architects, interior designers, and brands who rely on strong imagery to present their work at a high level.
Architectural photography also requires specialized equipment and a deep understanding of how to control light, reflections, and spatial relationships. Each image is carefully considered, from lens selection to depth of field. This ensures the space feels accurate, while encouraging an emotional connection.
The purpose behind the photography is also very different. Real estate photography is mainly informational: it shows how the rooms are connected, the basic layout, and supports a quick sale. The lifespan of real estate photography is short, and becomes obsolete the moment the home is sold. Architectural photography, on the other hand, is created as a long-term asset. It’s used for portfolios, marketing, publications, and awards, bringing value year after year. The goal is to produce images that not only document a space, but elevate it, serving as a lasting representation of the design.
If you’re an interior designer and want to have your designs featured in a prestigious publication, it’s best to hire a stylist. However, this will increase the cost considerably, so it’s a good idea to plan for this up front. Incorporating the cost of both the photoshoot and the stylist into your pricing will help. However, many designers are not able to include a stylist, and prefer to handle the styling themselves. This can still produce incredible images worthy of publication. Just make sure to plan ahead and arrive early to set up.
Working with Kristy
I specialize in photographing the built environment, including projects such as custom homes, commercial spaces, retail environments, restaurants, offices, and hospitality spaces. I also photograph showrooms and architectural products for manufacturers and suppliers. See the Services page for more information.
Most projects are for architects, interior designers, builders, developers, and brands. I also work with restaurants, hospitality groups, and companies that need professional imagery of designed spaces or products within those environments.
I offer guidance on styling and composition during the shoot, but full staging is typically handled by the client or a stylist. The goal is to refine what’s already in place so the space photographs as clean and cohesive as possible. It is often necessary to adjust furniture and decor according to the position of the camera, but the majority should be in place before the photoshoot.
Turnaround time varies depending on the project and workload. Most clients receive their final images within one to three weeks. Expedited delivery may be available if needed.
It’s entirely up to you. If you’d like to be on-site, we’ll collaborate on each composition to ensure you get the exact images you need.
Or, for a more flexible option, I can work independently with access to the location, guided by a pre-approved shot list. You’ll then have the opportunity to select the images you’d like to license.
I’m comfortable with either approach—whatever works best for you.
Photoshoot and Planning
It’s best to schedule at least a few weeks in advance, especially for larger or more complex projects. Timing often depends on weather, lighting conditions, and when the space is fully complete and styled. However, it’s sometimes possible to schedule in as little as 4-5 days ahead, if needed.
Architectural and interior photography is highly specialized, and takes time. Each high-quality image averages between 30 – 60 minutes to set up, compose, and capture. This includes deciding composition, lens choice, arranging objects, and shaping/adding/subtracting light. A full day of photography will yield between 15 – 25 photos, depending on how quickly the day goes.
The space should be fully complete, clean, and styled before photography begins. This includes final furniture placement, decor, and any finishing details. I can provide guidance ahead of time to help ensure everything is ready.
Each space will dictate how the lighting needs to be. Sometimes the natural light is the best option, but the majority of times I will add at least some lighting and shape the light in order to capture the exact mood and feel of the space while highlighting textures, shapes, and colors.
Copyright and Licensing
Every creative work is automatically and legally protected by copyright, which by default belongs to its creator. (The copyright simply represents ownership of a creative work.)
A license defines how the work is used by the purchaser, and can be as generous or as limited as needed. (This should be familiar, because the same license structure is used for software, cell phone apps, music, film, literature, etc.)
This benefits everyone: it protects the integrity and value of the photographic work and supports a sustainable creative practice, while also safeguarding the purchaser’s interests by preventing unauthorized use by competitors or outside parties.
My standard license for photography covers the day-to-day needs for most businesses: a non-exclusive license for digital and print use (websites, social media, emails, competition entries, portfolio, etc.). Licensing for editorial and paid advertising is available for an additional fee.
Client Referral Credit: When you refer an interested party to license images after your photoshoot, you receive 25% of the resulting licensing fee as a referral credit.
Cost
In order to tailor the scope and approach to your specific needs, each project is quoted individually.
Pricing is most often structured as a Creative Fee plus a per-image Licensing Fee. The Creative Fee covers all pre-production planning, the photoshoot, and professional equipment. The license fee includes standard usage (paid advertising usage is quoted separately) and high-end editing.
In some cases, a flat rate structure may be a better fit, and I’m happy to offer that option when it aligns well with the project.
Most residential photoshoot prices tend to range between $1,200 – $2,800.
Commercial, retail, and hospitality projects start at $2,000. Typical project totals range between $2,400 – $4,200+ depending on scope, licensing, and potential cost sharing.
A common practice to help with budgeting is sharing the cost among interested parties, such as:
- Architects
- Interior Designers
- Tile Companies
- Cabinetmakers
- Bulders/Developers
- Flooring Companies
- Furniture Manufacturers
- Lighting Companies
- Window/Door Suppliers
For each additional party, a license fee of 30% is added, then the total is divided evenly. This is a benefit to all parties, and results in substantial savings.
Areas served
Kristy Larsen Photography provides architectural and interior photography throughout metro Atlanta, including Buckhead, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Roswell, and surrounding communities. Projects are photographed across the metro area for architects, interior designers, builders, and brands, with availability for travel as needed.