How To Capture Your Work As An E-Designer

Getting photos of your finished projects can be one of the hardest parts of an e-design business, but it's also one of the most important! Just because we're providing online design services doesn't mean that we can't get beautiful, portfolio-worthy photos of our work. If this sounds crazy to you, read on my friend, because I've got some strategies for you. (And spoiler alert: it doesn't involve you asking the client to take the photos themselves because let's be honest, those aren't ever going to be good enough to publish!)

I'm sharing the simple method I've used for the past few years that has worked beautifully for me and given me lots of content to share on my website and social media, and also for marketing and publicity purposes. 

In my mind, there are two major hurdles to overcome:

• Getting portfolio-worthy projects (in other words, making sure clients execute your vision well and finish the space)

• Actually getting the photos themselves

So, how do you overcome those hurdles?

Let's start by tackling the first one since in order even think about getting photos, you have to have a completed project that you're proud of and want to shoot.

Hurdle #1: Getting portfolio-worthy projects

First of all, set a goal of working with 10 local clients during the year (at least!). This doesn't mean you'll be shooting all 10 of those projects; in fact, you'll probably shoot five of them at the most because not all of them are going to turn into portfolio-worthy projects. Since so much is up to the client to complete the project with e-design, the truth is that many projects won't make the cut - either because they never get finished or the client doesn't end up following your vision and plan. That's ok. Odds are that at least SOME of them will turn out to be amazing and you'll have the opportunity to get your hands on some photos of them.

The reason I'm recommending local clients is because you're likely going to want to have some input when it comes to styling and making the space shine before snapping any photos. A little in-person work is likely going to be required, so being able to go to the home easily is key. Just because it's e-design doesn't mean you can't see it in person when it's done!

As you work with folks, you can usually tell pretty early on if the project has potential to be on the "I'd love to shoot this" list. Once you know that to be the case, stay in touch with that client. Check in and see how the project is coming along and ask them to send progress photos. Know that you may need to follow up multiple times. By the end, if it does meet all of your expectations and turn out beautifully, ask the client if you can come style it and shoot it - I find they're usually honored to be asked!

Hurdle #2: Getting the photos themselves

Once you've got that perfect portfolio-worthy project ready to shoot, the next step is to figure out how you're going to get those photos. And you want them to be GOOD. If you're going to devote time and energy to getting a space ready for photos, you want to make it worth your while.

So, you have two options:

• Hire a pro photographer

• Shoot the space yourself

Hiring a pro can be expensive (as high as $1,500+ per shoot!), but by going that route, you know you'll end up with awesome photos. The alternative is to shoot the space yourself, which is certainly more cost-effective, but are you confident that you'll get the high quality photos you really want? If the answer is no, but you're still hesitant to shell out for a pro, would this be something you'd want to learn so you COULD be your own photographer? It would be the best of both worlds!

Being your own photographer allows you to shoot not only client projects, but gives you the chance to create new content all the time using your own home and other spaces as well! If you have the right equipment and solid skills, you'll give yourself a huge advantage (plus, you'll save a ton of money on photoshoots!).

If learning to shoot interiors is something you'd like to do, I'd love for you to check out my interior photography course. I'll be teaching you the ins and outs of how to get those portfolio-worth photos.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide how to capture your work, but I hope that these tips and strategies are helpful and encouraging. You CAN get finished room photos as an e-designer - I've done it! Regardless of whether you hire a pro or shoot it yourself, it definitely takes time, effort, patience, and persistence, but it's worth it.