Understand what makes an image press-ready

Guide: Residential 
Photography for 
Media Outreach


This residential photography PDF guide was created for interior designers and architects who design homes and apartments. It will help you understand what images work best for press outreach so you can plan an effective shoot and come away with media-ready shots. 



Unsure if you have the right photos
to pitch press features?

Need some actionable tips on how
to plan a product shoot?

Don't know if your images meet industry
standards for design media?

Get the guide

Hey all, Nora here!

What is the number one thing I talk about with my clients? The thing we’re always striving to improve? It’s photography. There isn’t a design editor in the world that will publish your work without the right kinds of photos, no matter how cool, interesting or important the work is.

Photography is truly the number one, most important part of media outreach. If you don’t have photos, AND if they are not up to industry standards, it won’t matter how amazing your product is, the media just won’t give you coverage.

For small businesses and independent makers, it can be really difficult to determine what exactly makes a media-ready photo. So I compiled 10+ years of experience pitching to design industry publications into an easy-to-use guide on photography standards. We packed with over 90 real examples from publications like Fast Company, Wallpaper*, Design Milk, Real Simple, My Domaine, Vogue, and more. Some of these are from actual press features I helped place for my clients.

The tips in this guide, like all our work, are useful and actionable, and always abide by our no-fluff policy.

Residential Photography for Media Outreach

A guide on photography standards for architects and interior designers.

So, what *are* the standards for great, media quality photography, you ask? This is the question we cover in depth in this guide, so your assets are ready to go when you start your big PR push.

What the guide will help you do:

  • Understand the point of view of the publications you want to pitch so you can create photography for specific media outlets.

  • Effectively plan your shoot.

  • Appropriately style the space.

  • Execute an efficient and goal oriented shoot. The guide includes a 1-page photoshoot checklist that you can print and bring to every shoot.

  • Develop a keen eye for what can and can’t be done in Photoshop, so you know exactly what issues must be addressed during the shoot.

  • Create a file management system that editors will love.

Note: this guide does not cover the technicalities of how to take good photos or use a camera. That’s what professional photographers are for. What it does cover is tips on how to work with professional photographers, and how to know what kinds of photos you need, so you get the best final result.


Guide Price - $74.00

Whenever I'm planning a big project I always go by the saying: 'Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.' Reading through Wolf Craft's Product Photography Guides gave me a great set of tools to ensure I was asking myself, and my team, all the right questions to ensure my photo shoot went smoothly.

 - Erin Lorek, Lorekform

The Guide Covers:

How to understand a publication's point of view,
including case studies from Domino, Sight Unseen
Better Homes & Gardens, and Aspire Design & Home.

Examples of best practices for shooting every room
in a residential project. In-depth explanations on
aspects like styling, lighting, and shot angles.

Tips on how to improve your images in Photoshop
with before and after examples from a built project.

Advice about how to prepare for a shoot, including
researching precedent images, and hiring a photographer.

Get the guide!

FAQ

I’m planning on taking photos myself with my phone (it has a good lens) is this guide for me?

Not gonna lie, it is always best to use a professional photographer. But there are a lot of times when using a high-quality phone camera, good lighting, and photoshop knowledge can get you there as well. We always suggest that you take images with your phone for tests, social media, etc. 

This guide was created specifically for architects and interior designers to understand what kinds of images they really need to capture. If you’re not ready to hire a photographer and set up a professional shoot (it’s a big investment!) the guide will help you understand the scope and goals. 


Will this guide teach me how to take photos/use a camera?

No. That’s what professional photographers are for. This guide covers the types of photos you need to pitch press, and what characteristics they should have. It also covers how to prepare for a shoot and communicate with your photographer.


I am a product designer is this guide for me?

No, but we’ve created two guides specifically for product designers:

Product Photography for Media Outreach: for Small Products (home goods, consumables, tech products, jewelry, ceramics, books, etc).

Product Photography for Media Outreach: for Large Products (furniture, lighting, wallpaper, rugs, etc)


Where can I get more PR tips and strategy advice?

We have a free bi-weekly newsletter that you can subscribe to here. In it we share useful media outreach tips, behind the scenes press strategy, case studies, and resources to help you do PR in house.