How to Get Your Interior Design Photos Published – Pros, Cons & Expert Tips
Publishing your interior design photos of your dream project is one of the most powerful ways to gain recognition, build credibility, and attract new clients. But, like most worthwhile things, it takes time, patience, and the right approach. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get your interior design photography published, including the pros and cons and tips for success.
Interior Design by Sophie Anne Interiors, Images by Mary McNeill Knowles
Before You Pitch: What to Know About Getting Published
Deciding whether to pursue publication with your interior design photos is a big decision. While getting featured in a design publication can boost your visibility, it requires patience and persistence. To help you decide if it’s the right path for your project, here’s a breakdown of the key pros and cons to consider.
Pros of Getting Your Interior Design Work Featured
Public Recognition: Your interior design photos get seen within the design community — by current clients, potential clients, and other creatives in the industry. Publishing your interior design photography means your studio is gaining recognition, and that’s something to celebrate!
Larger Audience Reach: Getting your interior design project published puts your work in front of a wider audience, increasing your chances of landing more projects. Choosing the right publication is key if your goal is to attract new clients.
Don’t underestimate the reach of digital publications—Bidgood’s feature in Domino propelled the project across the online design community, eventually landing it on Emily Henderson’s blog and Homes & Gardens.
Legitimacy & Credibility: Being featured is like a stamp of approval. It signals that your interior design photos were chosen from many others to be showcased. This recognition positions you as a trusted expert in your field.
Cons of Pitching Interior Design Projects to Magazines
No Guarantees: Pitching your interior design projects to magazines can be a slow and tedious process. You send pitches to potential publications, often following up with two or three emails before moving on to the next. Some publications have strict submission requirements, which means you'll need to tailor each pitch to fit their niche. If you can’t dedicate the time, it might be worth hiring a publications manager.
Delayed Celebration: Publications work at least 3 months in advance and may time your feature to coincide with a seasonal topic. As a result, a project you complete today might not be shared for 6 to 12 months. Most publications want exclusivity, so this means you and anyone else with the interior design photos have to wait to use them. If this is your only major project of the year, you might have to find other ways to showcase your work in the meantime.
Maintaining a consistent online presence doesn’t always require a full-scale shoot. My Compact Session is designed to capture standout rooms or details, giving you fresh content to share and attract attention without committing to a larger photoshoot.
Viewers Aren’t Necessarily Buyers: While visibility is great, it doesn’t always lead to direct inquiries. Word-of-mouth referrals from clients, trades, and suppliers remain the most effective way to win new work. Publications are great for brand awareness but may not have the same impact as strong, local industry relationships.
Conclusion
Getting your interior design photos published can be a game-changer for your business. By understanding the process, weighing the pros and cons, and planning for publication from the start, you can increase your chances of success—oh, and of course, getting professional photography also plays a
