What Storytelling in Photography Really Looks Like: A Behind-the-Lens Look at Real Designer Projects
When you hear the phrase “storytelling in photography,” it might sound a little abstract, like something reserved for fashion campaigns or wedding albums. But as an interior design photographer, storytelling is exactly what drives my process. It’s not just about wide shots of gorgeous rooms or perfectly styled corners. It’s about finding the moments, details, and layers that show who the space was built for, how it’s lived in, and what it really feels like.
The way I photograph a space is never one-size-fits-all. It shifts depending on the designer’s style, the purpose of the room, and most importantly, the people who live there. I want to show you exactly what that looks like through a few favorite sessions with designers who pour their heart into every detail.
Telling the Story of a Joy-Filled Family Home with Mary Harrison
This project was vibrant in every way—both in personality and palette! Mary Harrison designed this home for a young, playful family who wanted something that felt functional, yet full of life. You could literally feel the joy in every room!
Instead of shooting just the layout or decor, I leaned into capturing how this home was used. The breakfast nook had a vinyl banquette where the girls could eat, create art, and do homework—a total game-changer for a busy family. The family room had layers of texture, cozy corners, and a layout that invited gathering. And in the dining room? A Schumacher wallpaper that held sentimental value for the client.
These moments told the story of a family-centered home, one where beauty and practicality coexist. And that’s what makes interior photography resonate. It’s not just pretty—it’s personal!
Capturing Refined Rural Living with Sarah Becker Design
Sarah’s project was one I’ll never forget! Her clients inherited the land when they were kids, and after years of challenges, finally built their dream home. That emotional backstory shaped every design decision, and I wanted to honor that through the images.
This home was rich in color and meaning. Heirloom artwork. Comfortable but custom furnishings. Nods to their family’s roots. Instead of just photographing beautiful rooms, I paid attention to what mattered most—the layers! A painting passed down through generations. A table with hand-carved legs that whispered of craftsmanship and care.
It reminded me that when you know the story behind the design, you photograph differently. You slow down, you shoot tighter, you honor the details. That’s what storytelling in photography is all about.
When Midcentury Meets Glam: The Glass House with Terravista Interior Design
This shoot with Sherry of Terravista Interior Design was such a treat. The Glass House was designed to blend a midcentury aesthetic with a bit of glam, and it totally delivered. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Sleek lines. Gold hardware. It was sophisticated without being stuffy.
One standout moment? The primary bathroom had massive windows overlooking the backyard, bringing in dreamy natural light that made the space feel like a retreat. The marble and stone detailing elevated the room, and the mix of clean lines with soft tones gave the space dimension.
Rather than only focusing on design symmetry or styling, I wanted each photo to express a mood. That’s how storytelling in photography works—it’s not about showing off, it’s about pulling people in!
What Storytelling in Photography Actually Means
So what does it really look like to tell a story through interior design photos? It looks like shooting from the hallway because that’s how the light falls best on a chair, the family dog sleeps in. It’s styling the breakfast nook to feel just like it would on a slow Saturday morning. It’s knowing when to zoom in on the hardware that was picked out because it reminded the homeowner of their grandmother’s kitchen.
Storytelling in photography means your portfolio isn’t just beautiful—it’s relatable. It doesn’t just showcase your talent—it shares your heart.
Why Storytelling Photography Actually Works
Interior designers, you already know your projects are layered with personality and purpose. The right photography helps your audience feel that. Here’s how:
- It builds trust. When your photos show how people live in a space, not just how it’s styled, it makes potential clients think, “I want to live like that too.”
- It increases engagement. Storytelling images tend to perform better on social media because they stop the scroll. They evoke curiosity, warmth, and connection.
- It sells more than a design—it sells a lifestyle. You’re not just designing spaces. You’re creating environments that change how people feel at home. Your photography should do the same.
Every Session Is Unique, So Your Photos Should Be Too!
Whether it’s a bold and colorful family home, a refined rural retreat, or a bright, airy glam space, storytelling looks different every time. I tailor every shoot to the designer and the project, I listen and I plan with intention. And I shoot with the goal of doing justice to all the work you’ve poured into your project.
I don’t show up just to “take pretty pictures.” I show up to tell the story you’ve already written!
Book your Houston Interior Photographer, Ellen Renee!
If you’re looking for a Houston interior design photographer who values the heart behind your design as much as the aesthetic, let’s chat. Whether you’re launching a new project or want to breathe life into your portfolio, I’d love to work with you to create images that are as thoughtful as your designs.
Contact me to book your shoot or learn more about how we can work together! Check out more of my work on Pinterest!
