How to Get Published with Interior Photography: A Guide from a Dallas Interior Photographer

Aug 27

Let’s talk about one of the biggest dreams I hear from interior designers: “I want my work published in a top design magazine.” Whether it’s Architectural Digest, Domino, House Beautiful, or regional favorites like D Magazine (Dallas), Tribeza (Austin), or Texas Monthly Home, getting your work published is the golden ticket to recognition, credibility, and attracting your dream clients. And here’s the truth, one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle is how you approach your interior photography.

That’s right. Your designs might be incredible (and I know they are!), but if the photography doesn’t do them justice, publications won’t even look twice. So today, I’m breaking down how to get published with interior photography, because the right images don’t just document your work, they tell a story that editors can’t resist.

A velvet pink chair beside a brass coat rack in a corner with detailed black-and-white toile wallpaper, styled for a magazine-worthy interior feature.

A bold living room with a green marble fireplace, dark built-in shelving, and layered textures—an example of how to get published with interior photography.

Luxury bathroom with veined marble, a freestanding clawfoot tub, and brass fixtures, perfectly styled to highlight design details for editorial photography.

A dramatic dining room with black walls, floral wallpaper, and a statement chandelier—showcasing how to get published with interior photography.

Why Publication-Worthy Photography Matters

Here’s the deal, magazines and online publications are flooded with submissions. Editors don’t have time to read through every pitch or squint at iPhone photos in bad lighting. They’re looking for projects that immediately grab their attention with photos that wow, bright, vibrant, full of life, and styled to perfection.

This is why investing in interior design photography that highlights your work is essential. A strong portfolio of professionally shot spaces is often the difference between a quick delete and an enthusiastic “YES, we want this!”

When you get published, it’s not just about bragging rights. It positions you as an authority in your industry, builds credibility with potential clients, and makes your brand more desirable.

Dark green built-in shelving frames a striking marble fireplace with birch logs, styled for an editorial-ready interior feature.

Statement glass chandelier over a dining table with floral wallpaper and modern art, styled as an example of how to get published with interior photography.

A custom arched wine cellar with illuminated shelving and a glass door, photographed to highlight craftsmanship and editorial design details.

Luxury kitchen with a marble waterfall island, brass barstools, and champagne styling—showcasing how to get published with interior photography.

Step One: Think Like an Editor

If you want to know how to get published with interior photography, you have to step into the shoes of an editor. Editors are looking for:

A cohesive story. What’s the narrative of the space? Was it a bold renovation? A modern twist on a historic home? They want to know the “why” as much as the “what.”
Strong visual flow. Publications love when the photos feel like you’re walking through the space. Wide shots, details, and lifestyle moments all work together to create a complete picture.
On-trend but timeless. Editors love fresh, colorful, vibrant designs that photograph well but don’t feel dated the second they go to print.

This is where working with a professional interior photographer who understands publications comes in. It’s not just about documenting the design, it’s about styling, lighting, and framing your work to tell a story that feels magazine-worthy.

Step Two: Build a Portfolio Designed for Publications

Your portfolio isn’t just a collection of projects; it’s your pitch deck to editors. If you want to learn how to get interior design work published, focus on building a portfolio that makes an impact.

Here’s what I recommend:

Curate your best projects. Quality over quantity, choose the ones that reflect your style and the clients you want to attract.
Highlight color and vibrancy. Editors love boldness. Don’t shy away from featuring projects with unique palettes, textures, and personality.
Include a mix of shots. Wide, full-room images show the overall space, while detail shots capture the craftsmanship and artistry that make your design stand out.

Think of your portfolio as a magazine spread before it even gets published. If it feels editorial already, editors will have an easier time imagining it in their publication.

Luxury bathroom with bold marble walls, brass fixtures, and a clawfoot tub—styled to illustrate how to get published with interior photography.

Detail shot of a marble vanity with brass fixtures and modern soap dispenser, highlighting craftsmanship and design finishes.

Editorial kitchen with a black and gold range, marble backsplash, and copper pot, perfect for how to get published with interior photography.

Cozy built-in kitchen nook with white cabinetry, cushioned bench seating, and a statement lantern pendant for a polished, livable design.

Chic powder room featuring pink marble tile, black vanity, and brass fixtures, styled for an editorial-ready interior feature.

Step Three: Styling Makes All the Difference

Photography is half the battle. Styling is the other half. Publications love a polished, lived-in look that feels elevated without being stiff.

Some interior design photography tips to keep in mind:

Bring in fresh flowers, greenery, or colorful props to add life to the space.
Keep clutter out of frame, edit ruthlessly, but don’t strip away personality!
Play with balance. Symmetry is powerful, but breaking it with one quirky object can add visual interest.
Use color intentionally. A pop of vibrant artwork, a bold rug, or layered textures help the photo stand out.

As your Dallas interior photographer, I often bring styling items or rearrange things on set (yes, I’ve fluffed a pillow twelve times until it looked “perfect”!). These little tweaks make a huge difference when your photos land in front of an editor.

Step Four: Work with a Photographer Who Gets Publications

This one’s huge. Not all interior photographers shoot with publication in mind. Shooting for your website or Instagram is one thing, but knowing how to get published in design magazines requires a different approach.

I focus on:

Lighting that enhances your design. Whether it’s natural light or artificial, the goal is crisp, vibrant photos that show every detail.
Angles that tell the story. Shooting as if we’re walking through the space, not just documenting one corner.
Details editors love. Close-ups of tile work, art vignettes, and textures make a spread more engaging.

When you work with someone who understands what publications want, you’re not just getting photos; you’re getting strategic tools to pitch your work.

Step Five: Submitting to Publications the Right Way

Even the best photos won’t get published if they’re submitted poorly! Here’s what to keep in mind:

Know the guidelines. Every publication has specific submission requirements. Pay attention to image sizes, number of photos, and file formats.
Tell a compelling story. Write a short narrative about the project, your vision, your challenges, and your inspiration. Editors love context.
Pitch strategically. Aim for publications that align with your aesthetic and your dream clients. Don’t waste time on outlets that don’t match your vibe.

And remember: rejection is normal! Editors get hundreds of pitches daily. But with the right photography and persistence, your work will find its way into the spotlight!

Dining room with bold floral wallpaper, a sculptural glass chandelier, and rattan dining chairs styled around a pale wood table.

Clawfoot bathtub with purple enamel exterior and gold fixtures against mirrored walls and marble tile in a luxury interior design photography setting.

White kitchen cabinetry with green tile backsplash, brass hardware, and a gold farmhouse sink centered under a window.

Shower with dramatic green marble walls, paired with geometric floor tile and pink marble accents for a modern eclectic bathroom.

Close-up of a high-end kitchen featuring a black range, marble backsplash, and brass shelving styled with ceramics and decor, perfect for luxury interior design photography.

Book Your Dallas Interior Photographer!

At the end of the day, learning how to get published with interior photography is about more than just getting a feature; it’s about elevating your brand, attracting your dream clients, and showing the world the incredible work you’re doing.

Publications want to share fresh, vibrant, and meaningful designs. And with the right interior photography, your projects will stand out from the noise and find their home in the magazines and websites your future clients are reading.

So yes, let’s make your portfolio look like it belongs in Architectural Digest. If you’re ready, feel free to reach out on my website.

Check out more of my work on Pinterest and read more on the blog to help plan your interior design photoshoots.

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Hi! I’m Stacy—a Dallas Fort Worth based Commercial Photographer specializing in interior design, architecture, product, and food photography.

When I’m not creating imagery for clients, you can find me planning my next vacation, spending time outside pruning my backyard prairie garden, or spending time with my family.

Are you a business looking for bright and colorful imagery for your marketing needs? Let’s chat.

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