At LUMAE Interiors, we recently took on something new and exciting—our very first photoshoot for the Park Ave Residence and Bushwick Residence. It was one of those moments where we felt both thrilled and a little nervous. Instead of hiring a professional photographer, we decided to do it ourselves, embracing the challenge. What we quickly learned is that the process was as much about trial and error as it was about capturing beautiful images—it was real, it was messy, and, in the end, it was incredibly rewarding. We’d love to share what we learned along the way in case you’re considering doing your own shoot, whether for your business or just for fun.

Setting the Stage: Planning and Prepping

Before the photoshoot, we carefully considered the mood we wanted to capture for each project. For the Park Ave Residence, we focused on the light, airy feel that highlighted its industrial charm and modern finishes. The Bushwick Residence, on the other hand, needed to convey a calm, minimalist vibe, with soft hues and flexible, modular furniture. We created a shot list to ensure we captured the essence of both spaces, from architectural details to personal touches.

Styling was both fun and time-consuming, as we spent hours adjusting everything from furniture placement to small details like throws, vases, and flowers. Every element had to be just right to bring out the character of each space, and we learned how easily we could get lost in the details. But once everything clicked, we knew it was time to start shooting.

The Photoshoot: Expecting the Unexpected

When the day arrived, we grabbed our DSLR and dove in. What seemed like a quick shoot turned into a fun journey of trial and error. One of the biggest lessons was how lighting shapes a room’s feel. We quickly learned that natural light can bring warmth, but too much can create harsh shadows. We adjusted furniture, used reflectors to soften shadows, and added artificial light where needed to create a more balanced, even tone.

The best part of doing it ourselves was the freedom to collaborate and enjoy the process. Moments like the sarah’s cat sneaking into shots added a fun, authentic touch to the day.

Despite a few challenges—adjusting lighting and finding the perfect angles—we embraced the process. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was real, and that made it all the more rewarding.

What We Learned: Takeaways and Tips
Looking back, there are a few things we wish we’d known, but we’re grateful for the lessons learned along the way. First, collaboration played a crucial role in making the process enjoyable. Having someone to share the workload and bounce ideas off of transformed what could have been a stressful experience into a fun and creative one.

We also discovered that you don’t need fancy equipment to get great results. A good DSLR, a couple of lenses, and a solid understanding of lighting were enough to create beautiful photos. Expensive gear isn’t necessary—mastering the basics is key.

Time management was another lesson we learned the hard way. What we thought would be a quick shoot turned into a longer day than expected, so we made sure to allow extra time for tweaks and adjustments, which made the process more relaxed.

We quickly realized that flexibility is important. The best shots often came from experimenting with angles and lighting, so stepping outside our initial plan helped us capture the perfect moments. Finally, styling proved to be more impactful than we anticipated. Small details—like adjusting pillows or table settings—made a huge difference in creating a balanced, intentional look.

Wrapping Up: The Real Beauty of the Process
Reflecting on our Park Ave and Bushwick photoshoots, we’re grateful for the experience. Despite moments of frustration, there were plenty of rewarding moments when we saw the photos come together. What stood out most wasn’t perfection, but the authenticity of capturing the true spirit of the spaces and our designs.

If you’re thinking about doing your own photoshoot, we say go for it. With planning, patience, and creativity, you can capture beautiful, authentic images of your work. And if things don’t go exactly as planned or take a little longer than expected, that’s all part of the fun.

Behind The Lens