https://annamesenphotography.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-07-14 https://annamesenphotography.com/blog/a-designers-guide-to-preparing-for-an-interior-photography-session monthly 0.5 2026-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/f7266388-6916-4db8-98ed-135fc6bcbd6d/Edenwood5.jpg Blog - A Designer’s Guide to Preparing for an Interior Photography Session - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/2d44dd32-3e94-4c4e-8b64-ee014fbc6e7d/chalotte-nc-interior-photography-stylish-shelves.jpg Blog - A Designer’s Guide to Preparing for an Interior Photography Session - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/f4c8e844-6acc-4f70-8af2-0adf3d1967c9/childs-bedroom-interior-photography.jpg Blog - A Designer’s Guide to Preparing for an Interior Photography Session - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/71397449-1fe2-4cc6-8465-b05f04dd62b6/charlotte-nc-interior-photography-moody-wet-bar.jpg Blog - A Designer’s Guide to Preparing for an Interior Photography Session - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/f7850f84-bc95-4141-a841-ac919e0e91a0/bar-cart-in-high-end-dining-room-charlotte.jpg Blog - A Designer’s Guide to Preparing for an Interior Photography Session - Plan Styling in Advance It is important to plan out how you want to style each room for your shoot. As mentioned in the section above, each project tells a story, and your styling should support the story that you are telling. The goal of styling is not to overwhelm the space, but instead to make it feel inviting and intentional by adding warmth, scale, texture, and a sense of life. Before the shoot, think through each space and consider what details may help complete the image and support the story that you are telling. This might include fresh flowers, greenery, coffee table books, sculptural objects, trays, ceramics, folded towels, pillows, throws, or carefully selected kitchen and bathroom accessories. These pieces should feel consistent with the mood of the home and the type of client you want to attract. Also, remember that styling is not always about what you add, but sometimes about what you take away. Editing can be just as important as adding. Too many accessories can make a space feel cluttered on camera. Everyday items, overly personal objects, visible cords, remotes, and excess décor should be removed before the shoot. A more restrained approach often allows the design itself to stand out. When styling is planned, the shoot day runs very smoothly. The designer, photographer, and stylist can focus on small refinements instead of making major decisions under time pressure out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/bc3b677c-5af4-4c72-bdae-7c5b7b9a68f2/High-end-powder-bathroom-charlotte-nc.jpg Blog - A Designer’s Guide to Preparing for an Interior Photography Session - Pay Attention to Lighting Lighting has a major impact on how an interior photographs. In fact, I would say that it is the single greatest factor in the success of your photos. Photographers use natural light, but will also use strobes and modifiers to shape artificial light so that the same room can feel calm, bright, moody, or warm, depending on how the light is used. Thinking about lighting will be mostly in the hands of your photographer, but there are a few things that are helpful for you to know to help that process run smoothly. Overhead lights or lamp/chandelier lights are usually left off for most photos, as your photographer will be using a mix of natural window light and artificial strobe light to light the room. However, there are cases when lights are turned on, such as to create a particular mood or to highlight a unique overhead fixture. If this is the case, it is important to make sure all light fixtures are working and that bulb temperatures are consistent within each room. A mix of warm and cool bulbs can create distracting color shifts in the final images. Replacing mismatched or burned-out bulbs ahead of time is a small step that can make a big difference. Window treatments should also be considered. Curtains, shades, and blinds may need to be opened, adjusted, or styled depending on the room and the direction of the light. Clean windows are especially important, since streaks, dust, and fingerprints can become more noticeable in professional photography. It is also helpful to think about which rooms receive the best light at different times of day. Some spaces may photograph beautifully in soft morning light, while others may look best later in the afternoon. A photographer can help determine the best order for photographing each room, but understanding the natural light patterns of the home can help the shoot run more smoothly. Good interior photography is not simply about making a room look bright. It is about using light to show depth, texture, material, and atmosphere. When lighting is planned carefully, the images feel more refined, balanced, and intentional. story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/e80ea4bf-32e9-4c79-b284-82938b017ff2/Calm-master-bedroom-room.jpg Blog - A Designer’s Guide to Preparing for an Interior Photography Session Steam, Straighten, and Smooth Textiles Textiles have a subtle but powerful effect on how polished a room feels in photographs. Bedding, pillows, curtains, rugs, towels, and upholstery all help create softness and texture, but they can also become distracting if they look wrinkled, uneven, or carelessly placed. Before the photoshoot, take time to steam or smooth any visible fabrics. Wrinkles tend to stand out on camera, so pay careful attention to bedding, throws, pillows, and upholstery. Curtains and window treatments should also be checked before the shoot. Drapery panels should hang evenly, folds should be adjusted, and any obvious wrinkles should be steamed if possible. Since window treatments often frame the light in a room, they can have a large visual impact on the final image. These small adjustments can make a significant difference in a finished photograph. When textiles are smooth, straight, and thoughtfully arranged, the room feels more elevated, and the design details shine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/36b3dbe8-848c-405e-ac72-79c9d65e6a93/living-room-vignetter-charlotte-nc-interior-photography.jpg Blog - A Designer’s Guide to Preparing for an Interior Photography Session Be Ready to Collaborate A successful interior photoshoot is a collaborative process. While planning is important, some of the best decisions happen once everyone is in the space working together as a team, responding to the light and layout of each room. Before the shoot, it is helpful to be prepared. This gives the day structure and helps make sure the most important details are not overlooked. At the same time, it is important to leave room for flexibility. A room may photograph better from an unexpected angle, or a styling adjustment may make the composition feel more balanced. The designer brings a deep understanding of the project, the client, and the design intent. The photographer brings an eye for composition, light, perspective, and how a room translates on camera. When skills are combined, the final images are stronger. With preparation, communication, and a willingness to collaborate, the final images will feel polished, refined, and true to your vision. https://annamesenphotography.com/home daily 1.0 2026-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/0468cce4-b821-4bb7-8c3f-fbe44e1b5eab/anna+Mesen+banner+images+%283%29.png Anna Mesen Photography - Charlotte, NC Photographer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/fd26c015-2cd5-424a-9b76-6f0c26d99811/luxury-bathroom-details-interior-photography-charlotte-nc.jpg Anna Mesen Photography - Charlotte, NC Photographer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/36544fc1-8cb7-4583-adef-55049fefebd5/charlotte-interior-design-photography-bathroom-details.jpg Anna Mesen Photography - Charlotte, NC Photographer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/e006b4ed-819e-4add-a8d8-c0cecb5e8ece/living-room-vignetter-charlotte-nc-interior-photography.jpg Anna Mesen Photography - Charlotte, NC Photographer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/a91bf829-07fc-4aa6-895a-e762764a4299/charlotte-interior-design-photography-flatlay-of-blueprints.jpg Anna Mesen Photography - Charlotte, NC Photographer - Elevated interior photography for thoughtfully designed spaces. Crafted for designers, architects, builders, and brands who want their work to stand apart. Based in Charlotte, NC. Willing to travel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/e803349b-807b-477c-a130-7e6bfb7eca65/anna-mesen-photography-02.png Anna Mesen Photography - Charlotte, NC Photographer - Hi, I’m Anna! I’m your typical busy wife and mom to 3 active kiddos + a super high maintenance dog. I understand that life goes at breakneck speed and it is very hard to find moments to slow down. My job is to help you find your “pause button.” Your photo session isn’t just a photo session, but a chance to slow down, take stock of all those everyday blessings, and celebrate what is most important in life…. Your family. https://annamesenphotography.com/about daily 0.75 2026-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/b968b8e6-d34b-4c62-ba8b-d473b1e69909/37.png About Anna Mesen Photographer's logo featuring a circular badge with the name Anna Mesen Photography and a stylized 'am' in the center, in an olive green color. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/e5c1cb58-daf4-433c-8793-d94fd17ac5b4/Bed-1.jpg About Anna Mesen A bed with yellow quilted pillows, a decorative pillow with a sun design, and a small crocheted orange teddy bear, set against a teal wall with sunlight streaming through blinds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/a91bf829-07fc-4aa6-895a-e762764a4299/charlotte-interior-design-photography-flatlay-of-blueprints.jpg About Anna Mesen A collection of interior design materials including color swatches, fabric samples, tile samples, and a blueprint of a house floor plan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/86688ff6-81f5-4db3-83f5-8bab37e774a8/charlotte-interior-designer-photographer-moody-sitting-room.jpg About Anna Mesen A blue built-in wall unit with open shelving displaying various decorative items, framed artwork, and books, with a coral-colored velvet sofa and a black marble coffee table with books in the foreground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/2f640663-02a2-4cae-92ad-fe40c347ccba/charlotte-interior-designer-photographer-moody-sitting-room.jpg About Anna Mesen A living room with navy blue built-in shelves filled with decorative glassware, artwork, and small sculptures. Two red velvet armchairs are visible in the foreground facing a black marble coffee table, which has books on it. A plush beige rug covers part of the wooden floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/b7998fea-33e2-4e87-8e59-d7d5164ed3bc/Anna-Mesen-Charlotte-Family-Photographer About Anna Mesen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://annamesenphotography.com/contact daily 0.75 2026-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/ac72d591-05ee-42ed-841e-cad2d9d937f2/charlotte-interior-photography-master-bedroom.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/36b3dbe8-848c-405e-ac72-79c9d65e6a93/living-room-vignetter-charlotte-nc-interior-photography.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/9847cd1b-ef17-41d1-afc7-6633fc2b97c0/high-end-dining-room-interior-photography.jpg https://annamesenphotography.com/faq daily 0.75 2026-07-14 https://annamesenphotography.com/portfolio daily 0.75 2026-06-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/c9753f62-2c66-471a-a3a9-c21f99f6a8cd/charlotte-nc-interior-photography-moody-wet-bar.jpg Portfolio A kitchen countertop with a backsplash, featuring a sink, a small potted plant, liquor bottles, glasses, a coffee machine, and a small refrigerator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/f7850f84-bc95-4141-a841-ac919e0e91a0/bar-cart-in-high-end-dining-room-charlotte.jpg Portfolio A gold and black metal bar cart holding glass decanters, a candle, books, and framed photographs, situated in a room with green and blue bird-patterned wallpaper and a large mirror. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/d3429f59-dc06-42e4-8244-dde6d89d81d9/Dresser-1.jpg Portfolio A mid-century modern wooden dresser with drawers is placed against a white wall under two large windows. A collection of plush animal toys is arranged on top of the dresser. The wall behind features framed artwork, including a picture of a fox, zebra, rhinoceros, and mountains with inspirational text, along with a pair of mounted antlers and a black chalkboard with a wooden frame hanging from a string. Partially visible on the right and left are the windows with blinds, letting in natural light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/6afca071-d953-41b6-8bec-423a3954c2d6/BoysBedroom-1.jpg Portfolio A bedroom with two wooden platform beds, each with yellow quilts and pillows with sun designs, a white nightstand with a lamp, a multi-colored abstract landscape painting, a window with white blinds, and a striped area rug. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/a40c0f84-1a64-449c-9652-7b8afd93ca03/GirlsBedroom-1.jpg Portfolio A cozy bedroom with a white four-poster bed featuring colorful floral wallpaper behind the headboard, white curtains, and two windows letting in natural light. There is a white bedside table with a white lamp, and the bed is made with white bedding and a pink towel with red writing draped over it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/b93008b2-b4e6-4656-a72c-1e7a6f736398/Sunroom-1.jpg Portfolio A living room with two wooden armchairs, blue and white patterned pillows, a white brick wall, a large white lampshade, a side table with potted plants, a large window with natural light, and blue upholstered ottomans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/40c1e282-9ada-4eb4-a648-b53c19b9f076/Desk-1.jpg Portfolio A modern office with a wooden desk, a brown leather chair, a potted plant, and blue cabinets with gold handles behind the desk. There are shelves with books, a framed photo, and decorative items. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/befb8450-a53e-47ff-9069-adad8006e39e/Office-1.jpg Portfolio A cozy living room corner with a light blue upholstered armchair, a patterned pillow, a gray and beige area rug, a black-paneled wall, a tall gold floor lamp with a beige shade, and a window with black trim showing greenery outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/8e8f5ef1-12e9-486c-8f21-169686040ada/charlotte-interior-design-photography-bright-airy-kitchen7.jpg Portfolio Bright kitchen with white cabinets, a green island, and hanging pendant lights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/cd11b140-9575-4520-b848-8f31ff8f29f0/charlotte-nc-interior-design-photography-master-bedroom.jpg Portfolio A bright bedroom with a black metal bed frame, white bedding, and blue and white pillows. A blue nightstand with a lamp and decor is next to the bed. There is a framed art set on the wall above. A woven bench at the foot of the bed, a colorful area rug, a potted plant, and large windows letting in natural light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/86688ff6-81f5-4db3-83f5-8bab37e774a8/charlotte-interior-designer-photographer-moody-sitting-room.jpg Portfolio Living room with blue built-in shelving unit displaying various decorative items and framed artwork. There are two pink or coral velvet upholstered chairs in front and a black marble coffee table with magazines on it. The room features a mix of modern and eclectic decor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/c6f5b618-da56-41c6-9d3b-51a94e2cede0/editorial-interior-photography-entry-way.jpg Portfolio A hallway corner with a console table, large painting of a blue heron, green vase with branches, and a white lampshade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/60be8106-f67a-4aad-837b-12d2a2ba2fc7/interior-designer-portfolio-guest-bathroom.jpg Portfolio A bathroom with a green lower wall and white upper wall, featuring framed botanical art, a wooden vanity with a white marble countertop, two mirrors with wooden frames above the sinks, gold fixtures, a vase with white flowers, a wall sconce, a toilet, and a shower area with a white curtain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/dafa75c6-0e98-4a7d-a10c-a99ac3f6a91d/LivingRoom-1.jpg Portfolio A living room with beige sofas, green and gray pillows, a wooden coffee table, and a large window with a view of trees outside. There is a tall houseplant on the right, framed pictures on the wall, and a black chandelier hanging from the ceiling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/40ad29cf-5b37-45a2-b7bf-38ab4408c302/Bathroom-3.jpg Portfolio A vignette of the side of a mirror and a gold light fixture of a powder bathroom. The walls are decorated with dark gray wallpaper with a gold floral pattern. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62680b525c4ea15ae8d31c9b/bc3b677c-5af4-4c72-bdae-7c5b7b9a68f2/Bathroom-1.jpg Portfolio A straight-on shot of the sink, mirror, and light fixtures flanking the mirror in a powder bathroom. The top of the wall is decorated with dark gray wallpaper with a gold floral pattern, and the bottom half of the wall is white ceramic tile.