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158: Why You Shouldn't Photograph Every Project with Jessica Burke
Season 5 Episode 158
In this episode of the Hot Young Designers Club, Rebecca and Shaun welcome interior‑photographer turned editor and marketing strategist Jessica Burke to unpack when and why designers should not photograph—or publish—every single project. Jessica shares her transition from the wedding industry into shooting editorial interiors, how to evaluate when a project is worth photography, how to structure the relationship between designer and photographer (especially contracts/licensing), and how to strategically use imagery to attract your ideal clients and press.
In this friendly, candid conversation you’ll hear stories of photo‑shoot challenges, licensing headaches, and practical business strategies that interior designers can apply right now.
In this episode they discuss:
- How Jessica moved from wedding photography into interior design marketing and then interior‑shoot work — and the lessons she brought with her.
- Why shooting every project is not only expensive but may hurt your brand if the work doesn’t align with your vision.
- How to decide which spaces to shoot (and publish) and which to leave out or hold for later.
- Why building a trusted long‑term photographer‑designer relationship matters (and how it benefits both sides).
- Key contract and licensing issues designers should ask photographers before a shoot — e.g., copyright, vendor use, third‑party licensing.
- Growing a photography business and the parallel to growing a design firm: scaling, handing off work, outsourcing editing/licensing.
- How social media, PR, and vendor/product‑licensing have changed the interior‑photography landscape—what designers should watch out for.
- Jessica’s favorite (and least‑favorite) rooms to shoot, how to manage shoot stress and logistics, and her advice on working with a stylist and assistants.
Mentioned:
- Jessica Burke’s website: https://www.jessicaburke.com/
- Jessica’s Instagram: @jessicaburke
- The Haven List feature on Jessica Burke Photography: Haven
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Published on 16 hours ago