A Q&A with Interiors Photographer Anna Yanovski

Anna Yanovski
Photography Anna Yanovski. Interior design Emma Gurner. Featuring Woodchip & Magnolia Va Va Frome Sunset Velvet

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an interiors photographer? We chatted to the wonderful and very talented Anna Yanovski all about the inspiration behind her work, what a typical shoot day looks like and her thoughts on what makes a good interior design...

anna yanovski
Photography Anna Yanovski. Interior design Emma Gurner. Featuring Woodchip & Magnolia Ava Marika Electric wallpaper

How would you describe your photography style?
Natural light interior photography

How did you get into photographing interiors?
I started to shoot for Airbnb in 2015 and photographed more than 200 flats working for them. At first it was a couple of shoots per week, then it turned to 2-3 per day. Then I realised that real estate photography style wasn’t for me and I could turn my Airbnb experience into something more creative like I do now.

Anna Yanovski
Photography Anna Yanovski. Interior design Emma Gurner. Featuring Woodchip & Magnolia Ava Marika Electric wallpaper

What does your creative process look like? 
1. I begin with discussing a project with a designer and ask for a few quick phone photos to understand the space.
2. The evening before the shoot I look through interior magazines like Architectural Digest or Elle Decor. It’s a small tradition of mine
3. The shoot itself
4. Post-production, e.g. selecting and editing images
5. Uploading photos to my website if I love the project (it takes me ages!)

Anna Yanovski
Photography Anna Yanovski. Interior design Emma Gurner. Featuring Woodchip & Magnolia Va Va Frome Sunset Velvet

What inspires you?
I love photography exhibitions; wildlife photography is my favourite and I attend them every year. I also like to look through foreign interior magazines - looking at interiors that aren't typical of the UK gives me fresh perspective. Then there are films with beautiful composition and colour grading, as well as visiting new cities and countries, their architecture and vibe.

What do you love most about capturing interiors?

Most of all, I love meeting new interior designers who are always so passionate about their work. I also love looking for the perfect composition to showcase the space, finding the right one is very satisfying. 

Anna Yanovski
Photography Anna Yanovski. Interior design Emma Gurner. Featuring Woodchip & Magnolia Va Va Frome Blush Eau De Nil wallpaper

Having photographed a lot of beautiful homes, what would you say makes a good interior design?
That’s a tricky one. I guess first of all it should reflect who the owner is and their taste. I also think it’s perfect when beautiful design is also practical. Last but not least - details and art. They bring everything together and are so important during photoshoots. 

Tell us what a typical shoot day looks like…

We try to start as early as possible in the morning, especially in winter as I only shoot with natural light and winter days are dark very early. After styling I start taking photos. I always connect my camera to a laptop or iPad and show every shot to the designer and stylist. After I find the right angle and composition we decide what to move in the frame or what to add. 

Anna Yanovski
Photography Anna Yanovski. Interior design Emma Gurner. Featuring Woodchip & Magnolia Ava Marika Electric wallpaper

What are your top tips for photographing an interior?
1. Choose a photographer you trust and whose work you admire. Look for the ones that show more than one photo of each project in their portfolios
2. Hire a stylist if you want more chances for your projects to get to magazines
3. Ask a homeowner to declutter and clean. This blog post I wrote for my website describes how best to prepare a space for a shoot

What effect does lighting have in a room?

Lighting is everything. I love natural light and don’t use flash (although I always have it with me and almost never use it). If a designer wants to show their projects with lamps and lights switched on, I would recommend doing it after sunset when it’s dark outside. It’s especially relevant for restaurants and cafes; it's always nice to photograph them during the day and in the evening.

Anna Yanovski
Photography Anna Yanovski. Interior design Emma Gurner. Featuring Woodchip & Magnolia Va Va Frome Sunset Velvet

What’s your favourite Woodchip & Magnolia wallpaper?
I really love Ava Marika Electric. It was in one of my favourite projects that was published in many magazines. It’s definitely a statement, bright, fresh and beautiful wallpaper.


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