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Are You Ready for Press?
A strategic checklist to assess whether your project is truly ready for editorial submission—before you pitch or shoot.
As an editorial interior photographer, I work with interior designers and architects to help their projects translate clearly in an editorial context.
Publishing isn’t just about beautiful spaces—it’s about clarity of story, cohesion of design, and imagery that communicates intent quickly and effectively. Editors aren’t looking for everything you designed; they’re looking for what matters most—and how clearly it can be understood.
Over the years, I’ve seen strong projects overlooked not because of talent, but because the narrative wasn’t fully formed or the photography wasn’t planned with press in mind. When the story is unclear, the project becomes harder to place—regardless of how compelling the design may be.
Editorial success isn’t about volume. You don’t need a hundred images from every angle. You need a focused set of photographs—the right five compositions—that articulate your design perspective, support the architecture, and give editors immediate clarity.
This checklist was created to help you assess that clarity before decisions are locked in. It’s not about changing your design process—it’s about ensuring your work is seen, understood, and positioned with intention when it matters most.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
IN THIS CHECKLIST, YOU’LL EVALUATE:Project Story & Intent
Can you clearly articulate the design intent of this project—and explain why it matters now?
Visual Cohesion & Styling
Does the styling support the architecture, feel intentional, and allow the design to breathe?
Photography Strategy
Have you identified hero spaces, planned for light and timing, and clarified how images will be used across press, portfolio, and marketing?
Collaboration & Licensing Readiness
Are usage expectations, collaborators, and cost-sharing aligned before the shoot?
Post-Shoot & Submission Readiness
Do you know what editors need beyond images—and how you’ll submit your work professionally?
WHY PRESS READINESS MATTERS
Beautiful spaces alone don’t guarantee publication.Editors look for projects that communicate intent clearly, feel cohesive, and can be understood quickly within a broader editorial narrative. Without clarity around story, scope, and usage, even strong projects can be passed over.
This checklist is designed to help you step into an editor’s perspective—so you can identify gaps early and make informed decisions before visibility is on the line.
YOUR EDITORIAL READINESS SCORE
As you move through the checklist, you’ll arrive at a clear assessment:
✔ Mostly checked
You’re close—small refinements could elevate the project.
⚠ Mixed
Strategic planning would significantly strengthen your submission.
✖ Mostly unchecked
This is where guidance makes the biggest difference.
This score isn’t about judgment—it’s about clarity.
EDITORIAL
READINESS
SCORE
If this checklist raised questions about your project’s story, photography scope, or editorial potential, a consultation is the most effective next step.
Think of it as a strategy session—not a pitch—focused on aligning your work with how editors actually review and select projects.
What Others are Saying...
“Working with Jeff has been one of the best investments I’ve made for my business. His eye for styling, calm energy on shoot day, and editorial approach helped my work get featured in my target publications. He makes the process seamless and enjoyable—and the visibility from our shoots has directly led to client growth over the last six years. He genuinely wants the best for his clients and I value his genuine, kind disposition."
— Whitney Walker
Principle Designer at Farrington Lane
“I’ve been working with Jeff for six years, and after working with other photographers, I now understand what a difference the right person behind the lens makes. Before Jeff, the photos were fine—but they didn’t capture the soul of my work. Jeff takes the time to understand the intention behind every project and translate that into storytelling imagery. He’s a true pro: collaborative, calm, and easy to work with. From planning to final edits, he makes the process seamless. It always feels like I’m working with a creative partner—not just a photographer.”
— Kate Bendewold
Priniciple Designer at Kate Bendewold
“We loved working with Jeff on the photography of residential projects. He approaches his work and photography with a very artistic and creative eye, but is also not only delightful, but also very quick and efficient.”
— Mark Sikes
Principle Designer at Mark Sikes Interiors
MAKE SURE YOUR NEXT PROJECT IS TRULY PRESS-READY.
If reviewing this checklist raised questions about your project’s story, photography scope, or editorial potential, a consultation is the most effective next step.Think of it as a strategy session—not a pitch—focused on aligning your work with how editors actually review and select projects.This is where guidance makes the biggest difference.