158: Why You Shouldn't Photograph Every Project with Jessica Burke

158: Why You Shouldn't Photograph Every Project with Jessica Burke

Author: Hot Young Designers Club November 7, 2025 Duration: 1:01:36

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.

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Ever wondered what it really takes to run a creative business beyond the beautiful mood boards? Hot Young Designers Club pulls back the curtain on the interior design industry, one candid conversation at a time. Hosts Rebecca Plumb and Shaun Crha-practicing designers themselves-bring their combined experience from Studio Plumb and Wrensted Interiors to the table. They’re here to discuss the unglamorous details, the client negotiations, and the small victories that define a modern design practice. Each episode feels like grabbing a coffee with colleagues who aren’t afraid to be honest about the emotional rollercoaster, the practical logistics, and the outright funny moments that happen behind the scenes. This podcast serves as a weekly check-in for anyone navigating the business of aesthetics, offering a sense of community and shared understanding. You’ll hear real stories about pricing projects, managing workflows, setting boundaries, and maintaining a creative spark amidst the administrative tasks. Tune in for a blend of strategic advice and personal reflection, all delivered with a dose of humor and relatability. The Hot Young Designers Club is essentially your audio companion for building a more sustainable and joyful design business, proving that success isn’t just about taste-it’s about resilience, adaptability, and a good laugh along the way.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast
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