What could be more divine than being invited to a party in a private home and celebrating with friends? However, in a world where just about anything and everything is captured on cell phone cameras, I want to shed light on an important, forbidden faux pas! It is a major no-no to go around someone’s home and photograph their private interiors. Think you are capturing something pretty? In a civilized society, it’s not yours to take!
Interiors are deeply personal and private. Taking the liberty of taking photos inside someone’s house for your own pleasure is tantamount to capturing an “intimate” portrait of them without their permission! Has this ever happened to you?
One’s interiors are exclusive and should remain privy to the owners. A photograph becomes a permanent record—one over which the homeowner no longer has control. From hidden security systems to precious art and antiques, there are facets of a private house that an owner may not wish to share publicly.
When Is It Appropriate?
Yes, there are indeed occasions when a guest can photograph inside a home:
🌸 Capturing Memory Moments: Videoing a bagpiper playing to commence a celebratory party, or enjoying fireworks on the terrace.
🌸 Gathering with Friends: Taking photos of guests together, where the interior naturally serves as a lovely background.
The distinction is clear! You are not attempting to solely photograph interior rooms and design details (like a spy!) without the host’s consent.
Addressing The Matter Gracefully
🌸 If you DO wish to capture a specific design detail, present your wish with an open-ended question: “Someday, I would love to take a few photographs of this stunning room!”
🌸 Being tactful enables the owner to either gracefully ignore the request… or grant it. If the owner agrees to let you photograph it in the moment, thoughtfully assure them that it will not be shown publicly unless you ask for their permission.
A few years ago, I posed this very question to a dear friend upon seeing her spectacular seashell crown molding in her study. Guess what? She called me two weeks later to share that she had just sold her house, adding that if I wanted to photograph it, I had one week to visit. I most certainly did… and that enchanting moment was the beautiful catalyst for my Pearls of Palm Beach book. (Thank you, Cassandra!)
Ultimately, a beautifully designed home is meant to be experienced and truly appreciated in the moment—an enchanting backdrop for friendship where the most lasting, treasured memories are those etched in our hearts, not on our cell phones!
Xx
Holly