Meet Kate Hansen:

Great interior photography isn’t just about capturing beautiful spaces—it’s about telling the story behind them. That’s exactly what Kate Hansen, our guest speaker for the upcoming ISCD webinar, has spent the last 12 years perfecting.

A Journey from Nursing to Interiors Photography

You’ve been an interiors photographer for 12 years. What inspired you to pursue this career?

Kate: “Wow, not sure I can keep this answer short—it has been such an interesting (and unexpected) journey getting here!”

Back in 2012, Kate was working as a nurse and studying interior design part-time, unsure if it was the right path for her.

“I had always been obsessed with beautiful interiors, but after some soul-searching, I realised it wasn’t designing spaces that excited me—it was swooning over them! I wanted to capture the emotion, memories, and personal connection people have with their spaces, not just the aesthetics.”

Determined to explore this passion, she picked up a camera, taught herself photography, and launched her blog, The Room Illuminated.

“The blog featured the favourite rooms of everyday people—teachers, truck drivers, nurses, creatives—anyone who had a unique connection to their space. My aim was to shine a light on those personal stories just as much as the aesthetic qualities of the room.”

As her photography skills grew, so did her reputation. Interior designers started reaching out, asking if she shot interiors professionally.

“I had designers saying, ‘Hey, I love your work—do you shoot interiors professionally?’ I was like… ‘Sure!’ (gulp). And now, all these years later, I’m doing it full-time! I get to gawk and swoon over interiors for a living.”

Kate’s journey may have been unexpected, but it led her to a career where she gets to combine storytelling, design, and photography—capturing not just spaces, but the emotions within them.

Current Trends She’s Loving

Is there a design or photography trend you’re excited about right now?

Kate: “I don’t usually pay too much attention to trends, but I have to admit, I’m kind of into ‘colour drenching’ at the moment.”

Colour drenching is when different tones of the same colour are layered throughout a space. It creates a sophisticated, moody aesthetic and makes for stunning photography.

“As a photographer, I love when designers are bold with colour. It makes a space feel so much more interesting to shoot!”

Colour Drenching Inspiration – Farrow & Ball

Beyond the Lens

If you could photograph interiors anywhere in the world for a day, where would it be?

Kate: “Italy! The architecture, the history, the culture, the food… I love it all! I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice, and we’re heading to Sicily this October. I can’t wait to soak it all in.”

And when you’re not behind the camera?

When she’s not photographing stunning interiors, Kate loves spending time with family and friends, op-shopping, listening to podcasts, and heading to the cinema—where dissecting the film afterwards is a must.

She also enjoys exploring walking trails in regional Victoria—always followed by a visit to a pub or winery.

“You’ve got to undo all that good work somehow!” she jokes.

Her newest obsession? Snorkelling.

“I’m late to the game here, but I’m hooked!”

What to Expect in the Webinar

Kate is excited to pull back the curtain on interiors photography in our upcoming ISCD webinar. “I’d love to share some really practical tips on how designers can prepare for their interior photoshoots—it makes such a difference when a space is styled and lit properly! And if students are keen, I’d be happy to offer some DIY photography tips too.”

If you’re an interior designer, stylist, or creative looking to elevate the way you showcase your spaces, this is a webinar you won’t want to miss!

Join the Webinar & Learn from Kate’s Expertise

If you’re an interior designer, stylist, or creative, this webinar is for you. Kate will share industry insights, photography techniques, and expert advice on showcasing your designs beautifully.

Stay tuned for registration details—we can’t wait to see you there!