Remember how I posted these photos of the same living room to illustrate how much better a room can look when some hard work goes into taking the pictures? (These photos are of the same room!)
I have been doing some online research and also book research. There is so much work that goes into a good interior photo shoot!
The magazines make things look so easy. That's the point though. In fact, Eric Roth (author of Interior Photography) says that the viewer of a shelter magazine should be compelled to walk into the home and live there. Nothing should hint at the days and crews that went into taking the photos.
There can be a lot of professionals that help make a magazine spread of a home's interior. Notice that on magazine articles, credits usually go to the photographer, the producer, and the author. Lots of other people can be involved: the homeowner, the clients, the art director, the stylist.
The styling begins by asking what look you are going for. You have already established that the room is worth photographing. But with a few accessories (some magazines pay for all new furniture!), you can push what is already in the room to have a certain feel. The look. Ever noticed how different the styling is from Architectural Digest to Country Living?
Also, Americans always have a very perfected, clean styled shot; the British (according The Skirted Round Table interview with Christina Strutt of Cabbages and Roses) are more cluttered and serendipitous.
Then there is the shopping. Sometimes you can get away with "shopping" around your own home. The professionals are worth their money because they know how to get the products that will convey the look and they can buy them within a half day of shooting. Eric Roth says in his 2005 book that the Boston area stylists were charging $900-1500 for a half day of shopping, a full day's shoot, and a half day of returning the merchandise.
I'm starting to notice those accessories that push a room to look amazing. Some of them I could collect at the thrift store so that I'm ready for a client's photo shoot once I have installed the design. I still have to be prepared though for adding in objects that work with the unique design I have made for that client which would make generic accessories less useful. But still, vases, candles, hard bound books, and trays might be worth the investment.
Then there is the photo shoot itself. The photographer may or may not jump in with suggestions. When you are doing this on your own and playing both parts, I think that separating yourself from what is easily styled and what really looks the best in the room is tough. My plan is to continue taking photos and then looking at them a few days later so that I can be more objective in order to get better and better at styling.
New York Institute of Photography points out that you can highlight the best areas of the room with lighting or a vase of flowers. This will draw the eye to that object.
There is still that matter of the camera, tripods, and reflectors. I'll post about that soon.
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| dcbydesignblog.com, At Home with Tone on Tone's Loi Thai, Loi Thai's home |
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| Traditionalhome.com, A Lighter Shade of Pale, Loi Thai home |
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| Flickr photo from tope-daddy |
The magazines make things look so easy. That's the point though. In fact, Eric Roth (author of Interior Photography) says that the viewer of a shelter magazine should be compelled to walk into the home and live there. Nothing should hint at the days and crews that went into taking the photos.
| Bostondesignguide.com, Beverly Rickind interior design, photo by Eric Roth |
There can be a lot of professionals that help make a magazine spread of a home's interior. Notice that on magazine articles, credits usually go to the photographer, the producer, and the author. Lots of other people can be involved: the homeowner, the clients, the art director, the stylist.
 |
| shelter.thisoldhouse.com, Alex Bandon post, October 16, 2006 |
The styling begins by asking what look you are going for. You have already established that the room is worth photographing. But with a few accessories (some magazines pay for all new furniture!), you can push what is already in the room to have a certain feel. The look. Ever noticed how different the styling is from Architectural Digest to Country Living?
 |
| Countryliving.com, French country living room |
 |
| Architecturaldigest.com, Shelton, Mindel, & Assoc. downtown Manhattan loft |
 |
| icnewcastle.icnetwork.cu.uk, Country Chic with Christina Strutt |
Then there is the shopping. Sometimes you can get away with "shopping" around your own home. The professionals are worth their money because they know how to get the products that will convey the look and they can buy them within a half day of shooting. Eric Roth says in his 2005 book that the Boston area stylists were charging $900-1500 for a half day of shopping, a full day's shoot, and a half day of returning the merchandise.
I'm starting to notice those accessories that push a room to look amazing. Some of them I could collect at the thrift store so that I'm ready for a client's photo shoot once I have installed the design. I still have to be prepared though for adding in objects that work with the unique design I have made for that client which would make generic accessories less useful. But still, vases, candles, hard bound books, and trays might be worth the investment.
 |
| shabbylaneinteriors.blogspot.com, Petit Chic visits Shabby Lane Interiors |
Then there is the photo shoot itself. The photographer may or may not jump in with suggestions. When you are doing this on your own and playing both parts, I think that separating yourself from what is easily styled and what really looks the best in the room is tough. My plan is to continue taking photos and then looking at them a few days later so that I can be more objective in order to get better and better at styling.
 |
| coreastropa.wordpress.com, Behind the Scenes of a Kitchen Photo Shoot |
New York Institute of Photography points out that you can highlight the best areas of the room with lighting or a vase of flowers. This will draw the eye to that object.
 |
| Country Living |
There is still that matter of the camera, tripods, and reflectors. I'll post about that soon.
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