Yesterday morning, one of my lovely sponsors, Diana of D. S. Brennan Photography, came over with several crates full of her work to style and photograph in my home. It was an experiment in styling for me, which is something I am enjoying learning more about (lots of trial and error, let me tell you!), and Diana had some wonderful tips for taking interior photographs that I would like to pass along as well. It’s been a while since I have shared any photos of my own home here on the blog, so truth be told I am feeling a bit nervous about this!
Top right is Diana’s Wise Owl and propped against the wall below is July Butterflies. These particular prints were mounted on wood and ready to hang – absolutely beautiful. I love how Mr. or Ms. Owl seems to be watching over the rest of the artwork and room. :) When you are grouping art, it can be nice to work around a theme. Here, each print has an animal or element of nature in it, from the wise owl to the reindeer, fox on a bicycle, tree home, and butterflies. A theme can make pieces “go” together even if the colors and other elements are different.
Photo Tip: Diana stressed the importance of using a tripod whenever taking photographs indoors. After a quick search on Amazon, I see many options around (or under) $20, so this does not need to be a major purchase. And using a remote switch will prevent any wiggling while pushing the button.
Can I just say, wow? Diana brought along two of her brand-new large format canvas prints from her feather series, and they are perfect statement pieces. If you have ever looked for really large art you love (and that doesn’t cost an absolute fortune) you know it’s not easy. These are fresh, modern, and have lots of texture and detail. After Diana left I realized one of the feather canvases would have looked spectacular hung on the pale aqua wall behind Bixby’s crib. D’oh…maybe next time!
Photo Tip: When shooting indoors, Diana said to always choose one type of light source and block or shut off the others. For instance: only florescent lights, only incandescent bulbs, only daylight. Each type of lighting gives a different color cast to the objects in your room, so mixing lighting types will only make for muddled photos. In these photos we used only daylight; the lamps were all shut off.
I loved the Moth Wings print in my kitchen – it reminded me how nice it can be to prop up small pieces of art in slightly unexpected places. In the top photo is Specimen 162, one of Diana’s signature bird photographs.
Final tip: For those of you who are Etsy shop owners, I highly recommend doing your very best to take a few shots of your products actually in use in a home like we have done above. Of course, clear and direct product shots will serve you well, but I know I prefer to feature shots like these on the blog. So shoot your handmade throw pillows on am English roll-arm sofa, show your crocheted coasters with a mug of warm tea and a tray of biscuits, and put your skull-embroidered dog sweater on a cute pooch lounging on a modern chair.
Well, that just about wraps it up. This was a total experiment for me, I loved playing around with styling and I would love to do more. I realize, though, that it would be quite nice to have more vintage treasures and other props on hand to help with really building up the scene. Hm, good enough excuse to go shopping, I think! ;) I really hope you enjoyed this, and please do go visit Diana on her blog and see her Etsy shop to see all of her work.
{photography by D. S. Brennan Photography, styling by me ;) }
{ 7 comments }
Interested? 
