You know all of those gorgeous portfolio shots that adorn our website? Yes, I love them, too! And I would love to share some behind-the-scenes tips for what it takes to successfully photograph your finished projects. Working with Evelyn for a little over a year now, I can definitely say one of the most exciting (and exhausting!) work days is when we spend the day shooting a client's finished home. Not only is it rewarding to see the finished product, it is also a great time to sit back and analyze what finishing touches might be missing to make the space truly exceptional. I thought it would be fun for our readers to get an insider's view on all of the details that go into having a gorgeous portfolio. Below are Three Key Steps I believe you should follow for a successful photoshoot:

Research: The number one tip is doing your homework and finding a talented, professional photographer. Having experienced taking photos myself and hiring a professional, it is a drastic difference from the resulting photographs to the overall experience. Make sure it is someone with great attention to detail, and of course that is fun and flexible to work with! I I love being able to see the shots in the camera frame and work with them to get the perfect angles.
Plan: Once you have chosen and discussed the project with the right photographer, the most essential step is to organize and schedule everything on time. Make sure to book a free day with your client to photograph their home (preferably at a time that you will not disturb them and their daily activities). Make a list of everything you will need to bring with you: props, accent pieces, and even an iron! We always check beforehand if any reflective services will need to be cleaned; if bed sheets are wrinkled and need ironing; and what flower colors/shapes will look best with the design.
Prep: The day before make sure to gather all items you will need to take to the photo shoot. I also have to warn, you might be running around like a headless chicken! This includes purchasing fresh flowers for arrangements throughout each space; vases to put flowers in; windex for mirrors and glass tops; an iron or steamer to touch up bed sheets and drapes; and depending on how complete the project is you may also need to bring throw pillows, artwork, or small furniture pieces to set the stage. Another great tip is to bring your best pair of shoes for the bedroom shots--they make it look natural and sexy.
Game Day: Always remember you are in someone else's home and everyone working on "the set" should be very careful to leave everything in the same way they were found. This is probably the most exhausting part of the process because I go around taking pictures of every area we plan to change so I can remember later on how to return everything to it's original setting. And then it's move that, carry there, clean here, set your props and voila the set is ready for the camera! Please don't forget to wear comfortable clothes and shoes! Lastly, you should know that a professional photographer requires concentration and time for each shot so he or she will be very focused, but I highly recommend bringing an extra hand for setting up the space to be picture perfect.

Evelyn has been very lucky to work with a fair share of talented photographers over the years and we have loved working with our most recent paparazzo, the very talented, Jonathan Beckerman of Jonathan Beckerman Photography (see some photos below).

A final Kitchen shot. Note the strategic placement (and removal!) of counter items. Less is more always.

A final Bathroom shot. Make sure the shower doors are dry and wiped clean! And toilets should always have the lid closed.

I hope these tips were helpful, let us know about your experiences in photographing interiors. We'd love to hear what helps you create a gorgeous portfolio!

-Yesenia/ "Jessie"