Posts in client projects
Celebrating the Best Designers of Dallas - 2023 Paper City Design Awards

The winners of the 2023 Paper City Design Awards in Dallas were recently announced, and I am delighted that several of my design clients made it to the list! It's an honor to witness their hard work and dedication get recognized.

The 2023 Paper City Design Awards honors outstanding projects by the best interior designers and architects in Dallas and Fort Worth. The winners were selected from hundreds of submissions in 21 categories, and their projects represent the very best in Dallas.

WINNERS

Singular Space: Bath - Laura Lee Clark Interior Design.

Singular Space: Dining Room - Pickering House Interiors.

Singular Space: Living or Great Room, Entertainment, Recreation and Media Room - Chad Dorsey Design with additional recognition for Blume Architecture.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Residential Landscape Design - Melissa Gerstle Design.

Residential Interior Design Under 3500 Square Feet - Heidi Arwine Interiors.

Singular Space: Living or Great Room, Entertainment, Recreation and Media Room - Laura Lee Clark Interior Design.

Use of Small Space - Powder Bath, Bar, Laundry, Foyer - Janet Gridley Design.

Congratulations to the winners at the 2023 Paper City Design Awards in Dallas! It's always a treat to see local designers and architects come together to showcase their incredible talents.

All interior photographs by Stephen Karlisch.

See all of the winners of the 2023 Paper City Design Awards here

Chad Dorsey Design with additional recognition for Blume Architecture.

New year new published featured shoots!

Excited to start 2023 with a national feature in the annual House Beautiful Small Spaces and a local feature in D Home! Congratulations and thank you to interior designers Tanner Morgan of Morgan Madison and Teddie Garrigan of Coco & Dash.


Magazine spread in House Beautiful featuring photos by Stephen Karlisch
Magazine spread in House Beautiful featuring photos by Stephen Karlisch
Magazine spread in House Beautiful featuring photos by Stephen Karlisch
Magazine spread in House Beautiful featuring photos by Stephen Karlisch

A couple of years ago I got a message from a young designer (Tanner Morgan) in Cleveland, wanting to discuss photographing a project he was working on. It was very early in the process for him, in fact none of the actual construction had even started at this point, but Tanner really wanted to make a connection with me and get me on board for this journey. I was a bit skeptical at first, not knowing anything about Tanner at that time and his online presence as a designer was limited, but he also was very young and excited to get going. His passion for this project quickly became evident and I was ready to go along on this ride. Through many calls, emails, facetimes and updates to the progress on this home, we brought in Frances Bailey, one of the world's top interior stylists, to soften the edges of this project and get it to a national editorial level. 

The three days we spent shooting this project was a highlight in my photography career. Being a part of the process from the beginning engaged my curiosity and brought out my best. We stayed out on this lake property in a charming guest house and enjoyed sunsets and sunrises together, bringing us all pretty close during that week. 

Tanner transformed this simple lake house into a showpiece, each room better than the last, and not one square inch left untouched. The details in every surface are remarkable, a testament to Tanner's own personal style, a character himself you will never forget. 

Writer: Kristen Flanagan
Photographer: Stephen Karlisch @stephen_karlisch_photo
Interior Designer: Morgan Madison Design @morganmadison__
Producer: Robert Rufino
Stylist and floral: Frances Bailey @francesfinds


Photo of living room interior by Stephen Karlisch in D Magazine
Photo of living room interior by Stephen Karlisch in D Magazine
Photo of living room interior by Stephen Karlisch in D Magazine
Photo of sitting room interior by Stephen Karlisch in D Magazine
Photo of bedroom interior by Stephen Karlisch in D Magazine
Photo of hallway interior by Stephen Karlisch in D Magazine

Teddie Garrigan, owner of a unique retail furniture/design shop in Dallas called Coco and Dash, reached out to me to photograph her apartment in Dallas recently. She lives in a high rise in Uptown, near the Katy Trail, that has been a favorite for many in the design world for years. They could do an HBO series about this place, seriously, full of character(s). 

Teddie and her daughter Courtney run the shop together and their interior design business, and I was thrilled to get the opportunity to document her home. From a life of travel and living in many foreign countries (she has a great story to tell!), she lives a collected life. Layers of color and texture rule her world, and I've rarely photographed a space that I've felt more at home in. Working with stylist Jenny O'Connor on this was the perfect mix. She was able to blend in some simple floral to accent the shots, but not overwhelm, and help move some items around to create perfect compositions from the cameras point of view. The apartment was glowing from so much natural light, being in a high rise with nothing around to block the sun, the rooms just come alive as the day moves on. It's always hard to pack up and leave a shoot like this one, so many more stories in there to be told, maybe I'll get a chance to get back in there someday soon.  

Writer: Kendall Morgan
Photographer: Stephen Karlisch @stephen_karlisch_photo
Interior Designer: Teddie Garrigan, Coco and Dash @cocoanddash
Stylist and floral: Jenny O'Connor @jennyoconnorstudio

Creative Focus: Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey

The first time shooting and working with Shazalynn Cavin Winfrey was with a very personal assignment, her own home. She had updated this former parsonage by making it more functional without losing its connection to the past. We worked with the talented Frances Bailey (Stylist) and had a wonderful time during this two day shoot in Austin. The project landed as the cover story in the Sept/Oct 2022 issue of LUXE Austin + San Antonio. The backstory of this house is worth checking out from the article. Seeing how she has transformed this into a comfortable, sprawling home, with surprises around every corner, showcases her style and skill as a top designer. 

We’re excited to feature Shazalynn in this Creative Focus series. 

 

Shazalynn with her sweet Lulu. She lost Lulu summer of 2022 and this photo is so special to Shazalynn that Stephen captured from the interior shoot.

 

Her story…

Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey, owner and lead designer of SCW Interiors, has had a lifelong passion for design that has taken her from growing up in the Southwest to settling in the Northeast. For more than 20 years she’s honed her craft, building on what she learned at the University of Texas, the Culinary Institute of America, and Parsons School of Design. From her experience running her own catering company, as a mother and wife, and as a highly recognized designer, she’s come to believe that a centered home is the key to a rewarding life.

“I was born in Roswell, New Mexico to teenage kids. My children believe that I was literally dropped off by the aliens and maybe they are right. My nickname is the mothership. My early influences include spending so much time with my grandparents while my parents were busy trying to become adults. I have an uncle who is four years older than me if that gives you some perspective. So my time spent in their houses and with my grandmother was so critical to the person I would grow into and particularly to design and my love of food and cooking. There was so much history she would impart with everything she did and brought into the home and I must have been a sponge.”

Shazalynn grew up in a family of creatives and lawyers mainly in the oil business. She was discouraged from becoming a designer because it might not be a feasible way to support herself, and her grandmother thought being a school teacher was much more practical. 

“After all, I would have summers and holidays and I probably would not work very long once I got married. This still makes me laugh. During my time at the culinary institute of America I would travel to the city and look at the different options for design schools because it was still where my heart was and so encourage your kids to follow their passion because my path was definitely not a straight one and I always wonder what might have been.”

“Behind the divine new look of a Texas home that belonged to a Bishop.”

Cover & feature story in Sept / Oct 2022 issue of Luxe Interiors + Design Austin + San Antonio

Photography by Stephen Karlisch. Styling by Frances Bailey

Interior Design Shazalynn Cavin Wifnrey, SCW Interior, LLC

Let’s see and hear a little more from Shazalynn

Things that I think make our work different is that being southern, I love a good story. Storytelling is an art form and I really love to impart my clients’ story into their homes. It sometimes takes some coaxing because not everyone feels that their past or their childhood is what they necessarily want to represent in their homes. But the truth is that imprinting starts so early and it informs our personal likes and dislikes. It would be boring if I just inserted myself into other people’s homes so I am really sensitive to where and who people come from and what shaped them I could tell you a million stories about these particular situations. I believe that designing your home should be a very self actualizing experience for the owner. Many people don’t spend much time thinking about what they like and don’t like so it is a great exercise and I am grateful people trust me to help them. Our homes are retreats that should feed our souls and nurture us to be strong in a fast changing external environment. It is one reason why I think kids rooms and bedrooms in particular are so important. So many people are only worried about the spaces other people can see and that is very telling when we begin the process.  

I am fairly certain my clients think I am sort of hippie with expensive taste. I don’t place much value in dressing a certain way which is probably not ideal. My job is physical so I dress accordingly. I have had someone ask if I was driving the old beat up suburban out front because he was shocked at an early meeting and another client who calls me the bohemian designer. I am not sure what this says about me but I value humility and I would much rather buy designer fabrics than designer cars.  

 

Portrait by Erin Cone

The portrait of my children with their motherless head was commissioned and is by Santa Fe artist Erin Cone.  I was so captured by her work in particular her hands.  She had not previously painted small children but was willing to give it a go.  At the sitting my son would not let go of my hand so I told her to just paint it like you see it but omit my head (crazy hair all day everyday). The outcome is for me iconic and Erin has enjoyed a prolific career which delights me to this day.

The kitchen….the heart of the home.

An homage to the Bishop who lived in the home for 40 years and would dismiss lent for one day each year in order to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the home with parishioners. I love to experiment with color and the custom green refrigerators were an opportunity to include this color. The interior of the coffee bar is a nod to our Alma Mater and love for the Longhorns. I cook all the time so the space is really about form, function and not worrying about it looking messy. I love to share a meal with people and this allows me to have everything I need within a few steps

 

What advice would you give yourself at 20?

HAVE MORE FUN, FEAR less, find what really makes you happy, and invest in your friendships. I was so worried about being self-supporting and making good grades and generally making everyone else happy that I forgot to stop and smell the roses. Life is a marathon not a sprint and I was definitely a sprinter. 

If you need inspiration for a design project, what do you do first?

My office knows that when I drive by myself I usually find the answers to most of the things I need to work through. Even if it is just to grab lunch I come back feeling more focused on the solutions.

 

Pattern Play

…one of my favorite things in life. I spent a lot of time playing board games growing up and putting together puzzles. Thinking about this now I realize I became hard wired to work through how things connect particularly in spaces. I always say visual memory is the only thing I have working up there.

The more casual nature of the home.

I personally believe cohesion exists when there is a plot twist. The more organic nature of the bedding against the linear lines in the space presents an opportunity to draw connections to the artwork and more casual nature of the home. I love structure but I am drawn the less serious side of things and this is the balance.

 

 

What would you say is key in selecting a photographer for your projects?

Someone who listens, is efficient and finds the humor in life. Oh and it is really nice if they don’t have 13,000,000 dietary restrictions when ordering lunch.

Which movie or TV set is your favorite from a design perspective? 

WILLY WONKA – FOREVER!

When the season premiere of “Showhouse Showdown” aired on HGTV featuring my project I received an email from a woman in California who had recorded the show to watch once her kids went to bed. She emailed me to tell me that I was her Willy Wonka. I have the email from her framed because it meant so much to me that she made that reference. True Story.

 

Coolio- This bathroom was a hot mess and once we started drawing it out on paper this is what worked. I grew up in a home at one point that had an atrium in the middle of the house. Granted it had 4 walls of glass with massive skylights but I always dream about that space. This bathing space creates the feeling of that for me. Plants line the walls, the water creates amazing acoustics within the glass and the skylights drench the space with the Texas sun which I have loved my entire life.

 

Favorite city to recharge?

SANTA FE – It feels like home. The climate is always perfect. The big blue sky, the smells, the food, ten thousand waves…. not much I don’t love about Santa Fe.  

 

This dining room shot makes me so happy. The light filtering in the mornings is so special. When the sun sets it does exactly what it should. It catches those crystals and cuts across segments of the space through the smaller windows on the front and side of the house. I always tell clients to consider when and how you use your dining room. Also consider how the color and pattern look in candle light and other low lighting. The terracotta is very grounding for me. I am from the desert so it is only natural that I feel right at home against this color.

 

BTS fun with Frances Bailey, Shazlynn and Stephen.

SCW Interiors has been published in:

LUXE
House Beautiful 
Veranda
Décor
Arts & Crafts Home
Traditional Home 
and many others

To learn and see more of Shazalynn Cavin Winfrey’s talents please visit  SCWInteriors.com and be sure to follow her Facebook and Instagram pages.

We would love to feature your creative talents from our industry on our award-winning blog. Shoot us an email at hello@stephenkarlisch.com to find out how.

Creative Focus: Tori Rubinson
 


Tori Rubinson contacted me a few years ago to take some new photos of her home in Ft. Worth, Texas.  From that early photoshoot we have been working together on several large projects in Texas, including her new home and also a Showhouse in Ft. Worth.  

The evolution of Tori as a designer and leading interior design firm in Texas and beyond has been a fun one to witness and I have been fortunate to document. Her style is timeless, she is loved by so many, and working alongside her is about as great as it gets from a photographer's perspective. I can only imagine how much growth she will have in the next few years, the word is out and her team is growing. 

Enjoy this quick little glimpse about Tori!

Her story…

Tori Rubinson is a Texas-based designer, passionate about classic interiors and homes built to last. She has a reputation for creating layered interiors that seamlessly blend old with new — and for creating spaces that are as comfortable as they are beautiful. 

A lifelong love of interiors — along with a natural eye — led her to start work for one of Fort Worth’s most high-end builders a decade ago. Tori learned the industry quickly, while simultaneously cultivating her own design point of view. Friends and family began to consult her on home projects, and after the requests started to pile up, Tori launched her own interior design business in 2013. 

 
 

Tori has been featured in Country French, Luxe Magazine, Southern Living, Southern Home Magazine, was recognized as a 2022 and 2021 D Home Best Designer and featured in the Wall Street Journal. She has won numerous design awards, most recently including two Regional Awards from the prestigious Luxe Red Awards.

September 2022 issue of Country French magazine.

Photography by Stephen Karlisch. Styling by Megan McKinley

Let’s see and hear a little more from Tori.…

If you need inspiration for a design project, what do you do first?

I have constantly inundated myself with visual imagery. I read design books (past and present), I love to travel and visit the most beautiful places, I take tons of pictures wherever I go, I scour Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration. Imagery of architectural elements, of fashion, of textiles and patterns, of designers I love, furniture and accessory companies, artists, etc. A room may begin with one element, like a piece of art, a fabric or a rug. And then it just builds upon that one element!


What would you say is key in selecting a photographer for your projects?

You need to love their work. Pay attention to the lighting of the images. The angles of the images also tell you if the photographer has an eye for how to capture interiors.

What's your favorite travel destination?

I absolutely love traveling throughout Europe. The architectural details of the past are what inspires me the most!  


What advice would you give yourself at 20? 

Trust your instincts and go for it! Stay true to yourself, always. I think that is what I have done and why I have been successful in building my design business..  

Tori Rubinson kitchen design

What's the number-one red flag you look for in potential clients? 

I really enjoy working with kind and level headed clients. If they show me they are unrealistic about budgets and timelines and are unwilling to receive guidance on these things, then it is definitely a red flag for me!

What modern design trend makes you cringe? 

The home style Modern Farmhouse White with Black Windows. CANNOT HANDLE IT! Quit tearing down masterpieces to build those cheap boring white boxes!!! Please!!!

Tori Rubinson interior design

Tori Rubinson Interiors is now offering Full Design-Build services. Architectural planning, landscape design, and complete interior design. Keeping everything in house allows for a very efficient process with spectacular results

Awards-

  • 2022 LUXE RED Award - Best Use of Color

  • DHome Best 2021 and 2022

  • FT Worth Home Design Awards 2019 & 2021

Published in

LUXE feature January 2022

Southern Home January/Feb. 2022

Southern Living April 2021


To learn and see more of Tori Rubinson Interior talents please visit Tori Rubinson Interiors website and be sure to follow her instagram.

We would love to feature your creative talents from our industry on our award-winning blog.

Shoot us an email at hello@stephenkarlisch.com to find out how.



 
September Press Roundup

We are enjoying a flurry of recent press coverage highlighting recent interior photography projects!

I always get a charge out of seeing my photographs featured in both print magazines an online articles, and I love interacting with talented designers and stylists. I am so honored to work with these amazing designers and publications!

A huge thank-you to Country French, Southern Home, Luxe Interiors+Design and Frederic!


Country French magazine – Fall/Winter 2022

Traditional Twist - A backdrop of playful colors and patterns gives a designer’s beloved French antiques a fresh new look

Writer: Paula M. Body
Photographer: Stephen Karlisch @stephen_karlisch_photo
Interior Designer: Tori Rubinson @torirubinsoninteriors
Stylist: Melanie McKinley

Tori Rubinson contacted me a few years ago to take some new photos of her home in Ft. Worth, Texas.  From that early photoshoot we have been working together on several large projects in Texas, including her new home and also a showhouse in Ft. Worth.  

The evolution of Tori as a designer and leading interior design firm in Texas and beyond has been a fun one to witness and I have been fortunate to document. Her style is timeless, she is loved by so many, and working alongside her is about as great as it gets from a photographer's perspective. I can only imagine how much growth she will have in the next few years, the word is out and her team is growing.  See the full feature from Country French and on Tori in a recent Creative Focus blog post.

To learn and see more of Tori Rubinson Interior talents please visit Tori Rubinson Interiors website and be sure to follow her instagram.

Stephen Karlisch's photographs from the September-October Issue of Southern Home Magazine

Southern Home September-October 2022 | Check out our REEL featuring the images.

Houston Heights – Architect George Tracy’s design for a new Houston home evokes the grand cathedrals of Europe. For designer Ben Johnston, the task was to make a home within the lofty spaces. 

Written by Lydia Somerville
Photography: Stephen Karlisch @stephen_karlisch_photo
Stylist: @jennyoconnorstudio
Floral Design: Haile Wossen
Interior Design: @benjaminjohnstondesign
Architect: @tracydesignstudio
Builder: @irajtaghicustomhomes
Landscape: @gregoryhenrylandscapeanddesign

I recently photographed this amazing home designed by Houston’s own Benjamin Johnston, currently featured in the September - October issue of Southern Home Magazine. Working on this shoot with Benjamin Johnson in Houston was a highlight of early 2021. Teaming up with my old friends Jenny O'Connor (Stylist) and Haile Wossen (Floral Design) made this shoot a success. Benjamin is turning Houston into his playground, knocking out more residential projects than anyone I know. And they are all on a scale fit for special client. The main living room really shows off what is possible when deciding to live in a home that is a statement piece on its own. The primary bath could fit 20 people comfortably at once, reminiscent of an old roman bath or communal spa. 

See more of Johnston’s work at Benjamin Johnston Design


Image of Luxe Interiors+Design photography by Stephen Karlisch

Luxe Interiors+Design – Austin + San Antonio, September 2022

Returning to your Roots – A designer’s renovated Austin abode honors her own history while nodding to its former owner.

Written by Kate Abney
Photography by @Stephen_Karlisch_photo
Interior Design by Shazlynn Cavin Winfrey @scw_interiors
Styling by @FrancesBailey

Shazalynn Cavin Winfrey updated this beautiful, historic home by making it more functional without losing its connection to the past. This was the first time shooting and working with Shazalynn and we started with a very personal assignment, her own home. Needless to say, no pressure here! Ha! Working with the talented Frances Bailey (Stylist) on this, we had a wonderful time during this two day shoot in Austin. The backstory of this house is worth checking out from the article. Seeing how she has transformed this into a comfortable, sprawling home, with surprises around every corner, showcases her style and skill as a top designer. 

Excited to feature this spread and interview we did on Shazlynn in our series, Creative Focus.

See more of Cavin Winfrey’s beautiful design work | SCW Interiors


Frederic Design Feature - August 2022 

Josh Pickering Creates a Verdant Aerie in Downtown Dallas – The designer drew on lush greens to harmonize a couple's mix of brand-new pieces, treasured heirlooms, and personal artworks.

Photography by Stephen Karlisch
Designed by Josh Pickering
Written by Kate Bolick
Produced by Tori Mellott

Joshua Pickering's style is in full effect in this Turtle Creek, Dallas, high rise condo. Situated in a classic building with rooms on a smaller scale, Joshua brings a sense of calm to each area, building on a theme repeated throughout the residence. 

See Pickering’s recent projects | Pickering House Interiors

Creating the Hero Shot
 

There is a lot of effort that goes into getting that perfect shot – the one with the WOW factor that really showcases your designs in the best way. Some people think those shots are kismet or that they just happen, but I can tell you that the level of energy that it takes to get even just one hero shot is enormous. 

Designer: Emily SummersPhotographer: Stephen Karlisch

Designer: Emily Summers

Photographer: Stephen Karlisch

But all that effort is so worth it. A shot like that can change your career. It can get your project published in the magazine you’ve always dreamed about. It can get you into a top-shelf design book. It can uplevel you to the client work you’ve always wanted. It can change everything. 

So what goes into creating a hero shot? Let’s take a look.

Designer: Chad DorseyStylist: Jenny O’Connor         Floral: Haile WossonPhotographer: Stephen Karlisch

Designer: Chad Dorsey

Stylist: Jenny O’Connor Floral: Haile Wosson

Photographer: Stephen Karlisch

Hire a Stylist

Yes, you are a fabulous designer and your project is probably amazing. But there is a very big difference between what your eye takes in when you are in a room and how that room translates onto a screen or a printed page. A great stylist can see things with a fresh eye and help you make the most of how your room looks digitally. He or she can also offer suggestions for styling for a specific publication you may be targeting. A good stylist will still stay within your aesthetic boundaries, but also knows how to take it up a notch. 

Designer: Michelle NussbaumerPhotographer: Stephen Karlisch

Designer: Michelle Nussbaumer

Photographer: Stephen Karlisch

Be Honest

You know that not every single room in your project is spectacular. That’s really rare and it has nothing to do with your talent. Often there are just some rooms that your client may not have wanted to invest in. Or maybe the budget only allowed for an incredible 2-3 rooms and 4 or so other rooms that are good, but not spectacular. Be very honest with yourself about which rooms are so well-designed that they will make a big impact once they’re photographed. Shooting every single room like it’s a hero shot isn’t often worth the time we’ll put into it. 

Designer: Lucas EilersPhotographer: Stephen Karlisch

Designer: Lucas Eilers

Photographer: Stephen Karlisch

Invest in Experience

There are a lot of very good photographers out there. But just because they know their way around a camera doesn’t mean they know how to properly light and shoot your project. So invest in a photographer who really understands how to get the best interior photos. Go through their portfolio to see who they’ve worked with and what their photos look like. Have they been published in top magazines and in design books? Do their photos showcase an understanding of light and space and style? Invest in a photographer who can give you those incredible shots that you’re looking for.

Patience Is a Virtue

Understand that those hero shots take time. Sometimes a lot of time. We could spend a whole day on 5 shots – but each one of those shots is going to be incredible. Remember that getting a great photo isn’t just a click of the camera. We move lighting and furniture,  we’ll work with the styling, we’ll tweak, we’ll study the shot, and we’ll tweak again. It takes time. I’m a fast photographer, so on a normal day, I can do about 30 minutes per shot, or maybe 15+ shots per day. But remember that I said “shots,” not rooms. So if we do several angles of the same room, that means we might do 4-6 rooms in a day. And not all of those shots will be hero shots. Understand that if you ask the photographer to move faster, then you might get good shots, but maybe not great shots. Taking the time during the photo session means that you’ll have more photos to work with later.

Designer: Celerie KemblePhotographer: Stephen Karlisch

Designer: Celerie Kemble

Photographer: Stephen Karlisch

Make a List

And to be as efficient as possible, once you’ve decided which rooms are the most important, start creating an in-depth shot list. Do you need detail shots? How many? Which angles? What rooms can go to the bottom of the list if we run out of time? Even think about how we’ll move through the house – a quick path that doesn’t move us up and down stairs or across a house will save you a lot of time. You may want to try to do some styling ahead of time so we’ll be able to move quickly once we’re shooting, and always consider the sun (utilize as much natural beautiful light as possible).

Use these tips to help you and your photographer snap those perfect hero shots. They will definitely help get your work noticed by editors and your target clients.

Have you planned out your next shoot for your marketing this year? We want to hear from you.

 
2020 Year in Review (Press!)
 

No matter what, 2020 will be a year to remember. It reminds me of that quote about “the best of times and the worst of times.” Despite the pandemic and shutdowns, it was still a good year for the interiors business. I am so grateful to so many talented clients and was honored to have my photographs showcased on many shelter magazine covers and in several books. The years highlight was being selected to be the official photographer for the first Kips Bay Showhouse in Dallas

At the end of one year and the beginning of another, I think it’s important to look back at pivotal moments in the past 12 months and to celebrate successes. It gives me the motivation to push myself even more creatively and to set challenging goals for the new year. So here’s a look at the year in review for my studio:

PUBLISHED BOOKS

I was so excited to be a part of the Lucas Eilers book Expressive Interiors, published by Rizzoli. In 2019 going into 2020 I traveled with the designing duo of Sandy Lucas and Sarah Eilers to Charleston, Park City, Galveston plus the hill country, and their hometown of Houston to shoot projects specifically for this book. Because of my work with them and other designers, I am always now encouraging all designers I work with to understand how valuable and important it is to always think about how any shoot would look in a book format somewhere down the line.  

I have loved working with iconic designer Jan Showers over the past 20 years, so I was honored to be able to shoot for her again for her newest book Glamorous Living, published by Abrams in the fall. We worked with Jan a few years ago on her book Glamorous Rooms and a few months ago at the Kips Bay Showhouse in Dallas. She’s an incredible and gracious designer and we’re lucky to be able to collaborate with her.


As if that wasn’t enough book love, I also had a photograph featured from the designer Robert Passal shoot in the gorgeous new book de Gournay: Hand-Painted Interiors. It’s a gorgeous celebration of the company’s historic and modern collections of wallpaper, fabric, and porcelain. 

COVERS + EDITORIAL

We have a great track record in the studio of getting our work published. And this year was no exception, but what was incredible for us was the number of covers our work garnered. Celerie Kemble of Kemble Interiors began the year with making the cover and a feature in NY Cottages and Gardens from our NY shoot Park Avenue residential shoot. Our photo of a kitchen designed by Jean Liu Design was on the cover of House Beautiful.

A living room we shot for Emily Summers made the cover of Modern Luxury Interiors. A Hill Country home by Deb Baxter of Baxter Design Group also made the cover of Luxe Austin + San Antonio. And a fantastic set table in a dining room by Cullman & Kravis was featured on the cover of Southern Home

In a time of Covid and economic ups-and-downs, it can be tempting to drop your marketing or decide not to earmark money for professional photo shoots. But I can tell you that would be a big mistake. Shooting your projects is a must for your portfolio and your image marketing. And the local and national exposure is critical for your business. Our photography for leading designers has definitely helped them increase their brand awareness and their businesses in a crazy year.

We’ve had photographs published in almost too many publications in 2020 to name, but here are a few:

And so many more including an abundance of on-line media. It was a great year for publishing in our studio. We can help you with your image marketing and publishing goals in 2021 – just contact us by clicking here.


PROJECTS + APPEARANCES

This was a year like no other when it came to large-scale photo shoots and speaking engagements – we had to do things a little differently. I shot catalogs and campaigns for both Sutherland and Perennials this year. And with Perennials we had to rethink our process since it was the Summer of Covid. You can see the entire three issues and read how we pulled it off by clicking here

I love public speaking, especially when I can talk to interior designers. This year we went virtual, including a keynote at the Decorative Center in Houston with Lucas Eilers to talk about their book a couple of weeks ago. I had a great time talking with designer Traci Zeller about tips to take your photography to the next level – it was a keynote for the High Point Market. Also for High Point Market in the fall, I shared a virtual stage with Chad Dorsey to talk about getting the most out of your photography budget. 

Podcasts have also become more important than ever for our studio. It’s another great way to talk photography and get the word out about how important image marketing is. I’ve loved talking to great experts in several field, like Kaleigh Wiese and Jane Dagmi. We’re hoping to move to more live interviews and appearances in 2021, but I think we’ll still have a few digital months to go before that happens.


AND NOW TO 2021

So what’s next? The new year starts with a full calendar of shoots of completed projects around Texas and Oklahoma. Due to Covid, shoots have been juggling around for months and we are now making up past ones and newly scheduled ones. We expect the next six months to be full and continue with caution. Hoping travel starts back up by second part of the year to work with clients again around the country. Please visit our blog post on tips about photographing your projects during a pandemic. We already have a few fun things lined up for the new year, including a BIG project we’ve been keeping under wraps. We’re not quite ready to reveal it yet, but look for an announcement early 2021!


If you’re ready to book with us for a 2021 shoot, be sure to contact us as soon as you can. We’re ready to help you reach your image marketing goals and intentions for the new year!

 

 
Photographing Kips Bay
 

There are so many elements that have to come together for a successful interiors photo shoot – great design, the right light, a detailed shot list, and more. And that’s just for one project with one interior designer. When I was asked to shoot the first-ever Kips Bay Showhouse to launch in Dallas, it was a marathon event with 27 designers, 3 days of intense shooting, and a lot of directors. And all in one huge French Provincial mansion. Here’s a look at how it went:

Size Matters

I was appointed as the official house photographer by the organizer of the home, the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. It’s an honor to be a part of this group’s iconic showhome program. For almost 50 years, Kips Bay has used a designer showhouse to raise money for after school and enrichment programs for kids in New York City. In the last few years, they expanded their showhomes to include Palm Beach, and this year moved into Dallas for their third location. Here in Dallas, the proceeds of the showhome also benefited local nonprofits Dwell with Dignity and the Crystal Charity Ball.

Doniphan Moore Interiors for Kips Bay Dallas Showhome

Doniphan Moore Interiors for Kips Bay Dallas Showhome

Kitchen Chad Dorsey Design for Kips Bay Dallas Showhome

Kitchen Chad Dorsey Design for Kips Bay Dallas Showhome

So how is shooting for a showhome different from photographing a home for an interiors project? First of all, the sheer size was daunting at almost 12,000 square feet. And then there’s the fact that I was shooting for many directors, other than the organizer or designers. In a showhome, you’re also shooting for the media partner, which in this case was Veranda magazine. And you have a lot of suppliers, sponsors, and vendors who have donated to the home and need photos of their products and work. 

Entry way by Rottet Studio for Kips Bay Showhome

Entry way by Rottet Studio for Kips Bay Showhome

Rather than worrying about what a single designer wants or needs, there are a lot of people involved with what photos and angles are needed. For the most part, that meant bigger, more overall views of each space and fewer detail shots. That way, more product can be included and more companies can use each shot for promotion of their participation in the showhouse.


Long Days, Short Deadlines

We worked in the home for three days, from about 8am to 7pm, so they were long days. Luckily, we were usually alone in the home, both because of Covid and to allow us to work quickly and get the shots we needed without anyone in the way. 

The timeline for delivering the photography was also very tight – and not at all the way photographers normally work. For our interiors projects, I take my time to ensure that the photos are perfect, including retouching. For Kips Bay, I worked with one assistant and one digital tech who was doing general basic retouching as I was shooting. We kept it as tight and efficient as possible because the turnaround time was so quick. We shot about 10 rooms a day with 3-5 shots each, and delivered the finished photos at the end of the 3 days. That is definitely not how a normal interiors shoot goes.

Living room by Mark D Sikes for Kips Bay Showhome

Living room by Mark D Sikes for Kips Bay Showhome

We did a walkthrough ahead of our shooting schedule, to be sure we would photograph rooms with natural light at the right time, and to plot an efficient route that had a good flow.

We also wanted to do justice to every space and every designer and that can be grueling. In a normal interiors project, there are killer moments that you’re excited to shoot, and then there are secondary spaces that aren’t as strong, or that you might skip through. 

But in a showhome, every room has a hero moment and every designer deserves equal representation as far as my skill, time, and attention. Everyone should get the same amount of creative effort – and that is exhausting. There’s no room where you can take less time or give less of yourself as a creative.

Creative Challenges

One of the challenges in this huge project was the odd architecture. There were a lot of strange little transitional spaces and interesting angles. The flow was off from an architectural standpoint, and upstairs the room were kind of hidden and tight. That made it more difficult to shoot.

But I have to say that I was blown away by the inventiveness of the designers who were part of the showhome. If you look at the before photos of the house and see the amount of creativity that is displayed in the finished photos, it was an incredible transformation. I have a newfound appreciation for designers and what they can do to a space. It was beyond what I expected.

The morning lounge by Marcus Mohon Interiors for Kips Bay Showhome

The morning lounge by Marcus Mohon Interiors for Kips Bay Showhome

It was interesting that I didn’t even meet a few of the designers. I did know about half of them since they were past clients. But the organizers tried to keep the home clear while I was shooting. 

I was lucky enough to be hired to reshoot spaces for the designers themselves. That meant I was in the house even longer, but it also gave those designers the shots they needed and wanted, particularly those important detail shots.

A lady’s study by Jan Showers for Kips Bay Dallas.

A lady’s study by Jan Showers for Kips Bay Dallas.

La Matadora by Tracy Hardenburg Designs for Kips Bay Showhouse.

La Matadora by Tracy Hardenburg Designs for Kips Bay Showhouse.

Lessons Learned

If you’re a designer who wants to make the most impact and get the best photography from a showhome experience, there are a few things to keep in mind from my perspective. 

  • Some rooms that you’re assigned can be overwhelmed with product. Yes, you may have sponsors you have to take care of, but be careful how much you plan to use in a space. There can be too much going on in the finished photography, which won’t do you any favors.

  • Hire your own photographer. Remember that, although most organizers will allow you to use their shots, they are going to be wider room shots that showcase as much of the sponsors as possible. They may not be the shots you want and they definitely won’t include a lot of angles or detail shots. Get photos that you can use for your own portfolio and that highlight your work in the best light.

  • If you’re ever given the chance to select the space you want to design, always think about natural light. That makes for stunning photos, so if you get a space with great natural light, it’s a huge win for you.

  • Lighting is key to great photos. If you get a room that doesn’t have any natural light – and about half the rooms in the Kips Bay project did not – be sure you use good lighting as part of your design. You want nice soft lights that will enhance the mood of the room, and lighting that’s dimmable and controllable.

  • Florals are so important for photography, but they can also be expensive. Real, fresh flowers add life to a room – they really do make a difference. Choose flowers that last a long time, it will cost you less than having to replace them over and over. Since most showhomes are open for three to four weeks, having to switch them out can really add up. Avoid fussy arrangements though because they can look messy on camera.

As you can see from the photos, Kips Bay was an incredible project with stunning designs that I was proud to shoot. To see the full showhouse, see the January issue of Veranda.


Thank you Designers Today for featuring Stephen in the October issue sharing his experience of documenting the Dallas Kips Bay Showhouse. To see the FULL interview please click here.

 
Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers
 
Expressive Interiors book cover

Expressive Interiors book cover

I am so excited to announce the release of Expressive Interiors by Lucas Eilers! This Houston based design firm duo of Sandy Lucas and Sarah Eilers has been a leading force in the design narrative in Texas and beyond for a long time, and they have finally put that work out for the world to enjoy.  Over the past two years I've been shooting several projects for them specifically for this book, which was an education for me personally on working directly with a publisher, Rizzoli, and book designer and editor. The experience will forever shape how I approach all projects for designers in the future, seeing how valuable and important it is to always think about how any shoot would look in a book format somewhere down the line.  

Spending time with this amazing group on trips to Charleston, Park City, Galveston and Houston, will always be one of the highlights of my career shooting Interiors.  I learned so much about the process, from it just being an idea in their heads discussed over a lunch meeting in Dallas a long, long time ago, to seeing the first spreads come back from Sandy Friedus and Doug Turschen at Rizzoli. From making corrections, edits and revisions until we almost couldn't look at it anymore, lol, and then seeing it pop up for sale on Amazon (yes!), it's been a fantastic ride.  

Here are a few highlights from the book, it's a proud moment for me, and to know how much it means to Sarah and Sandy and their entire team at Lucas Eilers.  Congratulations to you both and thank you all for inviting me in to be a part of this project, I am ready for book number 2!  Enjoy the Q&A with Sarah and Sandy below.


Q&A with Sarah Eilers and Sandy Lucas

What advice would you give yourself at 20? 
Sarah: I would tell myself to pay attention to your applied art (all of the principles and elements of design) and hang in there! The hard work and late nights will be worth it. I knew at 18 what I wanted to do with my life and I remain very thankful that I have the opportunity to do what I love every day. 

Sandy: I enjoyed school a lot but, at the time, I didn’t realize design would become such a passion for me and that it would grow to become such an integral part of my life. Looking back, I would advise myself to take the courses more seriously. Luckily, when I started teaching, I re-learned everything after having some practical knowledge under my belt, and it all worked out in the end! 


Advice on how you overcome fears that hold creatives back from going for it? 
Sarah: One of my mentors taught me that it’s essential to show your clients that you can design. What you come up with may be unexpected or too daring, but you have to put yourself out there. I now teach that same lesson to anyone who works with me. Sometimes, we all get a little too comfortable in the work we’re doing and our job is to continue pushing ourselves to take creative risks; we must never settle and we cannot be afraid of design. 

Sandy: Have confidence in yourself. Rely on your experience and your knowledge, knowing that all good designers doubt themselves from time to time. That’s what makes you the very best at what you do. Remember that you’re the professional which can be difficult when you’re working with close friends or family; they may not see you for the expert that you are. But once you’ve thoughtfully considered all of the options and applied all of your experience, don’t be afraid to own it.

• If you need inspiration for a design project, what do you do first? 
Sarah:
I usually contemplate the style and characteristics of the region I’m designing in and then sit down with a stack of magazines and trusted design books. I find that having an appreciation for the environment around the home is often just as important as appreciating what’s within. I surround myself with inspiration and then have fun making it all my own. 

Sandy: I rely heavily on my books and magazines, and we often joke that we’re “rippers” -  I have magazine photos from 40 years ago that are neatly filed away by category. Above all, I’m inspired by my clients. I get excited listening to their dreams and hearing the memories they plan to make in their homes. When you’re lucky enough to walk the site together before the home is built, you can really get a feel for the landscape and the architecture. 

Sandy and Sarah: We also have an extensive questionnaire that’s incredibly helpful when you don’t know someone as well, and we always start a private Pinterest board where we compile inspiration images with our clients. 

What would you say is key in selecting a photographer for your projects? 

Sandy and Sarah: Doug Turshen at Rizzoli encouraged us to meet with Stephen Karlisch and we are so grateful that he did! When you’re on the hunt for a photographer, it’s important to find someone who gets you and Stephen got us immediately. You should also look for a photographer who is not only technically talented but also flexible and creative. Finding someone you click with (pun intended) makes a huge difference because you’re partnering up to document your life’s work and you’ll be spending a great deal of time together.  

Don’t limit yourself to local photographers. Do an exhaustive search to make sure you find someone that gets you and understands your design aesthetic. Doug knew Stephen would have the talent and skill needed to help weave our personality into the images and Stephen ended up doing this so well that Rizzoli took images that were originally supposed to be a one or two-image spread and built an entire chapter around them!

At the end of the day, if you’re on shoot and nobody is engaged or excited to be there, the images always reflect that. Building an enthusiastic team is essential and a good interiors photographer like Stephen are not only capable of capturing the energy in your design but they are also excited to help tell the room’s story. 


Order your copy of Expressive Interiors here.

If you are interested in learning more about the process of publishing and are a member of Design Trust, please look for the Virtual Panel with Lucas Eilers, Stephen and Sandy from Rizzoli on October 30, 2020. Stephen looks forward to speaking at the Houston Design Center in December with Lucas Eilers. More information to come soon.

Thinking of getting started on your book journey? Lets talk!

 
Lights, Camera, Masks! - The Perennials Fall 2020 Shoot Story
 

Earlier this summer I was chosen to shoot the Perennials’ Fall 2020 collection, a client whom I’ve worked with over the past 10 years or so in a variety of tricky shooting situations. But this time was a little different. Being in the early days of our Covid crisis in Texas, we were all a bit hesitant to get this shoot off the ground. How would we do it?? Where would we do it? How many people would be involved? I pulled in my favorite Producer, Wilhelmina Adams to handle the logistics of this shoot. I needed to find a group of troopers who would basically do double, or triple duty for a couple of days, moving furniture, rolling and unrolling rugs, jumping from one side of the house to the other, and keeping a sense of humor about it all even though we were all a little stressed. We opted to use a model, but to minimize crew we chose to not see her face so she could stay masked and we wouldn’t have to worry about hair and makeup on set. Of course it was 105 degrees and we were inside and outside for several hours. I have to give a huge thank you to my crew, Austin, Eric, and Willy, plus the Sutherland and Perennials team for making this shoot so smooth and flawless. I think the moral of this story is that we were all on the same page, wanting to create a great product for our client to run with, under a tricky situation, and we all pulled on our strong experience to knock it out.

Our creative friends over at Perennials put together a great blog story about how we overcame this challenging shoot that turned into a beautiful and engaging campaign called C’est La Vie. We love the Parisian sophistication influence about this campaign and product and think our new Paris art series would compliment any interior with these soft yet impactful fabrics.

PerennialsCrewShot.jpg
 

Obligatory crew shot. This was the only time we got this close as a group, and always staying masked.

Perennials’ Fall 2020  C’est La Vie campaign. See their story and more imagery and info here.

Why Image Marketing Is More Critical Than Ever
 

Any marketing strategist or business coach will tell you that during economic uncertainty the last thing you should do is stop or slow down your marketing. In fact, if your brand disappears from the landscape, people may assume you’re actually out of business. The smart business move is to continue to post on social media, use email marketing, and showcase your new work on your website and branded materials.

Editorial press samples from imagery that Stephen shot recently. We have seen these passed around all over social media and pinterest.

And what is the one thing that is most critical to that marketing? Your photography. You need detail shots and behind-the-scenes photos for social media. You need updated personal photos to show you’re not only still in business, but you’re thriving. And you need to have every room of every project professionally shot. These images showcase the best of what you can do – and they are critical decision makers for your potential clients. 

Below are behind the scenes blog post that were iphone captures from our client Lucas Eilers. All and more was used in their social media throughout the year. Their new book, Expressive Interiors, published by Rizzoli, was a huge project all of 2019 and it launches in September. Stephen traveled all over the country with Sandy and Sarah which helped give their book a cohesive look in imagery .

Below shows how Perennials teamed up with Stephen to create marketing content for their new rug line when everything had been cancelled due to the shutdown. From one shoot they created a new catalog, inspiration boards, social media content and ads.

We can help you not only photography your projects, but we also specialize in showcasing the best of your brand. Plan your shoot, think ahead just like you are planning your marketing. We help style each shot to so your work attracts even more attention from your marketing efforts. It’s beyond photos – it’s image marketing at its best.

Want to learn more? Click here to get in touch.

 
Published! Celerie Kemble NYC Condo Project

One of the highlights of shooting last year was getting the opportunity to work with Celerie Kemble again on the “Super Chic!” Park Avenue condo in NYC. Celerie brings a polished aesthetic to any project, and along with Project Designer Samantha Bisger they helped transform a traditional Park Avenue space into light filled tree-house. Complete with an exquisite handpainted botanical print wallpaper by Gracie studio that is featured in the dining room which overlooks a courtyard space. The living room is adorned with an equally stunning custom silk by de Gournay wall covering this space has a lightness to it that is as calming and peaceful to look at as it was to shoot.

To top off the amazing shoot it was picked up and ran as the cover for New York Cottages and Gardens magazine. Check out some of the printed story below, along with all the files from the shoot. It’s always nice to see a project end up in print, and to see how the graphic design elements of type and layout

 
Creative Focus: Bronson Van Wyck


Bronson Van Wyck

Bronson is a one-namer.  You know, like Bono or Beyonce.  Not sure why I chose to lump him into the entertainer category, since he is usually on the other side of entertainment where the true genius tends to reside.  He makes dreams come to life, and his imagination is only rivaled by his intensity to get shit done.  I met Bronson in New Orleans many years ago.  It was then that I knew I was in the presence of a true artist who could turn a blank empty lot or room into a fantasy, even if it was only for a few hours, and into a memory that would last forever.  

I’ve been fortunate to document some of the life and times of Bronson along with the rest of his family, the creative forces that make up their thriving business Van Wyck Van Wyck.

Bronson with his family at their family farm in Arkansas for a holiday celebration.Featured in his new book, Born to Party, Forced to Work: 21st Century Hospitality

Bronson with his family at their family farm in Arkansas for a holiday celebration.

Featured in his new book, Born to Party, Forced to Work: 21st Century Hospitality

Bronson Van Wyck is one of the world’s leading authorities on hospitality, celebrated for a style of entertaining that combines wit and sophistication with the gracious warmth of his Southern upbringing. An event planner of international renown, Bronson has organized some of the most memorable and imaginative parties of the past two decades in locations all over the world. Bronson’s talent and style have drawn clients like Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama, Madonna, Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jerry Seinfeld, and Diane von Furstenberg. Bronson also creates strategic event programs for international luxury brands, such as Chanel, St. Regis, Mercedes Benz, Christie’s, Bulgari, Range Rover, and Van Cleef & Arpels among many others. Passionate about giving back, Bronson is a founding member of the Friends of the Highline and was instrumental in the creation of the beloved park, of which he is a trustee, raising millions of dollars as one of the organization’s leading supporters for more than a decade. He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Apollo Theater. An avid traveler, writer, photographer, and host, Bronson resides in New York City.

It was an honor to photograph some of the most avant-garde designs by Van Wyck & Van Wyck. When I got the call about the new book by Bronson, I was not surprised. Born to Party, Forced to Work: 21st Century Hospitality was released on October 23rd by Phaidon.

Bronson, tell us a story…

I never knew that what I do, producing parties, was actually a way to make a living, much less a way to make a life. I got here after an extended process of elimination during which I learned I had no other marketable skills. My mother and I accidentally started our business, Van Wyck & Van Wyck, twenty years ago in 1999. In a way it was an escape for both of us. Me from years of hard living on the Hollywood D-List (with more than a few glorious brushes with the A-, B-, and C-lists) and her from an isolated nest whose birds- like so many in rural America – had flown the coop. We come from a place where parties are given, not produced. And it’s precisely for this reason that what we do seems to work. What is it that we do? Actually, nothing revolutionary. We are taking part in a tradition as old as man, using the same tools to create the same feelings of welcome, of being appreciated, of being taken care of, and of being loved.

Bronson Van Wyck holiday shoot. Photo by Stephen Karlisch

Bronson Van Wyck holiday shoot. Photo by Stephen Karlisch

Favorite piece of clothing you own?

I’ve never met a cape I didn’t like


Favorite must read book and why?

Edie: American Girl by Jean Stein. She’s the original influencer!

Bronson in his NY home library. Photo by Stephen Karlisch

Bronson in his NY home library. Photo by Stephen Karlisch

What modern design trend makes you cringe?

That faux-hipster Brooklyn Pinterest aesthetic


A skill you’re working on mastering?

Photography. Tell Stephen I want a lesson.

- Bronson, they don’t call me a photo coach for nothing! Let’s chat! - sk

A book that everyone should read?

My publisher would want me to say mine

If you had one more hour in the day what would you do with it?

Keep the party going.


Blurbs about his new book:

"This book is like a shot of tequila at the beginning of an unforgettable night. Appropriately so, because serving tequila to guests right when they arrive at our house for a night of revelry is a party trick Bronson van Wyck taught me - and one I highly recommend. In his book, Bronson shows us that being a great host is something we can all achieve. This beautiful book is a fun gift for those who like to entertain, and for the anxious host as well."—Jessica Seinfeld 

"I've watched Bronson van Wyck grow up, as he's turned his passion into a profession. Born to Party, Forced to Work is an inspiring, beautifully written read for anyone who's ever wondered how to make a career out of doing what you love. Bronson's sincerity, graciousness, and sly sense of humor come across in every page. And the pictures of the events make you feel like you were there yourself."—Diane von Furstenberg

"Every party Bronson van Wyck designs is a party you want to attend. And every party is a creative tour de force, full of innovation, great music, wonderful decoration, and an all-encompassing friendly ambience. Energy, joie de vivre, incomparable glamour, vivaciousness, and otherworldly beauty are just a few of the building blocks Bronson employs to accomplish his wizardry at any party venue. This evocative book captures so much of Bronson's work and evokes the range of his amazing talents."—Martha Stewart


Thank you Bronson for sharing your creative spirit and talents with us. To keep the party going head over to Phaidon to buy his newly released Born to Party, Forced to Work: 21st Century Hospitality. Also check your local bookstores or we just found on Amazon too. To learn more and see the multi-talented Van Wyck & Van Wyck head over to their website.






Are you a client of ours that would love to be featured on our blog?

Shoot us an email at hello@stephenkarlisch.com to find out how.






Karlisch Photography, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking.

Creative Focus: Chad Dorsey Design


Chad Dorsey is a gift in the design world. He's a breath of fresh air in a growing sea of sameness, pushing a narrative of masculine comfort, similar to his personality. When you are in one of Chad's homes, you just want to stay there because everything just feels right. He was trained as an architect and his design is a fluid relationship to the architecture where proportion, light, and scale are as essential as taste and lifestyle. He believes furnishings should be impactful without being overwhelming and rooms should flow and transition seamlessly. I have been fortunate to have photographed Chad’s designs over the past decade. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades (scroll down for the long list) and we are excited to share our Q&A with him as well as some of the imagery I have shot for Chad recently. Enjoy!

Chad, tell us a story…

Recently at a shoot I mentioned to Stephen I needed a new portrait for an event.  He appeared to hear the comment but really didn’t acknowledge this comment….. I am thinking should I be wearing something else or maybe I am just not portrait worthy?

Stephen went about the day, shooting the project and taking great shots…. When I least expected it, he said “Hey Chad, get on the bed”.  

Shocked, I wasn’t sure if he was being funny or not.   

Thoughts to myself-

 - we have worked for the past hour to perfect the bed for the shot, and now Stephen wants me to destroy this?  

 - Should I act like I am sleeping?  

Stephen says, “Just do it……  RELAX…..  Act like Kelly Wearstler

Not sure I ever relaxed, but somehow Stephen always finds a way to pull out some sort of character or spirt in each shot.  This is the really cool unique angle Stephen has.  His humor is another.  I feel like this image was the Telenovela of the entire shoot.

ChadDorseyportrait_karlisch.jpg

If you need inspiration for a design project, what do you do first?

I like to think of all of my travel and remember experiences that I have had that maybe relevant to a project.


How would you define your work in three words?

Relaxed, Bespoke, Timeless

Favorite piece of clothing you own?

I have this old grey hoodie that has a cool lining in the hood…. The company that made this hoodie is no longer in business, and well my hoodie isn’t long for this world either.  I wear it all year long…. Inside during the summer…. Outside during the winter… I have even worn it with a sport coat on top.  


What modern design trend makes you cringe? 

Anything purchased as a set or collection….  No matter the budget, find things that make the space unique to the person.  

ChadDorseydesign_karlisch.jpg

What is one thing no one knows about you? 

I am not sure that this is a surprise, but I really have to work at being social.  This also goes for social media…. I am super critical of my own work, so one single post takes a lot of thought for me… I have been trying to be more spur of the moment and think less about them and just go with it….

Favorite city to recharge? 

I love Los Angeles right now.  I go there and become so inspired, yet so relaxed and at ease.  It feels good.

If you had one more hour in the day what would you do with it?

Sleep.

ChadDorseyHouse_karlisch.jpg

What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now? 

I really like seeing the texture, details, and layers coming back into interiors.  This is happening in both modern and traditional spaces.  I think we are all ready for a lot more dimension after a long more minimal period.

ChadDorsey_Day_living_karlisch.jpg

Awards-

Upcoming National Features in

Traditional Home (Oct 2019)

Interiors Magazine (Sept/Oct 2019)

Western Art & Architecture (Oct 2019)


Thank you Chad for sharing your creative spirit and talents with us. To learn and see more of Chad’s talents please visit his website www.chaddorseydesign.com/

Are you a client of ours that would love to be featured on our blog?

Shoot us an email at hello@stephenkarlisch.com to find out how.