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.

 
Bring the World into your Home
 

After an inspiring trip to Paris last winter, we are releasing 40 new limited-edition art prints of Stephen’s stunning photographs of the City of Lights. His architectural eye is evident in these new and exclusive shots, each of which adds a powerful design element to any space.

Interior design by M Interiors

Interior design by M Interiors

Like a film noir, A Rainy Midnight Walk in the St-Germain-des-Prés captures the charm and mystery of one of Paris’s most famous neighborhoods. The Magnificent Staircase – Rodin Museum perfectly frames a sweeping architectural detail that can only be found in historic European buildings. David Vanqueur de Goliath offers a cheeky take on one of the oldest statues in the Jardin du Luxembourg.



Interior Design by Laura Lee Clark

Interior Design by Laura Lee Clark

Interior Design by Carrie Hatfield

Interior Design by Carrie Hatfield

In addition to the Paris series, new photographs also include Iceland, California, Italy, Mexico, and Florida, as well as two series of abstracts and textures. At a time when none of us is sure when we will again walk the streets of Paris or other destinations, these beautiful photographs inspire all of us to remember what makes travel and architecture so special. 

All prints are fine art archival quality with one inch border signed by Stephen. To-the-trade pricing is available for interior designers. To see the extensive collection of photographs in the shop, click here.

 
High Point Market goes virtual

High Point Market may have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis, but that won’t stop them from reaching out to the design community in a different way. Originally Stephen was scheduled to present another live educational event to designers during High Point Market last April. We are happy to share that the International Market Centers (IMC) has just announced an exclusive lineup of seminars, events and new product discovery opportunities. We are thrilled to be a part of this three-week-long digital event running from May 11 through May 29 on IMC’s High Point Market website. Every designer, showroom and brand in this industry should be taking advantage of this time to submit past professional press ready imagery as it is needed more than ever by print and on-line editorial. These opportunities as well as on going visual marketing content will make you stand apart, get published and noticed now and in these critical coming months. People in their homes are planning and hiring RIGHT NOW! If you have not heard Stephen speak at past markets where he shares his tips and expertise then this is a do not miss live event and an opportunity to ask questions too! He loves to have a designer with him so he or she can give you their perspective on what has worked for them. Traci Zellar, of Traci Zeller Interiors will be accompanying Stephen during this “Must Know Tips on How to Take Your Interior Photography Shoots to the Next Level” (1 CEU) that is co-sponsored by IMC DesignOne HPMTK and Alden Parkes. We hope that you will join Stephen and Traci as they discuss how to craft an effective photoshoot, from finding the right photographer, pre-planning, styling tips, what editors are looking for now, Show House secrets and all that goes into the shoot to make it a success! it’s not just about the shoot, you will also learn what to know and expect after the shoot, usage rights and social media etiquette. Space is limited so register for a seat now and we hope to see you on the webinar! Please see below about how to enter to win a signed 11x14 framed and matted 8x10 fine art print ($600 value) from our new Paris collection. Have a question you’d like to get in for the webinar, ask below or leave us a comment!

 
Join Stephen Karlisch and Traci Zeller for this not to be missed live webinar!

Join Stephen Karlisch and Traci Zeller for this not to be missed live webinar!

 
 
Here is a sample of our NEW Paris Series that will be live this week. We will be giving away a beautiful 11x14 framed black & white 8x10 fine art print with a signed 8 ply mat ($600 value). To enter, 1) register for the webinar and 2) comment be…

Here is a sample of our NEW Paris Series that will be live this week. We will be giving away a beautiful 11x14 framed black & white 8x10 fine art print with a signed 8 ply mat ($600 value). To enter, 1) register for the webinar and 2) comment below with a question for Stephen or just something you want to share. The drawing will happen May 15, 2020.

 
Photographing Thomas Pheasant at home
 
Designer Thomas Pheasant at home in Washington DC

Designer Thomas Pheasant at home in Washington DC

A couple of months ago I was being interviewed on the SAID podcast with Jane Dagmi, and at the end of the talk she asked me who some of my favorite designers were. At the top of my list was Thomas Pheasant. Ironically Jane had recently interviewed him for her magazine and I decided to put the wheels in motion to get her to connect us.

A chance trip to DC was planned for a family celebration and I decided to schedule the shoot with Thomas. Everything fell into place with a few short emails and I was all set. Driving to his home I remember being a little nervous, which is strange, I’ve been shooting high profile designers and clients for years, even stuck in an elevator with Giorgio Armani once snapping his portrait, but never felt nerves before. Maybe it was because I had willed this to happen and didn’t want to fail, or let myself down somehow.

All the elements I could ask for were in place, it was a gorgeous day, the sun was hitting the right part of the house when I pulled up, and to top it off he is a PRO. So my job would be easy. After a bit of chit chat and scanning the rooms for a good spot to work, I felt like I had stepped into his instagram feed. His home is everything you would imagine it to be, and it is flawless. Homes like his can create chaos in minds like mine because the visual experience is almost too much to take in, and the options for shots are endless. Luckily he had some great ideas, and the light in the front of his home was perfect, so we stuck to his entry and formal living space to maximize the light.

Someday I would love to explore the rest of the home, and document his space, but feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and photograph a design hero of mine. Thank you Thomas for the time, and sharing a piece of your home with the world.

 
The Art of the Environmental Portrait
Designer Thomas Pheasant catching the morning light in his living room in Georgetown, DC.

Designer Thomas Pheasant catching the morning light in his living room in Georgetown, DC.

People always ask me what is your favorite thing to photograph? Easy, I’ll take an environmental portrait any day. Why? I get to combine my love of shooting interiors with spending time and meeting people usually in a place that is personal and meaningful to them. I get to see a part of their life that many people don’t. One on one on their turf, both intimidating and thrilling at the same time. Throw in the pressure of having to create a portrait that is timeless and tells a little story of who they are, in the blink of an eye or fraction of a shutter click on my camera.

Lela Rose at home in Tribeca

Lela Rose at home in Tribeca

In most of these images I’ve never met my subjects or set foot in their home, so the first thing I’m trying to do is quickly scan the location for the best light and what jumps out at me visually. I tend to shoot most portraits utilizing natural light, and am as low tech as possible to keep things from getting too complicated and stressed. The last thing I want is to look awkward fumbling around with any equipment or analyzing a strobe while they are waiting.

Designer Celerie Kemble in NYC

Designer Celerie Kemble in NYC

Photographing Celerie Kemble at home was a great collaboration. The shot on the right in green was a guest room in her home that we reorganized and styled with floral and art for the shot. And her clothing options were on hand to help us decide which outfit was best for the scene(I think we actually shot three versions). Then the shot on the left was at the end of the shoot when I wanted to get some more casual shots of her, more fitting of her personality and style.

Usually I find myself wanting to shoot the entire home, positioning the subject in the spaces sometimes blending in as part of the art and architecture themselves.

Sam Saladino in his living room in Oak Cliff, Texas

Sam Saladino in his living room in Oak Cliff, Texas

Bronson Van Wyck at home, NYC

Bronson Van Wyck at home, NYC

Depth in an image is crucial for a successful shot. Choosing the right lens and camera position in a tight space can make all the difference between a cramped, distorted shot and a visual treat where you can’t stop looking. The image of Bronson Van Wyck above in his hallway bar at home in NYC was a super tight squeeze for me, but choosing a wide lens to bring it all in to play to showcase the volume of the space and positioning him in a casual pose looking off camera, smoking, gives you the sense you are in the space with him, enjoying a conversation. Below Sam Saladino finds a spot on the floor with his cat, blending in to the maximalist surroundings of his collected home in Dallas.

Sam Saladino on the floor in his Oak Cliff home

Sam Saladino on the floor in his Oak Cliff home

I’ll wrap all this up with one of my favorite images from a shoot with musician/songwriter Peter More in his family home in Ft. Worth, Texas. I shot with an old medium format film camera for this shoot, adding an element of mystery to the shoot not knowing what the film would look like, but shooting film is worth it for the thrill of seeing it come out better than you expected.

Musician Peter More, Ft. Worth, Texas. Published in Rolling Stone, Flood Magazine and numerous others.

Musician Peter More, Ft. Worth, Texas. Published in Rolling Stone, Flood Magazine and numerous others.

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

 
Becoming an influential interiors photographer. A deep dive with Stephen Karlisch.

Editor in Chief, Jane Dagmi with Designers Today podcast SAID, decided to take a more personal approach with Stephen Karlisch. The level of comfort you feel listening to this talk will keep you intrigued about learning more about Stephen’s journey. How he ended up in Dallas, shooting interiors, working on book projects, adding fine art and being sought out around the country. His passion beyond his love of photography is to share knowledge to make us all better in the industry and how he loves to speak at markets or do private teaching and coaching with designers and photographers. You will learn about his background in architecture, tennis, fashion photography and how his portrait work became the natural accompaniment that publications and designers request beyond his interior photography expertise. The stories he recounts with notable names of the past, the value of an image that stands the test of time, to the importance of his wife Kristen and her role in the business will keep you hanging on for more. He has some design crushes he hopes to shoot for in the future. See if your name is on his list. And learn more about his fascination with designers and their “why” to their choices.

Thank you to Denise McGaha Interiors for the surprise scoop on Stephen, especially enlightening the listeners to his well known 2:30 pick me up that he needs for those long day shoots.

If this is your first time listening to Stephen, then we highly recommend you also listen to a more in depth educational podcast with LuAnn Nigara, from a Well Designed Business. He gives professional tips to getting the most out of your interior design shoots. He adds more depth about interior photography with secret tips on the Wingnut Social podcast with Darla Powell. Both podcasts have been invaluable to designers across the country and we just love how Jane hugged this podcast into the mix making all three feel well rounded together.

Getting the most out of your photography budget

One of the highlights in my career as a professional interiors photographer is to share my experience and expertise in our industry so that we can all be more successful when it comes to professional photo shoots. My approach to photographing interiors the last 16 years comes from my background of shooting for commercial advertising, catalogs, editorial and coffee table book projects. The photoshoot process can be a bit intimidating and confusing to any newcomer, so I have decided to help ease the pain a bit with some insight into making it more fun and fruitful for everyone involved. Some of the most asked questions I get from new designers tend to all fall into these topics:

Why you should always professionally shoot your projects.

The different types of photographers and who is right for you.

Why scouting is important.

The benefits of using a stylist.

Art directing your projects

What is photo usage.

How to get published.

Over the past year or so I have been speaking at markets, small industry events, panels, and even a couple of industry podcasts. My presentation on “Getting the most out of Your Photography Budget” turned into an accredited presentation and keeps evolving. My guest designer speaker at Highpoint Market was Grant Gibson and at the Dallas Design Market was Denise McGaha. Both contributed their experiences as a well seasoned designer with many shoots and being published multiple times. In the near future I hope to have a stylist, art director and more designers to collaborate with on the presentation to help educating designers across the globe on how they can get the most out of their photography budget.

Please reach out to the studio with any specific questions about any photoshoot related topic, we would love to help spread the most helpful information to anyone who needs it!

Expert Interior photographer, Stephen Karlisch teaches designers across the country about how they can get the most out of their photography budget. It is an IDCEC accredited presentation that designers have enjoyed seeing at High Point Market, Dallas Design Week as well as industry meetings. Thank you to Denise McGaha for joining him at this presentation in Dallas. Please email hello@stephenkarlisch.com to inquire about booking him at your next industry event!

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.






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Our NEW Fine Art Print Shop is LIVE!

Stephen Karlisch has been traveling the world for over 20 years on various assignments for interior designers, architects, and private commissions. After several years of requests for his images, he started printing out some of his favorite iconic images created on these trips. Trained in architecture, and having lived all over the world as the son of a Navy pilot and officer, Stephen is retracing his roots through Europe to recapture the images of his childhood memories. Drawn to color, depth, texture and scale, you will see signs of his commercial work and architectural past blended together to go beyond the typical tourist photo, although shooting from the same perch as many have stood before.

This original photography from his globetrotting adventures is now available in our on-line print shop. We have around 25 images and are currently updating with more. All prints are fine art archival quality with one inch border signed by Stephen Karlisch. We also have a few images that are limited editions. We are offering unframed as well as a few framed options. There is complimentary shipping on all orders within the USA. Please email hello@stephenkarlisch.com for information on our Designer/Trade pricing, custom sizes or other questions.

Below are a few samples of our most popular images.

Our new line of textures are perfect as a series or stand alone image to add a dramatic color or interesting conversation piece to a room.

Stephen is excited about building a more intentional creative series in the coming months soon to be announced. Please sign up for our newsletter for new announcements and follow his stories and feed on instagram.

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.



Art Directing Your Projects

It’s interesting to me that some designers think they will hire a photographer and stylist for a shoot, tell him/her what shots they’re looking for, and then have the shots delivered exactly as they want with no more work involved. I always want to remind interior designers that this is your photo shoot, and that you need to art direct the day – exactly the same way that a shelter publication will when they shoot a project.

Why? Because it’s your brand, and you need it to be visually represented in the best way possible. A good photographer and stylist are going to make the rooms look good, but they may not understand your brand and what you really need from the shots

I like to work in a partnership with my clients where we’re both fully committed to getting the best visual representation of the project. And it always works best if the designer is fully engaged in the process from the minute we sign an agreement. So what does that mean?

First, you need to think about who you’re going to pitch the project to, or how the images are going to be used. Discussing this plan with your photographer will impact how the project will be styled and shot. You should also think about what the takeaways will be for the person reading the article or viewing the project.

You want to scout the project again, preferably with the photographer and a stylist. It’s a great time to think about how many shots you’ll need, how many horizontals vs. verticals, what accessories and florals you want, what the light looks like, and so much more.

Be realistic about the shoot and the amount of time it will take! Especially if there’s a room that needs the daylight and it’s going to start getting dark at 6pm. It’s so important to have a shot list ready to go. It will speed up everything and you can be sure that we don’t miss a crucial angle or room. 

So the number-one question I get from a designer is if they really need a stylist for the shoot. My answer is always yes! First, you’re too close to the project and may not be able to visualize how it needs to look for publication. Things look very different on camera.  A stylist can help move the shoot along, styling the next room while the designer and I are shooting the current space. It’s more efficient and more effective. Plus a good stylist will know what trends magazines are looking for regarding props, floral, etc.

And if you still need to be convinced – my styling team and I have a very HIGH publish rate when we work together and then pitch a project. Yep, VERY, VERY, HIGH. 

Finally, remember that you want to look at each shot as it comes up on the computer. We can make adjustments and changes then and there so we get the perfect photo. This is the time for you to make sure the shots are going in the right direction. 

If you are an involved art director in your own photo shoot, you’ll walk away knowing you got the shots you wanted, and they match your brand aesthetic.

Maker Monday - Moving in Front of the Camera



Positano, Italy

Positano, Italy


It isn’t often that people turn the lens around and focus on me – I’m used to being behind the camera directing the action. So it was fun to be featured in Aspire Home & Design Magazine !

I like interviews that aren’t the same old boring questions – the Aspire reporter sent me some quirky ones to answer. They give you some interesting insights into things you may not have known about me. For example, most people may know that I have an architecture background, but not that my favorite board game is backgammon. Don’t know why you would need to know that, but hey, it makes us closer friends now, right? 

The regular Aspire feature focuses on “makers,” which may seem like an odd category for a photographer. But I see my role as crafting a message for designers and architects. You design rooms and homes, and I help create the best visual representation of that work. Basically it’s my job to make your work look as gorgeous as it can!

I’m a visual brand expert – someone who can take a designer’s work from good to FAB! With lighting, styling, and your designs…we make magic. My photos help tell your story. They elevate your brand and get you attention from press, clients, potential partners, and more. My work should help you get more work – that’s why I do what I do.

Well, I also do it for the endless supply of white linen shirts and fresh baguettes (see the article), but mostly I do it because I love my job behind the camera!

Okay, enough about me. Let’s turn that lens back around and focus on you!

What is the best bait for getting editors attention and new clients?
May 2019 Issue of Designers Today

May 2019 Issue of Designers Today

Indispensable imagery.

Designers Today delivers the tips and takeaways to make sure your interior design brand is as successful as your designs - including marketing tips, business strategies and more. In the May issue they focused on the importance of how gorgeously lit and professionally styled photography can be the best bait for getting editors attention as well as new clients.

Beautiful bathroom design by Denise McGaha

Beautiful bathroom design by Denise McGaha

I was very flattered to be among the selected creatives sharing our expertise in regards to all that goes into making the magic happen in interior photography. It was a fun talk with editor Jane Dagmi about things that affect the shoot day in a positive and negative way. Our approach to the interior shoot with our clients from knowing the marketing direction and who they are targeting.  And of course my take on scouting and how beneficial the planning is to making it a very efficient shoot day. 

If you didn’t get a chance to pick up the May issue then you can read the digital version here. 

Podcast! Stephen shares his expertise about interior photography

Last February Kristen had the pleasure of attending the Design Influencers conference in Atlanta. A conference specifically focused on the design industry. Among the many design influencers she connected with she was very excited to meet Darla and Natalie from Wingnut Social and also Darla Powell Interiors. We are podcast addicts and love how they are sharing excellent marketing information specifically tailored to the design professional. Stephen shares his expert advice to designers (and photographers should listen too) about getting started working with photographers, lighting, secret tips for you taking your own photos and much more. We hope this podcast will not only bring you new insights but a few laughs as well. Click here to listen to a fun take two.

Natural Light Photography, or is it??

Ooooooh, look at that light, that awesome light, its ethereal, glowing, spectacular, it makes everything pop! You know what I’m talking about, you’ve seen it. That early morning on vacation in Rome when you see the rising sun make the street in front of you come to life, or that last bit of light after a sunset in Santa Fe, where the pink clouds above make the world look like you are in a candy jar. That is magical light, so good its nearly un-replicable. We see these magical moments inside as well. Everyone has that one room in their house where the sun bursts through the window at just the right angle that it makes the room come alive. And then, 15 min later its gone, the room is flat and dull looking.

(spoiler alert, all of the above images were made on rainy or cloudy days, no sun needed.)

As a photographer the first thing I look for in any shot, is the natural light. Is it awesome? Will it get better later, or did I miss the good light earlier, are those clouds rolling in? A pre-scout usually helps me determine when the light will be best in any room of the house, so I’m prepared going in to maximize the natural light as much as possible, but then sometimes things change on the shoot day. It could be raining and dreary(happens more than a lot), so how do I deal with that?

I use professional lighting! You know, all that gear you would expect me to have ready to go when the light is really bad.

The key to using artificial lighting in my shots is to make you think its all natural light, and that has been something I’ve been trying to perfect in over 20 years of shooting. There are so many tricks we can use now with photoshop, but call me old school, I still like to get it looking nearly 95% perfect at the point of capture, thats how we had to do it shooting with film. No photoshop needed. Knowing how and when to add supplemental lighting is from years and years of observing what natural light actually looks like and does to a room, in all types of situations. It helps me get to control exactly how the final image will look, and I can adjust it to taste, like a chef. Some like a little more spice, do you?


Stephen Karlisch
From Scout to Finish, The Reason I Always Scout (and so should you!)

Scouting is one of the most important aspects of any of my shoots. I try to scout every single shoot now, its that important to me and for my clients. For years I would sometimes scout, or not worry about it for a home interior shoot, thinking I could show up first thing in the morning on a shoot day and figure it all out. I think many photographers that shoot for interior designers fall into this category, and they are missing a huge opportunity to make the shoot a success before it even happens. From a scout I’m able to determine the angles that work best, which shots should not even be attempted (huge time saver), and a schedule of how I want to shoot the house based on the lighting throughout the day. But probably the main reason I scout every shoot is to inform the styling of the final shots. For example, you will see in some of these examples several things were changed, and some only floral was added.

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after

after

As you can see from this shoot with Allison Seidler Interiors, we decided to move furniture around, swap out a couple of lamps, side tables, and restyle the coffee table. Everything was shifted quite a bit towards the camera to allow for separation with the white chair and table, and sofa on right was moved into the space.

before

before

after

after

This kitchen shoot with Staci Steadley really benefited from the scouting shots. The florist, Haile Wossen, was able to determine the scale of floral to bring to fill in the window on the right, and the new barstools brought in by Staci changed the entire feel of the room. Removing homeowner clutter and knowing how much work will be needed ahead of time are huge time savers. Bring extra help!

before

before

after

after

And lastly, this living room by SBLong Interiors needed a lot of minor adjustments that we were able to decide before starting our shoot that day. Walking into this room knowing what was needed to happen made this transformation last about 30 min from start to finish.

So, you can see how and why I scout all my shoots. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of what can feel like a stressful day if you aren’t prepared. Do yourself a favor and scout!

"Doin' It For the Gram" - Pro Tips For Better Instagram Shots
Stephen Karlisch

Ever wondered how some feeds are so gorgeous and appealing to look at on Instagram? Having a good eye for a great shot is part of the magic of that appeal, but there are specific strategies you can leverage to ensure your pix get likes & your ‘gram following grows. Follow these tips I shared with DMC Designers Guide from Dallas Market Center for their January issue.

Tip 1:

Use an app like Snapseed (free) or VSCO to edit your images before posting.  Its really important that you find a look that you love to apply to all of your images, and these apps are the best.  Every image, iphone or not, will need some editing.  I like to brighten my images, add a little contrast and saturation(be careful not to go crazy here!), and straighten my shots.  

Tip 2: 

Cropping for Instagram.  Keep in mind the best crop for Instagram is a 4x5 proportion.  Crop images before posting, and stay consistent in this area as well.  Maybe you want all verticals, or square, or mix in horizontal shots, but when viewing your grid it should have a meaningful pattern. 

Tip 3: 

Details are best.  Tight cropped images of details get better results, because people can see them better.  If you post a huge room shot as a horizontal shot you will not get much impact, but it may work well on your website(horizontals always work better on websites).  Think vertical, and tight. 

Tip 4: 

Down shots of details to tell a story.  Think mood board, or swatches for a project, or a coffee table....  Again, stay level, tight and vertical.

Tip 5: 

Color!  Try to group images in your grid with a color element.  Think in groups of 9, or multiples of 9.  If you can, keep objects in mind to place in shots to pull in that color, just 'do it for the gram!'  

Bonus tips...   

When shooting detail shots, try to shoot them straight on, and from a lower position than shooting standing up.  Get low, and level!  In Snapseed there is a tool for automatically straightening your images, learn how to use it! 

Now, go out there & get snappin’!