studio | ten | 25

Published: November 22, 2010, By Abbe Fenimore

Controlling My Scene

During every project photo shoot, things get moved around numerous times until they are “just right”.  Setting the scene and telling the story in a photograph is quite the challenge when capturing a room.  Seeing a gorgeous room in a magazine is what inspires us to create the room of our dreams. But capturing that perfect scene for that perfect magazine shot can be time consuming.  Having every detail perfect for that one shot takes patience, an open mind and a stack of options waiting on the side.

The chaise lounge in this living room was photographed using multiple accent tables and pillow configurations.  Take a look at these test shots to see what I was thinking. Which one do you prefer?

#1:  I’m always a fan of the garden stool, but something looks off….so I come in to make the adjustment.

#2: A bit blah for me…we need more color…maybe a different pattern?

#3:  A new garden stool and mixing up the pillows…still not feeling it. The scale of the garden stool isn’t right? Let’s focus on getting the pillows because this graphic pillow overpowers the shot.

#4: Test Shot! Ok, I have mixed in a pop of yellow and now it looks unbalanced. Still not sure about this garden stool, I’m off to look for more options…..

#5: My last attempt at finding the right accent table.  Looks like I found a pillow configuration that has caught my eye! I’m not sure I love the vertical shot, although you can now see the gorgeous drapes with greek key trim.

#6: I really like the horizontal shot because the pop of yellow on the sofa pillow is what I was looking for.   I’m thinking that I need to make one last change. Photographing mirrored pieces can be frustrating, I don’t like seeing the pattern in the shot.

Lucky #7: I think I found my shot! This horizontal shot is my favorite and I think everything looks just right without a garden stool or accent table.  The pillow configuration is soft and they bring in the perfect amount of pattern, color and texture!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeanette says

    I can SO relate because we had a photographer here on Friday shooting our house! When she’s finished w/pics, I’ll show them on my blog. But it IS a process, but we had alot of fun!
    I love that turq.garden stool…..I might consider it for my piano room….check out my recent blogpost, cuz the piano/Molly’s room are all those same colors!
    http://jvwhome.blogspot.com

    have a great day and I’ll think about the garden stool ….(i think it could be nice next to the white chair i pictured.)

  4. Kristy Swain says

    This is a FABULOUS post as it makes me feel normal when I’m having a day where I’m just not feeling certain pillow combinations. I go through a simialr process on those days. Just when you think you aren’t going to get it right, something works!

  6. Katie Flynn says

    Hi Abbe!

    Just wanted to drop a line and let you know I love, love your style and your blog! Thanks for bighting my day with your fabulous ideas and good design!

    -Katie Flynn
    A Creative Interior

  7. Solar Panel says

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