It’s #TeamUpTuesday! Today, we’re proud to feature Sarah Winchester Studios. Sarah’s an amazingly talented Boston-based interior and architecture photographer. She’s worked will all types of clients, from fashion houses and magazines to construction companies and advertising campaigns. We sat down with her to learn a little more about her artistic approach.
What camera do you shoot on?
❈ For my commercial work, I shoot with a Canon DSLR. For my fine art photography, I either use my Canon or my mirrorless Fuji. A 2018 goal of mine is to start shooting again with my large format Deardorff. Like the good old-fashioned viewfinder camera. Also, the iPhone camera is quite a powerful and high quality camera these days. I use it a lot for scouting, ideas, and Instagram stories. The fact that it is always on my person makes it an indispensable tool.
What types of clients do you work with?
❈ For my commercial photography, I work with interior design professionals, architects and builders. I love helping them get a beautiful 2D photographic image that really tells the story of their 3D space. For my fine art photography, I work with anyone who loves art and wants a photograph.
How did you first get involved in interior design photography?
❈ I got involved with interior design photography through a friend and former studio mate, Erin Gates (Elements of Style). There were a bunch of us creatives renting out studio space in the Fort Point/Seaport area of Boston from some other amazing creatives, Jill Rosenwald and Lawrence McRae Ceramics. It was this wonderful group of artists, designers, and entrepreneurs, and we kind of worked as this little creative consortium.
Erin was working on her first book and I really wanted to segue my photography business to interiors and architecture. She let me shoot a few smaller projects for her book. I loved the working atmosphere of an interiors shoot. There is such collaborative nature and feel to an interiors shoot. When the angle is perfect and the light is just right in a beautiful designed space… it’s truly magical. Kind of corny, I know, but I still get a rush when that happens.
How does your fine art background influencer your aesthetic?
❈ The light… oh, the light! I think my years studying art history have really helped me understand how light composition can form an image and a feeling. There is almost a science to it. I’m actually a failed scientist. I started out college as a science major, but quickly switched to art when “life experiences” got in the way. I.e. I had a lot of fun and my chemistry class pulled down my GPA.
From a photography perspective, what design elements really make a space?
❈ There is a science to design as well. Color combinations, pattern mixtures, texture combinations, the form and placement of furniture; a talented designer is able to combine all these things in a seemingly effortless way. I am always in awe of that.
In contrast, which interiors are most difficult to make look good on camera?
❈ Shooting directly into a window is always challenging but it can also be the most beautiful and dynamic shot. New challenging spaces also help keep me on my game. I love a good challenge and feel it makes me a better professional.
What’s a favorite project you’ve worked on?
❈ Oh, there was this one home where I got to photograph a real Monet! The room was gorgeous too, and the design was beyond perfect. Not too traditional, not too modern, the perfect mix. I often revisit that shoot in my head wishing I could go back and shoot more.
Life advice for people who want to pursue their passion?
❈ Do it! Figure out the finances, figure out what you need to do to “make it work” and dive in—never with the thought that you won’t make it. Your specific goals and business approach may change as you grow and change but you have to go in it wholeheartedly. (Again, super corny I know.)
Learn more about Sarah Winchester Studios: http://www.sarahwinchesterstudios.com/.
