Photography isn’t all glamour, golden light, and perfect shots - it’s also about navigating long shoot days, pleasing clients with an eagle eye for detail, and remembering that coffee is your best friend. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing a stunning home for Ruth Keenan Design, and let me tell you, this one was a roller-coaster of creativity, caffeine, and collaboration.
The Setup: A Design Worth Showcasing
First off, let’s talk about the home. Ruth’s designs are the kind of spaces you’d be stoked to get lost in. They exude elegance, with a heavy dose of warmth and character - think classic mill-work paired with timeless colors, a kitchen that feels as chic as it does functional, and dining room wallpaper so tranquil you almost expect a deer to stroll in from the painted forest. Every room told a story, which made my job a mix of pure delight and - pressure! I mean these photos are gonna represent Ruth's work, so I have to nail it, right?
An All-Day Shoot with Perks (and Perks of Perks)
This shoot spanned an entire day. By the time we wrapped, I’m pretty sure my camera was ready to book a trip to Aruba. Thankfully, the homeowner was the kind of host you dream about when booking these marathon shoots. Lunch? Provided! And not just any lunch - Jimmy John's!!! I lost count of how many lattes I consumed, but I’m fairly certain I left with more energy than I arrived with.
If you’re reading this and you’re a Kansas City-based designer or architect, can we agree that lunch and coffee are truly the way to a photographer’s heart? Ruth clearly gets it ;-)
Editing with Ruth: A Masterclass in Patience
Once the shoot wrapped, I entered phase two of the process: editing. Here’s the thing about working with a designer as talented (and detail-oriented) as Ruth - she has a vision, and my job is to match it. Color tones? They needed to be flawless. Shadows? Just the right balance of moody and bright. The greenery in the kitchen photos? Not too vivid, not too muted.
After a few rounds of edits, it became clear this was going to take a more hands-on approach. So, I packed up my laptop, headed over to Ruth’s office, and set up a pop-up editing studio. For the next few hours, we fine-tuned every detail, with Ruth perched over my shoulder like a very stylish hawk. Honestly? It was kind of brilliant. What could’ve been days of back-and-forth emails turned into a real-time collaboration.
Sure, I was sweating a little (what if she hated my adjustments?), but by the end, we’d created images that made Ruth say, “That's it!!! Nailed it!!!” Is there anything more satisfying than that?
Highlights from the Shoot
Here’s a quick rundown of the standout spaces Ruth designed:
The Foyer: A welcoming space with bold greenery and curated vignettes that felt effortless. It’s the kind of entryway that whispers, “You’re about to step into something awesome.”
The Kitchen: Between the soft gray cabinetry, brass hardware, and marble countertops, this room screamed timeless elegance. Add in the fresh flowers and that beautiful light, and you have a photographer’s dream.
The Bedroom: Playful wallpaper, cozy textures, and whimsical art made this space equal parts fun and serene.
The Dining Room: The wallpaper (Susan Harter Muralpapers BTW) is the star here—classic yet modern, it transformed the space into something truly special.
The Office: Dark woods, lush textures, and a mid-century lounge chair that made me seriously consider popping a squat and taking 10 minutes to catch up on my emails.
Lessons Learned
Every shoot teaches you something, and this one was no exception. Here are a few takeaways:
On-the-Spot Edits Save Time: Bringing my laptop to Ruth’s office was a game-changer. Designers appreciate being part of the process, and you’ll save everyone time and headaches.
The Details Matter: When photographing interior design, it’s not just about the wide shots. Those close-ups of the vase on the coffee table or the way light hits the brass pendant? They’re just as important.
Coffee Is Key: Always accept the espresso.
Calling All Kansas City Designers
If you’re a designer, architect, or home builder in the Kansas City area looking to showcase your work, let’s talk. Whether it’s a sprawling estate, a cozy bungalow, or a commercial project, I specialize in capturing the kind of images that make your portfolio sing. I’ll bring the camera, the tripod, and my charming personality - and if you bring the lattes, we’ll get along just fine.
Working with Ruth Keenan Design was a reminder of how much magic happens when talented designers and photographers team up. The result? Images that don’t just document a space but tell its story.
Let’s create some amazing photos together!
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