Itinerary and map for the photoshoot.

We are currently working on the June/July issue of ReadyMade magazine, our inaugural issue as Art Director. In addition to working with the fantastic team at ReadyMade, I was recently lucky enough to embark on a seven-day trip across the country to photograph the environments of six (the seventh, and last, one is coming up!) new homeowners for a Feature story in the forthcoming issue.

Initially, we thought of hiring local photographers to shoot each location, but after a month of planning and foolish proposed itineraries, we were able to coordinate the schedules of the homeowners to fit a hectic week of photoshoots and hire just one photographer. For this project, it was ideal because we wanted the photos to have a consistent style so it would reflect the personalities of each homeowner and their dwelling in a controlled, thoughtful way.

Ft. Wayne, IN — Chatting and setting up the shot.

I traveled with John Francis Peters, a talented documentary photographer and photo editor. For the Midwest leg of the trip, we were fortunate to be accompanied by ReadyMade senior designer, Adam Holt. Rather than hire a prop stylist for the photoshoots, we decided to tread the line between true documentary photography and posed, stylized shots by asking each homeowner to tidy up but not fuss with it too much.

Ft. Wayne, IN — I'm trying desperately to figure out how to style the lamp. (Photos by John Francis Peters)

I was ambivalent about invading people’s homes with pounds of bulky camera equipment, while also telling them how their belongings should look—in photos, anyway. Moreover, this was the first time I had worked on a photoshoot of this capacity. My fears ebbed as I met and worked with more and more wonderfully genuine people all over the country. Everyone was so accommodating and excited to be involved. Towards the end of the trip, I even became efficient at locating potential still-lifes, in and out of the homes we were shooting.

Each home took 3-6 hours to shoot and a considerable amount of that time was allotted to preparing the rooms or outside scenes. We would determine the concept of each photoshoot, then Adam and I would pretend to be stylists, carefully arranging (then rearranging) furnishings and organizing their possessions into compositions to photograph. John handled the lighting, initial framing of the shots, and also lent his opinion to the styling. Oftentimes, there was still dead time during preparations and between shots. Subsequent to the first few photoshoots, I found my bearings in the process and started taking behind the scenes photos.

Ft. Wayne, IN — Pups napping; Photography is back-breaking work.

Ft. Wayne, IN — Prepping a room for photos.

Ft. Wayne, IN — What a curious pup; Chicago, IL — A fraction of the equipment we lugged around.

Chicago, IL — Not fake prop food, it was delicious!

Chicago, IL — John's foray into Art Direction; Photographer's stance.

Los Angeles, CA — Quiet moment while setting up; I'm arranging leaves. (Photo on right by John Francis Peters)

Los Angeles, CA — Sneaky pup.

Admittedly, prior to the trip, I fretted that everything would go awry: our tight itinerary would implode, I would fail at directing and styling the photoshoots, and no one would work well together. However, throughout the duration of the shoots, I gained confidence in what we were working on as a team. The homeowners were all so sweet, and Adam, John, and I established a smooth working rhythm. My intent in writing this account was indeed to demystify the process, but more importantly to encourage jumping into projects that can be uncomfortably full of unknowns at first, because it may prove to be a worthy learning experience.

So, thank you, ReadyMade! I’m excited to go back to Des Moines for the closing of the issue.

A big, HUGE thanks to the homeowners throughout our trip for allowing us into their homes. I’m so glad we were able to pull off this trip. Hopefully, the experience was enjoyable and not too stressful. Also, thank you all for being troopers through poses that sometimes were silly and ridiculous, and for ultimately being lovely hosts/hostesses.

Thanks Adam and John, it was great fun to work and travel with you both! I also need to mention that we listened to a lot of Katy Perry on the long drives to our destinations and that “California Gurls” and “Teenage Dream” might just be the songs of the trip.

Quick shout-out to the folks with whom John and I were able to crash and hang out. Your couches were really comfortable. And I will definitely be going back to Handlebar and Smog Cutter.

Behind the Scenes, Pt. 2 soon, after the issue’s released, with many more revealing photos—#scandalous!

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