In the latest installment of our interview series with interior photographers, we spoke to Mike Garlick. Based in the Cotswolds, Mike has shot interiors for celebrated design studios including Sarah Vanrenen, Penny Morrison and Zardi & Zardi.
Mike shared his advice on getting the most from an interior shoot, why he prefers to work on an overcast day, and the vital importance of a KitKat and a cup of tea.
What is your key piece of advice for a client preparing for a shoot?
As a fan of a plan, my key advice would be planning. Think about what you’re trying to achieve and consider all aspects of the shoot – the location, props, styling, vignettes, time of year and access to the property.
Of course, not everything runs to plan – that’s life – but on the day, having a plan does give some direction and a reminder of what you set out to achieve, and hopefully a sense of order. For this a shot list is also key, which in turn helps you plan what is actually achievable. The last thing you want to do is rush a shoot – and remember, the days are short in the winter.
Look at inspiration to see what you like and dislike. This is also key when choosing a photographer to work with. You have to be drawn to their style, and – equally important – to like them and enjoy working with them.
Another important element would be keeping everyone well fed and watered to get the job done. A KitKat and a cup of tea can go a long way!
What are some of the challenges you encounter as an interiors photographer?
The main challenge for me is light. I shoot in natural light as much as possible, where spaces allow it. I love the look and feel of natural light – it’s the closest to real life.
However, as we all know, the weather has a mind of its own and can change in the blink of an eye, which makes it tricky for consistency between shots – full sun one minute to cloud the next minute – the ideal is an overcast day, with the clouds acting as a natural diffuser.
"I love the look and feel of natural light – it's the closest to real life."
Are there any insiders' tips you can share on effectively lighting a space?
An overcast day gives lovely even coverage, which creates the perfect mood for my photographic style. Of course, we can’t depend on the weather and some spaces have zero natural light, in which case I’d bring in some artificial light, using simple modifiers or scrims, but that’s always a last resort – I like working with what’s available. I shoot a technique of multiple exposures, one for the interior and one for the exterior, and then these shots are combined together, in a natural way.
I remember an interior designer once telling me that you shouldn’t paint a dark room a light colour to brighten it – keep it dark. I guess this is also true for photography. If it’s a dark and moody space, work with it, not against it – keep it dark.
"If it’s a dark and moody space, work with it, not against it"
What about dressing a space? What should interior designers bear in mind?
I try not to direct too much, as I wouldn’t want every project to look the same. I want the designer’s (and/or stylist’s) eye and individual style to shine through. Luckily nearly every project I shoot is filled with unique personal collections of art and interesting objects from various travels and adventures.
Fresh, seasonal flowers are always a winner – anything that brings a touch of nature inside really.
As part of the process, lots of things are tweaked and developed on the fly, in the moment, to what feels right until the shot ‘lands’ – whilst making sure there is nothing offensive in shot. Cameras these days see everything.
What one item or gadget could you not do your job without?
Aside from the obvious (camera and tripod!), it would be my laptop. I shoot tethered to a laptop, so you can see what is being captured with each shot on a bigger screen – we can then tweak the styling and objects per shot to ensure it looks perfect.
I usually shoot directly with the designer and/or a member of their team to ensure we capture exactly what they want – I believe the process should very much be a collaborative and enjoyable one.
What would be your dream interior to shoot?
My dream interior to shoot would be my own home, if it could ever get to the stage where it would be worthy enough to grace the pages of leading interior design magazines! Maybe it’s more of a challenge than a dream…
