An Interview with Interior Photographer Anya Rice

This month I had the privilege of interviewing the talented Anya Rice. I first came across her Photography work through purchasing a copy of her inspiring book Make:Cornwall, a self-publication, by herself and writing partner Katherine Sorrell; focusing on the talent of crafts people here in Cornwall. I was delighted to have Anya visit my studio for a brew a few years ago and have followed her work ever since. Anya has a stunning portfolio of work including photography for Elle Decoration, House & Garden, Period Living, The Guardian, The Telegraph Magazine and many other prestigious publications. Read on to find out more about her creative journey, including her favourite Interior project to date, tips on styling, her photography kit essentials, and what makes a home suitable for a magazine shoot.

Tell me a little bit about your business, and how you started out as an Interior Photographer?

I've been a photographer for ten years, I actually started in fashion, but after moving to the UK I developed a love of interiors and was really inspired by the beautiful, historical spaces that can be found in this country. I began photographing the homes of friends and acquaintances, and gradually built up a portfolio that I canvassed to potential clients. My husband and I moved to Cornwall in 2013, and I regularly photographed for holiday rental companies, hotels, architects and interior designers, alongside doing shoots of unique homes for national interiors magazines.

What interests you about Interior Photography and what has been your favourite project to work on to date?

Being able to have access to someone's home and see how their personality has shaped it is really an incredible privilege, it's a very personal thing, and it's inspiring to see how everyone has a different take on what makes a space liveable and beautiful. My favourite project hands down has been photographing the home of interior designer Robert Carslaw. He's one of Britain's top practitioners, and I photographed his home for House & Garden magazine over a period of a couple of years. His home is one of the most characterful, comfortable and carefully thought-out spaces I've ever experienced, and his garden would give any National Trust a run for their money. He's a lovely man as well, and we have become friends since working together.

What are the essential pieces of kit that always go with you on a photoshoot?

When it comes to interiors photography, you can't go anywhere without a tripod! I also carry a lens cleaning cloth, it's a small thing, but dust and debris is attracted to the glass, and can effect the clarity of an image. This is kind of funny, but I also wear knee pads under my clothes when I'm shooting - I'm on my knees all day behind the camera, and if you're on a stone or hardwood floor, it's incredibly painful!

Do you have any top tips for styling and photographing for either an interior or product shoot?

The main thing is to look at a space and figure out what can be removed. Clutter, unsightly cords etc will instantly ruin a picture. Props are a good idea for interiors and product shoots, such as fresh or dried flowers, books, candles, fruit etc. Small things can make a big difference in creating atmosphere in an image.

I can see that you sometimes work on photography passion projects to see homes featured in an interior magazine. What are you looking for in a home to take on a photoshoot like this?

The space needs to have a strong identity, and lots of design ideas that the readers can gain inspiration from. It doesn't need to be perfect, but editors do want to see that owners have put time and thought into their home. For an interiors magazine, they require images of the living room, dining room, two bedrooms, a bathroom, garden if there's one, and an exterior image. The owner is usually required to be photographed in their space, so this isn't one for the camera shy! From my point of view, it's important that the space is immaculately clean and tidy before a shoot, otherwise a lot of time can be wasted getting the space to look 'photo ready' on the shoot day. I'm really open to photographing all styles of interior spaces, as no two people are alike, and neither are their homes, which makes it so interesting.

To view more of Anya’s work you can visit her website by clicking here or Instagram click here.