Aaron Dougherty Interiors Photography
Aaron Dougherty Interiors Photography
Dallas, Texas
A portfolio of photos showcasing the unique spaces an interior designer has designed is an integral element for any design firm. Now, anyone can snap a few photographs before relinquishing their work to the space’s owner, but a good portfolio is more than a few snapshots. Dallas, Texas, based photographer Aaron Dougherty—an expert in interior design, home furnishings, and architecture photography—is acutely aware of this difference.
When Aaron creates a portfolio of images for a client, his goal is to tell an intimate story about the interior designer; a story that draws the viewer to notice what makes the designer’s approach to interior design unique. As Aaron explains, “If a clear story is missing from the series of images, then the images are just pretty views of worldly goods.” For this photographer, his job is not done until he has set apart his client from other designers in the industry.
Because designers work in three-dimensional spaces and photographs show a two-dimensional representation of that space, it requires a rare skill set to create beautiful, heroic images that are organized, smart, realistic, and inviting. This requires furniture to be adjusted, tabletop decor to be strategically placed, impeccable lighting plans, and numerous more techniques known by professional interior photographers. The best images, however, come when the photographer collaborates with the designer.
Aaron’s photography service includes a very intentional, creative collaboration process which starts by working with the designer to create a clear vision of the interior’s story. Aaron says, “Great communication is vital: I think out loud, ask questions, and provide ideas and options to choose from. This gives the designer control of the look and feel of the images, and rightly so as the author of the design project that is being photographed.” This creative partnership enables Aaron to heighten the artistic value of the designer’s one of a kind design aesthetic and highlight the elements that make the space refreshingly different. “I get the most thrill from delivering a portfolio of images that I know will stun their potential clients—it is such a great feeling.”
While interior designers work on the leading edge of fashion and lifestyle, Aaron believes a homeowner is looking for style and solutions to problems in their space. To solve their problems, they look for a specific answer. Through Aaron’s photography, a designer’s signature design style is uncovered so that their potential clients can see the designer solving relatable problems with smart, trend-forward designs. Each portfolio Aaron shoots tells its own story, and Aaron crafts them with passion. “As a creative person I love that each day behind the camera is different, challenging, and an opportunity to learn something new.” He is truly an expert in his field, as his own portfolio illustrates.
