A Peek Inside Victoria Secret Model Josephine Skriver’s Modern Home with AD!

Today I'm finally able to share a project I had the pleasure to shoot a few months ago, and it's such an honor to see it cross the finish line! I recently photographed the stunning Nashville home of Danish model Josephine Skriver, of Victoria's Secret fame, and boyfriend Alexander Deleon, previous lead singer of The Cab and just launched his new album, for Architectural Digest.

When I turned and pulled up the steep drive, I knew instantly that their home was designed by architect Robert Anderson, whose minimalist and modern aesthetic have made him a Nashville and Southern design icon. Within the April Tomlin-designed interior, floor to ceiling windows abound, offering amazing natural light and the perfect bright, clear canvas to shoot the couple.

Despite her intensity on the runway, Josephine is the loveliest and most kind woman. She keeps her home laid back, casual and cool, evoking a mood that is The New Southern at its absolute core. Every single room offers a sense of ease, and the walls could truly hug you if they could. It was the quintessential environment to shoot and yet another reminder that The New Southern is everywhere. I'm so proud to finally share this gallery with you, and I hope it provides visual rest and inspiration for whatever you need today.

To see the entire feature, head to AD.com! And many thanks to the AD team for the project! Xx

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A Preppy Space in Portland with Domino Magazine!

There's a new way to infuse preppiness into a space without a fussy or forced result. It's a look that Portland's Caitlin Wilson has mastered, who now has her own textile and furniture line to boot (Check out their NEW Dallas, TX location)..

Before, it was a southern design genre reserved for floral-upholstered tea rooms full of objects not to be touched or ladies-only enclaves in exclusive country clubs. Now, the Preppy New Southern is full of light and room, dotted with punchy patterns and playful prints, full of classic blue and white combinations, and has a touch of charm at every turn. It's a kind of space that just fills you with joy when you enter it, which makes it such a delight to photograph.

I recently worked with Caitlin in this amazing Portland home, designed with her playful eye for pattern and color and, of course, integrating so many textiles, rugs and accessories from her line. Although each room has its own unique feel, I just love her design consistency and the way each room melts into the next. She gravitates toward classic ginger jars, gingham, stripes and florals, but has this way of mixing them all to create the ultimate play on pattern. To achieve the look, she has such a great eye for product and I loved editing the spaces utilizing all her brand's accessories -- each room has just enough styling to make a statement without becoming cluttered or overwhelming.

To view the entire home tour, check out our feature on Domino.com! Thanks so much again Caitlin and the Domino digital team! Xx

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A Guide to Social Media Etiquette Part One: Copyright and Crediting

Greetings, Creatives!  

Knowledge is power and it is time to discuss something that we can all learn a little bit more about — Copyright. This very real and everlasting piece to all creative work has been making waves. As a leader within the architectural and interiors photography landscape, I find it necessary to provide you all with resources that will help you to grow while building healthy relationships around your images and accounts.

I am making this into a blog series and encourage an ongoing discussion. First, we will cover the riveting topic of copyright AND what this means to both photographers, designers and those wanting to use a photographer’s work for commercial purposes. Second, and in an additional post (HERE), I will dive into the do's, dont's and best practices for social media. 

Poster: ©Pia Jane Bijkerk & Erin Loechner for Street Cred 2011. Handmade fonts by Yvette Van Boven and Grace Bonney of Design Sponge..... (Image to the right is Me, Hello Xx)

From Sarah, my talented copyright attorney:

I Take the Photo.... What 2 things happen next:

There are two major events that simultaneously take place when a photographer clicks his/her shutter:

1. A copyrightable work is instantly created; AND

2. The Photographer is deemed the exclusive owner of the copyright of that photo.

Copyright Ownership = the following...

As the copyright owner of a photograph, you don’t just own the photograph, you also exclusively own:

1. the right to reproduce the photograph;

2. the right to distribute copies of the photograph (this could be you selling the photograph or licensing the photograph);

3. the right to create derivative works based on the photograph; and

4. the right to display the photograph: OR

5. THE RIGHT TO TRANSFER RIGHTS.

This means, as the copyright owner of a photograph you decide what can and cannot be done with your photograph.  So, if you want to condition the use of your photos with certain requirements (i.e., “sure friend, you can use my photos on your website as long as you tag and credit me”) or (i.e., “sure client, you may sell furniture off of my digital asset with the required license agreement and agreed upon usage/fee”) the users of the photograph are obligated to comply.  

Bottom line: The copyright owner makes the rules and anyone who wants to use the photo needs to play nice in the theoretical sandbox. Most of the time this is the case, however, there are always those who never played well with others.

But, I WANT the Photo

Here’s the thing, copyright ownership belongs to the photographer the moment they click the shutter UNLESS/UNTIL another arrangement is entered into with the photographer.  If you want to be the copyright owner of a photograph, all you have to do is ASK (via email or by way of contract).  Copyrights are transferable when negotiated and upon a case by case basis.  

The Photo Captures My Intellectual Property, Does That Make Me own the photo (spoiler alert, NO)

This is my least favorite comment to deal with as an attorney, it goes something like this, “this photograph captures my intellectual property as an interior designer or an architect, so therefore I am the owner of the photograph.” Ummm, FALSE. That's not how copyright works and this typically rears its ugly head when egos get involved. 

WHAT IF I WANT TO COPY THE PHOTO: 

The law protects the original works of art and authorship of photos, books, music, manuscripts, paintings.... ect. Such copying is called copyright infringement.

So those are a few of the most basic copyright principles explored in the context of photographs.  I am sure you all found that to be riveting!

The final takeaway: if you understand how photo copyright generally works, you can navigate your professional relationships to get exactly what you want out of a photography session. The client/ photographer relationship can be very mutually BENEFICIAl when all expectations are discussed early on in the relationship.

*Nothing contained above is legal advice, you should always consult a lawyer if you have any legal queries.*

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Thank you, Sarah, for the above comments and for walking us through a quick snapshot of copyright law. Having had a strong business background in the corporate world - I knew that I wanted to build a powerful and legitimate business as a photographer. This wasn't simply going to be a hobby for me. As a result, it has become a sustainable career which helps to support my family, my dreams and a growing team. I quickly learned that there are varying levels of business acumen when it comes to photographers and designers. There are those who are hobbyists without contracts in place and then there are those who have processes and procedures in place. It is these people who educate themselves within their rights. I believe the strength of your business lies in the foundation. My theoretical "bricks" are based on the law, the value I provide my talented clients and my passion for all to be successful. 

After learning through quite a few tough situations earlier in my career, I decided to make a large financial investment and establish a legal team whose expertise would add major value to my endeavor. These attorneys are the best in their niche and have been with me since the beginning, helping to lay the foundation of my business. I can't stress enough how important it is to understand the legalities of your space before jumping in head first. My legal team has helped me grow my business, navigate intricate contracts and be a true advocate for my growth as an artist... 

LEGAL SNAPSHOT INTO MY BUSINESS: 

1. I own the rights and copyright to 99.9% of my images.

2. The .1% is a special instance - a large commercial or celebrity entity with a 3rd party music label may be involved.

3. Industry Standard when selling all rights to images, which is not frequently done, is to double or triple your rate (I have discussed this with many peers who span from Getty, WSJ, NYTimes, Arch Digest, Elle Decor contributing photographers).

4. My designer clients have indefinite (lifetime) use of the images for their portfolio use and social media use.

5. I have business and brand strategies which I implement for each client to help their businesses grow which aids in new clients.

6. Any 3rd party request for images is redirected back to me and my team in which I accommodate.

7. As a photographer, I shoot for my clients who are designers, architects, builders, shelter magazines and I also license images to commercial outlets.

8. All of my contracts have a social media clause in place where photo credit is required in the comments section and tagging. I also design credit on all social media.

9. I am flexible on a client by client basis when special needs or requests arise and, I am happy to meet these needs.

10. I have my legal team review all commerical competition submissions. Most often this is a way for the company and its subsidiaries to own all rights to the images for free and this is done on a case by case basis depending on their terms and conditions.

11. I am a client advocate. Any issues I have dealt with early on have been from those who don't value the photographer relationship, conduct shady business practices or those who let their own egos get in the way.

ONE LAST NUGGET FOR THE DAY:

The Goal is to have a mutually beneficial collaboration for the client and photographer. I value my relationships and act as an extension of my client's team aiding in their growth and success. It is a tremendous honor to work with THE talented designers across the country. I am passionate about their individual brands, and I believe there is room for everyone to be successful. 

How to credit another person's work for Spectacular Social Media Success...

1. Ask yourself, Did I take this image? If no…

2. Credit the photographer in the main comment and tag in the image

3. Credit the designer in the main comment and tag in the image

4. Credit the source (if it is a national editorial outlet) in the main comment and tag in the image

5. If you want to sell product through another person's image, contact the rights holder.

Thank you for reading the nuts and bolts of the business...One of the many reasons I started The New Southern was to not only inspire your home but to also inspire your soul and future businesses. If what I have learned throughout the journey can help another person grow, my job is done. This is a community that values connection, curiosity and kindness. Here is to building our businesses while we are building one another up, as well. I am sending you all so much love. Xx

The New Southern | Designer Spotlight: Heidi Caillier

By honoring the spark in you that loves to create and following your truth, you give others the courage to do the same. Tying together traditional Southern moments from her training in New Orleans and her coastal travels, Heidi Caillier is a Seattle based interior designer that keeps at it — doing the best that she knows how to do. For her full-service interior design firm this means curating a lovely mix of the old and the new, designing custom furniture, cabinetry, space planning and more. Not only does she know beautiful spaces but she cultivates them in such a way that will make you want to cozy up on the couch with a cup of matcha tea and call them home.

Whether it’s a full-blown remodel or a short and sweet room refresh, Heidi integrates color and texture alongside layered pieces to give every room a feeling that it has its own history — one which can be built on for years to come. With a love for pattern (hello Zak and Fox), vintage and raw materials that feel natural her work oozes an effortless and free flowing comfort. Unique spaces crafted especially for clients with the design philosophy that a home should always be lived in and comfortable. Her aesthetic gives attention to imperfections, as she believes it’s these stains and scuffs that will tell your story. 

Photo: ©Haris Kenner

While it may not be the easiest, waiting for the right piece to come will yield the most beauty...We should all live life this way — the way Heidi approaches interior design. If you love it, she can make it work. It’s this laid-back living and “stick to your vision” attitude which makes me so excited to be championing this creative mother!

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell us about yourself…

Heidi Caillier: I’m an interior designer based in Seattle, WA. I specialize in residential interior design. I’ve got 2 year-old twins and my husband also owns his own business, North End Social Club in Tacoma, WA. We moved here from San Francisco almost three years ago and love the PNW. We recently bought a home on Anderson Island as a weekend house — which we are renovating currently.

AR: How are you modernizing / updating southern style when you design?

HC: I love to mix styles and I think southern style is all about this mentality. Putting things together that may not seem like a natural fit but somehow work. If you love it, you can make it work. 

Photo: ©Haris Kenner

Photos: ©Haris Kenner

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with Southern design across the country?

HC: I am seeing a shift back towards pieces with more traditional shapes mixed with modern fabrics and finishes. The effect is anything but stuffy. It also brings in some history and can tell a story, which I think southern design really embraces.

AR: What are your favorite hometown design boutiques?

HC: I love Totokaelo so much. They have a perfectly curated mix. I also like Stock + Pantry, Red Ticking and Maison Luxe.

AR: Favorite shade of white and black paint color?

HC: Benjamin Moore Simply White + Farrow and Ball Off-Black. 

Photo: ©Haris Kenner

Photo: ©Haris Kenner

AR: The key to making a house a home? What does a home need more of and less of?

HC: It has to be comfortable! And filled with the things you love. I’m all for a beautiful room with perfect details but a home needs to be a place you create memories and live life so you can’t be scared to get a stain on the sofa. To me, the imperfections are what tell the story of your life. A ding on the dining table or etch on the marble countertops are normal and what makes a house a home. 

AR: Life advice you’ve gotten that made all the difference?

HC: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” I am a perfectionist and also incredibly hard on myself which can make for a rough combination. I constantly remind myself of this quote from Maya Angelou. As long as you are doing the best you know how, that’s all you can do. We are always learning and as long as you take the lessons with you I think you are in good shape.  

Photos: ©Haris Kenner

AR: Design advice you’ve gotten that made all the difference?

HC: Good design takes time. So many times clients come to us and they are in a rush to furnish everything and make all of the decisions as quickly as possible. I used to buy into this but have found that I am so much happier with the end results when I let myself wait for the right piece to come. It’s not always the easiest approach but it yields the most beauty. 

Photo: ©Haris Kenner

Photo: © Haris Kenner

AR: What’s the best piece of business advice you could provide for creative entrepreneurs starting out?

HC: Work hard. It is honestly that simple. I live and breathe my business. It is the consistency of keeping your head down and working hard that brings success. There are so many trips and stumbles along the way that can be discouraging but you just have to keep at it. Also – stick to your vision and remember why you started.

AR: Who are some of your favorite artists/makers? What do you love about their work?

HC: I love Jessica Helgerson, Nickey Kehoe and Commune. They are putting out original work with such incredible attention to detail. You can tell that every little detail is so well thought out. It is so inspiring.

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