Interview: Stylist Nan Whitney

As I flip through the pages of my favorite magazines, I am always amazed at the incredible talent that goes into producing so many inspiring images. One such talent is the gifted and prolific stylist Nan Whitney, who was kind enough to answer my nosey questions and give us a peek into her world!

I first asked Nan to tell me about her job. "I work as a Designer, an Interior Stylist, and Prop Stylist. I shoot in a studio, which requires a set being built to resemble a room, or on location in someone's home we have rented to use as a backdrop. My projects vary... a consumer catalogue like Pottery Barn, photos for displays in stores like Target or Home Depot, an ad for a fabric company like Lee Joffa, or a shelter magazine like House Beautiful."

How does Nan approach styling a home for a photo shoot? "Working in a home is the most interesting and fun to me. I love walking in and discovering the character of a place. I pay attention to the natural light and how it moves throughout the house, the time period it was built (and more recent changes or remodeling), paint colors, the tones of wood on the floors and the woodwork as well as the natural setting the house sits in. I like to try and marry this with the furniture or product my client wants to photograph."

What is Nan's process like? "I start by removing all the furniture from the selected room.
Sometimes I decide to paint the room a different color. I then collaborate with the photographer and the client in determining where the furniture "wants" to go in the room. Contrary to "living in the space", I need to create a sense of home, comfort and beauty from a single perspective. Sometimes the furniture needs to be unusually close together and other times oddly far apart. When everything is working well in relationship to one another, the photos are taken. The crew then empties the room and all the homeowner's furnishings are placed back in their original position. This is usually done in a day if not less!"

So how did Nan get her start? "My grandmother taught me clothing design when I was in high school--she was a designer with a famous couturier--and I went to college at the Fashion Institute. Later I designed under my own label, and my clothing was carried in Henri Bendel, Bergdorf's, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus. I accidently "fell" into styling. I assisted a friend on a fashion shoot, and fell in love with the process. The energy, the cooperation among the crew, the different locations, the travel, and the freedom to create and express your own point of view. All of it appealed to me, and still does!!"

Nan was so generous with her time and thoughts that I'll be back this afternoon with a second installment of her interview, including her design tips for all of us at home---so stay tuned!

All images styled by Nan Whitney. Other Credits: 1, 2, 3, 6 Laura Resen photographer, terrariums by Wenonah Webster 5, Sam Gray photographer

Comments

[Shell Sherree]

Fascinating, Anne! How kind of Nan to share her process. {I'm guessing this would be one of those 'dream' jobs for most of your followers, Anne.}

[B]

It's so interesting to see the process behind the image. Thanks for this!

[Paulette Ink.]

That bathroom. I adore it. The round tub is genius!

[Down and Out Chic]

fantastic interview (can't wait to read the second half). i'm always interested in how people get 'started' with this type of career. sounds fabulous.

[nkp]

I can hardly wait for part two! Thank you, thank you Anne and Nan! That first image is going into my "favorites" file for safekeeping, it just might be me in a nutshell. That screen is to die for. I loved reading Nan's perspective. Thanks again!

[Daniella]

Ooooo that bathroom is dreamy...

[Kristin @ Contented Me]

It's always so wonderful to hear the story behind the photos. Nan has an enviable talent for making these interiors all seem perfect... no matter the setting. Thanks for sharing with us!

[evencleveland]

I love the terrariums in the first few photos (have you seen the terrarium vessels they are selling at Anthro? I need to make a tiny world of moss and ferns, posthaste!)

[FROM THE RIGHT BANK]

What a great interview - it's always fun to read about how these great rooms come together. Looking forward to the second part!

[TheBeautyFile]

That bathroom & kitchen...so drool-worthy!

[Chessa!]

what a fabulous interview! I love knowing how these rooms are created! My favorite is that gorgeous white bathroom with those flower branches around...fantastic!

[blair]

Oh, love reading about her process! Those first two spaces are drop dead gorgeous. Can't wait for the next round.

Also, I have been thinking about what you were saying about never feeling awake in a black room but I think if you had enough natural light and warmer/lighter tones accessories and definitley a neutral ceiling you would be just fine:) Can't wait to hear what you decide.

[Shea]

images 1 and 2 are going directly into the fav file...excited for pt.2!

[vicki]

It's so inspiring to hear people's stories. The photos are so pretty, too! Thanks for sharing this interview with us, Anne. :)

[robin pulsifer]

love it all, and what a fun dynamic putting those terrariums in offers. her photos exude a comfort, a style, a natural environment. really easy to love. :)

[georgia]

beautiful spaces. can you hire a stylist as your designer, too? {dreaming...}

that bathroom is just beautiful!

[Amanda]

That is the perfect bathroom.

[michelle]

THat is my dream bathroom with that huge sunken tub, I can picture the remodel already...

[tiina]

the bathroom is adorable! i wonder if i should try that kind of kitchen wall mosaic, since i'm renovating the whole space now... they look really nice!

[PrettyLittleWorld]

Wonderful interview!

That last bathroom and kitchen are just stunning! Gorgeously photographed!