Carmel Brantley Shoots Chic Photos for Luxe’s Interiors and Design Magazine

BY Marisa Wherry 17 December 2018

Miami, Florida-based photographer Carmel Brantley recently had images from two separate shoots published in the November/December edition of Luxe, an interiors and design magazine. Both Carmel’s cover story image and inside shots, taken of houses in North Palm Beach and Coral Gables, matched the polished chic brand of Luxe thanks to her dedication as a do-it-all photographer who can play additional roles such as stylist and producer.

Luxe Magazine cover shot by Photographer Carmel Brantley

North Palm Beach

What were the shoots like and what was the concept behind each project?

Both projects were two-day photo shoots. We shot about 20 images per project. For the cover story, we were hired by the interior designer Kara Miller to photograph a house that she recently completed. It was my first time working with her—she found me through Instagram! Kara submitted the photos to Luxe Magazine and it was accepted by their editorial team. The second article, New Roots, was a project in which Luxe Magazine assigned us to photograph specifically for the magazine. The concept behind both stories was to showcase the interior design and architectural elements.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables

What was involved in planning and preproduction?

I received scouting shots for each project prior to the shoot. Kara and I discussed the shots over the phone and tossed around ideas for styling. We knew that we wanted to get the house published so that had some bearing on how we would style and light each shot. For the Luxe assignment, Photo Editor Olivia Lambert and I ran through a list of possible shots. Because the shoot was in Miami, we decide to drive down the night before so we could get an early start on shooting the following day. And I always check the weather!

North Palm Beach

North Palm Beach

What were the shoots like?

Both shoots were very relaxed—just the way I like them! Kara and I hit it off immediately. As for the Miami shoot, we were dodging rain the entire time which made it a little tricky to shoot the exteriors.

coastal contemporary story shot by Carmel Brantley

North Palm Beach

What did the creative process look like on set?

With Kara, it was very easy. We both had the same ideas for styling and angles. We would set up a shot and Kara would review the image on the computer and we would discuss any changes. As for Luxe, Olivia and I have worked on several projects together and share the same photographic vision. We would discuss the styling and angles for each shot. Neither project had a stylist on set so it was a collaborative effort. Luckily I have a great deal of experience in shooting editorial assignments and feel confident in the role of photographer/stylist/producer.