It is fascinating how much a room can transform based on how it’s designed and decorated. The way one feels can actually change when entering a room depending on its elements, the essential idea behind design and color theory. Interiors are effectively human-made biomes.
As photographer Denice Hough stepped into the Hong Kong Island apartment designed by Ana Foster-Adams, she experienced this phenomenon. In a building several stories high, Denice found herself in a tranquil, modern duplex surrounded by the sea and distant mountains. Although the photos Denice would take that day were for the designer’s portfolio, the staggering views and calm, curved interiors were enough to land on the cover of South China Morning Post Magazine.
Denice, who is located in Hong Kong herself, has worked with Ana before. She in turn had the connection to SMCP, whose lifestyle and design editor, Charmaine Chan, has published multiple articles featuring Ana’s interiors.
Prior to starting the assignment, Denice and Ana arranged for the owners of the apartment to be gone for the day and then set to work.
We are disrupting their living space quite a bit. It makes things easier for us to not worry about taking over someone else’s home.
Ana arrived an hour before Denice to tidy and move some pieces around. It was important for both designer and photographer to showcase the symbiotic relationship between the shapes of the statement pieces and the cool tones of the palette. They both take a fastidious approach to their work, one of the reasons they’ve worked together on a few of Ana’s designs.
Ana and I work well together. She’s very particular about how she wants the styling to look. I’m very particular about how I shoot and compose my photos, so between the two of us, every detail is considered.
No matter how well-designed a space is, that doesn’t always translate on camera. It takes real skill and true appreciation for the impact of interior design to be able to capture the atmosphere and feeling of a place. Denice has a talent for it. The light, the softness, and the impact of the view all come through in the photographs.
When asked just how homes are able to look as meticulous and undisturbed as they do, Denice said that typically these shoots will happen shortly after the interior design is completed.
Frankly – that’s when they look their best. Wear and tear of normal life ruins furniture, puts scratches on walls, and generally dirties the space up.
Ana didn’t have anyone helping her set up the apartment; she likes to do everything herself, just like Denice. With just the two of them working on the shoot, they were certain nothing would be askew.
[Ana] is very particular about how everything looks, just as I do all my retouching because I’m very particular about how the photos end up.
Despite their independence when it comes to their respective work, they maintained a collaborative atmosphere.
Ana sets up the room and knows what vignettes she wants me to shoot. But I compose the shot and she adjusts the decor to perfection. Sometimes we both feel like the shot is off, and I’ll come up with a cushion or a different arrangement of flowers to use.
A healthy partnership between photographer and designer can only help when attempting to authentically translate a three-dimensional space to a two-dimensional medium. The two share the same goal, to showcase the best of an interior by transporting us to it.
Denice’s ability to work with the designer, her thoroughness, and her understanding of aesthetics allows the reader to live for a moment in this dreamy luxury apartment above the sea.
Credits
Photographer: Denice Hough
Interior Designer: Ana Foster-Adams
Designer Editor at SCMP: Charmaine Chan