The Scoop: Molly Goodman, Photographer

Meet Molly. She is an actual ray of sunshine. Not only is she the photographer behind HayFord Design, but everything her lens touches turns to sun-kissed magic.

I’m just smitten with her and I think it won’t take long for you to feel the same way. I sat down with Molly to to learn how she does her thing and get a few tips for us iPhone photographers out there.

Let’s dive in…

Q: How did you get into photography?
A:  I was working in PR at this company that had me flip through the pages of magazines to learn about their staff writers. I was obsessed with the photography and how the photographers were able to tell beautiful, compelling, and human stories. I quit my job without a camera or a portfolio and got to work! Here we are.

Q: Why did you gravitate to photographing interiors?
A: Interiors are the means to an end in a way; homes are the places where the happenings of life spring from. I like that a home is where you come to rest or a place to host; I think there is a lot to unpack and illustrating that theme is something I love. Additionally, it’s incredible to see talented people pull such great feats off — on time, within budgets, and synthesizing all the pieces. Originality is always a fun thing too. Constantly inspired by what these designers and architects are doing.

Q: What is the hardest part of your job?
A: Different lenses do different things, some make a space wider, some taller, and some totally true to what you see!

Q: What is the most challenging part of shooting interior spaces?
A: The three biggest challenges are time, the amount of space, and the amount of light. When I have a lot of all three of those, it’s a near perfect shoot.

Q: Do you have a favorite type of project to shoot?
A: I don’t know if I have a favorite project, I like them all. They’re all so different. A mid-mod and a modern farm house are just so different; I can’t narrow it down! But I like working with my mom, Darci, at Darci Goodman Design, the best of all, we have fun.

Q: How do you prepare for shoot?
A: It’s all styling! If a home is styled really well, my job is easy. 

Q: Do you have styling tips for people to use to get the best shot?
A: If a space is lackluster, my first question would be “In what terms or in what way is it lackluster?” Is it too dull? Not enough going on? I’d concentrate the pieces together and shoot a smaller or tighter shot; don’t expose how it’s not working. However, I have shot some rooms that are just helpless, what can you do but do your best?

Q: You will probably hate this question, but any tips for the iPhone users out there?
A: you’re using your iPhone, click the home button, go to your Mail app, type an email to [email protected], and let me know when you want to shoot. I’m kidding of course, phones can do a great job. Line it up right, make sure it’s level and balanced, and shoot! 

Q: Any tricks of the trade when it comes to apps or filters that work best on interiors?
A: I actually don’t know the apps or filters to use! I would guess lightroom is your best option! So much you can do in the lightroom app. In terms of filters, Madeline Harper just came out with a set of presets; she’s a real-life doll of a human and I think they look great! Try those!

Q: What are your top tips for people taking photos for the gram or to prep for selling?
A: Styling is so important; it will make or break your shoot. My tips are…

1) shop fun kitchen things on Zara Home – they’re unique and fun, they are pretty transitional between styles too.

2) Get lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. A basket of carrots by the sink with the big bushy green stems on? Gorg. A board of cut artichokes with some leaves scattered, and a cool industrial paring knife lying nearby? Sign me up. The best styling is to shoot as if Ina Garten just left the house to go to a local bakery to pick up some muffins for Jeffrey. What does Ina’s clean and pretty kitchen look like when she waltzes out the door? Of course, there is different styling for different styles, but these are some easy tips that fit most.

Q: Best advice for new designers? 
A: Always splurge on professional photography. I’ve watched this one designer go from like 100 followers to a few thousand in under a year because she invests in her work so well. 

Want to see more of Molly? Check out her work below…