Ask The Expert: Natural Light Interior Design Photographer Erin Konrath

I've been doing design for a long time and I STILL don't know it all! I thought it would be fun to get different perspectives from experts in their field of all areas of design. I'm so excited about our next expert: Erin Konrath!! Erin is a natural light interior design, personal branding and family photographer here in the Chicagoland area. 

Here are some questions we had to know the answers to:

Question: What led you to become a photographer?

After my husband got me a camera one  year for Christmas I started taking pictures and never stopped. I found online classes and would start learning when the kids went to bed, sometimes until 2 am. Having 4 kids made it easy to practice what I learned and it made many long days at home with them more fun. The added plus was having this amazing gift of documentation of our lives at that time. Eventually I started to do it for  other families, got bit by the photography biz bug and things just went from  there.  

Question: What goes into a photoshoot day?

I love to chat with a client on the phone before they book with me. I love for  them to know the importance of the shoot, because honestly, all shoots I do are  important. Whether it be for a family, a designer, or a business owner. All of them  have created something beautiful that is important to capture. Once they book,  we talk on the phone again for a consultation call so we are both prepared and  knowledgable about the day ahead. No matter what type of session, once I get  there it is a full on process, full of laughs, and hard work and always an immense  feeling of accomplishment at the end.  

Question: What are your favorite shots to capture during an interior shoot?

I’m a ‘big picture’ type of girl. I love capturing an entire space, and including architectural  details like archways, beautiful millwork, beamed ceilings every chance I get. If we can throw a living, breathing subject within the space, that makes it even better. People (or dogs!) make the shot come alive for me.  

Here are a few of my favorite photos that she's taken of our house!: 

Question: Where do you “find the gold” in your everyday life/while looking for inspiration during photoshoots?

So much gold is in the light for me. I see light everywhere. It inspires me to no end, makes me ridiculously happy and everything is more magical with it. I am also really tuned in to all the little in between moments everywhere I go. It could be someone’s hair blowing in the wind, a fruit punch mustache on a toddler or a sideways glance between two people. Lastly, I believe that making eye contact with everyone I meet and sharing a smile that goes all the way up to my eyes helps me create my art.  

Question: What inspires you about your home?

I am in the middle of redecorating my entire home (with the help of Kelly Hurliman Design), so I love this question. I am  really paying attention to what is meaningful and what I like, not what the current trends are. It’s easy to be inspired here because this home was built in 1890 so you can imagine that there is lots of charm and character! We are really playing with a lot of color, which is exciting for me especially after living in an almost all white and gray house for the past 10 years. It’s completely different, and so much more fun!  

Question: If you could take a design idea from any photoshoot and put it into your own home, what would it be?

I think it would be layering. I am so drawn to it… putting different patterns and textures and colors and art and objects perfectly within one space. It is an absolute talent to be able to do this and I would love to incorporate in my home. I would need help though! Another interesting thing I am seeing over and over now is the idea that the ceiling is the 5th wall. It truly is and shouldn’t be ignored in most rooms. It completes the space perfectly if done thoughtfully and right. 

Question: What would you say your design style is? Any specific patterns, colors or fabrics you’re into at the moment?

I definitely have a soft spot for eclectic design. I have a soft spot for everything, all sorts of styles mixed in. I am wild for color right now, especially these specific colors: pinks, all greens, darker blue hues and citron. I have been using these colors in the redecorating of my home and it is making me very happy. I love all things plaid and flower pattern and I can’t get enough of any type of texture…on pillows, throws, rugs, you name it! 

Question: What bucket list item do you most want to check off in the next six months?  

This is a tough one. Because the time frame is  short. So I need to be realistic. Professionally, I would like to be published in a  magazine- big or small, I don’t mind. Personally, I would like to begin living a  healthier lifestyle which includes exercising. I don’t exercise and I absolutely need to start. It’s the best way to live a long, happy and healthy life and that is  my ultimate long-term goal.  

Question: If you could travel back in time to any era, what era would you choose?

Well I am in the middle of watching Downton Abby for the first time and feeling very  inspired and excited about all these gorgeous British interiors and the gorgeous  frocks and suits, so maybe the early 1900’s. Although I would probably choose  to go as a man, because these women had really nothing. Such an eye-opener  for how far women have come!! 

Question: You can only eat one food again for the rest of your life. What is it?

Easy. Tacos. 

A huge thank you to Erin for participating in our "Ask The Expert" series and for sharing her wisdom! Want to learn more about Erin Konrath Photography? Check out their website by clicking HERE. Let me know what you think of this style blog and the next expert that you would love to see us interview! 

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