Portfolio photography teeters a delicate balance. The goal is to inspire. But if we do so in ways that are too unrealistic, we risk stirring up unhealthy emotions in our viewers. To help avoid those unhealthy emotions, I offer an authenticity statement for each project. Like food labels, the statements help you assess what you see and help me be more accountable.

AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT: I hired a stylist for this shoot to help me introduce more contrast. Much of what lives on the client’s counter and shelves is white. It is beautiful in person, but those items get lost in two dimensions. We maintained the authenticity by rearranging the client’s décor. For example, there is a lamp on the counter where you see it here, but it’s white. So we swapped it for a contrasting lamp from a bedroom.

Photography by Erin Little, Staging by Janice Dunwoody

AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT: The images below are as authentic as it gets. This kitchen has not been staged and is shown in natural lighting. If you were lucky enough to visit this warm and wonderful family right now, this is how their kitchen would look.

Photography by Erin Little

AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT: The space below has been staged to create an acquired-over-time look. The homeowner’s wares are gorgeous and fit perfectly in this space. Yet, imperfect wares — the treasures and tools collected over decades as fashion changes — also fit beautifully. And I wanted to show that.

Photography by Erin Little, props and styling by Danielle McGee

AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT: This home was built on the farm where the client grew up. This is where the clients stay when they bring their children to visit grandma and grandpa. Other than the placement of books, this is how this space normally looks.

Photography by Tricia Shay Photography (last image is a candid shot provided by the client)

Architect is Matthew Corell, DBMC Design

AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT: For the space below, we added a few pops of color to send the message that the stuff you owned before your remodeled is still OK to use. We added a few items for a more lived in look, but the clients probably don’t ever have a basket of squash on their dining table ;)

Photography by Carol Liscovitz

AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT: A number of things were borrowed from friends to stage the kitchen below. Ironically, I wanted a more lived-in look than what is there normally. I wanted to show drying dishes and pops of color. The rug, yellow pan, grocery bag, white pitcher of flowers, dish rack, and red décor on the shelf, the graphic wall art and chair under it are all borrowed. All the dishes and books look like that normally.

Photography by Jeff Roberts

AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT: The space below was shot the same day as the clients were hosting a charity dinner. The dining table is authentically set for entertaining. The art work was part of the charity event and doesn’t normally live on their walls. The things on the counters belong to the clients, but aren’t normally where you see them.

Photography by Carol Liscovitz

AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT: Everything in these photos belong to the clients. And everything is well loved and used. A few things were re-arranged. And of course, the pears weren’t on the island when we arrived. But for the most part, this is what this space looks like every day. We did Photoshop out an outlet on the island. I’m torn about that. Outlets are useful and required by code. We should accept them.

Photography by Rob Karosis

AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT: The photos below contain a few props to convey that it is a game room. We also brought in plants that aren’t typically found in a second home. We removed a few bottles and glasses and turned those that remained for a slightly less “organized” look.

Photography by Erin Little, Staging by Janice Dunwoody

AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT: A stager was engaged to help with this photo shoot. Everything you see belongs to the clients. The shelf contents were edited only slightly. A few practical items were removed from the sink counter. The photos on the fridge are old photos of the home from a previous owner and have been shown with great intention.

Photography by Erin Little, Staging by Janice Dunwoody