Photoshoot Styling in the Inland Empire

The region supplies its own vocabulary: citrus grove and packing-house heritage, old vineyard roots in Rancho Cucamonga, Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial architecture. In styling, that translates to warm wood, clay and terracotta tones, woven textures, linen and plants that suit a dry climate.

We bring pillows, throws, ceramics, books, art and greenery in quantities that let the photographer try more than one arrangement. The aim is to make the rooms look lived in and aspirational at once, and never crowded. Where an item is purchased for the shoot, it can usually stay as part of the property's standing package.

• Pillows, throws and table linens matched to each room
• Ceramics, books and art at believable scale
• Drought-tolerant plants and arrangements

Strong, dry sun is the defining condition. Early morning and late afternoon give the softest light and the most flattering color on stucco and tile, while midday light flattens surfaces and bleaches out pool decks. We plan the order of rooms around the sun, so west-facing rooms are shot when the light reaches them and not before.

On clear days the mountains can appear in the background of exterior and balcony views. That is worth protecting, and it is one more reason to schedule the shoot with the weather in mind and not just the calendar.