Talk Shop: Jessica Glynn // Jessica Glynn Photography
ABOUT JESSICA
The importance of interiors photography cannot be overstated: photographers know how to get the right angle, light and frame, and can take a room from ordinary to extraordinary, both on camera and in print. Jessica Glynn is one of those photographers that makes it all possible. She’s been photographing interiors and architecture for nearly two decades, and her work appears in Architectural Digest, Milieu, Galerie, House Beautiful, House & Home, Traditional Home and Coastal Living and in the books of noteworthy interior designers. Her books include Palm Beach Chic and Beachside-Windsor Architecture and Design (coming out in October) by Vendome Press. Jessica lives in Palm Beach, Florida and Kilmovee, Co. Mayo, Ireland. We sat down with this skilled interiors photographer to talk about her start, and tips on how to photograph any interior.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Cozy, simple, earthy.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
I grew up on Long Island in New York. I had quick access to the city or country. I loved the buzz of the city and all of its multicultural roots and foods which heavily influenced my taste. But I also enjoy quiet times. Our family had a summer house in Montauk so I have a deep rooted connection to the beach and ocean which has swayed my aesthetic towards natural and neutral colors with a sense of design and style that has a timeless look. My grandmother, Lillian Martucci, had a great sense of style and always looked fabulous. I try to channel her look when getting dressed up.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started my photography studio in 2005 in Palm Beach, Florida, after getting my masters degree in London. I initially fell in love with photography after my first class in high school at the age of 14. I thought I wanted to be a nature photographer. I wrote to an editor at National Geographic. They wrote me back and suggested I go to school for Journalism. I did and the rest is history. I naturally fell into architecture and interiors since my family was in the building business. I started off small, working for builders, realtors and local magazines. As I honed my skills and vision, my portfolio improved and I started getting bigger jobs.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
When I moved to Palm Beach, I contacted several photographers and two really helped me flourish in the field and guide my way. They are Corey Weiner and Dana Hoff, both specialize in Architectural photography. When I was younger, my high school art teacher, Deborah Dunigan-Arvanitis, saw my passion and helped me thrive.
What does your home say about you:
We have two homes- one in the Irish countryside in Co. Mayo, Ireland and the other in Palm Beach, Florida. They both evoke a sense of serenity with neutral and natural colors. Our homes feel cozy and comfortable but still display a sense of style and design.
Where do you find inspiration:
As a photographer, I am a visual learner and it’s easiest for me to find inspiration by seeing and traveling. Travelling teaches us so many things that can’t be taught in a classroom. My mother is a travel agent and has always taken me on incredible journeys worldwide. In day to day life, I love to find inspiration in nature and all the little details- flowers, rocks, birds, and animals. I am also obsessed with interior design coffee table books. When I am on the computer, I love Instagram.
Who are your style icons:
I love the works of Zaha Hadid, Frank Lloyd Wright, Santiago Calatrava, Axel Vervoodt, McLean Quinlan, Tom Scheerer, Bobby McAlpine, Moor, Baker & Associates, Olivia O’Bryan Interiors, Paloma Contreras. I love the style of Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy, and Audrey Hepburn.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A small group so that everyone can intermingle and feel relaxed. A must have is good music, drinks, food and lighting.
Do you collect anything:
I collect architecture and interior design books and magazines. I love to pour over them for hours. Nothing beats being able to hold and flip through an actual book.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
I love @mcleanquinlan for clean interiors/architecture, @cabanamagazine for color and design, @imenmcdonnell for food, @moorbakerarchitects for architecture, @vendomepress for new books
What are you working on right now:
I am working on the launch of my second book with Vendome Press in NYC. Beachside- Windsor Architecture and Design comes out in October. It reveals the beautiful never seen before homes in the private community of Windsor in Vero Beach, Florida. The community was founded by Hilary and Galen Weston.
Wardrobe staples:
Dark washed jeans, striped oxford shirts and tennis sneakers.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Love Schumacher, Phillip Jeffries, Serena Dugan, John Robshaw.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Design your home to make your day-to-day life easier and enjoyable.
Best career advice you ever received:
Follow your passion and everything else will fall into place.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I invest in pieces that I want to either be comfortable in or want to keep for a long time- dining table, sofa, bed, tub, kitchen. I would save on vanities, dressers, closet organization and accessories.
Your greatest extravagance:
An orange Gucci tote bag.
Favorite places to shop for home:
I just moved to Ireland so I am new here and just discovering where to go. I have taken a lot of trip to Dublin at the suggestion of some local interior designers I have befriended. In Florida, I love to go to the design district in Miami.
Most prized possession and why:
I have these Aerin designed Charlton Wall lights in Black and Brass in my bedroom that I love. They make me happy every time I walk by them.
Your life motto:
Everything in life happens for a reason.
Advice for someone looking to get into photography:
Just start shooting. If you have a good eye it doesn’t matter what equipment you have. You will eventually see a pattern and discover what you love photographing. Don’t give up and don’t let anyone ever tell you to keep it on the back burner as a hobby if you really love it.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Japanese
Drink: French Mimosa
Film: Four Weddings and a Funeral, Sixteen Candles, Stealing Beauty
Hotel: Amangani, Jackson, Wyoming
City: Sydney, Australia
Bedding: Frette
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Decaf Caffe Latte with Vanilla Syrup.
Playlist: Jack Johnson, Billie Holiday, Glass Animals, Creedence Clearwater
Weekend Activity: Hiking with the family and discovering Ireland.
Design Book: I can’t pick just one. I have such varied and eclectic tastes. Everything Vendome Press publishes is amazing.