Bethany Nauert

Whether you live in a huge mansion or tiny studio apartment, Bethany Nauert will make you proud to call it home. This Los Angeles based photographer shoots interiors and exteriors for clients like Apartment Therapy, One Kings Lane and Rue Magazine. Bethany has a penchant for uncovering the treasures in every abode that make them unique – like a mason jar of old paintbrushes – and turning each discovery into charming still life. This California girl is as sunny as her hometown, her photographs and answers below are equally warm.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Voyeuristic, subtle, approachable.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Scott Schuman the man behind The Sartorialist, he has the most natural way of shooting people and fashion on street and always done so beautifully. I wish I could shoot homes and environments like he shoots men and women. Also I love the work of Sabrina Ward Harrison, she does these amazing mixed media paintings and journals. She mixed photography with bits and pieces of material here and there and adds little words and thoughts. Also Edward Hopper, Paolo Roversi, and my friend Rebecca Miller. Rebecca and I graduated together from college and she has been a huge support and inspiration because she’s a badass photographer

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I’d like to say I’d take the extra hour to sleep, but I’d be lying. I’d probably end up on the computer that much longer sifting through images on Photoshop.

4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
San Francisco. I think it’s because I decided to pursue photography while in college there… and because it’s such a small, but creative hub of people.

5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
I’d be an architect, so I can learn about how beautiful homes are conceived and designed.

6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
My favorite thing to make people is a custom thought out mixed cd.

7. What is your favorite object in your home?
My 1964 stereo console. It’s a credenza with an internal turntable that still works, and has a little storage bin for records. I took it home and painted it white and gave the hardware gold accents, it’s pretty neat.

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received
My mom has always told me to “make sure you send them a thank you note.” Tried and true, a little sentiment goes a long way.

9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Apartment Therapy, Desire to Inspire, SF girl by bay, notcotoure, , Rue Mag,

There are so many I look at on a daily basis, but these few are definite must haves.

10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
I shoot primarily for the web, so I suppose once I see it’s published I know it’s done.