O’Hagan Studio Architecture and Portrait Photography
I had the real pleasure of working with the very talented Jess O’Hagan of O’Hagan Studio
https://www.ohaganstudio.co.uk/
on the photography for a recent Peaslake project, a beautifully considered kitchen extension and refurbishment. This project is a great example of how thoughtful design can transform the way a home is used and experienced.
Following an initial phone call and brief from Jess, we arranged a site visit to the project in Peaslake, Surrey. This visit was invaluable, allowing us to talk through the vision for the shoot, review potential angles, and agree on the views that would best showcase the space. It also provided an opportunity to build rapport and ensure we were aligned creatively before the shoot day.
From this meeting, I produced a production book that included a basic shortlist, recce images, and visual references for inspiration and guidelines to keep the O’hagan brand aligned. Even on relatively small projects, a production book can be extremely useful. It helps maximise time on site by providing a clear structure, agreed priorities, and flexibility to capture unplanned moments or additional views as they present themselves.
The focus of the shoot was to capture both the external and internal views of the new extension, showing how it sits comfortably within its surroundings while enhancing the original property. Externally, the photography highlights the architectural details and material choices, ensuring the extension feels integrated rather than imposed.
Internally, the photography concentrated on the flow of the space, moving from the living area through to the kitchen and out into the garden beyond. We also chose to include a person in selected shots to bring a sense of scale and life to the space. This helps demonstrate how the kitchen is used day to day, making the images feel more relatable and giving a clearer sense of proportion, movement, and atmosphere. Careful attention was paid to light, perspective, and composition, with the connection between indoors and outdoors being a key element to communicate.
Alongside the architectural photography, O’Hagan Studio also requested a portrait of Jess as the owner and founder. After discussing ideas and reviewing inspirational references, we decided to focus on an environmental portrait that felt calm and considered, initially exploring a pose with Jess looking away from the camera. The final image, showing Jess smiling, felt the most authentic and natural, and best reflected her personality and approach.
Working portraits and incidental images were also captured, showing Jess collaborating with a client, alongside details such as plans and material samples.
These images provide additional visual assets that can be used across the website, social media, and marketing materials, helping to tell a broader story about the studio and its process.
Projects like this are always rewarding to photograph, particularly when the design is both functional and visually strong. It was a pleasure working with Jess and documenting a space that feels welcoming, practical, and beautifully resolved.
