Behind the Lens: A Day in the Life of a DWM Photographer

"It's not just about capturing what something looks like. It’s about capturing what it *feels* like.”

An Inspiring Day with Patrick Legard of Legard Furniture

Today, I had the privilege of joining Patrick Legard, the artisan behind Legard Furniture, for an inspiring photoshoot to showcase his stunning handmade wooden furniture. Patrick isn’t just a furniture maker; he’s a storyteller. Each piece he creates tells a tale of patience, precision, and passion.  

As a photographer, capturing that story is just as important as photographing the piece itself. This blog offers a behind-the-scenes look at the day’s journey, from setting up the perfect shot to capturing the soul of Patrick’s creations.

The Setup: Welcome to the Workshop

Every photoshoot has energy, but walking into Patrick’s workshop was special. The space hummed with quiet creativity. The air was tinged with the fresh scent of sawdust and varnish, and large windows framed streams of natural light that danced across the surfaces of his finished works.  

My goal as a photographer is to work with the light, not against it. Here, it felt like the sun itself was on our side, highlighting the natural grains and textures of Patrick’s furniture. The gentle glow brought the deep browns and golden hues of the wood to life. Every knot, curve, and grain became a focal point.  

> **Pro Tip**: Natural light like this is a photographer’s best friend. It adds depth, texture, and mood that artificial lights often struggle to replicate.  

Design Philosophy: Bringing the Story to Life

Getting to know the maker is one of the most rewarding parts of these sessions. I asked Patrick about his design philosophy, and his answer set the tone for the entire shoot.  

> *“Wood has its own personality. My role is to bring that to life in a way that feels both fresh and enduring.”*  

This insight became my guiding principle for the day. Every angle, every close-up, and every wide shot had to communicate that idea.  

Patrick’s design philosophy revolves around the balance of form and function. His furniture isn't just beautiful—it works with the natural properties of wood, not against them. Subtle curves, contrasting inlays, and the use of reclaimed wood aren’t just stylistic choices; they’re part of his deeper philosophy of sustainability and craftsmanship.  

**How I Captured It:**  

- **Close-up shots** of intricate details, like live edges and hand-carved inlays.  

- **Wide shots** to emphasise the context of each piece within the workshop.  

- **Natural light** to highlight the natural grains and rich textures of the wood.  

The Hero Shots: Signature Pieces in Focus

When it comes to furniture photography, you need "hero shots"—those powerful, unforgettable images that tell the full story in a single frame. For this shoot, two pieces took centre stage:  

The Custom Cherrywood Chair

Unlike the dining table, this chair was all about flow and motion. Inspired by Scandinavian design, it had soft, sweeping curves that practically invited you to sit. Photographing motion in something static requires subtle tricks.  

**How I Shot It:**  

- **Side angles** to emphasise the curvature of the frame.  

- **Texture shots** of the hand-carved joinery where each part of the chair fits together.  

- **Depth-of-field shots** to emphasise the backrest, which was hand-sculpted with precision.  

This chair had movement, even while standing still. And that’s what I wanted to capture.  

The Craftsmanship Process: Capturing the 'How'

Most people see the finished product—a table, a chair, or a cabinet—but few get to see the process. I always try to include **process shots** during the session.  

Watching Patrick work with steam-bending techniques and traditional hand tools felt like stepping back in time. The precision of his movements was captivating.  

**How I Shot It:**  

- **Macro shots of the tools**—chisels, saws, and clamps in use.  

- **Hands in action**—sanding, carving, and steaming wood into gentle curves.  

- **Dust in the air**—capturing sawdust mid-flight with fast shutter speeds.  

> Pro Tip: Process shots aren’t just filler images. They’re a crucial part of storytelling photography. Showing the "making of" builds authenticity, trust, and emotional connection with your audience.  

Lighting the Way: My Approach to Natural Light Photography

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of experience, it’s that **natural light beats artificial light every time**—when you know how to use it.  

On this shoot, the large windows in Patrick's workshop allowed for soft, directional light that changed throughout the day. The morning gave us soft, even lighting. By mid-afternoon, stronger highlights and shadows added depth and texture to the furniture.  

**How I Worked With the Light:**  

- **Early Morning:** Full, even lighting is perfect for wide shots of the workshop.  

- **Mid-Day:** Sharp, directional light ideal for showing wood grain textures.  

- **Late Afternoon:** Golden-hour light for warm, atmospheric shots of finished pieces.  

Capturing Essence, Not Just Appearance

I always say that **photography is as much about feeling as it is about seeing**. With this shoot, that idea was front and centre. My aim wasn’t just to photograph Patrick’s furniture. It was to capture the *essence* of his work—the patience, the care, and the respect for natural materials.  

To do this, I leaned on three key techniques:  

1. **Macro shots**: Close-ups of natural grain, hand-carved details, and subtle inlays.  

2. **Process shots**: Hands at work, sawdust in the air, tools in motion.  

3. **Contextual shots**: The furniture in its workshop is "habitat" rather than on a blank white background.  

These techniques bring out **texture, mood, and storytelling** in every shot. When people view these images, I want them to feel like they’re standing in the workshop, smelling the sawdust and hearing the soft tap of a chisel on wood.  

Closing Thoughts

This shoot wasn’t just about furniture. It was about passion, patience, and the power of craft. **Patrick Legard’s work tells a story**, and as a photographer, I’m here to make sure that story is seen, felt, and remembered.  

The photos that came out of this shoot are more than product shots—they're *portraits* of craftsmanship. Each piece of furniture reflects Patrick's relationship with the materials, and each image reflects my relationship with light, composition, and storytelling.  

> Fun Fact: Did you know that capturing the perfect "hero shot" can take up to 30 minutes of adjustment? Getting the right light, angle, and depth of field is an art form in itself.  

It’s moments like this that remind me why I love what I do. Sure, it’s about getting "the shot," but it’s also about collaboration. Working with artists like Patrick reminds me that every project is a partnership—a merging of vision, passion, and precision.  

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