Natural light, snake plants and hints of pink are just a few of the ways portrait photographer Darian Tarver decorates her blue-painted home.
23-year-old Tarver started taking photos with her mother’s film camera when she was nine years old. During her sophomore year of college at Southeastern, Tarver began to pursue photography as a career.
“I love getting to know people and their story while I take their pictures,” Tarver said. “It’s kind of a cool thing that my job is getting to study people’s personality and then show it through a picture.”
When she’s not out taking photos, Tarver does most of her work from home. Her favorite place to work is her sunroom that she transformed into a naturally-lit work space.
“I adore the original, fresh style to her house,” fashion merchandising senior Cisely Stutes said. “My personal favorite room is the sun room where she has her work space set up. It means business all while being utterly charming with loads of natural sunlight and fun graphics on her wall.”
Tarver’s sunroom isn’t the only room filled with light and style.
Although she spends the most time in her sunroom, her bedroom shares the minimalist and bright themes that the rest of her home exudes. Inspired by Urban Outfitters, Tarver incorporates textures, colors and patterns within her home.
“Her house has the best warm light and is full of plants, cute artwork and great textures like wood and linen,” advertising senior Ashley Monaghan said. “It’s slightly boho, but definitely minimalistic and a little tomboy.”
Tarver recommends steering away from using Pinterest as a guide for home decorations. While she likes Pinterest, she said it can limit personal creativity.
Instead, Tarver uses already-owned items such as polaroids, classic-style hats and graphic prints to decorate her bright walls.
Whether the items are already in Tarver’s home or tucked away in a thrift store, she enjoys making her home look new and interesting.
Plants are another essential component prominent in Tarver’s home. She suggests using plants as an easy way to decorate. Snake plants are her personal favorite.
“I really rely on light for my photography,” Tarver said. “I love shadows, bright light sunset light … light really sets the mood of a picture. So just having a lot of light in my house really is important to me. It’s inspiring in a way.”

Gallery • 24 Photos

Haskell Whittington

Portrait photographer Darian Tarver's living room filled with warm colored and contrasting decor on Tuesday Oct. 4, 2016, on Morning Glory Avenue.