For Ellen McDermott and her creative partner Bridget Sciales, New York City is more than just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing muse. The NYC-based photography duo draws constant inspiration from the city's shifting light, dynamic architecture, and the rhythm of everyday life, channeling that energy into a body of work that is both intimate and visceral. Their timeless visual language spans fragrance campaigns, interiors, and editorial portraiture, reflecting a refined versatility that keeps their creativity sharp and ever-evolving. Their images have appeared in ad campaigns, digital content, books, and private collections across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with clients including Ralph Lauren, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart Living, Sotheby’s, and the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, among many others. In a recent conversation, here is what they had to say.
Being based in NYC, how does the city influence your creative perspective and storytelling?
The ever-changing scenes one gets to experience living and working in NYC has been a strong influence as artists. There is a particular light that is cast from the reflections of the skyscrapers that are completely unique. For instance although our studio faces a western sky the eastern light refracts through from distant buildings creating a warm light.
As NYC is a walking city, it is easy to get absorbed by its kinetic energies from the people, the storefronts, the museums and galleries. Finding inspiration is not difficult. Having parks, waterfronts and gardens gives us a unique perspective on how humans interact with nature and how nature interacts with the skyline.
How do you balance the demands of commercial photography while maintaining a strong personal artistic voice?
Maintaining a strong artistic voice has been developed over the lifetime of our careers. When on assignment a seamless transition from our own personal narrative to taking on our client’s voice occurs. We interpret our client’s vision together with our own artistic know how resulting in a new forum for artistic expression while not losing the integrity of our vision resulting in fresh expression of content.
You photographed a book with Martha Stewart—can you share the story behind that project and what it was like working on it and with such an icon?
Although I was young and new to the city I was very adept with digital photography having 8 years of prior experience coming from San Francisco. I was hired to photograph a book with Martha Stewart. Martha has always been at the forefront of new technology and trends and was eager to explore the platform. The experience was quite fulfilling for she was completely hands on and professional which made for a wonderful shoot. I also discovered Martha has a wicked sense of humor!
Out of all the photography projects you’ve worked on, do you have a favourite genre or type of assignment that excites you the most?
What excites us most is when we receive an assignment for a product location shoot involving a large production. Working with a cast of professionals in an unfamiliar environment creates fodder for creativity. The collaborative atmosphere instills a creative surge which fosters new ideas and different approaches in working.
What’s your favourite piece of photography equipment, and why?
I would say my favorite piece of photography equipment is my camera. As soon as I got my Hasselblad X1D, it was a game changer. I was able to move freely and capture fleeing moments. This has led to a dramatic change in the way I shoot and the assignments we accept. In the past, I only shot medium format on a 501C with a PhaseOne digital back and tethered. I was bound to a tripod. When the X2D came out with image stabilization it greatly improved the averages of successful images while on challenging locations.
Is there a particular tool, gadget, or item you always bring to a shoot—something you couldn’t work without?
That would be the black cloth. It has accompanied us on all our shoots and I can’t remember a shoot where it hadn’t been used. We treasure this particular tool because although we’ve tried, we haven’t been able to find another cloth that shares its qualities.
Looking back on your career, is there a particular shoot or experience that stands out as especially meaningful or transformative?
The shoot that was most transformative was when on assignment for an interior magazine shooting a historic home. This unusual home was unlike any other for it had been designed with skulls, dark fabric, old books and taxidermy arranged in a fresh and imaginative way. It spoke to our creativity like no other place had. The friendship and kinship that was struck with the designers on that day has continued for over 10 years. Their home virtually became our muse.
How has being a member of Production Paradise contributed to your visibility and opportunities in the industry? What do you like the most about being a member of our community?
Production Paradise has been tremendously important to us both professionally and personally. Having our shots highlighted in Spotlight Magazine has gotten the attention of major players in the commercial advertising world. Production Paradise is credited for introducing us to one of our favorite and most prolific clients. When the opportunity presented itself to become a part of their portfolio review in Barcelona we had the good fortune of connecting with colleagues in the industry as well as Advertising Creatives from Europe. Many of whom have remained close friends.
A big thank you to Ellen McDermott and Bridget Sciales for sharing their insights and creative journey with us! Their passion for photography and storytelling truly shines through. Stay tuned for more inspiring interviews, and be sure to check out their work for a closer look at their stunning visuals.
