It was over 100 degrees outside and indoors the World Cup soccer tournament was playing on every television in every room. But what does Stephen Karlisch, who photographed these four gorgeous, tranquil spreads and cover for D Home magazine, remember most? “It was the home-owners’ daughter’s first birthday that day, and they kept talking about the amazing party they would be throwing for her. The baby was a doll to photograph, she would just pause and smile, very unusual for a one year old. Made my life very easy!”

And the heat? “To get the entry shot I had to open both front doors all the way, and shoot from the driveway. I think it only took me about two minutes to get it, since we didn’t want to kill all the air-conditioning in the house. And it ended up on the cover! Always the shots you least expect.”