IDEA Books co-founder Angela Hill on photographing a story…

Hi Angela! Set the scene: what was the shoot day like and where did it take place?

I am obsessed by families. I love looking at other people’s family photo albums and holiday snaps. I often try and shoot in the girl’s own home – everything has to be as “real” as possible. This is shot in Viola’s house. Shoot days are always stressful for me and anxiety starts building from the day prior. I have the increasing feeling this helps: I want every shoot to be the best thing I have ever done. When I get in the zone on set, I cannot think of anything else in the world. Nothing else matters. I was, however, so looking forward to this.

The private gardens running down the centre of the listed square, where the house is, were host that day to a London Review of Books, very middle class garden party – previously unknown to us. I thought this was an amazing opportunity to incorporate the garden party into the fashion shoot, as it was so incongruous and surreal. The first guy I shot as part of the story was called Peregrine – this set the tone. I thought Elizabeth Hurley would appear any moment.

Rose wears jumper and skirt AUGUST BARRON

Viola wears top talent’s own

Viola wears jumper VIKTOR & ROLF, trousers UNDERCOVER and socks talent’s own

There are two young women characters, Rose and Viola, in this story. Who do you imagine them to be?

Just as they are. Sisters who share a common bond and yet are so different. I have known the family for 20 years, as my youngest daughter and their eldest daughter are best friends. I have always loved Rose and Viola. I am also fascinated by family ties and behaviour, because I am an only child and need to know what it is like having a sibling. Being an only child has made me into how I am. I always felt my parents were more my friends. I loved being with them and going on trips and holidays. We regularly used to go to restaurants just the three of us from when I was very very young, and we were very rarely apart.

Viola wears shirt MOSCHINO and skirt talent’s own

Rose wears jumper CHANEL

Rose wears tops and trousers MIU MIU

What was it like working with [regular FACE contributor] Andrew Sauceda on styling?

Brilliant! It was our first time working together and am now desperate to keep him for myself! We are already in mid-plan to shoot our next 10 projects…

Viola wears vest and skirt STEFAN COOKE and tights stylist’s own

Rose wears jacket GUESS, shirt and skirt MARGARET HOWELL and socks and shoes talent’s own

What’s your favourite shot and why?

Probably Viola in the red room at the front of the house. The room is beautiful and she is wearing Prada. Andrew, in his genius, put a men’s shirt underneath and Viola was pensive and ignoring me which is frankly what I want models to do.

Viola wears dress and shirt PRADA and socks and shoes talent’s own

Viola wears jumper and shirt MOSCHINO and skirt, socks and shoes talent’s own

Rose wears jumper UNDERCOVER, skirt CELINE BY HEDI SLIMANE and T-shirt (worn underneath), socks and shoes talent’s own

What does a typical day look like in your own London family?

I have two daughters; the youngest is an artist and on an art residency in Mexico at the moment, so I am missing her dreadfully. The eldest lives at home but is hardly ever there. She uses it as a refilling station and flits in and out in a variety of pink gym outfits and skimpy dresses, fake tan, clouds of Justin Bieber perfume (does that exist? Did I just make that up?) and some death defying heels. My husband is at the office with me most days. We have been together for 30 years, so we kind of know each other by now. In the evenings we enjoy a variety of OAP activities; The Daily Telegraph cryptic crossword, Mastermind and University Challenge on TV, golf, cricket and football for David and football and tennis for me. Plus we actually do do that very geriatric practice of discussing current affairs. We all go to bed exhausted and wake up to start it all over again with the very best of intentions for every day!