Saturday, October 1, 2011

Cottage Style Photo Shoot


The photo shoot for Better Homes and Gardens
New Cottage Style is now a wrap so let me give you 
a quick peek behind the scenes of how it played out.



Two large boxes arrived the day before the shoot

filled with pillows, throws and a few accessories.



On the morning of the shoot, photographer Michael Partenio arrived with his assistant David McCaughan.  As they unloaded and began setting up their equipment, stylist Stacy Kunstel arrived in a second truck with flowers, plants and other props.   



Because most of the house was being photographed, I set a table up in the shower which became the prop room.  This was an out-of-way place for props and where flower arrangements could be set up.


Photographing began upstairs.  Michael's camera outputs its images to a large monitor making it really easy to see the details of each shot.   It's a pretty cool setup.  I want one.


After setting up each shot, Michael takes a few test shots.  Once he's happy with the basic frame of the shot, Stacy steps in and "styles" each shot. This might involves moving a few pillows, adding flowers, etc.  Here, Michael and Stacy are reviewing their image before taking the final shots.

For more about Stacy and Michael, see this post.


As each shot is taken, Dave is on standby to adjust lighting and/or grab more equipment.


Each shot could take up to an hour so one or more of the cats inevitably wandered in to participate.  Dave acted as the cats' personal photographer.



Cat's photos are by David McCaughan.



Angus was a little camera shy so Stacy stepped in to see if we could get him to sit down for this kitchen shot.



On Day 2, they finished up the kitchen and began working on the dining room.


Two cameras were set up in the kitchen at the same time and Michael went back and forth between close-up shots of the kitchen shelves and dining room.


Zazu tried hard to get in every shot.  


This is the final shot of the dining room that appears in the

Shooting finished up with photos of the living room and the exterior of the house.  I was lucky to get a parking spot immediately in front of the house the day before so I could back out of the shot when they were ready to take it.  


It was an exciting two days.  The Cottage Style team was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!  I was so impressed with their talent.  I learned A LOT and will share the details over the next few posts.  After a few months of getting ready, particularly in the last week, I'm exhausted.  So while I rest and catch up on my sleep, I get to enjoy all of these flowers.

Thank you to all of you for your congratulations.  This has been an incredible experience and I feel very lucky to have been involved in the New Cottage Style book project.  I truly feel like I won the lottery.

46 comments:

  1. Oooh! How exciting!

    It all looks so gorgeous, and I love the tip about securing a carpark out front (will remember that when Vogue Living comes over next time! Ha.)

    And you go to keep the flowers? Love it! The whole thing! What a wonderful testament to your design talent, Mr!

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  2. I can't wait. I feel so excited for you. Your mom must be busting with with happiness for you. Enjoy the flowers.

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  3. Congratulations and well deserved. Your home looks beautiful and enjoy those flowers.

    Helenxx

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  4. So glad it went well!@ Would have loved to just watch them at work...what a treat!
    **Tami

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  5. Wow, I can't wait to see more details. My house doesn't lend itself to cottage style but I like it and I can surely glean a few style tidbits.

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  6. That must have been so interesting! Can't wait to hear more.

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  7. the first thing I thought was... I wonder if he gets to keep the flowers! I can't imagine a better house to be photographed. I can't wait to see it in print. I hope they got our awesome closet!

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  8. Yay, yay, yay! Of course, I am studying every detail (including trying to see the shot of the computer screen) to see what changes have been made. Do I detect grey paint, or perhaps even a new beadboard treatment on the wall of the kitchen? New hardware on the cabinets? Gorgeous flowers which totally seem your style.

    The portraits of the "kit cats" (as my girls call them) are amazing.

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  9. Waiting with bated breath to see the results - love the large monitor!

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  10. Very, very cool. The photos of the cats are gorgeous. I see your art is all in place. Phew! I can't wait to see the final photos! Do we have to wait for the book to come out? Bravo. Rest up. : )

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  11. I am so excited for you. I can't wait to see more....and more....and more!

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  12. Oh, by the way.....there is nothing wrong with winning the lottery:)

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  13. Yes I want to see more behind the scenes Steve! It looks so fun, but I know it was hard work. It will be worth it when you get your copy of the book!

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  14. I don't BUY many books but this one I will!
    I can't hardly wait!
    :) - Cindi

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  15. What an honor this is for you and your home which will be forever evolving under your care(yet, for now, I little rest for you is in order). Cannot wait to see the New Cottage Style. Congratulations.
    Linda in Virginia who is inspired by your energy to get to work on some indoor painting.

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  16. oh wow!, what a wonderful experience. i love the second pic down of the cat....a little unimpressed i'd say!. i shall head to amazon immediately and add the book to my wish list.
    having had something from my blog published in a book, i know how cool this feeling is, and the anticipation of waiting to receive a copy of the book. (sadly mine wasnt as wonderful as having a beautiful home photographed!).

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  17. I loved reading this post...how exciting for you!
    Angex

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  18. Alright Mr. DeMille...I'm ready for my close up now.
    ~Zazu

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  19. Whoop Whoop....can't wait! Love the styling part....and at times I thought...why didn't I think of that :) Now the long wait until it is actually published and out! For me it was a year!

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  20. Thanks for giving your followers a unique insight into the world of styling and photographing homes and interiors.

    They started with such a ready-made rich canvass in your house, that I'm sure those gorgeous plants and flowers were the only tweaking needed to get the perfect shots.

    Once again, congratulations.

    Anna

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  21. What a tease - I cannot wait to see more - which I am sure will be AMAZING. Hope you get to rest now that it is over. Lori

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  22. This is such wonderful news, Steve. Congratulations to you! I can't wait to see the book. Enjoy your well-deserved rest!

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  23. This is waaaay cool and very deserved.

    So happy all your hard work and fabulous taste has been recognized and appreciated.

    i hope you're spending the weekend just swanning around and stopping to smell the flowers.

    xo Jane

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  24. How fun and exciting. Let us know when it will appear in the magazine.

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  25. Oh my goodness...I can't WAIT to see this- loved this behind the scenes peak!!

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  26. Now I cannot wait for the book to be published! :) Hurry with the deets!

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  27. Very, very exciting! I look forward to seeing it all in print!

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  28. Love the look behind the scenes! It really is amazing, cannot wait to see more!.

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  29. Steve,

    I bet things have been a little hectic the last few days/weeks! Sit back and enjoy the quiet, the flowers and your home.

    am

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  30. Congratulations! How exciting! Can't wait to see the spread!

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  31. OMG - I am so happy for you. The shoot looks utterly fascinating!! Can't wait to get the book. Love all your delicious rooms and those wonderful cats. I love that they did so many white flowers...

    xo

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  32. Congratulations! This all looks wonderful. It will be such fun to see the end result in the magazine. I am so glad you share your work through your blog.

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  33. It's ok - don't have to respond to my comment as you must be EXHAUSTED! I know I would be! How cool it must be to watch the professionals at work. In my next life I want to be a photographer. Ha - Can't wait to see the book AND here about all the things you learned. When you are rested, enlighten us!

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  34. The house looks great even in these shots you took. Who's more excited than me to see the final result? :)

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  35. keep us posted so we can see the pictures in print!

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  36. We'll have to find a copy in Australia when it comes out. It is all too glamorous but your house IS sublime. Well done, clever clogs!

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  37. Annie! Clever clogs? Is that an expression? I've never heard that but I like it.

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  38. ooh, can't wait to see the mag! I'm sure you'll remind us when it prints, right?

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  39. Congratulations - just hope I can get to see it here i England.

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  40. looking forward to the book coming out. sounds like an amazing time! congratulations!!

    Londen

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  41. congratulations steve, what a validating experience. your hard work, your design sensibilities, finally getting noticed. look forward to your book coming out this summer.

    savor the experience and rest well.

    bridgemor

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  42. S....Where have I been?......work, work, work, work, work.....and a major blog break........This is SO exciting! You deserve all the recognition that you are now receiving...you are very talented...I knew it the first time I stopped by. I'm thrilled for you.Congratulations...I'll be first in line for the book....k

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  43. steve! you're such a high roller! i love it! :) congrats! the house looks insane, and i saw it from a distance in real life! i felt like we were celeb stalking in LA or something.

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  44. Gillian,
    Aren't you sweet! You guys should have stopped by that day. The house was clean!
    NICE to hear from you! S.

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  45. Hope this isn't too terrible tacky, but....I can't help myself.
    Just letting you know I think your blog is great and I've given you an award that was given to me. No pressure, just letting you know. If you want to participate check my blog at www.colonialcurvecottage.blogspot.com and if not, totally cool. I still like your blog :) Not spam, not a cult and not a plea for money or more readership. Just some kudos from me to you.

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