Well I survived the photo shoot last Wednesday with Better Homes and Gardens. What I mean is, I survived my nerves, self-doubt, neurosis, and lack of sleep from doing so much at the last minute. Example: I made a slipcover for a wingback chair the day before the shoot. It's a good thing that I didn't unearth my book How To Make Slipcovers until I was halfway through the project because, therein were the words, "The wingback chair is the most difficult of all slipcover patterns. Do not attempt this as a first time project."!! I'll photograph the chair for a later post.
The crew who came to do the shoot felt more like guests, and the atmosphere felt more like a pastry party. Below are the lighting maestro Chris, and the perfectly delightful assistant to the editor, Mikhael.
The photographer, Edmund, has the rare attribute of sharing my taste in music, and using my CD collection, he doubled as the DJ for the entire day (they were here from 9:30am til 6:00pm). He's close to my age and shares my background of experiences with various bands and musicians. We know a lot of the same people in the business. So that was fun, gabbing and reminiscing.
I wish I could have gotten better, clearer photos of the action, but I don't like to use flash and I didn't feel like getting out my tripod. So the images are a bit dodgy, but you get the idea.
Below left is a shot of the perfectly lovely editor, Paige; my new best friend! Below right is a shot of Chris showing off his octopus tattoo. You can see my famous slipcover in this shot.
They were all very kind and generous with Marcel. Chris let him push buttons on the lighting equipment and Edmund even let him push the shutter on the camera for some of the shots. Edmund is a geography buff, so he and Marcel had lots to talk about. And Chris, like Marcel loves Johnny Cash, so of course we had to play his music during the shoot, as well as Cheb Kaled, Tom Waits, The Band, Dolly Parton, Otis Redding, and Wilco, among others.
I had such a wonderful time, and really felt like I had bonded with these beautiful people. In fact, Paige and I are planning to go thrifting together! Thank you all so very kindly for your good wishes. Love, Sylvie
