My life is to make everything around me beautiful.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Photographers and Stylists

When I read a magazine or book, I read all the little, seemingly inconsequential, things in it - who did the photographs, styling, editors, staff, date it was published (if a book) and all those little things with which we don't concern ourselves very often. I can actually tell when the editor of a magazine has changed just by perusing the magazine even before I sit down to peruse it leisurely. They each have a certain "style" as evidenced by the "recent" (few years ago now) changes in Romantic Homes magazine. I noticed it immediately with Country Home and Country Living through the years.

But besides seeing who the writer of the article is, and let's just talk about magazines in this post, I look for the stylist also.

I didn't think it would be a particularly hard job, but certainly glamorous, and would have loved to do it. But since I've become a photographer, and I use this term very loosely here, I learned how hard both jobs can be! Getting the light just right. Cramming all the lovely items into a small space to add pizzazz to the photo. Hard work I'm sure!! I don't even come close to being good at either. I am barely adequate when posting pix for this blog. So with great "reverence" I salute the photographers and stylists of those truly beautiful stories we read in the magazines today.

Now, the the proofreader I've noticed is slacking on the job though. The current issue of Romantic Country, summer 2008. Have you noticed that on page 21 in the top left picture the clock is running backwards? And just below that one the clock looks like it's upside down. Now, that can't be a reversal of the photo but what's with those people hanging the clock upside down???? Page 28 left photo of the buddhas. Read the description and look at the buddhas. They've reversed the photo. Then we have page 50! Whooooa chicks! The pink telephone dial is backwards, the writing on the shadow box on the wall is reversed and the clock again is running backwards. I know, I know, not a big deal, but those proofreaders should have caught those "goofs"! Yoohoo, Romantic Country, I'm available!!!!! I'm not cheap though!! :-)
~*~

The shutters were put beside the archway on the dining room side. I'll probably spend the rest of the year patching nail holes........uhhhhh, only the visible ones though!

I've put one french wire basket under the picture off center. I could not get it centered with all the other stuff. AND since I worked so hard to get it out of my daughter's shed and home to Idaho I'll be darned if I'm NOT going to put it up somewhere! Now I just have to figure out where the other one will go. It will have to be low because of not being able to see what is in it up high. I also hang items HIGH and low on walls. I think it adds visual interest and love it. I've even put pictures leaning on the wall on the floor or on baseboards too.

Be creative in what you do in life and how you decorate your home. It sets you apart from all the "cookie cutter" or "accepted" decorating styles and shows YOUR style, not your friend's style or the show room salesperson's style, but your unique style! I do and I highly recommend it. :-)

Today I went to Boise since Love Bunny is away. I bought these 2 feather pillows for $24.99! Squeeeeeal, yes for both! That's $12.50 each for a 20" x 20" feather pillow. I am truly blessed. :-)

Now for this next part you're going to have to use your imagination since I didn't get "before" pictures but they're in some picture somewhere on this computer but I'm too lazy to find it so I'll just describe the "before" to the best of my ability. Ooooohmygosh!!!! Yep, that's what it was before. (I bought it but for the life of me I can't remember WHY I would have bought it!!) An "ohmygosh" lamp! Dark wood with a beige shade and amber crystals hanging down. Pretty ugly let me tell ya, chicks! Soooooo, I decided to take my handy dandy spray can of white paint and spritzzzz it. I had that other shade - remember, I stuck a faux fern in it till I could figure out what I was going to do with it?? Okay, after taking off the amber (yuck!) crystals and painting the lamp white, I then decorated the lamp shade.

Now, a sweet friend named Sharon gave me a little charm last year and I wanted to do something reeeealllly special with it since it is so teensy tiny. I don't see how she paints on them. Very tiny! I decided to put that little pink roses charm on the new lamp. VoilĂ , the new frou frou lamp with parchment roses, lace and Sharon's lovely exquisite charm!! Very little effort for spectacular results!!!



Sharon's hubby is really into western movies. He watches them frequently. I have this art print by Chuck Haan in my hallway. No, I am not into western art, but when I saw this many years ago in a little antique shop in the Niles area of Fremont, Calif. it touched my heart. It's an Indian brave looking sweetly at a little bluebird on a snow covered branch of a tree in the dead of winter. It just stole my heart away and I had to have it. So even in a romantic, shabby, girly pink house this print holds a place of honor. I thought Sharon might like to show it to hubby.

The point of this story is: If you love it, if it touches your heart, then you should have it no matter what the decor of your home is. Ooooooh, and btw, please don't tell Love Bunny I said this. It DOES NOT apply to model trains!!! No no no no no no no no no!!

25 comments:

  1. Connie, your rooms are looking so attractive now. It's been so interesting to be a 'part' of the renovation story, thanks for all the photos.

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  2. Amen....I decorate with what I like...I put together colors that I can live with and ENJOY....and FEEL.....I can feel certain colors so to speak...can't you????...autumn is coming...Oh will I love feeling those colors..on the trees....
    I like your lamp..your home..your style...simply YOU...that is what is so cool...
    ~~Deby

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  3. Hi Connie,Love everything,but would love to squeese those pillows.I visited your flea market.Do you design the plates youself.I will have to have one of them real soon.They are all my faves.You are one of my faves, Hugs Marie Antionette

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  4. Before becoming a 'Mom' I was a commercial photographer. 'Mom' schedule and 'commercial photographer' schedule do not mix...

    I used to shoot for a couple of magazines that were local, leisure arts type that had a state wide distribution.

    One publication always sent me to these fabulous homes. They could be anywhere in the state. Sometimes the editor would call me to go with him to 'check it out', sometimes I would meet up with a writer for a preliminary.

    Most of the time the homes are recommended by very well known designers who did the decorating. If the publication decided to feature the home, the designer was supposed to show up the day of the shoot and help me!!!! (I am not a designer and I was always assured that the designer would be there...)

    Once a home owner hired another florist decorator company to come by and add 'fluff' that lady was still there when I arrived and the designer did show up both made sure I got all the things they wanted in the mag. rearranging, etc. The housewife, did a lot later on in the day. It was fun. I changed a few things around as well. The writer showed up, put in his touches. That was a good shoot.

    One designer was the homeowner/housewife. That was also a wonderful shoot. I had many many good shoots. I did have one featuring a designer who... he was too good to show up, give any input, whatever. He was also not happy with the shoot. I remember the homeowner standing over me like she thought I was going to rob her. The house was dark. Beautiful old federal style renovation with exotic modern style touches. But very dark. I had to double up on lighting. I think it just disappeared into the walls.

    Oh nooooo I just realized this post turned into a dissertation! So sorry! Designers are important. Makes the job go faster. Experienced designers are better. Not those kids out of collage or interns... Don't get me started there...

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  5. Connie Everything looks just wonderful!Looks like you are enjoying your redocorating time while Jack is away.The indian print is just BEAUTIFUL!I LOVE it!I agree buy what you love and decorate with it.Love Jen

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  6. Connie, you have done a fine job on remodeling/redecorating your house.

    I agree with the fact if it touches your heart and you love it, get it. There are quite a few of those "treasures" around here. Many fond memories.

    I'll have to pull out Romantic country and take a peek-hehe.

    hugs,
    Barb

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  7. If Jack is the Love Bunny, are you the Energizer Bunny? Girl, I cannot keep up with you!

    Finding typos and grammatical errors in publications drive me nuts. Not that I'm scott-free from guilt on that, but at least nobody is paying for my uneducated sribble.

    Great spot for the shutters by the way.

    ~Stacey G.

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  8. Hi Connie! everything is lovely, I love the shutters. You are very talented I love the lamp shade and use of the charm. I just love your remodel. I wish I could do one over here. Deb

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  9. Good morning~

    Stop by my blog---I have something for you!!

    Hugs~

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  10. Everything is gorgeous Connie! I love how you did the shutters, so cute! And that lamp is fabulous, WOW you did a fantastic job!!!

    Hugs,
    Amy

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  11. Hi Connie,

    Everything is looking GREAT and I love the lamp makeover WOW, that is pretty :) I also love the blue pillows. That's the color in my guest bedroom. Take care.
    Warmly, Deb

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  12. Love those gorgeous shades you pretty all up ready to go to town look! Thanks for reminding me that if I love it- that's good enough- I get so caught up in trying to please everyone!!!!

    :) mary

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  13. HI Connie! Everything has come together so nicely!! And I simply ADORE your new/old lamp!! VERY very pretty! Sharon's heart charm adds such an elegant touch to it, too!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  14. Hey there Connie,
    I left you an award on my blog....go and check it out sweet cheeks...
    Gina xoxoxoxoxo

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  15. Your home is getting prettier and prettier every time I see it. Great job!

    You sure do have a good eye. I've read that same magazine at least a dozen times and never noticed one of the mistakes you did. They need to hire you!

    Love your lamp makeover. Your pillows are darling too!

    Hugs,
    Joanne

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  16. Connie you have done a fabulous job of redecorating your rooms. Isn't it wonderful when you walk into a room you have redone and just want to 'smile' and it makes you feel so happy
    Alison

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  17. Well I know that I proofed and proofed this issue of PORCH and still found typos when I got the first box - UGH! Guess that's what I get for trying to do it all myself - lol! I'll have to get a proofreader for the future... Hmmm... want a volunteer job? Blessings... Polly

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  18. Nice blog! Very pretty! Id love to invite you over to my blog...I'm having a faux class...come join the fun!

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  19. You sound like a hoot! I love you already! sweet pea!

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  20. wow what great luck on the pillows, and your room is looking so great, keep up the wonderful job you and your honey are doing. Love it all. the lamp is so sweet looking.
    Have a great Friday. Chickie gal...

    Hugs;
    Alaura

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  21. Oh! I noticed those "mistakes" in the Romantic Country magazine too. I wonder why "they" didn't? Too funny! I love how your lamp shade turned out. I have two ugly lamps in my bedroom that I need to do something to. Maybe you've inspired me?!

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  22. Connie I'm with you on the proof reading. It really irks me when they let really obvious mistakes get through. And to think I thought I was the only one who read every part of the magazine - glad to hear there is another person on the planet who notices who the set stylist is!!
    Hugs,
    Kerryanne

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  23. looks great!!! You must be happy with the transformation!! I love the shutters I have them all over my house. Add's charm and quirky character!!
    mands

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  24. You are such a 'detail' girl Connie. Some magazine should hire you. Glad to see the results or your home 'makeover'. Gorgeous lamp and the charm is incredible. Rachaelxo

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  25. Hi Connie, I've missed some of your posts so I'm checking them all out tonight. YOur rooms came out so pretty. Oh I just love that lamp and that print next to the archway is to die for!
    Blessings, Shirl
    Shirls Rose Cottage

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Comments are so nice and I thank all of you that leave one for me.