Can I just say how surreal it felt to type that? It’s something I’ve known would be happening for several months, but it feels much more real to me in this moment. Possibly even more real than the actual event did – because that just felt like a lovely dream: styling, photographing and learning from professionals for 3 days straight.
Last week a team from Do It Yourself made the trek to my middle-class, suburban neighborhood to photograph our house. I was definitely in “clean and organize every-square-inch” freak-out mode leading up to it, but once the day was here it was pretty magical, and I think I’m still having some withdrawals.
I’ve done quite a few projects in the past that involved photo shoots (be it some modeling, product shots for the jewelry business I had in college, or helping style and assist for the magazines I used to work for) and I just can’t get enough of them. The atmosphere and opportunity to collaborate and learn from other creatives is refreshing and inspiring. This time was no exception, and being photos of my home felt even more fulfilling and personal. Along with their talent, Jacob, Brenda and Jay were also just fun and friendly people to spend time with. We bonded over sweets, good music and our affection for Des Moines – I went to college there and they all live there now.
The equipment they had was incredible. The ability to shoot one room while in another and see an image on a computer screen right after it’s taken are luxuries I’m certainly not working with on my own.
As an amateur photographer I was drooling over the huge case of camera lenses they had and in awe of the lighting and accessories.
Because they shot spaces I am all too familiar with shooting myself, it was insightful to see their take on photographing a room. I was really blessed to get one of Meredith’s most seasoned photographers, Jay Wilde, and I loved hearing him comment on shooting the crawlspace turned kid’s space, “well, this is definitely a first.”
Jacob, who assisted on the shoot, kindly answered any questions I would throw at him about lighting and camera settings.
Brenda, the stylist, and I became fast friends. We really seemed to get each other, stylistically speaking and personality wise, so working with her just felt easy. From floral arranging to curtain straightening, I gained lots of little tricks and tips along the way.
Chelsea Craig says
Gwen this is so awesome! Congrats to you and all the amazing, incredible, and inspiring work you do! I know someone famous now! 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Chelsea! You're sweet, but I'm certainly not famous. 😉 Hope you're doing well and enjoying mommyhood!
Julia Konya says
So exciting! Looks like the best time ever!
themakerista@gmail.com says
It was!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
So excited for you and even in those behind the scenes pics, your house looks gorgeous! Maybe you can teach us those tips and tricks you learned too! 😉
Emmie {Blue 11 Interiors} says
This is awesome! I would love to work with a stylist to learn their tips and tricks! Can't wait to see the magazine feature!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Emmie! It was a blast!
Brittney says
Congrats! and yay Des Moines! That's where we lived before relocating to LA. We love that city and every time we make it back it seems to be getting cooler and cooler!
Amanda says
What a huge honor!!! I cannot wait to see your home in the pages of BHG! Working with photographers is amazing because I'm always learning new tricks! I'm all ears if you want to share some you learned 🙂
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
What a fantastic experience! I can't wait to see the whole spread. And you look lovely 🙂
tomsgirl1129 says
So exciting, Gwen! I thought about you all week! I am so glad you had fun! Looking forward to the magazine! I was so thrilled to meet you and your sweet family and visit a bit! {hugs}
themakerista@gmail.com says
You're sweet, thanks Wendy! It was such a pleasure to meet you and I can't wait to share the story about the secretary!
Autumn Beach says
Sooooooooo exciting!! I just subscribed to that magazine! Can't wait to see your home all glossy! 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, friend!
Stef says
Congrats! I love that magazine! Can't wait to see your spread when it comes out!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Stef! I'll let you know!
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
Congratulations! I know that total blissful experience and I'm so glad you had a great time. I can't wait for your feature! Oh and wait, did you go to Drake?!
Karen @ a house full of sunshine says
Oh, WOW!!!! What an accomplishment! You must be so thrilled. Huge congratulations!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Karen! It was a blast!
Bethany DeVore says
How exciting! Sounds like it was a great experience!
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
this is just so cool and exciting!!! I can't wait to see your issue!!!
Tracy Laverty says
Gwen, congratulations! How exciting and fun for you that they came in for a huge photo shoot. I can't wait to see your home in their magazine. Quick question- how do you get your photos to be so large on your blog? I think it makes a big difference.
The Design Daredevil says
I CAN"T WAIT to see the pics! I know they will be amazing. I have a shoot tomorrow at a clients and I'm going bonkers prepping today…….Bananas or green apples? Nope, pears! What are "manly" flowers? These are my problems?
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ha, all it takes is some watchful eyes and all of my decisiveness goes out the window too!
Angela Santaniello says
Congratulations! I absolutely cannot wait to see your feature!
Angela @ Number Fifty-Three
Megan // Honey We're Home says
Very cool Gwen! I adore that publication and I'll be looking forward to your issue! I love hearing the behind-the-scenes details.