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The Makerista

I'm Gwen, a modern traditionalist who isn't afraid of color. Kansas City.

Better Homes & Gardens Do It Yourself Magazine Shoot

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.

Via Instagram
Along with adding some simple touches throughout the house, like flowers and fresh herbs, she helped me seal the deal on new bedding for our bedroom.  I look forward to sharing it (and it’s great price tag) in more detail with you later this week.  
The magazine can often take a year to feature a home after it’s been photographed, but I’ll be sure to let you know when we’re in it.  Have a lovely day!




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Comments

  1. 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! 🙂

  5. 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!

  6. 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 🙂

  8. 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}

  15. 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.

  16. 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?