Whenever I hit an antique store…or really any store, for that matter…I look for props I can use in photo shoots. There are some things that are staples and I use again and again, but I really prefer to buy something that catches my eye, use it for a while and then sell it and buy some new props. It gives me new inventory and it keeps my photo shoots fresh.
When we were in the Poconos recently, I found this pretty antique butter dish (minus the dome.) Since it was missing its other half, I was able to get it for only $6.00 and I knew it would be perfect for a MMSMP Flow Blue photo shoot for our upcoming look book.
And here’s the result…
I love how the water wakes up the blue pigments. It makes me smile every time!
Now, I know what some of you may be thinking. Something like, “Do you really mix your milk paint in an antique butter dish with a silver spoon on an antique European grain sack? Really?!”
No, of course not. But, these photo shoots are about showcasing the product and reinforcing the brand. Milk Paint is one of the oldest known paints in the world, so I want to hint at that by using old things in the photo shoots. It’s 100% natural, so I want the photo shoots to have a natural feel about them. I wouldn’t get that by mixing the paint in a plastic cup. I also want the pictures to pique curiosity by showing it’s different from other paints in that it comes in powder form and is mixed with water. And lastly, this is a visual industry, so I want the pictures to look beautiful.
So, yeah, it’s not realistic. But, it conveys a message. Sometimes, it’s about keeping it real and sometimes it’s all about the look.
19 Responses
I love your props and how u change them. It makes me come back.
Marian, that blue color is GORGEOUS! It reads on my screen as almost a cyan or Aegean blue color with maybe a teensy bit of green to it. Is that how it looks in real life? I always pictured Flow Blue as a dark blue/indigo/cobalt color, so if your version is more cyan, I’d really be interested in it for one of my furniture projects.
The photo shoot is beautiful, as always!
Oh heck yes you mix your paint up in your new antique dish is what I would say! Lol! And when you are painting you have on a dress and heels too! Doesn’t everyone? Lol! Love your photos! Beautiful!
I love the pics! I’ve painted 2 pieces in Flow Blue and absolutely love it!
You have a knack for making the most simple things beautiful. I love the blue showcased in this amazing dish! It really shows off the richness of the color. It makes me want to paint my next project with it!
MMM, PERFECT little antique dish for promoting Flow Blue, clever idea! Blues, my absolute favorite color, when you finish with the sweet little dish I will buy it from you! LOL! Love your blog, love your inspiration!
These pictures are wonderfully pleasing to the eye.
The fourth picture looks like a work of art to me.
Perfect! I love the silver spoon in the paint…it really captures attention and makes you wonder if it came clean after the shoot! Your shoots are always interesting and captivating. Love them all.
judypimperl.blogspot.com
Question – when you sell, do you point out that it had paint in/on it, and could someone use it for food items? Just curious. I’m not normally drawn to blue, but that’s a LOVELY color! 😉
I know you have told me before, but I can’t find where I saved it. What is your silver pattern name. Also the spoon you used recently that has engraving on both sides…..does it have a pattern name. Thanks again for all you do. I love your blog.
Now if you decide to sell that little piece of flow blue…
I love how you think!
Absolutely beautiful!
Beautiful pics! Beautiful paint! Beautiful dish! That is all.
That’s why we love it. Sooo pretty.
You have such a good eye for designing your photos! I love that blue.
As a big fan of blue and white, I love your arrangement. Wish I could find an old butter dish like that. Gorgeous,.
I get it! It’s about art and you definitely are an artist! Very original too! That is what is so inspiring about what you do – you use the old, classic beauty combined with new ways of using these pieces in a very original, out-of-the-box way! That is what is so exciting about what you do here on this blog! You make it the beautiful more so and oh so fun!!
Please put me on the list to buy the pretty dish. Loved the shoot. Absolutely adore blue….any shade of blue. Enjoy your blog a lot. Keep up the great design ideas!