shooting for cottages & bungalows

by | Oct 26, 2014 | Photography | 37 comments

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A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from the editor at Cottages & Bungalows magazine.  I started working with her a few years ago when she reached out to me, asking if I would contribute a DIY article for one of their issues.  After I went into total freak-out-pinch-me-did-she-send-the-e-mail-to-the-right-person mode, I said yes and submitted my first freelance magazine article a few weeks later.  When I look back on it, I can’t even believe she hired me to write more!  I’ve grown so much as a writer and photographer, but it’s fun to see the reminders of where I started and my growth.  Anyway, that first article turned into becoming a contributor to the magazine for over two years.

With the launch of the milk paint line and the growth of my blog, I had to resign from that monthly gig.  After writing almost 20 articles for them and over 125 for HGTV.com, I needed a break from tutorials!

Since that time, I’ve contributed other things to Beckett Media magazines like a milk paint article in the first edition of American Farmhouse Style, an article to French Style and a cover photo to Romantic Country.

In this latest e-mail, Jickie asked if I would photograph a home in my area.  I had to take a deep breath and think about that one.  Yes, my pictures have been in magazines, but they’ve always been in my home.  I’ve never been to someone else’s house to style and shoot the space as a “professional photographer and stylist.”

I was talking to my dad about this and he was sort of laughing at me.  “You know, you can’t pull off this ‘I’m a stay at home mom with a little business and a cute blog and I just paint some furniture here and there and take pictures of it’ thing anymore.”  He rattled off some accomplishments from the past few years.  “I know, but I still feel like that!”  And I really do.  I still have a hard time taking myself seriously in some ways.  Some of that comes from being self-taught without any initials after my name.  Some of it comes from being overwhelmed at the result of this journey that it started out as a way to make some extra diaper and grocery money.  And I think some of it is just who I am.

After thinking about it, I knew I could do it.  It would be out of my comfort zone.  It would be a challenge.  But it would be such an accomplishment and a fun thing to be a part of.  I said yes.

Then the work began.  I scheduled a time with the homeowner, Heather, and started reviewing pictures to plan what props and flowers I would need to bring or buy.  I bounced things off of Kriste’s design eye, so I had a second opinion and made sure I wasn’t forgetting or missing something.  She also agreed to come with me as an assistant.

The day arrived, the Wegman’s pie was in the trunk.  We had pitchers of flowers wedge in the back seat and all of my camera gear on board.  We also had a few props from my studio and house to add into one or two shots.  It was really important to me to just enhance Heather’s style, not change it to look like mine.

I snapped a quick picture of Heather, a blogger at the Heathered Nest, at the end of the day…

She was so sweet and fun to work with.  It made my first shoot fun and low key.  We were able to laugh over the “helicopters” my Japanese maple branches were leaving all over her kitchen and she was really flexible as we moved things and I dragged my equipment all over the house.

She snapped some pictures of me at work…

This picture cracked me up!  I had a hard time seeing the screen outside, so I was leaning in to make sure the shot was in focus.

I actually had to sit on the toilet for one of the pictures…

(We used the toilet in another bathroom to prop up a light, so the potties in this house were quite handy and multi-functional.)

We had to shoot seven rooms in one day, so it was intense and we had to really stay on task.  I think I could’ve gone to sleep for the night at 6:00 that evening.  I was exhausted and my brain was absolutely fried!  I learned heaps along the way, though.  For one, even if you put a fresh battery in the camera that morning, you still need to bring an extra one!  I was almost out of juice when I snapped the last shot.  When I got home, I bought clamps to make sure my laptop stays stable on the stand and a longer cord for tethering to address some of the issues I was having throughout the day.

I did use a reflector and some studio lights for one shot (a bathroom basement without any natural light), but otherwise I didn’t have any fancy equipment other than my camera and lenses.  I was especially pleased with some of the shots I took towards windows that showed the beautiful greenery outside and weren’t blown-out.  I saw some things I could improve on as well.

You’ll have to wait until fall 2015 to see the full shoot, but here are a few teaser shots…

 

 Kriste was an enormous help at the shoot and I couldn’t have done it without her.  She double-checked the shots, styled rooms ahead of me, hauled around gear and helped with cleaning up a room when we were done.  I’d also say something to her like, “Can you get a branch-like-thing for this side table?” and she would disappear and reappear with something that was perfect and just what I wanted, but hadn’t asked for with any clarity at all.

I could hardly wait to get the photos edited and turned in, so I worked on them the next day.  Since Jickie was traveling, it took a few more days to get some feedback.  I finally received an e-mail from her and I opened it nervously.  She loved the pictures and asked if I would do more freelance photography work for her.  Oh my goodness.  Yes!  What an amazing opportunity.

I don’t know when my next assignment is, but I’m already looking forward to it.  I’m finding that photography is one of my favorite things about my job and this just gives me a good reason to do more of it (and to buy fun lenses and longer tether cords and stuff.)

So, I don’t know if I’m ready to call myself a “professional photographer” just yet, but I’ll concede that I’m paid to do it and the pictures sometimes get published in magazines.  How’s that?

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    37 Comments

    1. Sue Hunter

      Hi Miss Mustard Seed

      I was in Cambridge, Ontario a few weeks ago and went into a Decor/Consignment Country Shop and came across your MIlk Paint. I let everyone know that I felt a part of the journey with you when you created your paint. Following you on your blog I know how hard you have worked to achieve you goals……congratulations!!!

    2. Karen

      Marian you are a phenomenal woman! you don’t let fear stop you from branching out and going for new opportunities.I admire you so much for that.Stay humble but don’t ever sell yourself short You are quite an accomplished professional, you don’t need alphabet soup after your name to prove that. Your work speaks volumes.

    3. Pat @ Life At Lydias House

      What an honor and an accomplishment! if you’re not a professional I don’t know who is. I can’t wait to see it in print!

    4. Tiffany

      It is so fun for me to watch your career as it unfolds:) it was a joy to meet you at Chapel Market in Alabama!

    5. Heather

      The consummate professional. I was honored, humbled and THRILLED to have the opportunity to watch your genius at work. Thanks again, Marian!

    6. Rita C at Panoply

      I love Jickie as editor of C&B and, honestly, feel it’s grown to be the best of the many Beckett Media magazines I subscribe to. So glad you are getting this opportunity to work with her – that means future issues will continue to be class work! Congrats on yet another facet of your many talents being recognized.
      Rita

    7. Deann Johnson

      Marian, I’m so excited to see the full spread – Cottages & Bungalows is my favorite magazine ! I would like to (beg) make a small request though – please, please don’t put any more ads on your photos…other blogs that have done that I have had to stop looking at…they drive me as crazy as all the cards inside magazines.

    8. JJ

      Do you know what my request is going to be? You have to tell us how you shoot items inside the windows without blowing out the beautiful green outside! That is one gorgeous shot and I’m super jealous! I don’t think I can wait to see more!

    9. Sue at My Painted Door

      Wow Marion! What an exciting project! You are so talented!

    10. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles

      I agree with JJ, we need a tutorial on that window shot! Beautiful photos, we really have to wait a who year to see more???

    11. Joanne B.

      What beautiful photos! You are such an inspiration! You certainly must be doing “something” right, because it seems everything you touch turns to gold for you. Wish I knew your secret! I think, perhaps, it is that you DO know, deep down, that you ARE capable and are ‘owning’ all the hard work you have invested up to this point in your master plan and now it is time to allow the warmth and glow of the grace you have acquired to shine on you. Blessings to you for continued success. You are certainly in your groove!

    12. Dream Mom

      Congratulations! What an exciting opportunity! You are an excellent stylist so it seems like a natural pairing to have you photograph a home as well. Can’t wait to see the final pictures!

    13. Funky Junk Interiors

      You’ve come a loooong way since the MustardSeedFunkyJunkBlindLeadingTheBlind Photography Workshop days! Haha!

      And your Dad is so right. 🙂 Congrats on the new gig! The pictures are amazing!

    14. Dawn-Hydrangea Home

      Congrats on your well deserved new job title. One of the things I love the most about you is how humble you are with all of your accomplishments and successes. Love that!

    15. Ann@farmhouseblues

      Wow! As someone that has followed your blog for a while, it’s amazing to see how hard you’ve worked to become better at so many things. You are an awesome photographer/painter/stylist/designer etc., and the proof is in the pictures! Beautiful!

    16. Maria (Magia Mia)

      Sometimes when I read your words, I feel like I’m reading my own thoughts….

      I used to assist a wedding photographer, and I was quite the pack mule. I scouted for good shots, along with creating and coordinating them. Now I think I understand what that experience was preparing me for. I so enjoy the artistic process of photographing and editing my creations and Etsy listings, and I know for a fact that styling decor is definitely more desirable than wedding shots (at least for me). While I may not have a Hasselblad to shoot with, I think home styling would be seriously fun.

      …. and I agree with your Dad. You don’t know if you can do something until you jump in with both feet and try….;)

    17. Jessica @ Dear Emmeline

      I recently met Heather and she is a sweetheart! Can’t wait to see inside her house. Thank you so much for sharing your photography wisdom. It’s clear you have worked hard to learn the trade and that hard work has paid off!

    18. wendy @ zoey's

      You have so many talents. Very happy for you and for all your accomplishments. Keep up the great work! The best is yet to come 😉

    19. Scribbler

      It was a pleasure doing business with you at The Chapel Market. Thanks so much for bringing the chairs. They are in place now, and I will very soon get the photos up.

      I am very impressed with all you have accomplished. You should be, too!

      Ellen

    20. Pam

      Happy Day it is! I have missed seeing you in Cottages & Bungalows and now I have a new reason to keep buying the magazine that is at the top of my favorite list.

    21. Linda S. in NE

      Congratulations on your new gig, Marian. I know you gave Kriste credit in this blog post, but I also wanted to say how lucky you are to have gathered her friendship and talents. I can truly see how you could not have done such a professional job without her help. It is heartwarming to know that you know how blessed you are.

    22. teri

      I love your photos, and your hair looks so pretty here ♥

    23. teresa

      It is always fun to hear on the “picture” was captured….fun. congratulations! What fun.

    24. StartCloseIn

      Thanks for the behind-the-scenes! I love seeing the real deal in the magazines, but it’s fun to feel like we’re a part of it all. And you look adorable, too! Great scarf.

    25. Shirley@Housepitality Designs

      Congrats Marian…….you have been a photographer and stylist all along….now you are just shooting others homes….can’t wait to see the article with your name on it as “photographer/stylist”….yay!!

    26. Cindy

      Oh My Gosh! Those are BEAUTIFUL photos! Wow! Great job!

      Cindy

    27. Eileen

      Congratulations on another step forward in your life. Such a joy to witness the growth and creativity you have shown and continue to demonstrate. Your parents must be so happy for you. And I bet they enjoy spending time with the grand kids now that they live closer and are able to help out! Just a guess!

      • Kim Wagner

        We are really enjoying her journey and being able to be part of it. We enjoyed keeping the kids while Marian and Jeff were at Chapel Market! Thankful we are nearby for many reasons. MMS’s Mom

    28. Glo.

      You are like a baby sister that I am so proud of.

    29. Barb

      Professional is the word and you are IT! Very inspiring Marion. Amazing photo’s and a beautiful post. You are the real deal.God Bless.

    30. Karen Frank

      Marian congratulations what an accomplishment. I have been following your blog for the past few years and I am inspired by all you have done. I live not too far from you Iin Lancaster, pa but I also have a lake house vacation home in deep creek lake maryland. Your photo shoot pics reminded me of my cottage and how comfortable and cozy it is for our family and the guest we love to host for long lake weekends in the summer. I have enjoyed decorating this house with flea market finds slipcovering furniture, and making cozy bedroom retreats for our guest,. I would love for you to take alook at my Pinterest page Lake house to see if it is of interest for a photo shoot for cottages and bungalows. Please note all of my pics are with an iPhone. Please contact me with any questions.
      Kind regards and wishing you much continued success …Karen frank

    31. Garden, Home and Party

      Marian,
      I am a faithful fan of yours and while I don’t comment, none of your success surprises me. You’re artistry is beyond amazing. I love your style and have watched with awe you’re increased talents as a stylist, painter, designer and photographer. Way to go. It will be fun to see the issue you’re the photographer for.
      xo,
      Karen

    32. Judy

      Hi Marian, I love following your journey. It is so exciting! You are so capable and talented! Congratulations!

    33. Lee

      Sounds like an exciting time, I will say it again, it never ceases to amaze me your talents. I think you can safely say you are a pro now and make sure you say it proudly 🙂

      Can’t wait to see the images once it is published. We don’t get that magazine over here so hopefully we can see some of the out takes on your blog 🙂

      Lee

    34. linda

      Marian, so happy for you and your new adventure! Great job! Thanks for the photos and keep us posted on the magazine.

    35. B Folk

      Marian, your dad is right! God has blessed you with many gifts/ talents/ abilities, so use them. It is not often that we get to do what we love and have others appreciate it AND get paid for it. Let your light shine! Congratulations on this endeavor.

    36. Marmel

      Great shots! Love your outfit!

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