I'm ready for my close-up, Mr DeMille! Surviving a Pro Photo Shoot

Back in July a professional photographer snapped some test shots of our home for possible submission into an interiors magazine and a few months later, national monthly publication, Your Home said yes. 

After inspecting the pictures, the magazine didn't want us to change anything, but to look its best a thorough clean-up was a given. The Kinky Melon stock, rails and all (previously dominating the middle room) was shifted over the road to the empty parental home, where it was rehung and reorganised in its entirety - not helped by inquisitive neighbours popping by to see what we were up to. Leaves were raked up (and, with 27 trees in the garden, that's a bastard massive task) and every pot & planter on the terrace emptied out and re-potted with colourful pansies, cyclamen and ivy. 

Stonecroft scrubs up okay, doesn't it?

Nick knacks were taken down, washed and replaced; pictures & chandeliers dusted; cobwebs flicked from ceilings; bedding, cushions and curtains washed; rugs beaten; floors swept & mopped; furniture polished, mirrors buffed and any excess clutter stuffed into cupboards & wardrobes safely out of sight. By Sunday night we were so knackered we could barely speak, other than to dial a huge pizza.

Colin, the photographer, arrived at 10am bringing with him all manner of props including fresh flowers, luxurious wool throws, fancy toiletries, fake food and fluffy bath towels and, other than popping upstairs with the odd cup of coffee, it barely felt like he was there.

A bit too naughty for a family magazine!

After lunch our services were required, the TV had to be moved (ugly looking things hated by magazine editors) and a couple of pictures repositioned (bare breasts are a tad controversial). I posed with one of my patchwork creations, perched on the settee and then the pair of us sat at the kitchen table, deep in pseudo conversation, with a platter of fake scones taking centre stage.

The feature will be published in the April 2015 issue so the photos had to be seasonal. Jon's wool polo neck was exchanged for a shirt (less Wintry) and a huge lamp positioned outside the kitchen window to give the impression of hazy Spring sunshine. (See above!)

A final portrait of me done (for the magazine's directory page) Colin left at 4pm and life reverted back to normal, clutter, piles of tat and cats lounging in inappropriate places.

No entry till April! Dress last seen HERE

We've seen the pictures and they really are amazing, like looking at the place we've called home for over 8 years through a stranger's eyes. I'd have ripped them out and put them in my inspiration folder if it wasn't already our house. Sadly we're sworn to secrecy so I won't be able to share any of the photos with you until after the publication date but please do click "Our House" in my blog sidebar if want to see more (albeit with amateur photography). 

Colin Poole's website is HERE. If you're UK based and have an interesting, innovative or quirky home please do get in touch, he's very keen to photograph more unique homes. 

Tomorrow, its the journalist's turn to visit. See you soon! x