Tuesday 18 November 2014

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

74 comments:

  1. I'm looking forward to seeing the final pics, although I'm not too sure about the fake props, if they didn't want you to change anything! Still, at least they didn't make you pose with cupcakes, can't quite seeing you doing that.... :)

    I think I could do with one of those lamps right now!

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  2. really exhausting!
    but how fun to be in a glossy mag with your fabulous home! cant wait to see the pro pics!
    xxxxx

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  3. Can't wait to see the final shoots - your photos alone are enough to make an interior design nut drool!

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  4. How cool! I look forward to seeing the photos.

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  5. How AMAZING!!!!!!! Can't wait to see the finished article!

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  6. How exciting, but your house doesn't need any fake props! x

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  7. Congrats ! Love the blog post title as well.
    Cant wait to see it all . You my dear, get more famous as time goes on ! Makes for an interesting life indeed. Well done .

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  8. I can't wait to see the final photos!

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  9. Squeeeeee!!
    I hope those of us across the pond can get our hands on that issue.

    I love that movie " We didn't need dialogue. We had faces!"

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  10. What's not to love???? You know how much I love interiors - especially yours! April? It will seem like forEVER.

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  11. so exciting, you have the most amazing home and its all due to your great eye for decor, you know just how to mix and match, next thing you know you will have your own television show, I just know it!!!

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  12. What a fabulous experience, Vix, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
    I can´t hardly wait to see the magathine photos
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxx

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  13. I'm dying with excitement to see these final images. This is so very wonderful Vix! The house looks exquisite, a real explosion of quirk and color and dam if it doesn't sparkle! I can't imagine how fun and nerve wrecking prior this was for you and Jon! I just love that their is a magazine out there that can appreciate your taste and be blown away by the budget! You inspire me to no end!
    Love you darling!
    Xoxoxoxxo

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  14. Oh so exciting! I can't wait to see the professional pix. Props?! Hello? Did they actually use any, except for the fake food which I hear photographs better than real. You guys are so famous and appreciated. Deservedly so.

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  15. That's so exciting, Vix! I can't wait to read it in the magazine next year; reckon that Your Home will get a big spike in their sales that month!Damn fine dress choice too - were you 'umming' and 'ahhing' about what to wear or did you know straight away? As for the bare boobies, don't they realise that 'its art darhling? xxx

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  16. So, so cool! I can't wait for the final glossy photos of your fabulous abode
    :-)

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  17. What huge fun, I look forward to the issue.

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  18. This is perfect! Your home has always amazed me, and it's great that your style (in all forms) has been recognized in this way. Looking forward to the issue.

    The sleeves on your maxi are spectacular!!!

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  19. I loved learning the little tricks the photographer did. Fake food! Ah ha!

    I cannot wait to see these! Your house and creativity have been a huge inspiration for me so showing it all in the very best (professional) light is going to be amazing.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  20. April 2015! Are you kidding me?! I was all ready to run out to the newsagents and buy one now 😩

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  21. Oh my, how interesting! I loved this insight into what goes on for a professional home photoshoot. I can't wait to see the pictures. You guys have such a unique and beatiful home!

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  22. Fab! We always said that your home should feature in a mag. I can't wait to get my mitts on a copy and the pictures will definitely be going in my inspiration book.
    Aren't the stylists/photographers tricks interesting. The fake food always makes me smile. No bobbies though...shame.
    Gorgeous dress. You look like you belong on the pages of a magazine...hang on...
    Loves ya.
    xxxxxxx

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  23. Fake scones! I can't imagine why they were needed in your home. It all sounds very exciting and I can't wait for April's issue. The readers homes I like the best in that mag are the unique and quirky ones that show creativity - upcycling and thriftiness and I reckon yours is in that category alright. Fabulous frockage btw. xxxxxx

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  24. Fantastic! And very interesting to hear of the tricks of the trade, fake food and all. I always thought it was strange that houses featured in magazines never seemed to have a TV.....

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  25. How exciting can't wait to see the article next year!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  26. How exciting!!! I can't wait to see those pics! Your house IS Amazing though!!!! X

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  27. congrats vix and jon. your home is so beautiful, i'm glad the rest of the world gets to see it. nothing like a photo shoot to get the place sparkling! xo

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  28. YAY!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I am a huge fan of your absolutely unique, fun, amazing and alive Home, Vix and Jon! It is such a great adventure, excitement, honor and achievement to be featured in a professional magazine. I am sooooo sooooooo soooo happy for you two!! I'd love to have a copy of that magazine, but since it's in the UK, I guess I will be looking online or your photos on the blog to see how fake (or should we say Faux) April pictures turn out. :)

    I loved your description in all little details of how you organized and cleaned everything for the photo shoot (so much work!), and how much work the photographer had to do as well. Photography is a work indeed (and so is modeling, so your house deserves praising in more than one way :). Did I tell you that you are a wonderful writer? If some day you decide to sit down to write a book, you'll succeed - not just because you are talented and have a lot to say, but also because you give everything you do not 100%, but 10000%.

    Your dress is divine, love the colors and the sleeves!
    So happy for you! Hugses! xxxxxx

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  29. I cant wait to see it ! Im sure its going to be fab .
    xxx

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  30. How wonderful - can't wait to see his final shots. All of your followers can't be wrong, you and John are a groovy couple with a huge amount of your own style. Finally someone is recognizing that.

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  31. This is so cool! So happy, and I'm thrilled for the excitement you must be feeling. Publicity like this can't be bought ... hope it will be about Kinky Melon's as well, won't it?
    Yes. All looked lovely ... and especially you!

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  32. How fascinating to learn about the "behind the scenes" of interior magazine shoots! Sounds like rather a lot of fun, which is a bonus! I bet it was the best time Colin's had on a shoot.
    Funny about the bare breasts being controversial....!!!
    Jeez, April seems a long way off!
    Looking marvellarse in a latest creation?!
    Love Helga XXX

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  33. Oh Vix I cannot wait till April , to see your gorgeous home best wishes xxx

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  34. I would have loved to see a photo of you biting into the fake scones. What an interesting day. Soon your house will be as big a schtar as you are already. Fake props? I guess, more secrets of the schtars. This is exciting and I look forward to seeomg the final photos!

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  35. Stonecroft certainly does look fabulous, all shiny and polished, cobweb- and stock-free! Ooh, I am so delighted for you and Jon, it's great that your unique home and style are being recognised and shared with the nation. It's interesting to read about the props and the tricks of the trade; I always wondered why houses in magazines never seem to have a TV! And no bare breasts? Good thing you were dressed then, love! And so beautifully dressed, of course - I remember you adapting the sleeves of that maxi, and it still looks fantastic!
    Can't wait to see the photos; April's edition of Your Home will be the first interiors mag I have bought in about 20 years!
    Good luck for tomorrow, I know you'll do a brilliant interview. Love you! xxxx

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  36. That is so exciting! I can't wait to see the final result! xoxo :)

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  37. How exciting! I can't wait to see the final pics x

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  38. Squealing with pleasure and anticipation! Love that pic of you. xoxo

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  39. How exciting ... I hope I'm able to get hold of a copy over here.
    xx

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  40. This is so exciting!!!! Wooo!! Brilliant stuff, but do remind me in April to pick up that magazine.

    Your house is so 'you', ours still has a long way to go, that's a dream of mine to have it featured one day in a magazine. Best start saving some more money to get that Art Deco bathroom I've always wanted!! x

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  41. i can't wait. When I worked as a journalist for the Liverpool Daily Post (now defunct) I had to do a weekly 'Through The Keyhole' piece which I used to love.
    Your house would have been perfect had it been in Liverpool!!

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  42. Reminds me of the good old days, I used to visit reader's homes every month and dress them in seasonally inappropriate clothes. Your house is fantastic - can't wait to see the official photos!

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  43. I'm buying the mag when it comes out! you will remind us (I can't remember where I've put the salt some days...haha) I think it's all so exciting, your home is gorgeous, I love it but the bizarre 'boobs can't be shown' controversy? nevermind I do rather like the platter of fake scones as a prop though! love the pic of you! gah, the dress is amazing and you look fecking gorgeous - have fun tomorrow! and I loved the post with you and the gals in Burton on Trent! x x x

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  44. Oooh very exciting and great incentive for a spring clean of the house. Look forward to seeing the photos xx

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  45. So so fabulous. The mahoosive clean up will be well worth it. And you'll never have to clean again! Almost.
    Cannot wait to see the feature. May it be the first of many! xxx

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  46. How fabulous!!! And you won't need to have a big clean like that one for YEARS!! I will look forward to a link in your side bar next year, might need to remind me to look for it tho'.

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  47. Congratulations! How very exciting. I'm amused that you had to remove the naked ladies! Oh well, keeping up appearances and all that.

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  48. Once upon a time I produced a kitchen product commercial on site in a private home... That great lamp would have been a godsend, we simply replaced every light bulb with one of higher wattage -- and then the homeowner wouldn't give them back! We did manage to retrieve the handheld sun-gun, however.

    No doubt Stonecroft will feature as a chapter in Colin's autobiography some day: he'll never forget the site or the people! (And the pets: did old Jacob get his portrait taken by a pro?)

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  49. Wonder if Colin would like to photograph a house full of random crap?
    I can't wait to see your lovely house in all it's glory. x

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  50. How very exciting, I always love seeing sneak peeks into your home, it's so interesting and original.

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  51. How exciting, I do enjoy the peeks into your lovely house, can't wait for the April issue to see how they portrayed your lovely home. Betty

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  52. I find your home very beautiful and inspiring! That's really cool you got that photo shoot.

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  53. Hi Vix. I love your home! its very cozy too. I'm so looking forward to seeing the final shoot! :-D

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  54. You have such a beautiful home , so individual , it will make a nice change to see a house in a magazine that everything has been bought from the high st , Anybody can go out and buy style you created it xxx

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  55. I for one can't wait to see the official photos. But I'd love even more to see your place in the flesh one day! Xx

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  56. OMG!

    I m u s t have to find that mag,here in Finland,when it comes in April.
    By the way,your dress is cool(again!)-and you look very radiant and happy! =)

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  57. This is extremely exciting!

    I can't wait until it comes out, you must be thrilled. xx

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  58. The fake props sounded a bit dodgy and not like anything you would have in your house, but I guess he knew what he was doing. I have always loved your house, with all the colour, textures and cool stuff, it's about time the rest of the world got to enjoy it too. Congratulations!

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  59. how bloody exciting!!! i cant wait to see the photos. i mean your house is pretty awesome to start with, but now it will be set in stone or paper as it were!

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  60. How exciting! Cant wait to see it!

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  61. Wow what an amazing experience! Please remind us nearer the time and I will buy a copy. I'm looking at buying my first house in the next few months with my fella. I cannot wait and I have so many ideas about how I want to decorate it! Patience, patience!

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  62. looks like an amazing place! and I adore your boots!

    Lyosha
    Inside and Outside Blog

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  63. I can't wait to see the photos! I'm stupid excited!!

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  64. I've always thought your home looks amazing Vix! Much more exciting that "minimal modern interiors" *barf* I'm so excited for you guys! I love that frock with the massive sleeves!

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  65. hahaha, i rembember those lamps from back then when i was still working in the film industry ... suddenly there is bright daylight in the darkest night. ;)
    looking forward to see the final results!

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  66. Dear Vix

    I know i have been absent for a while but coming back slowly - But i was checking our blog out often
    Your house is spectacular, i love every bit of it
    Tks for mentioning that TV series The Fall, i will look it up on Couch Tuner or maybe it's on Netflix

    Much love

    Arianexo

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  67. Awesome! I'm going to buy the magazine when it comes out! Can't wait to see the final pics and I found the insight into how they changed things to make the shoot seasonal very amusing!

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  68. Ooh I do love a good rummage around your gaff. It looks wonderful as always and I can't wait until the mag comes out. You will remind us closer to the time won't you? I know it's always a month before the actual date so we need to be lively come March. Fancy him bringing fake scones, i have never heard of that before. Yeah, the fake conversation shots! Funny. So true, it takes aeons to get it tidy, then about 5 minutes to mess it up. Xxxxxxxx

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  69. Now that's exciting :-) Cant wait to see I bet they have never seen such a gorgeous collective home :-) dee xxx

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  70. Wow, your home is amazing! What fantastic photos.

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  71. SO looking forward to this article! I've had photos at my old apartments a few times but they were for newspaper features so much less tweaking was required. Xo

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Lots of love, Vix