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Well I survived the photo shoot last Wednesday with Better Homes and Gardens. What I mean is, I survived my nerves, self-doubt, neurosis, and lack of sleep from doing so much at the last minute. Example: I made a slipcover for a wingback chair the day before the shoot. It’s a good thing that I didn’t unearth my book How To Make Slipcovers until I was halfway through the project because, therein were the words, "The wingback chair is the most difficult of all slipcover patterns. Do not attempt this as a first time project."!! I’ll photograph the chair for a later post.

The crew who came to do the shoot felt more like guests, and the atmosphere felt more like a pastry party. Below are the lighting maestro Chris, and the perfectly delightful assistant to the editor, Mikhael.

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The photographer, Edmund, has the rare attribute of sharing my taste in music, and using my CD collection, he doubled as the DJ for the entire day (they were here from 9:30am til 6:00pm). He’s close to my age and shares my background of experiences with various bands and musicians. We know a lot of the same people in the business. So that was fun, gabbing and reminiscing.

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I wish I could have gotten better, clearer photos of the action, but I don’t like to use flash and I didn’t feel like getting out my tripod. So the images are a bit dodgy, but you get the idea.

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Below left is a shot of the perfectly lovely editor, Paige; my new best friend! Below right is a shot of Chris showing off his octopus tattoo. You can see my famous slipcover in this shot.

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Bhg10dark_1They were all very kind and generous with Marcel. Chris let him push buttons on the lighting equipment and Edmund even let him push the shutter on the camera for some of the shots. Edmund is a geography buff, so he and Marcel had lots to talk about. And Chris, like Marcel loves Johnny Cash, so of course we had to play his music during the shoot, as well as Cheb Kaled, Tom Waits, The Band, Dolly Parton, Otis Redding, and Wilco, among others.

I had such a wonderful time, and really felt like I had bonded with these beautiful people. In fact, Paige and I are planning to go thrifting together! Thank you all so very kindly for your good wishes. Love, Sylvie

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23 responses to “BHG in My Home!”

  1. Barb Avatar

    For some reason, I held my breath the whole time I was reading about your photography shoot…wow! This is just so thrilling.
    P.S. I mentioned you in my latest post and gave you credit for inspiring me to make introductions to the women I link to on a regular basis.

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  2. Sylvie Avatar

    Thanks so much Barb for your special energy!

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  3. adele Avatar

    ouh la la la…what a great day!

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  4. Sarah Jane Avatar

    That just looks like too much fun!!! Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes pics.

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  5. Veronica TM Avatar

    I am so glad to hear that it was a great experience! now i can’t wait to see the mag!

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  6. style court Avatar

    I left some comments on Flickr but just wanted to say again how thrilled I am for you. Thanks for sharing this!

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  7. elevenhounds Avatar

    How fantastic! When is the issue coming out? I can’t WAIT to see it!
    Congrats!

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  8. Sylvie Avatar

    Thank you all so very much!
    Nicole –(elevenhounds)It’s the May issue!

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  9. Ingrid Avatar
    Ingrid

    I’m so thrilled for you. Thank you for sharing some of the “behind the scenes” footage we all wonder about. (at least I do 🙂 The wingback chair cover..oh my goodness if you didn’t tell me it was your first I wouldn’t believe you..it’s perfect. xxoo

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  10. Sylvie Avatar

    Thank you sweet Ingrid 🙂
    They wouldn’t let me wear my Frida socks in the photo shoot! I was thinking of you!

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  11. Cristina Avatar

    fun! you have to let us know when it comes out so we can all check it out!!

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  12. Sylvie Avatar

    Merci Cristina. I will!

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  13. jayne Avatar

    This was simply fantastic, what a great experience for you and it looks like they got some great shots!

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  14. Gisela Avatar

    So thrilling! I can’t blame you for being so nervous, I would be too! Congratulations!

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  15. k Avatar

    Wow wow wow! Congratulations! I can’t wait for May!
    =)

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  16. sonia Avatar

    how cool is that? great!

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  17. Sylvie Avatar

    Merci beaucoup to all 🙂

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  18. jes Avatar

    oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!
    Where have I been???????
    Being the little “decor whore” that I am, I was just coming over from Flickr to see what was up!! And here you are becoming such a STYLE DIVA!!
    How fabulous darling!!
    xoxoxxo

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  19. Sylvie Avatar

    Big kisses to you Jes!!!

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  20. Jen Avatar

    how exciting to have a photo shoot in your house! congrats.. when does the magazine come out?

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  21. Maryam in Marrakesh Avatar

    So fabulous, Sylvie. Amazing that they were there all day. What were they doing exactly, just shooting and shooting? How does it work?

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  22. Karen Avatar

    Wow!!! How exciting! You have a lovely home and I look forward to seeing it in the mag! Yeah!
    Smiles, Karen

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  23. Sadie Olive Avatar

    How exciting! I will watch for the magazine!

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