Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Look Who Came Through My Backdoor

Come on in Through My Back  Door where it is much warmer than it is outside. It is a cold 9 degrees here in East Tn. The coffee is hot so grab a cup and visit while I tell you who came Through My Back Door on Sunday. My friends  Gloria Gale and Bill Mathews, who also happen to be a stylist and photographer for Country Sampler magazine were in town. They came to film my daughter Debbie and son-in-law Michael's house all ready for Christmas.
What fun we had. They have a wonderful job and love what they do. You can just imagine what a shoot with them would be like. We are going on a field trip to watch them shoot.
Here they are looking to see how they want to get started . Every shot has to be just perfect as these two are perfectionists. I have had the pleasure of watching  them shoot my friend Carols house, as well as my own. Now Debs. I took a few shots while they were shooting. Please remember I am NO photographer. Bill felt quite secure in his job that my photos were no threat!lol I don't get it!

 That throw has  to look "just right". That is Bill seeing how it is going to look through the eyes of that camera.

This is my friend Carol and me supervising! Its a hard job, but somebody has to do it.

Gloria and Carol chit chatting as Gloria warms by the fireplace. It was really cold and we had the door open to get a "perfect" light affect.lol This conversation looks more serious than it was.lol

Lets do another room. See those Gingerbread men on the counter, Carol made them. They are as good as they look too. mmmm wonder how I know that! Well no one was looking and, you know the rest.

Bill and Michael, aka as the woodcarver, doing something. I am sure it was technical. You can tell by looking it WAS serious.

We had a lunch of homemade vegetable soup and hot bread. It was wonderful on a cold snowy day. We had such a good time, but had to get back to work.


Another big decision is being made. Can you tell? Well, it takes a long time to take even one  shot. It is interesting to watch these two professionals at work. They can arrange things just perfectly for the cameras eye.

That evening, after the shoot was over, they all came Through My Back Door for a dinner of spaghetti, garlic bread, and salad. Dessert was home made apple stack cake,(which they had never had). This is a picture of the stylist and the home owner all worn out after a day of fun.

Aren't they cute? It was a wonderful day and an experience Deb and Michael will never forget. I am so glad for them.

This is the tree in their living room full of nothing but hand carved ornaments. That is Michael's  hand, showing me the new stocking he carved for our new little girl, Mollie. It has her name on it.
Now that you have seen some  of  what goes on during a shoot, (this is actually just a drop in the bucket) maybe you would like this experience too. They are always looking for homes. They  like you to take full room shots, not vignettes, of every room. Your photos do not have to be perfect, they do not expect that. Send them to billmathewsphotographer@yahoo.com.  That is Mathews with one T. He will send them on to Donna Marcel, the editor and she chooses the homes to publish. Your home does not have to be perfect. I promise you if you do this and are chosen you will have such a wonderful experience, you'll cherish forever. You do not have to feed them, we just did. They don't expect you to.  I invited Gloria to stay with me and she accepted. We had a wonderful visit and were thrilled to have her Through My Back Door. Dasko, the friendly rottweiller loved her. I didn't get a picture of them and don't know why. I hope you enjoyed meeting them and coming Through My Back Door where life is good.
betty
Bill and Gloria drove 20 hours in a snow storm to fulfill their commitment to this shoot. Can you believe that? Here is what it looked like on Sunday night, and this was before it got really bad. This at the side corner of my front porch.


. Oh by the way, look for the article in the Christmas issue of country Sampler,2011.

16 comments:

  1. Betty, what a wonderful post! So fun to see behind the scenese of a CS photo shoot! How exciting for all of you especially for Deb and Michael! I know their home will look beautiful in print! Thanks so much for sharing your special day with us. Take care and Happy Holidays to you and your family. ~Sarah~

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  2. What a great post Betty and congrats to Deb! Can't wait to see her home in print. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us!

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  3. Thank you for sharing!!!...Gloria and Bill photographed my home also for the Country Sampler...They are the nicest people!!!..I can't wait to see their home in print!...MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!~~hugs,Jen

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  4. What fun that was! I can't wait to see Deb's home in print! Long overdue, I might add. I think you all were having too much fun! LOL. Thanks for sharing that, Betty! Maybe Deb can get some relaxing in now. Stay warm, my friend!
    Hugs!

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  5. Wow! What an exciting day! I will look foward to seeing Deb's home in CS. That is nice that you all showed them some good old southern hospitality! I wouldn't have guessed any less! What beautiful ornaments Michael created! That is an amazing talent!
    Have a good evening!
    Blessings,
    Renee

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  6. Betty
    thanks for Sharing the shoot! How exciting! Oh my I just can't even begin to imagine being picked by them to photo the home,let alone the experience!
    So happy for them!
    Can't wait to see the issue!
    keep warm!
    Teresa

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  7. Betty,
    What a great time you all must have had! Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes look.

    Hmmm, any cake left? LOL.

    Linda

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  8. What an interesting post about the photo shoot for CS!! I've been a faithful subscriber for yrs.

    Just wanted to stop by and tell you thanks for your sweet comments and joining me and I did the same.

    Loved viewing your home!

    Tanya~friendshipcrossing.blogspot.com

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  9. Sounds like a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing behinds the scenes of the photo shoot - I look forward to seeing their home in print.

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  10. What a fun post to read, it must have been so great being there. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to see their home. CS is the BEST!
    Thanks for visiting my blog.
    Blessings to you~ Birgit

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  11. Betty how exciting...I love Country Sampler, I just can't get enough of it! Thank you for sharing a great post...don't worry I will be sure to pick up a copy next year!

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  12. Wow Betty - I can't wait for this issue they will be in to be out on the stands or in my mail box...their home is beautiful.
    Thanks for sharing.
    MERRY CHRISTMAS
    Karen

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  13. Betty,
    Thanks for stopping by. I have just enjoyed my visit with you. Country Sampler wow. I can't wait to see the issue. A Primitive Place shot my gardens last summer and I can't wait to see how it came out. I am glad I found you....
    Donna

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  14. Betty I am so excited for Deb and I can't wait to see her home in print!! It is so gorgeous!! I am so glad you got to share in her special day!! HUgs!

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  15. What a gorgeous home! You must be so proud.What an amazing event to be published. WoW! I will have to ask my SIL who collects this magazine ,if I can see the finished look. So exciting. It looks like you all had a wonderful time. Yes, I would be "tasting" the gingers too LOL! Till next time...hugs
    Marg

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