The Farm Chicks

Crafty & Christmasy

 

We've been crafty crafty lately and all about Christmas.  Our second book (all about Christmas) shoot is coming up in two days, which has given us a little season confusion.  But that's okay.  We love Christmas.  So, our posts will be a little sporadic, if at all, over the next week, but we will have a super duper giveaway post to keep you busy while we're gone.... (details coming soon!)

Day Three: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

I woke up at 5 to get ready and meet Teri at 6 for our drive to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  I made sure to put a roast in the crockpot so the guys would have a nice warm dinner when they got home.

 

After meeting Teri, we made our way to Coeur d'Alene, with a quick stop at Rocket Bakery for some treats and coffee.

 

So much snow today.  It was already snowing when we got to Nancy's house.  Look at all the snowflakes coming down!

We started shooting at about 9 and the snow just kept coming.  We decided to actually go and grab a bite to eat today, rather than plowing through without much of a break.  Driving was treacherous.  By this point, we had about 8 new inches of snow!  But boy, was it ever nice to take a little break!  From left to right: Ryan, John, Nancy, Sally, and Teri.

Oh Brrrrr, after lunch, we headed outdoors to capture some great scenes.  Must protect the camera!

And here are Sally and Nancy braving the cold:

The snow just kept falling and is still going strong.  What would normally take about 40 minutes to drive home, ended up taking two hours.  But now we're home, and toasty warm again.  The guys even saved me some dinner!  Up next: Day 4 at our friend, Celeste's house.  It's going to be an early one again.  We'll be on the road by 6am.

Day One: Serena's House

Today started off with a bang.  My Christmas tree fell over.  Our power went out.  Teri's car was frozen.  It was 8 degrees.
But a few hours later, it all got better.  We all patiently waited for the power to come back on and then we were in business.  First things first:  the shot list.  (This is the list we compile, telling the photographer what we need shot that day.  It's also a really great way to stay on track).  And then we're off and running.  The equipment is unloaded into the house.  Here is the first of 5,999,301 incoming loads:

Teri prepares and begins styling one of many batches of sweets that will be used as props:

John and his assistant Ryan start working their magic:

And then Teri just loafs around for the entire rest of the day.  Just kidding.  There's actually a ton of waiting around.  We style the shot and then many photographs are taken of that setting.  Then the photographer checks to make sure it's the way we want it.  Several changes are made to this and that.  This is moved an inch, that is replaced with this.  It's shot again.  We check it. On and on until it's all just right.

Then the entire contents of the living room are moved to the sitting area.  The sitting area is moved to the living room.  The dining room table is moved to the sitting area.  The table is moved back.  The tree gets a new skirt.  Presents are re-arranged, and so on.

As evening approaches, another set is arranged to capture a collection with the tree as a backdrop:

And then I fall asleep (Yeah, right!) in the living room/dining room/kitchen/sitting area.  Where am I again?

Tomorrow:  Teri's house.  Forecast -10 degrees below zero.

Behind the Scenes

When our publisher asked us what we'd like our next book (for release in 2010) to be about, Christmas was at the top of the list.  We think it really is the most wonderful time of the year.  And although it's also a very busy time of the year and our deadline isn't until May, we asked to start shooting it now, in the season, to take advantage of what we'd be doing anyway: decorating and celebrating.
So, starting next week, we'll be blogging behind the scenes with sneak peeks into what's happening on our shoot for book 2.  We'll be working with John Granen (pictured above, shooting our first Country Living story) who we've worked with several times before.  He makes lovely things even lovelier.  See you Monday!