Blendworth Fabric Shoot

Mid July I was working on a shoot for Blendworth who are launching a new line of fabrics designed with Steve Dobinson and wanted shots for their pattern books, and press images. Interiors stylist Cat Huckerby asked me along to help out.

I really liked the dogtooth checks which they had used to upholster some great midcentury armchairs, and the botanical prints with a fifties feel (see above)

Cat used a variety of understated tones and textures as a subtle complement to the fabrics.

Here we had just shot a story using fabric attached to the wall with Gutter tape (the panacea of almost every conceivable styling conundrum - Gutter tape works wonders) I liked the simplicity of the shot after most of the props had been removed, although admittedly, it wouldn't sell much fabric!

A pile of plump, squishy cushions. Whoever said you can never have enough cushions has never been more right. Oh yeah, it was me. Same goes for shoes, and bags!

After 2 days shooting, we were all in need of something stronger than tea. I was secretly coveting a G&T served in a pretty lilac china tea cup. Is that so wrong? These were a prop hired from the Lacquer Chest, so sadly I had to make do with tea, out of a mug.

Sumptuous Silk

This week I have been working on a shoot with Catherine Huckerby doing some PR shots for Gingerlily purveyors of beautiful silk bedlinen. We shot in a converted old Victorian school.

Talk about tall ceilings, these were completely ma-hoo-sive.

As you can see from the pics below its a great location with floor to ceiling windows, interesting features like wood panelling, and ornate fireplaces.

There are more modern touches too like this light brick fireplace (bit of a wonky shot!), and clean white walls and floorboards. I love the way the owner has displayed treasured family photos in a simple arrangement on an otherwise bare stairwell.

We set up the first bed shot. Softest dove grey silk sheets and sexy black velvet, silk and beaded bedspreads and throw cushions create a smart and sumptuous setting.

Set Builder Stevie in motion, taking a wall painted in Sanderson's "Starling" back to white. And taking a well deserved break. Check out that fireplace too. Mmmm.

Our beautiful and talented Photographer Rachel Whiting, and her able assistant Corin fire off some shots on plain white backgrounds known as cut outs. These will are the type of shots used for magazine shopping pages. Having some good cut outs definitely helps to get the products picked up and featured by key magazines.

At the end of day Cat, takes a moment while chasing couriers and location staff. Is the work of a stylist never done? A great couple of days.