Behind the Scenes at the Neil House

So I'm finally ready to post some shots from my shoot at the Neil House! I wanted to show you guys some behind the scenes stuff first, and later this week I will post my final shots. They are already on my Flickr, so if you want to preview them check them out here.

The Neil House is this gorgeous home that is being restored over at Casey Jones Village. It was originally located in Trenton, TN. Clark Shaw was gracious enough to allow Abby and I to do our little photo shoot inside the house. Mr. Shaw is probably one of the nicest, most genuine people I've ever met. If you're ever in Jackson, you should definitely stop by Casey Jones Village!

 ming and margaret

Abby, my fellow shooter. Check out her blog.

Abby's shoot with Hilary Borden

My model, Laura Ferkaluk, was amazing. I had to call her SO last minute, and she was such a good sport! We had a really good time and by the time it was over I felt like we'd been friends forever. I thought the color of her hair went really well with the mood I was going for, and she took direction so well! Really, she was just amazing to work with. 

Some of my inspiration + a necklace from Tree and Kimball

And last, but not least, here is a video made by the lovely and talented Margaret! She totally blew me away with this one. I LOVE IT!

Behind the Scenes: At the Neil House from margaret brinson on Vimeo.

I really enjoyed doing this shoot with Abby (and company). There ended up being 8 of us working together in this house with no air conditioning. It was SUCH a blast! I kind of went really low maintenance with my shoot. I used mostly my own clothes, some from Goodwill, and a few things from Margaret. Most of the jewelry came from Abby. Laura did her own makeup, and we just left her hair loose and down. I really enjoyed the relaxed working environment! And surprisingly, the images turned out to be better than anything I've ever done.

Abby's shoot was much better planned and organized! She had people doing make-up and styling, along with her boyfriend, TJ, shooting some behind the scenes for her. I have only seen a couple of her shots and I can't wait to see the rest! I know they are going to be incredible. Margaret was awesome and made our video. I love the way she cut without transitions this time. You'd think it would be awkward, but I love the way it turned out. So I think overall, this shoot was a major success! I'm glad Abby and Margaret will be in school one more year, so we can do this again :)

Abby's BTS post

Margaret's BTS post

Visit to Shepherd's Haven

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of spending some time at Shepherd's Haven Day Center. I work with them on their Etsy shop, but I rarely get the chance to go visit! It was so wonderful to give everyone hugs and chat about what they've been up to. There are some wonderful new things popping into their shop, and in a few days I'll be photographing and listing a BUNCH of amazing ornaments. I can't wait!

Some of their lovely leaf plates on display in the office. 

They've been hard at work making ornaments for the season! These are the style that I'll be listing soon. 

Brian and Moriah (Not sure if I spelled that right...) He's quite the bundle of excitement, as you can see. And she is such a sweet spirited young lady. I enjoyed talking to her :) 

Rodney wanted me to take his picture while he was eating a sandwich. Not sure why?! But I love it!

Dawn is like...the cutest little thing in the world! I just want to pinch her little cheeks!  She's very quiet, but whenever I ask her to give me a smile, she always obliges.

The ever animated Katherine hanging out with Karita (left) during lunch. 

Liz didn't want to go swimming (which was their afternoon activity), so she made her little bead things! I think most of the times I see Liz, she is playing with these beads...or maybe drawing with markers. One of the two!  I love her to pieces!

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the "behind the scenes" at Shepherd's Haven! I really love that place, and I love all the beautiful things they make. It is such a wonderful ministry, that I've been so excited to see grow over the past couple of years. I think their move to Bellevue Baptist Church facilities was such a great blessing!