One very exciting aspect of putting the quilt book together was having a real photoshoot in a special location. I've been incredibly fortunate with my publishers, and Collins & Brown were keen to do something a little different with my quilts. And who am I to argue? They aren't exactly traditional, follow-the-rules quilts, so why would we choose a traditional, follow-the-rules background for them?
Photoshoots are fascinating and each one takes on a life of its own. The place, the photographer and maybe a stylist, the objects to be photographed are all a given, but there are also many elements that depend on the day such as the light, the time of year, the props available, the atmosphere, the other people at the shoot. You can plan as much as you like yet still you don't quite know how things will turn out.
We had the first shoot in April last year and, luckily, at the very last minute, this place came free due to a cancellation. Now MC Motors is a spectacular location used by Vogue magazine, makers of pop videos, advertising agencies and TV companies but it looks different every time because it is so big and has so many spaces. We got it for a snip and couldn't believe our luck.
It's full of vintage furniture and bizarre props and it has truly beautiful light coming through a translucent roof. All this was exploited by our wonderful photographer, Kristin Perers, who takes fabulous, textured photographs. She used to be a highly sought-after stylist so knows exactly how to create a beautiful composition, but because she is now behind the camera, she works with Alex who is also fantastically talented. He had been up at 5am to get buckets and buckets of flowers from Covent Garden flower market and arrived with all sorts of extras and props.
What I hadn't realised is just how much careful planning between photographer and stylist goes into these shoots, with lots of sketches and recces and prop-borrowing. But on the day of the shoot it was a mix of taking planned ideas and spontaneosly developing them further depending on the light, what we found where, time, mood and sudden inspiration.
I took masses of photos. Standing next to or behind Kristin or darting in while she was uploading photos, I felt like the archetypal holiday snapper. But my images capture a very special event; it's not every day that your quilts become the focus of a photoshoot, a photographer, a stylist and everyone's eyes.
And here is a little taste of what's in the book, as I couldn't talk about great props and styling without showing some, could I?
What fun Jane!!!! Cant wait for my booK!!!!
Posted by: Jacky | March 17, 2010 at 12:14
Wow! How fun! Makes me want to see the book all that much more! A book store here...Atlanta GA...said it wouldn't be available until May. sigh I really hope they're wrong.
Posted by: Susan | March 17, 2010 at 12:19
How exciting! I's be quite happy being a shoot stylist for the rest of my days, I think. (Oh, and I love those fairground lights!)
Posted by: Helena | March 17, 2010 at 12:23
Oh they are just stunning! I can't wait to see some in the flesh soon!
Posted by: Rachel | March 17, 2010 at 12:30
I can hardly wait to get the book, and savor the colors.
Posted by: SockPixie | March 17, 2010 at 13:02
getting very excited about the book. Have sent you an email.
Posted by: trash | March 17, 2010 at 14:07
How exciting for you, I don't blame you at all for taking tons of pics, what fun. Such pretty colours, I really can't wait to see the book.
Posted by: Jennifer | March 17, 2010 at 14:24
more, more, more. . .
Posted by: karen B | March 17, 2010 at 14:54
Such a lovely post! Congratulations on the book--I am not a quilter, but may become one!
Posted by: Eva | March 17, 2010 at 15:54
Getting this book for my birthday next week - can't wait :)
Posted by: Vickislittleworld.blogspot.com | March 17, 2010 at 16:06
I am so excited about this book - I just can't wait!!
(like you're not?)
(((hugs)))
Posted by: Knitnana | March 17, 2010 at 18:15
How exciting, a photo shoot. How much more exciting to have your book published!
Posted by: Lynne | March 17, 2010 at 21:31
Jane, I absolutely love these photos. It's always a pleasure stepping into your world.
This is the first time I've ever commented on someone's blog by the way, a big moment for me!
Congratulations on your latest book. It looks stunning.
Posted by: Sarah Singer | March 18, 2010 at 09:18
Ahhh, thanks once again Jane - this is a fascinating insight into a process I have often wondered about, and is basically what I hope my final Major Project to be.
Kath
x
Posted by: JuicyFIg | March 18, 2010 at 11:51
swoon—what a location!! i cannot wait to see the book. i love getting a behind-the-scenes preview.
xoxo
Posted by: irene | March 18, 2010 at 12:04
This is the trouble with the internet! I have just spent 45 minutes of my life browsing beautiful locations and admiring the work of photographers and stylists. Thanks for the links!
ps The book looks great,too
Posted by: Dot | March 18, 2010 at 12:27
Thatr sounds really exciting - can't wait for the book.
Posted by: Diane | March 18, 2010 at 13:06
How exciting. Your family must be so very proud. What a fabulous role model you arex
Posted by: Clare | March 18, 2010 at 14:46
Fascinating place, Jane! And as always with your blog--so much color! Love it!
Posted by: Karen | March 18, 2010 at 15:38
Hello Jane
I was just thinking - that looks like the venue for a Vogue shoot and then you said it was. Great venue, I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's fun to see fabrics in completely different environments.
The first couple of images reminded me of Tim Walker pics. I have to thank you for listing his book as one of your current reads the other week. I have been a fan of his for years. I saw all the hype last year about his exhibition (alas I live too far from London)and his new book. It looked wonderful but I couldn't really justify the 70 quid. Then when you had it on your booklist I looked at it again and lo, it has been reduced, on a well known online retailer, to 42 quid. That's still a lot for a book, but I took the plunge. Am waiting for delivery. Exciting!
Obviously the next book on my 'to buy' list will be your quilt one. I made a quilt for our sofa based on the chocolate box quilt you showed on the blog a couple of years ago. I'm really pleased with it - all warm pinks, fuscias, caramels and browns in small print patterns.
Congratulations on the book -it must be selling well, it was out of stock last time I looked.
Posted by: poppy basil | March 18, 2010 at 19:00
Oh I can't wait for my book, it's on amazon pre order! Looks amazing, lucky you! I'm sure you're planning to go, but I did think of you at the V&A Quilts exhibition preview yesterday ( blogged for a sneak preview), especially the exploration of quilting, domesticity and women, really thought provoking, you'd love it!
Posted by: Debs | March 18, 2010 at 20:35
Thanks for the peek into the making of the "new baby!" I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Posted by: Marcie | March 19, 2010 at 02:44
Oh my goodness Jane, the photographs are breathtaking, cannot wait to see the book, it looks like the stylist and photographer were very much in tune with you.
Posted by: Rebecca | March 23, 2010 at 14:12
Oh how I would've given anything to have been a fly on the wall for that photo shoot, you know. . . . What an incredible afternoon that must have been.
Posted by: Alicia P. | April 13, 2010 at 16:03