How we explored the world to find what was in our own back yard

Sometimes one of the more challenging aspects to commercial photography shoots can be finding the right props.  Whether it's food, people or produce, finding the right accessory props can make or break the image.  One of our favorite long time clients is Trapp Fragrances.  If you've never used their candles, they are the best!

We are often asked to help find some of most exotic fragrance visual cues.  This time we needed a (Cymbidium Black Ruby "Midnight") or to most of us a Black Orchid, and Cananga odorata, commonly called Ylang-Ylang flowers.  Where were we going to find these?

You have to love the internet for just these types of challenges.  We started by look for tropical flower suppliers.  We called California, Hawaii, Austria, etc.  As fate would have it, one of the Orchid suppliers I talked with in Hawaii used to live in Kansas City. She asked if I had tried to contact Bird's Botanicals here in KC.  Never heard of them.  We called them up, then went by and sure enough they had everything we needed for the shoot.  Some times you have to go around the world to find what's in your back yard! 

Putting the final touches on our lifestyle shot.

Using our big camera to get the best quality out of our photos.

Looking good

Getting ready to shoot another version of the Black Orchid shot.

Working with our Set stylist Casey Dobbins to put the final touches on this beauty.

Casey, not sure this is your best look.  (:-)

We love our clients being involved in our shoots.   

Final Image

Final image

There's more than one way to make a bed.

 Recently we were asked by our client, Trapp Candles, to produce a number of images depicting different scent profiles for their new line of products. It's always amazing what goes into producing images. One required a bed set-up . . . and I'm guessing our bed didn't resemble yours at home.

The bed and headboard were a combo of apple boxes and foam core.

Putting the final touches on the Duvet and sheets.

Making sure everything is clean and in perfect position.

Checking the lighting for the final exposure.

This is how I wake up every morning -- steaming hot cup of tea, flowers and a romantic candle. (;-) 

A version of the final photo.

Thinking of Spring in December

December is normally a raw cold month in the mid-west.  Today is one of those rare days in December it's going to hit 60 degrees.  Nothing like a little warm weather and shooting tropical fragrances to get one in the mood for spring!  

Orange Vanilla

Just a quick "Fact of the Day" Vanilla Beans are not beans at all but the seed pod of a tropical orchid.

White Lotus Flower and Lychee 

We had so much fun a few weeks ago shooting some new fragrances for one of our long time clients.  A number of years ago we were asked to help them "Visually Brand" their product with a consistent upscale look and feel that matches the quality of their product.  We've had this privilege for some time now and can't wait to see what new scents they come up with next.    If your a candle lover and you haven't fired up a Trapp candle, you don't know what your missing.  They are awesome!


                                By the way, if you don't know what a Lychee fruit looks like here's a photo.

I hope everyone has an awesome winter but if your not a fan of winter, like myself, it might help you make it through if you break out one of thse scented candle and think of the spring to come.