What Were We Thinking?

We have asked ourselves that question a million times.  It always seems we have a million ideas in our head. But sometimes when we try one of those ideas,  what we were thinking doesn't quite work out the way we had planned.  And because we are in the midst of our book release, I thought I would share one of those "What were we thinking?" moments. 

So here's the story.  About 2 years ago, we were asked to submit a book proposal to C&T Publishing.  We were so excited and got to work on it right away.  (What we didn't know was how long of a process this book thing was).  Anyway, we decided we wanted a book to have chapters that were rooms in a house- such as the kitchen, living room, nursery, etc.  Each room would then feature projects from that room.  But we also wanted the book to have an outdoorsy (is that a word?), feeling, where all of the photography was done outdoors.  So to show the publishers our vision, we created about 10 projects for our proposal and photographed them in a meadow/creek area that is owned by my sister and her husband.  Keep in mind, this was just a proposal, so we had the freedom to try anything we wanted, we were just hoping they liked our idea.  

After we submitted our idea and photos, the publishers replied with a yes just a few days later.  We were thrilled.  Not only did they approve of the idea, they loved the photography.  We were then in total shock when they asked us to not only write the book, but do all the photography as well.  Are you kidding me?  Of course we would do that.  We would love to do that.  We have all the professional photography equipment.  We love taking photos.  In fact, not a whole lot of people know we actually take photos for other people- babies, kids, families, senior pictures, (we even have a wedding next month).  But that business is so limited for us because we just don't have the time to devote to it as much as we would like.  But taking photos for our book?  Now that was something we would definitely make time for.

So the next step was to create projects for the book.  We already had 10, so we just needed about 25 more.  I don't know why I said "just".  25 is a lot.  But we had until the end March of 2010 to complete the book and photography.  So in August of 2009, we thought that would be easy, we would have plenty of time. 

That was the first "what were we thinking?" moment.  That isn't plenty of time.  Especially when we have about 100 other things going on.  Our plan was to have all of the projects and writing done by the first of March, so we would have the entire month for the photography.

March.  In Colorado.  It was like all 3 of us hadn't spent our entire lives here.  March is the snowiest month in Colorado.  The wind blows approximately 50 mph on most days.  I'm not kidding.  It can be miserable for the entire month.  That's not to say you won't get a day or two or three that can be beautiful.  But if you do, you are darn lucky.  So what were we thinking trying to photography an entire quilt book in the middle of a meadow in March in Colorado?  Yikes.

Fast forward to March 20, 2010.  Panic has set in.  No photos and they are due in eleven days.  We haven't had one single day where you could actually take a quilt outside without it blowing away in about 10 seconds.  The other problem is the meadow isn't exactly easy to get to.  You need a pickup and Susan's husband to navigate the way.  It has also snowed quite a bit, and everything is so muddy, not only will we get stuck, the photos aren't going to look too appealing with mud in the background. 

So a couple of days later, we decided at about 10 am that we were just going to have to try it.  So we loaded up 2 vehicles full of everything we needed- chairs, tables, benches, beds (yes beds), doors, baskets, plates, and all of our book projects.  That alone took a few hours.  So about one in the afternoon we actually got to the meadow and had high hopes of everything going well.  It was the nicest day of the month- about 65 degrees, with wind at only about 15 mph.  This was the best it was going to get. 

Our next problem was trying a place in the meadow that was actually green.  But it had to have shade.  We were in the middle of the day, and anyone who has ever taken pictures knows that nothing looks too good in full sun at 1:00 in the afternoon.  So we did what we could do in the shade, but for most things, we had to wait until around 4:00 so the sun was just right.

By this time we are all exhausted from simply moving furniture and stressing out about the whole thing.  But, we did it.  We got the photos.  About 300 of them.  We knew they wouldn't use all of them, but at least they would have choices.  Here are a few shots from that day:

 

 
 

Yea!  We were done.  Now all that's left is to pack everything up, navigate our way out of the meadow and unload all of the furniture.  We finally were finished at about 9:00 pm.  It was such a relief to not have to stress out about this anymore and not have to check the weather forecast every hour.

Now- for the absolute worst part of the story:

At about midnight that night, I was excited to download the photos and see how they turned out.  As I was downloading, I pulled out our book contract and photo instructions.  I wanted to know where I needed to send the pictures.  That's when I saw it.  The sentence that brought tears to my eyes, literally.  All photos need to be shot in RAW. 

Oh my gosh.  (That's not exactly what I said).  I forgot about the whole RAW thing.  If you don't know, RAW is a file format that is much larger than a regular jpeg photo file.  It contains a lot more information about a photo, and supposedly yields higher quality results.  I really don't think a normal person could tell the difference between a photo shot in RAW and a high quality jpeg, but a published book,should be shot in RAW.  I've shot in RAW before.  It's not hard, there is just a setting on my camera that I have to turn it too.  But I rarely do.  RAW files are huge, and I don't usually use it because I can't really tell the difference, and I don't want to use up so much of my computer's memory. 

But this is a disaster.  All the photos taken that day are now useless.  The moving of 2 different beds to a meadow was now a waste of time.  The feeling of accomplishment has now left my body.  And tomorrow morning, I'm going to have to tell my mom and sister we have to do it again.

Which we did.  The next day.  Unfortunately, the weather wasn't as good, and the wind wasn't quite so cooperative.  And I actually liked the first day's pictures better than the second day's.  Of well.  We live and learn.  And what we learned is that we will never, ever, take photos of quilts in a meadow.  In Colorado.  In March. 

But the meadow in August, now that is a delight.  I'll just share a couple of senior photos we took there last week.

 
 

Sorry for the long story!  We laugh about it now, and just chalk it up to another "what were we thinking?" moment.  Have a great day.

Comments

[Denise Armitage]

Recently I bought this darling book, loved it! Then today I was bouncing around the Moda Fair and blah blah...ended up here. Read your hilarious and panicky story! Then I realized that darling book I bought is yours!!!! Don't I feel silly, har. Great job on the book! I changed my entry after reading your suggestions and getting the feel for something more inviting. Thanks!

[Lana D]

Just the book yesterday from my favorite fabric shop...LOVE IT...
LOVE IT...
LOVE IT...

OMGoodness...did I say how much I LOVE IT?

[Susan Maw]

Your story sounds familiar. I have tried the same thing from NW Montana, and it can be really frustrating waiting for a nice day in early spring! Congrats on your book! C&T released ours the same day. It's exciting isn't it?

[Claudia]

Now I just have to get your book! It's a good thing I have a birthday coming up.

Thanks for sharing.

[Dawn Brewer]

I received my book in the mail this weekend. I haven't had time to read it, but I have looked through it, and once again, you have done an excellent job. All of you signing it made it even more special. Can't wait to get started on something from it. Thanks for all the hard work.

[Seaweedandraine]

I LOVE the photos that you took! They just made me want to journey into the picture and take part in the scene (Now THAT could have ruined your photos! lol) Shame the publishers couldn't have taken them as they were. Maybe you could share some more with us? I'd love to see them. :)

[Mary Ann B]

Just received my copy of the book today... beautiful photography and wonderful projects! Congratulations on its release!
Now to decide which project to make first!

[Louise]

Recieved my book yesterday and just love it all the more when considering what went into the publication. Like everything else I've gotten from Sweetwater I'm delighted. You three are sure talented!! Loved the pics

[Suzzi]

For All: The book is awesome and the photos are awesome. WORTH BUYING.

PS: Charms are too!

I loved reading the story and you guys are really a well rounded company. Bravo, especially in this day and age.

[Gill Dempster]

Oh, I did have a giggle at your story. As a mum of a daughter who is a photographer I really felt for you. Well done anyway and I hope you sell squillions of your book. Looking forward to buying one.

Gill (Australia)

[amber]

Oh I am so sorry. That is terrible. I don't think I could have mustered up the strength to do it all again the next day. I would have had to take some time to gear up for it again. So sorry. But I am sure they will turn out great. The ones you showed here were fabulous. Your products are so beautiful so I know your book will be amazing!!!

[michelle]

Oh my....my husband brought in the mail this afternoon...usually HE gets goodies in the mail, and handed me my Sweetwater package. I jumped up and down--couldn't believe it was here!!! I HAD to sit down and peruse it all--it is just as fabulous as I suspected!! I RARELY will preorder a book sight-unseen...but I KNEW that this book was going to be great and I am sooooo not disappointed!! You have outdone yourselves, ladies!! =) You should be proud!! And, after reading your story of the photo shoots....you deserve to rest on your laurels a while!!
michelle

[Elizabeth E.]

Great story, with a great ending, even it it wasn't what you wanted. So like life, yes? Will watch for this book--I only buy C & T books--just like them better (maybe it's all that RAW photo business?).

The senior photos look lovely.

[Cheryl]

Like ya said "Live and Learn"!!!! But it was absolutely worth it!!! I just finished turning every page in my book and it is gorgeous!!! What a grand book and I'll bet I make at least 25 of the projects!!! You have inspired not only my redoing of my kitchen with "hometown" but now I'm going to redo my attached family room and I'll be using some of the projects in the book!!!! OH and FQ Shop has hometown yardage...off to shop!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for such a great book!

[Stacy Lindblom]

What a harrowing story! I'm sure all the hard work will be worth it when the book hits the stores. And speaking of that, not to be too greedy but when does come out?

[mary]

.....AND IT'S HERE! It is absolutely gorgeous. Every page inspires! Bravo ladies!!

[Kim Dow]

I bet the pictures are fabulous and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the book!

[holly]

Now you've teased me with the photos and I can't wait to get my book!! I'll be waiting on the porch...hurry!

[Sharon @ A Prairie Sunrise]

Oh dear! What an adventure!

I absolutely love that shot of the bed, I keep thinking there should be fairies & gnomes peeking out from various hiding places. :)

And what collection is that last quilt (with the pillow) made of? I'm obsessed with the colors!

This book is going to be gorgeous!!!

[Year Old Birthday Party Ideas]

Love those beautiful pictures! The book will be amazing for sure.

[Angela]

oh boy...that sounds like exactly something I would do. That just makes the book all the more precious!

[Fiona Ransley]

I totally adored reading your story. I am sure that I would have said some really choice words too - Love the pics though and looking forward to seeing the book too. It will all be worthwhile in the end :) Fee X

[Asiyah]

Well, doesn't that just bite? It's too bad there isn't a program that can convert pictures from jpeg to raw. Ah well, all's well that ends well.

Love the jpegs you took!

[mary]

I am so excited to get my mitts on my copy of this book! I know the pictures will be great........I don't care if they are in Crayola format!

[Jen]

I would have cried! I'm sure you are glad that's all done!

[ina]

Wow, that just sucks! Now you have a good story. ;o

[Debbie-Esch House Quilts]

Too funny (in retrospect!). I know the book will be amazing and all of us who read your blog will get an extra kick out of the photos :)