Jewels

When Lori and I first planned her visit up to San Francisco we had decided it would be a good time for us to collaborate on another photo shoot for her jewelry line Lily Girl.  

We originally had discussed doing an urban shoot but this time we planned on a setting in the woods by the creek… an outdoor tea party.  

Lori and I combined a selection of clothes for the wardrobe.  I had been inspired by current magazine spreads so we chose a sort of Bohemian, Urban hippie chic. 

I asked my friend Alexia to model for us because she has beautiful long black hair and exotic features.  By surprise we had our second model, home from college, pretty Emma.  Who had modeled for Lily Girl this past Summer.

Originally, I wanted to take the girls down into the creek but with an assessment with my photographer we decided it was going to be too tight and awkward.   As the morning went on, before our models arrived, the light in the trees became so enchanting we found our locations.

Pulling the tea party idea together was fun.  I used pretty cups from Mikes grandmother and some of her silver tea set.  I also, bought an array of colored macaroons, some new linens I purchased in New York and roses from the backyard to brighten up the party.  The foundation of the set was finished with my green settee, coffee table, and a borrowed rug.

Once Alexia arrived we started the show… and continued with wardrobe, jewelry and location changes.  These are my favorite shots that Lori took.

Emma showed up a little later and Lori took her out front for these great moments.

Then we got the girls together for their party!

These are my behind the scene photos… the photographer at work.  Over the years Lori has really honed her skill at photography.  You can see her work on her website and blog but here she is in action.  One of the many talents of my dear friend.

It never ceases to amaze me how photo shoots get pulled together.  Always a lesson in being present and conquering obstacles and... we turn out great work every time.

This was another fun time with my best friend.  There will be many more to come!  Stay tuned.



Thank you to Alexia and Emma for being good models and Mike for hosting the shoot at his house and for all of his helpful ideas.

Living Large... in the Basement.

Anyone who has lived in San Francisco for the last twenty years has witnessed much change in our city.   Artists have been segregated to the East Bay and Hunters Point.  Even Hipsters are out numbered in the Mission with the surge of puppy Millennials invading neighborhoods, riding around on their Google buses.

With all of these changes we have seen housing prices go up.  Rents have increased incredibly and since the Air B & B advancement it's harder to find a descent apartment.  Most of us have been lucky enough to not get pushed out of our homes but we hear the stories constantly.  Good luck if you are trying to move.

So, with all of this on my mind I had this idea for a photo story.  If you can't afford to pay the crazy rents you could live under ground.

The space under our building is unfinished and has inspired me to create this vision.  Here is Michaels' and my story of living the glamourous life in our enchanting city... in the basement.


Imagine waking up in the morning and this is your bedroom.

When you get home from work it's time for a sip and to listen to records in your living room.

End the evening with your love.  Enjoying a fresh dessert of fruit in your enchanted dining room.

Michael and I worked for scattered days and it took a couple of months to really finish.  Not only is this our biggest shoot I think it's our best.  I am happy to take a break after all of the hard work... but I am thinking about what to do next.

I want to thank all of the people that in some way participated or contributed to this project:

Mike Richman (support, cleaning & set up), Annie Linton (various props & enthusiasm), Linda Wolkovitch (vintage tea tins),  Vanessa Dina (booze & cordial glasses) Dietrich Ripalski (records),  Nick Wagner & Justin Divine (mattress), Christopher Wahlgren (beautiful rug) and Michael Bennett (photographer & record player). 

What I Have been Up To...

I have been very neglectful to posting!  Regardless if anyone is paying attention I am continuing on... because it is fun.

Life has been interesting and therefore I have not written any posts in months.

I have been busy with my boyfriend, projects and work.  I have been extremely inspired but have not had the time to do all that I want.  There doesn't seem to be enough time.  The tree house or "the nest" as we call it, is not near finished.  Although, I do have a couple of photo projects in the works I have not had the time to move forward but I do hope to have at least one done by the end of June.

Work has been very consuming and so I thought I would share some of what I have been doing these last few months... in photos.

Thanks for looking!

Billy and I being clever

One of many drapery "fabric swatches" for Pottery Barn

One of my favorite beds for Pottery Barn Teen 

A new friend that I made at one of our locations...REMY!

Fun day spent on a Williams-Sonoma shoot for the new Australian catalog

A day with the PB Bed & Bath team... these are the photos that made it into the catalog

I have the most fun making beds for Pottery Barn Bed & Bath

Spring bed for PBB&B with Brad Knipstein and his crew

An evening walk with friends and dogs at Fort Funston

The most recent swatch wall of upholstery fabrics... photo effects by Lori Roark

SEE... I've been busy.