We just got back home, and the best way I can sum everything up briefly is to say that it could not have been more wonderful.  I’ll tell you more about the details, and post a ton of photos soon.  In the meantime, I wanted to put up a little preview pic.  Here they are at the reception, looking even more gorgeous and happy than usual.

I thought I’d also put up a pic from the after party, which not only was in the awesomest barn, but there was also authentic apricot-flavored moonshine (see giant jug in my hands).  Wow!  Still recovering.  It was so nice relaxing and chatting with their fantastic friends and family, while enjoying the cool mountain air.  One of the best things I can say about the weekend is that it never felt like work.  Thanks so much, Tom and Julia!  I can’t wait to share more photos with you!!

I can’t sufficiently describe here how much fun this was for me.  However, if you shove enough good tequila in my face, I might share a few special details.  Which shoot had the most giggling?  Which one was surprisingly dangerous?  Which one was I not wearing pants to shoot?  Note to potential clients:  I will definitely be wearing pants during your shoot.

So, I do a somewhat adequate job of keeping this blog at a PG-13 level.  I may be pushing it a bit with this post.  If your eyes, soul, or heart are of a delicate nature, I suggest that you do not scroll down.  You have been warned.

JANUARY

Here’s the one from this shoot that made it to the calendar.  We all agreed that the champagne missing the glass was the winner.

Here’s another shot I love from this shoot.  Having just started watching “Mad Men”, I have a new appreciation for Z’s sharp, cool, rat-pack style.  Nothing wrong with ringing in the new year with champagne and a handsome devil.

FEBRUARY

Anyone who knows Christian will understand that we had to involve robots.  Years ago, he made the costume he’s wearing.  During our shoot, he told me a great story about the first robot costume he made, and got stuck in.  Awesome.

This one didn’t make the calendar, but I adore it.

MARCH

Dad’s Garage could totally be accused of false advertising, since Amber is a lovely lady in the man calendar.  That’s why I thought we should play with that idea, and make her look like one of those androgynous Calvin Klein male models, or one of those Herb Ritz photos from the 80s with gals dressed as dudes.  I also figured that since Amber was the only girl in the group, she should be the only one that gets to pose with a half-naked woman.  By the way, a big thank you to gorgeous Alison for allowing us to completely objectify her incredible yoga bod.

Here’s the calendar shot…

…and another favorite.  To all the guys who see this calendar…..you’re welcome.

APRIL

I wanted to experiment with the “April showers” concept, and Lucky has a friend with this amazing car.  Win, win!  I just wish we could have gotten his dog, Abe Jackson, in more of the pics.

Not in the calendar, but I love this one too….

MAY

So, what do April showers bring?  May flowers, of course?  Only Tommy could pull of such a smoldering look while covered with this many blooms.

Seriously Tommy, that look should require a permit.  Weapon of mass seduction.

JUNE

Randy has a show coming up next summer called “Slaughter Camp”, and nothing screams summer like actual screaming when there’s a maniac loose in the woods.

I think my direction before this next image was “more blood!”.  I must also thank Breckan and Rueben for playing dead so nicely.

JULY

I think Mike got the easiest, most relaxing shoot.  On a hot day, he had to look hot while chilling by and in the pool.  I guess it wasn’t all a walk in the park.  I did make him wear that goofy headband.

God.  Bless.  America.

AUGUST

When planning this shoot, it didn’t seem physically impossible to fit three guys in one tub….and all my photo gear into a bathroom.  Trickier than we thought.  Thanks for being such sports, fellas.  Turns out, the toughest part was keeping Dan from finishing that burger before I took the pics.

Dan, Ed and Chris made the cover (this next image)!  We should have called them to announce it, like they do for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.  Thanks to Leigh Hays for letting us use her sweet purple bathroom!

SEPTEMBER

Oh, dear.  This shoot with George and my hubby Matt actually ended up being more tame than I thought it would be.  These guys are not known for their shyness.  I had to stop between each frame because I was laughing so hard, I couldn’t hold the camera still.  This calendar photo still makes me belly-laugh every time I look at it.

Nope, nothin’ crazy about this….

OCTOBER

Rene got the coveted Halloween month (also the month of his birthday).  I wasn’t sure that “mummy” and “sexy” and “funny” could go together, but Rene happily proves me wrong.

Though not in the calendar, here is my favorite from this shoot.  I dig the throwing action and mischievous expression.

Here’s another idea we had for October.  That’s our pal Chris Brown in his oh-so-creepy Rotzo costume that he made himself.  So talented.  In between shots, Chris and I were hanging out in the theater, when an unsuspecting young lady walked in.  She saw him, screamed, and ran out.  It was swell.

Sweet dreams…….

NOVEMBER

Not only does Matt deserve bravery points for the obvious reasons, but he also deserves recognition for the most harsh modeling conditions.  The AC wasn’t working (was in the high 90s outside).  It was painfully hot just standing still, then we made him lounge a few feet away from a fire.  I can’t confirm this, but I’d guess he had no hair left on the other side when we were done.

In case you’re not sure what to be thankful for this Thanksgiving…

DECEMBER

Kevin, I’m so sorry for the pain we caused you.  I’m sure all the smooching, groping, and attention will haunt you indefinitely.  Thanks to our snow wranglers and beautiful hand models Megan, Coop, and Hayley.

If you’re very, very good, maybe you’ll find this under your tree on December 25th.

Thanks so much to all my brilliant friends!  Please go check out all the shows at Dad’s Garage!!!  If you think these folks are hot, wait ’til you see how talented they are!

]]> http://staceybode.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3226 4 http://staceybode.com/blog/?p=3217 http://staceybode.com/blog/?p=3217#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:30:23 +0000 stacey http://staceybode.com/blog/?p=3217 Laura did such an awesome job during her headshot session.  Despite it being her first time having this type of shoot, she required practically no direction, and effortlessly changed her poses and expressions.  I couldn’t believe how quickly her shoot went because she made it all so easy.  Since I’m all about celebrity comparisons lately, I pointed out that she has Carmen Electra’s eyes, and Jessica Biel’s smile.  I can’t believe nobody has told Laura this yet.  Laura, thank you for being so sweet, fun, and fabulous!

A big thanks to the wonderful Jacque Carder for working her hair and makeup skills.

Cynthia, thank you for being so lovely, and for putting up with my constant commenting on how much you look like Hilary Swank!

• Clothes – At home:  bare feet, yoga pants or comfy jeans or boxer shorts if I’m lazy, old t-shirt.  I’m about to start watching Season 1 of Mad Men, so this list will soon change to satin cocktail dress, pearls, gloves, stilettos.
• Sound – Moderate background noise; dog barking, bad movies/TV
• Light – I love a bright room, but I have to keep it relatively dark when editing.  When I’m shooting, light is either my best friend or my worst enemy, and I kinda dig that.
• Time of Day – Morning, and later in the evening
• Location – My office.  I spend so much time in here, so I made it my favorite room in the house.  The locations that inspire me creatively are all the new, surprising ones.
• Directionality - Big window/door to the left of my desk, furniture to the right.  I’m right in front of a wall, but it’s my favorite shade of grey, and I’m always looking at my computer screens anyhoo.
• Routine/spontaneous – Sometimes I try to have a routine, but unexpected things come up too often to force myself to stick to it.
• Long periods or short bursts – Both.  I do short bursts often because I have a hard time sitting still for more than 5 minutes.  However, when I get into an editing groove, I lose all track of time.  Just ask Matt or Fletch, who have both valiantly attempted to pull me away from my desk.
• Carry something to capture ideas on the fly? – My life has become a series of post-it notes and index cards.  I’m also about to start using video or a voice recorder for a special project.  When I do shoots, I usually have some ideas thought out ahead of time, but most of my creative thinking behind the camera is on the fly.
• Squeaky Clean or squalor (setting) – If I don’t maintain a certain level of organization, I will lose my mind and take you with me.
• Clean or dirty (self) – Whether I shower in the morning or evening doesn’t seem to affect my creativity.  However, I always try to be a clean lady when I’m with clients (unless we’re shooting in a mud pit or a seedy motel).
• Solo or surrounded – Obviously, shoots are with people.  In my office, I have to work alone since I am so easily distracted.  Hey, what’s that shiny thing over there…….?
• Digital or analogue – Analogue notes, ideas, messages.  Everything else is done with techno digital robots and such.
• What fuels you? – Protein bars, bagels, oatmeal
• Leaded or unleaded? – Leaded, please.  Sometimes I absent-mindedly pick up my coffee cup around midnight, and start chugging away.  Regrets soon follow.
• Breaks – Cleaning, reading, blog surfing
• Mindset practices that fuel creation – Forcing myself to try things outside of my comfort zone (creatively and otherwise), looking at photography that inspires me, watching good movies
• Movement practices that fuel creation – Walking Fletch, yoga, spontaneous solo dance parties

Here are the covers of the magazine…

…and here’s Nancy and John!

I’m proud of my climbing blisters, despite the fact that arrows are required to find them.

Our next adventure was to the Georgia Aquarium!  It’s alarming how many Atlanta attractions I’ve never been to.  Also on the list are Cyclorama, The MLK Museum, The Carter Center, Six Flags, and the Margaret Mitchell House.  Sorry, Atlanta.  Things have been busy.  Anyway, I’ve been wanting to check out all the “fish”, and finally got my chance.  Totally worth the wait, and allowed me to cross another outing off my to-do list.  As a wise man once said, “Live Every Week Like It’s Shark Week”.

My awesome friend!

We got to stick our heads into the penguin habitat!  Look out behind you, Anna-Claire!!

This next pic makes me very happy.  Even though I almost knocked over a garbage can and injured myself taking it.

I also have to give a huge shout-out to Diane’s styling team from Authentic Beauty.  Elana worked her makeup magic, and Hollie did an awesome job on her hair.  It’s so important to me to work with people who understand the natural look, and particularly who understand that kids should look like kids.  These ladies have it all figured out.

Here are a few of Diane’s shots.  I still can’t get over what a pro she is!  Woo hoo!

Of course we couldn’t end our shoot without a few goofy faces!

And we had to get a quick pic with mom.  Cute x 2!

Here’s a little bit of what I shot that night.