After a brief mention a couple of weeks ago, we’re thrilled to finally delve into the exciting details of our recent home photoshoot for Better Homes & Gardens’ esteemed Do It Yourself Magazine. We know we left you hanging with just a teaser, and for that, we sincerely apologize! We’re back to right our wrong and share the full, behind-the-scenes story of an experience that has been nothing short of transformative for us. Get ready for an in-depth look at what truly goes into a major publication feature, complete with insider insights, a peek at the incredible team, and a few laughs along the way. We hope you’ll forgive our little delay once you see the comprehensive details and the sheer joy we’re bubbling over with!
So, here’s the much-anticipated scoop: For those who might not yet be familiar, Do It Yourself (DIY) is a premier quarterly Special Interest Publication operating under the widely respected Better Homes & Gardens umbrella. It’s a go-to resource for anyone passionate about home improvement, creative decor, and making their living spaces truly their own. This incredible opportunity saw their dedicated crew descend upon our Richmond home, Casa Petersik, laden with an impressive array of props and equipment, as you can glimpse in the vibrant sampling above. For a full 48 intense and exhilarating hours, our house became a bustling set, meticulously photographed from virtually every inch. The overarching goal? To craft a compelling “before & after” narrative that will be thoughtfully distributed across all four of their highly anticipated 2009 issues. But the excitement doesn’t stop there: we’ve been officially invited to join their esteemed ranks as contributors! This means not only do we get the incredible pleasure of seeing our own faces grace the glossy pages of a national magazine – a bit of narcissistic indulgence, we admit – but we also get to see our very own words in print. We’re tasked with writing all four articles, and in a fantastic turn, we’ll be writing in the first person. This unique allowance enables us to infuse the articles with the authentic, conversational tone of our blog, just with a touch more polish and professional sheen. It’s an absolute dream come true for anyone passionate about home decor, innovative DIY projects, and sharing their unique journey with a broader audience.
The entire experience was an invaluable crash course and a masterclass in the intricate art of national magazine production, particularly how they conjure visual magic through expert photography and precise styling. We learned so much, from the meticulous planning and pre-shoot preparation to the hands-on execution of each and every shot. We’re eager to peel back the curtain and share some of these illuminating insights with you, offering a fresh perspective on the craft of home storytelling and the dedication required to bring a vision to life on paper. Preparing our Richmond home for such a high-profile feature was a project in itself, involving weeks of decluttering, organizing, and minor touch-ups to ensure every corner was magazine-ready. The anticipation leading up to the crew’s arrival was immense, a mixture of nerves and overwhelming excitement. The transformation of our familiar spaces into photo-ready sets was truly astonishing. So, let’s begin by introducing the incredibly talented team who made it all happen and who turned our home into a professional stage:
On the far left in that snapshot, you’ll see Beth, the incredibly dynamic Editor of Do It Yourself Magazine. She was truly the visionary leader, orchestrating every aspect of the shoot with an impressive blend of precision, creative direction, and a calm demeanor that kept everything running smoothly. Working alongside her was Cat, a name many of you might recognize as Sherry’s newly-married best friend forever. Cat, who previously worked full-time with Beth back in Iowa, now contributes her exceptional freelance talents remotely from her base in Washington D.C. We owe a tremendous, heartfelt debt of gratitude to Cat for initially submitting our home and blog for consideration – a submission that completely changed our trajectory – and an equally profound thank you to Beth for seeing the potential in our story and deeming us worthy of this extraordinary national platform. Together, Beth and Cat formed an unstoppable styling duo. They meticulously arranged each room, demonstrating an impeccable eye for detail that could transform a space with just a few adjustments – envisioning “flowers go here, ottoman goes there” with effortless grace. They expertly directed, reviewed, and approved every single shot, ensuring that each frame perfectly captured the essence and beauty of our home. You can see Beth in action below, intently assessing a scene in our cozy den, meticulously ensuring every element was perfectly placed and lit for the camera’s discerning eye.
The other two indispensable members captured in the group photo are Erik, the exceptionally talented photographer, and his diligent assistant, Piper. While their crucial role might seem self-explanatory, their artistry truly lies in translating the beautifully styled scenes created by Beth and Cat into stunning, professional images. Their mission was to ensure that every carefully chosen detail, every perfectly arranged vignette, and every intentional design element was captured with breathtaking clarity, impeccable lighting, and aesthetic appeal that would jump off the magazine page. This involved not just pointing and clicking, but a deep understanding of lighting dynamics, compositional balance, and technical execution far beyond what we typically manage for our blog photos. We’re all eagerly awaiting January, when the highly anticipated spring issue hits newsstands, to finally see Erik’s masterful shots in print. However, you don’t have to wait to appreciate the caliber of his work; you can explore his impressive portfolio here. As Sherry would undoubtedly exclaim with her usual enthusiasm, his work truly makes you “swoon!” The collaboration between stylists and photographers is a delicate, intricate dance, and watching Erik and Piper work in such perfect tandem with Beth and Cat was a powerful testament to professional synergy and creative harmony. It highlighted the sheer difference between a casual snapshot and a meticulously crafted, magazine-quality photograph that tells a story.
The photoshoot extended beyond the inviting interiors of our home, embracing our outdoor spaces as well. Here’s the skilled crew in action once more, diligently working their magic on our front yard. Cat had temporarily stepped away from this particular scene, undoubtedly already busy styling the next interior room to be featured, showcasing the constant rotation and efficiency required on such a demanding and tight schedule. What truly fascinated us, and served as a valuable learning experience, was observing their meticulous approach even outdoors. Isn’t it intriguing how they employed a large reflector, even in broad daylight, to cast additional, perfectly diffused light onto the front facade of our house? This attention to subtle light manipulation highlights the profound difference between a casual snapshot and a professional, magazine-quality photograph. Every detail, from the angle of the sun and the interplay of shadows to the precise amount of light on the architecture, was carefully considered to present our home in its absolute best possible light, ensuring consistency, visual appeal, and a cohesive narrative across all the featured spaces. It’s truly an art form to make a house look its best on film, or rather, on a memory card.
Oh, and of course, Sherry and I weren’t entirely idle during this whirlwind, two-day experience. We occasionally found ourselves getting our hands dirty, so to speak, assisting the team wherever needed. There was one particularly memorable and rather comical moment when Sherry was tasked with the crucial job of preventing a gigantic reflector from being whisked away by a sudden, unexpected gust of wind. It was quite a sight, highlighting the unpredictable nature of an outdoor shoot and the need for all hands on deck! And yes, in true husbandly fashion – because someone has to document these things – I seized the opportunity to capture photographic evidence of her valiant efforts. I know, I know, I’m quite the gentleman, documenting her hard work while staying safely behind the camera. It’s these small, unscripted moments that truly brought a sense of camaraderie and humor to what could have been a very rigid and formal professional process. It reminded us that even in the most high-stakes professional settings, there’s always room for a bit of authentic, relatable fun and teamwork. These are the cherished memories that make the entire experience even richer.
While undoubtedly a period of intense and tiring work – capturing an astounding 32 different rooms, diverse scenes, and intricate details within just two days is no small feat – the entire photoshoot was, above all, an absolute blast. The sheer efficiency and coordination required to move from one perfectly styled setup to the next, often involving significant furniture rearrangement and lighting adjustments, was mind-boggling. Beth, Cat, Erik, and Piper weren’t just exceptional professionals at the top of their game; they were genuinely hilarious and engaging company throughout those long, demanding days of shooting. Their energy, positive attitudes, and collaborative spirit were infectious, making the exhaustive schedule feel less like work and more like an exciting collaboration with friends. And the fun didn’t stop when the cameras were finally put away. They were just as fantastic at unwinding, graciously treating us to two truly delicious dinners at some wonderful spots around town. These evening gatherings provided a perfect opportunity to relax, share stories, and forge deeper connections, transforming a professional engagement into a truly memorable personal experience. It’s a testament to their character that they made us feel so comfortable and valued, turning a high-stakes project into a genuinely enjoyable adventure for everyone involved.
Beyond the primary shoot, we also had the distinct pleasure of joining the team on a couple of pre-meal shopping excursions. These trips were dedicated to sourcing those crucial “extra props” – the special bonus items that DIY Magazine wanted to introduce to truly make our spaces pop and shine on camera. While we pride ourselves on having a home that is generally “almost-photoshoot-ready,” filled with thoughtful decor and personal touches, the magazine’s vision often involved bringing in fresh, vibrant elements to enhance the visual storytelling and appeal to a broader audience. This taught us a valuable lesson: even a well-designed home can benefit significantly from strategic styling and a fresh eye to achieve that perfect magazine aesthetic. It was fascinating to see how seemingly small additions, like a specific throw pillow or a unique vase, could dramatically alter the feel and visual interest of a room. Sherry, being the pro-propper that she is, has many more propping details and clever tricks to share with you in an upcoming post, so definitely stay tuned for her expert tips on how to elevate your own home decor and styling for maximum impact and photographic appeal.
As we diligently prepared our rooms for their star turn and close-ups, it became abundantly clear that no element, however beloved or long-standing, was entirely safe from the stylists’ discerning eye. Even our furniture placement, something we had meticulously planned and lived with for years, was subject to change for the sake of the perfect shot and the overall visual narrative. This final image serves as a playful, yet poignant, testament to that reality: “Sorry coffee table,” we had to say, “but you’ve been cut from this scene!” It’s a humorous reminder of the sometimes ruthless, yet always aesthetically driven, editing process involved in professional home staging and photography. Every item, every angle, every empty space is carefully considered to create the most impactful and uncluttered visual story. This experience truly underscored the significant difference between living in a space and showcasing it for a national magazine, where every single detail is hyper-analyzed for its photographic potential and contribution to the overall design message. We are incredibly excited for you all to see the final, stunning results when the issues are published, and we look forward to continuing this amazing journey as contributors to DIY Magazine, sharing more of our passion for home design, renovation, and DIY projects with a broader audience than ever before.
