Because along the way, there were people who I admired and who I asked advice from- and you know what?
There were some people who didn’t want to help.
And then there were those who sent their phone numbers and took hours out of their day
to help me learn my camera settings or simply offer wise words and encouragement.
And I haven’t forgotten their kindness.
that is pretty darn awesome in my opinion.
and I will even let you in on a few secrets and tell you about the rule I break all.the.time.
Starting at the beginning for those of you who are new here.
I realize some of you might have heard this little snippet of my first hand me the smelling salts feature before- but honestly, I get goosebumps even now thinking about it and how some of those little dots connect- and are connecting even now.
The story of dreaming about my home and style being in print started years ago
and really came more into focus when we were working on this cottage
and I was just beginning to blog.
Because – our house was in construction chaos all the time.
And on occasion- a corner looked good.
So I moved that vintage upholstered chair over by the french doors
and brought the small table I picked up at the thrift store to nestle next to it.
and a bouquet of course.
I would snap a little photo of my vignettes with my iphone
and I would dream of sending the photos to an editor of a favorite magazine
and of that magazine publishing it.
‘I am not sure if it is good enough’ doubt.
But one day, a magazine editor in Europe emailed me.
I was ecstatic.
Bouncing up and down ecstatic and I rushed to send the photo over to them.
It was dark and grainy.
It couldn’t be used.
and I thought I was a failure and had missed my big opportunity.
She said she loved my style and asked me that if she sent a professional photographer to my home-
we chatted styling tips, photography tips and had a lot of fun.
And I learned a ton about photography and what types of photos work well for magazines.
And the magazine came out in France and Italy a couple of months later.
a simple styling by a french door in the only room in the house that was semi-finished
and that was spotted from a photo taken with an iphone
I have learned so much about photography and styling.
that one small corner that is perfect
Well it doesn’t look perfect in person at all-
both styling and photography often.
I have never lost that excitement of seeing something I styled
or photographed in those magazine pages.
and want that to happen.
this rambling post and
that whole style and photograph series comes in.
Because someone helped me that first time and it made a world of difference for me
and if I can help someone else have that dream come true feeling-
that would make my heart happy.
So starting next week in a several post series- because I am wordy… and this one is looong already.
magazine editor Jickie Torres.
that has print potential (or that you hope to get into print)
before the conference and were instantly long lost old friends?
So much so that people actually thought we had rehearsed our speech
and we had done it a zillion times before?
and I am pretty sure I would get some pretty amazing abs from us laughing so much.
Shannon Fox says
It's been an honor to watch you grow!
Anyone who reads your tips will be lucky indeed.
Courtney says
Thanks Shannon!
Anonymous says
This is so interesting and I am looking forward to your tips. Your photos give off such a marvelously dreamy quality.
I am not happy with the photos I take. I don't have a fancy camera, but remind myself that Robert Doisneau worked only with a Leica with a normal lens. But why don't the corners of my rooms remain vertical? The angles don't remain perpendicular. So frustrating.
I have seen photos of rooms that I know are tiny, but the lens used (or some magic) makes them appear enormous. I have enormous rooms, glorious rooms, but they don't feel spacious yet they seem hollow or empty.
I look forward to reading your tips!!!!
Courtney says
Thank you so much! Not sure why the angles change in your photos… that is strange. Is it the lens you are using maybe? And yes, the right lens can make a huge difference in perception of spaces- it can be very deceptive!
Kirsten says
Oh, I'm so excited! I just recently started a blog and need some insight in these areas. I can't wait to follow along ��
Courtney says
That is awesome- congratulations!
Parsimonious Perfection says
I love, love this story Courtney. Your blog is truly a gem among gems, and I started much the same way, there is so much to learn!! I don't know how you do it…I so admire your tenacity, you are such a talent. Thank you so much for sharing such beauty!
Courtney says
You are so sweet!! One of the best things I have been able to do with my blog is to give back and help someone- so this seemed like a perfect fit for sharing. Thank you so much for your kind words and for stopping by!
mariondee-designs says
Looking forward to all you have to offer. YOur photos are amazing and I love your style! Thanks so much for sharing!
Courtney says
Thank you so much!
Anonymous says
I love the post and the photos were great!!
Courtney says
Thank you Pamela!
Withendlessgrace says
I am striving to have that dreamy quality in my photos that you accomplish on every post. Thanks for sharing your insights. I'm thankful for your inspiration!
Courtney says
Thank you Joanne! Appreciate you coming by!
[email protected] says
So excited to read more. I need all the help I can get. Countrycharmanddecor.wordpress
Courtney says
Thank you Nancy- I am looking forward to this series!
Muse says
Courtney, you are enthusiastic and utterly contagious to follow! It is so fun to read your comments and view your lovely photos. Bravo! and I am eager to read and see your upcoming insights!
Courtney says
Thanks so much- so kind of you! And thank you for following along! 🙂
Marisa Franca @ Allourway says
I've always said that the VERY best bloggers are the most generous with their time and tips. Thank you, Courtney. You are a true inspiration and although I'm a food blogger I want to take your hope tips and adopt some of them on our little ranch. I can't wait to read your tips. Okay, what drives your editor's crazy — hummm can't be your flowers I certainly love them. I really can't think of anything that they wouldn't be over the moon. Tell us 🙂
Courtney says
You are always so kind and sweet Marisa. And you know, the atmosphere and people who were at the Design Bloggers Conference were so refreshing. I came home with so much good that the speakers and bloggers and designers put out there and I am happy to help pay it forward and help someone reach their magazine dreams if I can.
And nope-it isn't the flowers that makes them crazy 🙂 Will share next week.
Maria says
You are a true inspiration. I have been published a few times, but they contacted me, but I have been wanting to submit to other magazines and don't know how. Look forward to your next posts. Thanks for being so kind to share! Maria
Courtney says
That is awesome- congratulations!! And I have heard from so many who said the same thing. They weren't sure how to do it- or what they were looking for. Will be chatting more about it! 🙂
Unknown says
Love, love this story, friend! You're an inspiration to all!
Unknown says
Courtney, I love your blog and your love of people just shines!! I'm glad I'm one of your "people"! Looking forward to learning and gaining a little insight of what you do! Will you put a picture of the magazine cover your dining room was on? Again thanks! Beverly
French Ethereal says
Well, you KNOW I'll be tuning in, Courtney! ???????? Happy to learn more photography tips from you. Your photos in this post are lovely, as always.
Have a great day,
Barb 🙂
Danielle says
What a great story, Courtney, and I can't wait to follow along with all your tips. I dreamed of a magazine feature and it came true and now I'm dreaming bigger which means getting better at lots. Thank you for always being so giving with advice and wisdom. You inspire me. xx
Bonnie says
Thank you for your generosity with your experience tips. Most people don't want to share. I look forward to learning from you.
Cindy D says
Thank you for that lovely story. And, to me, you didn't go on and on. You were perfect. You're my inspiration on a daily basis through your blog. I felt you were speaking to me. "Get off your butt and do it, it's worth it". I appreciate your hard work you put into your blog, it shows. Much obliged.
Helsbels says
Wow thank you in anticipation! I can't wait for your help. My blog will have to start with an iPhone camera! ???? Perhaps I'll pick up some tips; your blog I see my all time favourite ????X
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
You are always such a wealth of information and talent…looking forward to this series! Thank you for your never ending kindness and generosity!
Unknown says
Loved your story, and looking forward to your posts!