Do you remember your first time? The first time you took photos of your knitting to show the world? My first time was when I finished Rogue, the first sweater I knit as a knit-blogger, my first KAL, my first on-line FO. I really didn't know what to do, how to show it off, whether to show my face, even how to pose. Just where do you do a photo shoot or HOW do you do a photo shoot! As it turned out there was little imagination put into the process and I ended up hiding my face under the guise of showing off the cabled hood and sleeve. We won't even mention how bad the quality of the photo is, but that was my available technology at the time. Oh, it seems like ages ago!
The next FO wasn't any better. I was intimidated by the younger and prettier grrls whose blogs I read (as I often am not in person). So I didn't know if I should smile, or just how I should pose, or where to have a photo shoot. How is that for a goofy look. OMG! I had NO idea how to show off the knitting and certainly didn't do much about a fun or creative post. I (and everyone else) was knew to this forum and discovering new things about it all daily.
When I finally decided I could have fun, felt more comfortable BEING ME, being myself in front of the camera, and when a new knit was ready to show, I started to have a great time during a photo shoot. The first time I remember going "on location" was for Lara's photo shoot and it was the first time I felt good about writing a post that really showed off my knitting in a more interesting way. It was also great to have input from Smith on locations and poses. It was then we knew we could have fun with the blog and it was something we could share. Blogging can be very selfish and exclusive. Including Smith in this way has made him part of the process, too.
Some of our favorites photo shoots, that have resulted in fun posts, have been NBT the First,
my 55th birthday, and the hike to show off Hanging Vines. It's been fun to share our travels by doing photo shoots in unique locations like Bryce
and the Grand Canyon. We've also had fun creating stories like the Cutaway photo shoot and doing goofy things like photographing Chickami in the snow. (GRRL, it was COLD!) It's been an evolutionary journey, a great learning experience and, once we started having fun, it became addicting. We love showing off for you.
P is for Photos, photo shoots, poses and posts! That's what knit blogging is all about, eh?
Today is blogfree Regina's birthday. With the wonder of Ravelry you can wish her a Happy one, so go do it, OK?
What fun! I'll surely remember this the next time I get out the camera.
Posted by: Sarah | August 07, 2008 at 02:02 AM
Another of those things that it's part of the process eh?..I don't enjoy being in front of the camera..so much of what knitting that is photographed shows my backside and blogster isn't always cooperative to post those..
Great photos and nice to see some of your older posts.
Posted by: Dianne | August 07, 2008 at 04:27 AM
Great post! I have a new FO -- I'll have to do a photo shoot!
Posted by: Kathy | August 07, 2008 at 04:28 AM
P is for MARVELOUS. (heh)
As in YOU LOOK MAHVELOUS! Even in the uncomfortable early days. xo
Posted by: sandy | August 07, 2008 at 04:31 AM
Ack, Margene, I have fallen so far behind on my blogs and you are at the end of the alphabet and therefore the bottom of my blogroll!
I just wanted to say that this is an interesting post, given that i enjoy your FO pictures so much. Part of it is that i generally like your choice of projects and they seem to flatter you; you have a knack for choosing to knit what works on you.
The other part is that you do project your ZEN through the camera. Keep up the great photos!!!
Posted by: jessie | August 07, 2008 at 05:23 AM
I think you do a lovely job with your photo shoots for FO's.
Posted by: Kim D. | August 07, 2008 at 05:44 AM
Great recap of your inspiring photo shoots!
Posted by: Carole | August 07, 2008 at 05:48 AM
You are one of the most beautiful people I have ever had the privilege to know. Your FO photo shoots are a joy and I love seeing your lovely sweaters, shawls, gloves, mittens, and, of course, scarves. You and Smith do a great job with those shoots and we all enjoy the hell out of them. "P" is for pretty, too!
Posted by: CindyCindy | August 07, 2008 at 05:53 AM
Excellent P! I'd have to say you do some of the very best FO shoots around.
Posted by: Chris | August 07, 2008 at 05:54 AM
Yayyyyy for photo shoots, and yours have inspired greater creativity in all of us!
Posted by: Norma | August 07, 2008 at 06:06 AM
I love that upside down shot. Do you remember "The Greta"? :) Geesh. I have to find the camera cord or buy a new one...I have fallen off the ABC along pretty badly.
Posted by: kathleen | August 07, 2008 at 06:28 AM
Nice trip down your blog's Memory Lane!
(((hugs)))
Posted by: Knitnana | August 07, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Fun!!
Posted by: --Deb | August 07, 2008 at 07:28 AM
What a wonderful recap! I remember taking photos of the knitting, but I don't remember my first FO, nor the first time I showed my face. Heh. You've always been so creative with your shoots and seem to have fun with them!
Posted by: Vicki | August 07, 2008 at 07:39 AM
Now, I'd have said your P is for Process....what do I know?! Photos are good, though!
Posted by: Marcia | August 07, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Posing perfectly probably produces predictable pictures. Putting in perambulations and spousal suggestions provides piquancy and fascinating photo postings.
Posted by: Roxie | August 07, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Hee, hee -- my first "fun" FO photo (say that three times fast!) was this one:
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/aswiminknits/bulky-v-neck-pullover-996
Posted by: Danielle | August 07, 2008 at 08:19 AM
One key element is having a Patient Photographer! (Something I don't have, unfortunately. Willing, but not patient enough for more than a couple of quick shots.)
Posted by: Cheryl S. | August 07, 2008 at 08:27 AM
You have definitely mastered the art of the photo shoot. I just discovered Rogue, by the way, having not discovered your blog right away. Love it!
Posted by: Tan | August 07, 2008 at 08:32 AM
I've always LOVED you photo shoots - you just seem so natural - like you would be if I met you person! Wonderful post Margene!
Posted by: deb | August 07, 2008 at 08:41 AM
You're the best at photo shoots!
Posted by: Wool Winder | August 07, 2008 at 08:46 AM
I think Hanging Vines, and its photo shoot, is my favorite thing of all the items you've knit. Its really stunning.
Posted by: claudia | August 07, 2008 at 08:52 AM
OMG I can't believe you lay in the snow like that!!! You crazy grrl! ;o)
Posted by: elizabeth | August 07, 2008 at 08:52 AM
I always enjoy the photo shoots, too, but I never thought what went into them. Clever grrl!
Posted by: Heather Joins The Round | August 07, 2008 at 08:59 AM
What a great post! I still don't have great photo shoots. I feel like such a dork when I take FO shots. Of course lately my six year old has been taking the pictures which has made it better. I don't know if the pictures are any better, but the process is more fun!
Posted by: Jennifer | August 07, 2008 at 09:31 AM