Hilary Robertson styled this wonderfully symmetric cover for Elle Decor, shot by unwavering William Waldron. It really is astounding just how much the image was shot to match the design of the cover. I just picture them with the cover overlay up on the screen, managing the tiniest details and chosen asymmetries, like the bag on the floor next to the desk and the way the artwork on the shelf mirrors the copy on the left side of the page. And then the way that the cover logo is perfectly framed by the ceiling with the columns providing an additional frame. This is just the most fantastic example of great teamwork, patience and perfectionism.
Entries filed under Aquarius
At Home with Ellie Krieger
It makes it easier to keep to a good eating routine when you have a great schedule like this. Of course at Big Leo, we’d have at least 5 taco nights in the mix. Sarah Cave styled this beautiful and laid-back story for Better Homes and Gardens, about Ellie Krieger‘s homemade family meals. If eating well is the cornerstone of a good life, then styling well is the cornerstone of a good editorial! If only we could get the magnificent Alison Attenborough to cook every night, along with the lovable Con Poulos to shoot. Talk about a week of Sundays…
Used with permission from Better Homes and Gardens® magazine. Copyright 2012 Meredith Corp. All rights reserved.
Big Everything
Stylist Hilary Robertson traveled way way out to Big Sky, Montana for this Elle Decor story with the peerless Pieter Esterhosen. When I asked her about the shoot she said the biggest challenge was getting that many flowers out there. There aren’t exactly any flower markets in the snowy mountains. But with the help of the NYC-based Dutch Flower Line, it all came together. The other thing she mentioned was the art collection. So many amazing pieces – her favorite was a sculpture by the British artist Julian Opie. And no trip to Montana would be complete without “the biggest breakfast I have ever seen.” Big spaces, big ceilings, big everything. Oh yeah, and the sky. Endless.
Scott Peacock’s Gameplan
Most of the time, dinners do not come together the way you drew it up in the locker room. Same thing with photo shoots. There are just too many variables and all of a sudden you forget to add salt to the mashed potatoes. But follow the lead of Scott Peacock, who knows a thing or two about orchestrating great meals from his years at Watershed. The trick is to field the best of the best so that the food is impeccably presented with not a single item out of place. This perfection is thanks to stylist Sarah Cave, who worked with photographer and rugby star Con Poulos to execute the plan. Just don’t forget to preheat the oven or you’ll get knocked back down to the minor leagues.
Giving Thanks Everyday
This month’s Everyday Food has the requisite Thanksgiving standbys as well as some nice autumn meals and great recipes to keep the in-laws from eating the the tablecloths, napkins, and anything else that isn’t nailed down. Not to mention the sumptuous photos styled by Hilary Robertson and shot by Big Leo in-law Anna Williams. If we eat with our eyes, be thankful for this amazing feast.
Sweet Season
So many desserts, so little time. The thing about holiday sweets is that the more simple they are, the more you can stand to eat. It’s just calorie math. Hilary Robertson brought a touch of her elegant style to this story in Whole Living with the most tasteful Shira Bocar. Pistachios, chocolate, and sea salt: a perfect appetizer before the baked goods come out of the oven.
Cucina Povera
The just-released book Cucina Povera by Pamela Sheldon Johns features photographs by Andrea Wyner. It is one of those jobs where you just say yes and sort out the details when you get there. In Italy, things move at a different pace. There is no production team per se, just one camera and an old fashioned kitchen. Call it fotografia povera. Cooking like that takes you back to the roots, to the simplicity that has been developed over hundreds of years of tradition. And shooting in an environment like that gets back to the basics – no post-production tweaks to get the sheen of the sauce just right – just some beautiful light, some talented artisans, and the organic moments that just tend to happen, if you let them. Read more over over at Elizabeth Minchilli’s blog and check out the book for a great take on classic Tuscan Cuisine.
Essentiel Pépin
Dans le nouvel edition de Food & Wine, la styliste Hilary Robertson fait vivre des classiques de Jacques Pépin avec le photographe extraordinaire Con Poulos. Crêpe Suzette, Carbonnade à la Flamande, Brandade de Morue au Gratin, et Canard à l’Orange. J’imagine que les recettes sois assez difficile à preparer, mais voila le prix d’excellence. Il faut simplement demander la même chose aux artistes – les images à suivre sont magnifiques et et tout à fait délicieux!




















































































































































































































































































