SALLY BJORNSEN REPRESENTS

Global Warming Cannot Stop this Creative Team

2019-03-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

Last month I had the pleasure of traveling with stylist Molly Hurd and photographer George Barberis to Joshua Tree where we were planning a gorgeous test shoot. Molly and George had been wanting to work together for a long time and finally, the stars aligned. Normally, I don’t travel on shoots—though I wish I did more often. I was happy to leave my office and Seattle’s record-breaking “snowmageddon” for a warmer climate.

With the mood boards completed, shot lists outlined and spring wardrobes packed, we headed south to Palm Springs. We arrived in the desert city under cloudy skies and light sprinkles. Given the northwest winter chill we’d left behind, Palm Springs’ 60 degrees and a light mist seemed balmy.

On our prep day, we woke to cloudy skies and more intermittent rain showers. Unfazed, we gathered props at some of the country’s most interesting furniture and vintage home décor stores. In the evening, we were joined by Molly’s niece, Instagram star & painter/illustrator Ashley Mary, who had flown in from Minneapolis to paint a mural for Palm Springs Modernism Week. Ashley informed us that she had heard a “flash flood” was on the way. As rain aficionados, we laughed and shook the weather warning off.

The next day, we headed east to Joshua Tree under bruised blue skies and skittering tumbleweeds. Once on location, we quickly surmised that there would be no outdoor shooting if the torrential downpour hit. By midnight the storm had arrived, and we found ourselves in the midst of a true flash flood that made a Seattle rainstorm look like child's play. It rained non-stop for 24-hours and then some. As it turns out, our shoot day will be remembered as one of the wettest days in 76 years in Palm Springs. The city officially received 3.69 inches of rainfall in 24-hours.

Climate change is real, but that does not keep Molly and George from creating amazing images, no matter the weather. To see more from Molly and George, be sure to visit www.sallyreps.com.

Portrait Photographer Ken Dundas Shares His Powerful Women Series

2019-03-15T08:51:00.002-07:00

-->

Today we're featuring renown Scottish-born, Seattle-based portrait photographer Ken Dundas and his Powerful Women Series. This series of images feature women of varied ages from a multitude of backgrounds and countries. As a portrait photographer, Dundas has been photographing celebrities and real people for over 20 years. His unique position as a photographer enables him to stay separate as an observer, and at the same time, deeply connect with his subjects. Here are a few things he's learned over the years in his own words:

On Photographing Women

In my experience, while few women I’ve worked with, or people for that matter, want to appear gritty, they do want to appear confident, grounded and have a sense of beauty reflected. I work to draw out an emotional connection and capture that in my portraits.

On What Makes a Successful Portrait

I love working with women from all walks of life. The amazingly talented British actress, Dame Emma Thompson, was one of my favorites. She was strong, confident and knew exactly what she was going to do in the picture. Her natural charm and intelligence shows through. The shoot was quick and professional, while still being engaging.

Katie Leung from the Harry Potter films was another favorite. This shoot was quite different because I was able to invest more time. It was about building trust. When time allows, I like to have a conversation with my subjects, and as Katie and I talked, I tried to capture her emotions. My hope is that when people see this portrait, they get a sense of Katie’s vulnerability while lost in thought.

Katarina Bartholomew is my wife’s niece. Hers is one image from a portrait series I took of the whole family (including the dog) just before the children were getting on the school bus. We can see Katarina’s strong sense of confidence shine through. I love her self-assurance, the viewer can see that she’s very much wrapped up in her own sense of style.

To see more amazing portraits from Ken Dundas, visit www.sallyreps.com or www.kkdundas.com.

Three Easy Ways to Welcome Spring From Food and Prop Stylist Rachel Grunig

2019-03-06T07:56:00.001-08:00

Spring is almost here and with it another chance to refresh our menu and home. Who better to tap for spring styling tips than food and prop stylist Rachel Grunig! This winter, Rachel has been busy styling yummy eats and beautiful tabletops for clients like PCC and ChefSteps, but she took a moment to share some easy and inexpensive ways to welcome spring.

What do you most look forward to in the coming months?

The first thing I notice about spring is the change in light. Slowly but surely, sunset gets later and later, and I find myself happily surprised when it’s still light out at 6pm. I have a lot of houseplants, and they definitely react to the increase in light and start to grow a bit more and seem happier. It's a lovely reminder that the weather is warming up.

How do you plan on styling for spring this year?

For styling, I find that I'm drawn to all things light and bright. I love all the shades that emerge after the gray winter, particularly in all of the budding trees. There’s an amazing star magnolia on my street that has flowers with an incredible range of cream, pale yellow and barely green. I love taking walks around my neighborhood to see what trees are starting to bloom.

One quick way to bring spring inside is to snap off a small tree branch on a walk.

A second easy and inexpensive way is to give your space a good spring cleaning. The change in seasons motivates me to take a good look at everything that’s accumulated over the winter and pare down so that my space feels roomy and open to new things.

How do you plan to celebrate spring with your menu choices?

As far as food goes, I’m definitely ready to shake things up! After a winter of bolognese and roasts I feel inspired to eat obscene amounts of vegetables. I love the fresh, tender produce that comes with spring. Ramps are one of my favorites and are extra special because they’re only available for such a short time. I like to hit the farmer’s market on the weekends and get whatever looks best. My husband Josh has close relationships with a lot of the farmer’s market vendors in Seattle because he sources local produce for the bakery and also has a booth at a few farmer’s markets - which means that he gets an inside line on what great produce is coming. We end up making huge jumbles of vegetables tossed in any sort of vinaigrette (Meyer lemon is my favorite) that, if we’re lucky, our children will also eat.

To see what Rachel's been up to lately visit us at www.sallyreps.com.

#foodstylist #photostylist #foodphotography

Photographer Sarah Flotard Gives New Tillamook Recipes Some Cheesy Goodness

2019-02-28T16:46:00.001-08:00

Food photographer Sarah Flotard recently wrapped a shoot for Tillamook featuring recipes developed by powerhouse Portland chef Sarah Schafer for the Creamery - Tillamook's onsite eatery - and the rebranding of Tillamook's website. Teaming up with food and prop stylist Callie Meyer, Flotard captured four cheesy recipes from the new menu including beer mac and cheese and a Cubano sandwich.

As you can see from the final images, their chemistry was an asset: "We wanted to show the very best version of these recipes, while still making them attainable for the consumer. Working in tandem and so closely with your food stylist is really important with cheese melts or pulls because you have just that one delicious, sexy moment of perfectly melted cheese."

If you're looking for a fresh take on an old favorite, here's Schafer's recipe for classic Tillamook grilled cheese!

INGREDIENTS
8 slices of fresh white bread
16 slices Tillamook Sharp Cheddar Cheese
4 oz softened Tillamook Unsalted Butter

TOOLS
Cookie sheet pan
Cutting board
Sauté pan

HOW TO

Heat oven to 300° F. Place a cookie sheet pan in the oven.
Place 4 slices of bread on a cutting board place 4 slices of cheese on each slice of bread.
Cover with the other slice of bread. Spread softened butter on top and bottom finished sandwich with pastry brush or butter knife.
Heat a Sauté pan on the stove on medium heat. Place each sandwich in sauté pan and toast evenly on each side. Then place one by one in the oven on the cookie sheet till they are all melted.
ENJOY

Check out Sarah's latest at www.sallyreps.com.

Lifestyle and Fashion Photographer Elke Van De Velde Joins Sally Reps

2019-02-07T09:19:00.001-08:00

We are happy to kick off the new year by announcing an exciting collaboration with lifestyle and fashion photographer Elke Van De Velde. Elke has experience working with brands such as Nike, Tommy Bahama, Amazon and Nordstrom. Her work has been published in Milk Magazine and Babiekins among many others. Born in Antwerp, Belgium and trained as a photographer in Brussels, Elke’s aesthetic is clean and pure. She strives to meld a fresh perspective with classical elements in all of her images. We sat down with Elke to learn a little more about what drives her art and work.

Q. What are you looking forward to in joining the Sally Reps Roster?

A. I'm looking forward to expanding my client base with Sally Reps. Sally's eye and expertise will be invaluable in helping me to showcase my best work and grow in this industry.

Q. How would you describe your work these days? What inspires you to create?

A. Movement and excitement are what I love capturing. I am addicted to my work. I’m constantly inspired by colors and visions of what I want to create. I shoot from a variety of angles and push the limits to tell beautiful stories full of energy.

Q. Do you have a recent shoot that got you pretty excited? If so, please explain.

A. I just shot an editorial for a kids fashion magazine at a beautiful location in Laguna Beach. All the good natural elements were there. Getting a slight sunburn in January (yes I’m awfully pale) got me fully energized to brave the gray Seattle weather again.

Q. What is your preference to shoot on location or in studio? Is there a difference?

A. I truly enjoy both. Location and studio are very different from one another. Living in Seattle, the weather doesn’t always cooperate, so I've been provided with a lot of studio opportunities. Studio is definitely a more predictable and controlled environment.

I love shooting on location because I can move and be free to gain different angles and perspectives. Location is definitely more physical than studio. The constant changes in the elements of light and wind keeps me on my toes and help to create a spontaneity in my images that I enjoy.

Q. What is your idea of the perfect team on a shoot?

A. Collaboration is key! The perfect team is one that complements one another. Sharing ideas, utilizing everyone’s talents and feeling the positive energy of team members always creates better imagery.

To learn more about Elke and see her portfolios please visit www.sallyreps.com.

Bye, Bye Gray! Three Easy Ways to Introduce Jewel Tone Colors to Your Home Décor

2019-01-29T08:09:00.001-08:00

With every new year, we're excited to usher in fresh interior trends and say goodbye to a few. As always, a major part of what's trending is driven by the changing color landscape. In 2019, we're finally seeing a move away from the Scandinavian neutral palettes that have been so dominant in home décor. Designers, stylists and interior photographers are featuring deeper, darker jewel tones.

According to Pantone's Lifestyle Color projections, these rich hues fulfill our desire to nest using "rich, saturated shades." Doubling down on color, the online marketplace curator 1st Dibs completed their annual poll of the world's top designers and the results are in: designers and their clients want color—"warmer, brighter jewel tones."

So how do you incorporate bold color into your interior?

Work with a tight color palette of complementary color families—think Pantone color of the year Living Coral set off by bold blues or vivid greens. Start small in a bed or bathroom to get comfortable with color.

Avoid awkward transitions by maintaining the color palette in adjoining rooms. Colorful accents in one room can become giant swathes of background color in the next. Bright and eclectic accents like Murano glass or Boucherouite rugs can also be a fun way to play with color.

Richly colored, and if your budget allows, custom furniture in sumptuous velvet or buttery leather adds luxurious warmth to any room.

Don’t be afraid to dive in! For ideas, see more from our interior stylists and photographers at www.sallyreps.com. #jeweltones #decoratewithcolor #interiorphotography

A Beautiful Bed May Be the Secret to the Year of Big Sleep

2019-01-28T14:40:00.001-08:00

Forget fitness, 2019 is the year of the big sleep. Studies show that a good night's rest can lead to a long list of health benefits; no wonder getting more shut-eye is at the top of resolution lists for many people. So, what does it take to achieve some solid sleep? At Sally Bjornsen Represents, we believe it's all about creating a calm, clutter-free environment that is conducive to sleep. Naturally, that includes a beautiful bed.

And, it just so happens that several of our clients are all about the bed, e.g. Pottery Barn Bed & Bath, Coyuchi, Crate & Barrel, Nordstrom Home, Wayfair, The Company Store and many others. You could say we know our way around a comfortable and beautiful bed. In fact, Allie Hsiao, stylist extraordinaire shows off her handiwork in a recent video for The Company Store (see below).

Today we’re celebrating the talented interior photographers and photo stylists who have elevated the bedroom in their recent work. So, whether you are tidying up in the new year #KonMarie style or prefer to celebrate the art of clutter, we’re certain you’ll agree these gorgeous bedrooms leave us all feeling a little less stressed. Now go forth and sleep tight!

To Your Health! Sarah Flotard Photographs for Our Favorite Local Grocer, PCC

2019-01-09T14:18:00.002-08:00

Like most people, we’re looking forward to healthier living in 2019 and that means eating healthier! So, we’re really excited that our amazing local grocer, PCC Markets, is offering new classes that explore cooking for better health, in addition to providing instruction on culinary techniques and global cuisine. Really, who doesn't want to harness the power of food to cool inflammation or age gracefully?

To help roll-out their winter class series and seasonal campaign, PCC tapped food and lifestyle photographer, Sarah Flotard. Sarah, who is known for her work with renown chef, Tom Douglas and coffee giant, Starbucks, shot the new imagery highlighting PCC’s gorgeous, local ingredients and fabulous culinary experts. We’re all excited for what the local grocer has to offer.

To learn more about upcoming classes, click here. To see more of Sarah's work, visit www.sallyreps.com.

#foodphotography #sarahflotardphotography #healthydiet

Photographer George Barberis Brings the Bling for Fail Jewelry

2018-12-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays, commercial photographer George Barberis wrapped a stunning photoshoot of our favorite contemporary, Austin jewelry brand, Fail. The images feature Epic Fail – the grander and bling-ier older sister of Fail jewelry. The line offers a refined, alternative look made from 14k gold and diamonds.

For the Epic photoshoot, Barberis and Fail founder, Christine Fail, brainstormed ways to bring in color and texture. “We wanted to introduce an element of glamour into Fail’s campaign,” says Barberis.
It's no surprise, many high-end designers look to George for his unique vision and inspiring reflections of their gorgeous creations.

To see more, visit www.sallyreps.com or www.georgebarberis.com.

Interior Photographer R. Brad Knipstein Appreciates All the Angles

2018-12-05T08:30:00.001-08:00

For their December issue cover feature, shelter title Luxe Interiors + Design sought out acclaimed interior photographer R. Brad Knipstein to highlight the storied home of San Francisco interior designer Arthur McLaughlin and his partner Steven Stiller. It’s interesting to note that Knipstein shot Luxe’s debut edition in the San Francisco Market back in 2014.

The historic Beaux Arts-style condominium, with views of Grace Cathedral, was built by business magnate Adolph Spreckles for his mistress at the turn of the century. To soften to the wood interior, Knipstein and the Luxe team worked to create focal points of light and color.

“We wanted the space to look expansive and showcase the curated collection of contemporary artwork and décor,” says Knipstein. As always, Knipstein introduced some new and interesting angles to the shot direction. “I appreciate all of the possibilities, my job is to take any light I can and use it.”

While Knipstein has worked with Arthur McLaughlin & Associates many times before, he was astounded by Stiller’s ability to source props from the home’s amazing collection. “We didn’t work with an outside stylist, so Steven’s ability to find the perfect prop from the couple’s amazing and extensive collection was brilliant. There’s a museum quality to the space. It’s highly curated. ”

To see more of Brad Knipstein’s amazing interior work, visit www.sallyreps.com or www.knipstein.com.

Nordstrom and Tom Douglas Join Forces with a New Restaurant, Photographed by Sarah Flotard

2018-11-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

How do you tell the story of an exciting collaboration between an iconic heritage brand and award-winning chef? Invite food and lifestyle photographer Sarah Flotard to shoot a sexy, editorial photo series in the vibrant new space and enlist photo retoucher Jon Birdseye to help with the project.

This fall, Tom Douglas and Nordstrom teamed up to launch a full-service restaurant called Jeannie's in Las Vegas. Over the past eight years, Flotard has partnered with Douglas on various commercial photography projects from the Dahlia Lounge to Serious Pie.

For Jeannie’s, Flotard wanted to try something different. “While we wanted to shoot delicious food, we weren’t going for a 'Bon Appetit' look. I thought editorial images would introduce the element of fashion and a fun, sexy, party atmosphere to tell the story. The idea was to make a connection between the food and the space.”

Shot in Seattle and Las Vegas, Douglas’ chefs pulled together the food styling while Amy Richardson and Nordstrom stylists worked together to imagine props and wardrobe. Flotard’s resulting art photography will adorn the walls of Jeannie’s and complement the gorgeous Graham Baba design.

To see more from Sarah Flotard, visit www.sallyreps.com.

Stylist Allegra Hsiao Keeps the Thanksgiving Table Looking Its Best

2018-11-20T08:35:00.001-08:00

San Francisco-based food and prop stylist Allegra Hsiao is often recruited by family and friends to decorate the Thanksgiving table. She typically finds the biggest challenges to overcome are constraints on time and resources. "One is usually presented with tacky leftover Thanksgiving decor that has been stored in a closet since the '80s."

After many years styling tabletops for trendsetting clients like Crate & Barrel and Williams Sonoma, Allie has come up with a few sure-fire ways to keep Thanksgiving dinner looking its best. Here are Allie's tips to liven up your holiday table:

1. Grab your clippers, go outside and forage! Take advantage of the changing leaves and snip off a fresh branch from that gorgeous red Japanese maple in the front yard. Most everyone has at least one tall vase to display it in, and if you don't, a freshly cut branch will last at least a day out of water. Just lay the branch on the table and display your food in an organic pattern through its meandering shape.

2. Work in 3D and build up your buffet. Use risers of varying heights (small wooden stumps or cake stands) to present your dishes. Not only does added dimension make more room on the table for all of your dishes, it makes the table much more visually compelling.

3. Use food as decor! Thanksgiving dishes tend to be brown–turkey, potatoes, stuffing and bread. Light your table up with some color. It can be as simple as adding an herbal garnish or assembling some bright, creative dishes. Use ingredients like pomegranate, persimmon, beets, radishes, tatsoi greens or red chard.

For more Thanksgiving inspiration, visit Allie's image portfolio at www.sallyreps.com.

#thanksgiving #tabletop #foodstylist

How To Make the Perfect Thanksgiving Pie

2018-11-15T08:40:00.000-08:00

While we typically think turkey when it comes to Thanksgiving, Seattle-based food stylist Rachel Grunig has always found her creative outlet in baking. And, this year, Grunig is seeing a big resurgence in fancy crusts.

“There’s just so much you can do with pie dough, decorative crimping and latticework to make a pie look really special. I love pumpkin, pecan and apple pies for Thanksgiving," says Grunig. "I always egg wash my crust so that it’s nicely golden brown and I usually add a sprinkle of raw sugar for texture. If you have the skills or motivation to make a fancy crust, go for it!”

For inspiration, Grunig recommends a look at @lokokitchen’s Instagram feed for their amazing pie dough sculpture. However, she's quick to admit there’s an easier route to a delicious holiday dessert.

“I love crumbles! They’re delicious, easy to make and the flavor can be tweaked in so many ways. I would definitely make an apple crumble for Thanksgiving. Honestly, anything goes as long as what you’re making tastes good.”

To see Rachel’s gorgeous food styling, visit www.sallyreps.com.

Ken Dundas' Photography Honors Those Who Served in Vietnam

2018-11-12T07:37:00.002-08:00

Veteran’s Day 2018 marks the centennial commemoration of the end of World War I. It’s a great opportunity to honor those who have fought and died for our Country. Today we pay tribute to those who’ve served by sharing a personal project from portrait photographer Ken Dundas. Dundas' moving body of work features a handful of aging Vietnam vets in their homes in rural East Pennsylvania.

Well known for his visual anthropological reporting, Dundas felt it was important to show the veterans in their home environments. “My father-in-law and his buddies have colorful stories to tell. Their bond is tight given their common experience in Vietnam. I felt it was important to document their lives.”

Earlier this year Dundas travelled to central Washington state to photograph modern cowboys. “I enjoy photographing real people doing what they do. It’s much more interesting to me to show the world how real people live their lives than shooting people pretending to be something,” says Dundas.

To see more from Ken online, visit www.kkdundas.com.

Photographer Sarah Flotard Shares a Fresh Take on Thanksgiving Dinner

2018-11-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

Turkey, stuffing, mash potatoes, green beans–food and lifestyle photographer Sarah Flotardknows that shooting Thanksgiving dishes can be a challenge because this dinner is so familiar. Flotard, who's shot campaigns for major food brands like Starbucks and La Brea Bakery, had some fresh ideas for making traditional dishes look new when she shot for PCC Community Markets this season.

"The team put some thought into what we could do to make the food (and, what might appear to be a lot of brown dishes) look aspirational. We decided incorporating shots of PCC's amazingly fresh ingredients alongside their corresponding dishes would do the trick. Side by side, the images came out beautifully and tell a more complete story of the care and attention that goes into making some old favorites." says Flotard.

To see more of Flotard's mouth-watering images, visit www.sallyreps.com.

A Personal Project From Photographer Sarah Flotard: The Artist's Studio

2018-10-29T13:14:00.002-07:00

Today we're featuring a personal project from Seattle-based food and lifestyle photographer Sarah Flotard. While many of Sarah's photos capture some of the countries hippest eateries along with the gorgeous food they serve, this project tells a very different story with the same curiosity and wonder.

Artist's Statement by Sarah Flotard:

Every time I head the the east coast to visit my mother in New Jersey, I visit Andrew Lukach’s home studio, nestled in my mom’s backyard. Andrew was my mother’s husband, a dear friend and an abstract expressionist painter who taught for many years at the Art Students League of New York. His work has been exhibited at the New York Metropolitan Museum, The Library of Congress and is held in many private collections.

Andrew passed away almost a decade ago, but his studio remains very much the same. My mom, other than doing a bit of housekeeping, essentially closed the doors and left things as he had left them. It’s truly an artist's time capsule. I open drawers and peek in cabinets and never know what I’m going to find. I love the brushes, the spider webs and of course the paintings I uncover by Andrew or other works given to him over his tenure by has peers and his students.

Andrew was an artist in the truest sense of the word. He could make anything, repair anything, teach anyone who had a willingness to learn. His studio—originally a chicken coop built in the late 1800’s that he expanded behind his home — reflects that creativity. This was a man that would go to any garage sale on any given weekend and find the one special thing there. He repurposed his studio’s leaded glass windows with one’s being thrown out by Metropolitan Museum of Art in the 1970’s. Bobby Kennedy once delivered a speech from the small marble staircase he rescued from a New York tear-down and now lives near a pergola in his yard. Andrew saw the beauty in everything. And he knew how to sit, and be still, and enjoy the things around him. I think that’s what I admire about him most.

After years of visiting the studio, I decided to dedicate time to shoot it over a long weekend. It was very sweet and special to work with my mom, my OG stylist, look though photos, learn more about his his past. I think with personal projects, the work in the end is so rewarding, but even more so is the process getting there.

To view Sarah's complete portfolio visit www.sallyreps.com or www.sarahflotard.com.

California Homes Features Interior Work from Photographer. R. Brad Knipstein

2018-10-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Interior photographer R. Brad Knipstein has a knack for capturing the essence of very real, functional spaces. It's no wonder that dozens of design firms rely on his mastery of composition and light to deliver thoughtful images that convey the aesthetic embodied by their work. This week, we’re excited to share one such project from the October cover story of California Homes Magazine. Knipstein was asked to document a newly remodeled Los Altos Hill’s home for the innovative and award-winning Staprans Design Firm. The home owners and Staprans had a shared vision to create an intelligent and pure aesthetic.

“The home had a very European design sensibility which included an incredible working hearth. We had to work quickly and I picked up immediately on the element of tranquility and attention to detail that went into the design. We were happy when California Homes picked up the images so quickly for publication!” says Knipstein.

To make the most of the space, Knipstein teamed up with interior stylist and longtime collaborator, Rosy Fridman.

The October issue also features Kniptein’s portrait and still life images of craftsman James Stancil and his eclectic atelier in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood.

To see more of Brad’s work, please visit us at www.sallyreps.com.

The #HIREAWOMAN Series Features Wardrobe and Prop Stylist Gretchen Bell

2018-10-09T14:40:00.001-07:00

When Gretchen Bell styles, she’s all about classic silhouettes, the the kind of pieces that she can reach for again and again. Unique accessories and materials—textures and patterns—are at the core of what makes her work stand out. This week, we're continuing our article series exploring the talented women of Sally Reps by talking with Gretchen who’s ready to spill some of her favorite resources and style inspirations.

What is the most exciting and creative place you have recently found for wardrobe or props?

I love hunting for props at thrift stores, especially for retro vases, old books and interesting accessories. I am really excited about some of the pop-up shops around town and at Nordstrom. Seattle has pretty limited resources, so pop up shops are a great way to shop for pieces we don’t normally see. I recently met a great jeweler at Pike’s Market that I am excited to work with.

How much of your propping is influenced by Instagram or other forms of digital media?

Instagram is a huge influence. I am currently obsessed with Marianne Theodorsen for her pattern mixing and use of color. I love street style photos. I also find great inspiration from artists and their use of color and texture.

Do you look to other stylists for inspiration?

I certainly am inspired by other stylists. There is so much great work in the world. It’s always fun to see pieces that I have used in a shoot and then see how another stylist used them in their shoot. Might be a fun experiment someday to have a group of stylists style with the same items!

Are there magazines you go to for creative inspiration?

I have thousands of magazines. Unfortunately, I have very little time to get to them. I love Domino, The NY Times Magazine is always a favorite, and Vogue, obviously. I actually love books more. Grace: Thirty Years of Fashion is a favorite. Grace Coddington is my idol. Her Style by Odile Gilbert is another favorite.

A Dialogue with Luxury Brand Expert Daymon Bruck

2018-10-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

Typically, we spend a lot of time exploring the photographer’s perspective behind projects but today, we are celebrating creative from the client’s point of view. We recently talked with Chief Creative Officer and Founder of The O Group, Daymon Bruck, who collaborated with still life photographer George Barberis on a GC Watch brand campaign. Daymon is one of the top minds in luxury branding, having produced award-winning material for some of the world's most iconic brand-driven clients. We're thrilled to get his take on branding, the creative process and working with George.

How do you think Georges’ photography elevates a brand?

First of all, working with George was fantastic - his technical skills and creative vision resulted in excellent work and we had a blast collaborating. What George does is he takes a basic idea and approach to what we need to capture for a shoot and then takes it many layers above that. The client loved the work and the new imagery George shot made an impressive product even more so with the outstanding quality of his work.

Your agency works with luxury brands like Ferragamo, Hennessey and Piaget. Going into a project, how important is it that the photographer’s body of work reflect the brand?

A photographer’s work can add layers of creativity, expression and polish to a brand, no matter the product. It’s essential to have world-class images that capture a brand’s excellence which is why we only work with the best photographers out there.

How do you decide which photographer will be the best fit for your client?

Each project and client is unique - we tend to work with photographers that have a unique point of view but are flexible and can collaborate well.

As a designer, what experiences led you to luxury branding?

For me, branding comes first … that’s where my passion has been for the past 30 years of my career. As an industry, luxury is extremely interesting because the luxury consumer tends to have heightened awareness for how a brand acts and behaves. For a branding specialist, there tends to be more problems to solve so the projects tend to be more interesting.

How is luxury changing?

This is a HUGE question because luxury as an industry has seen massive changes over the past few decades. The short answer is this: The luxury audience has evolved and the definition for what is considered luxury has evolved with them. (For a more in-depth answer, check out Daymon's article The Top 6 Strategies of New Luxury).

To learn more about Daymon, visit The O Group. To see more from George, visit www.sallyreps.com.

The #HireAWoman Series Features Lifestyle and Wardrobe Stylist Joanne Plana-Anderson

2018-09-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

Rough, refined, spare or feminine, it all seems to come together in images styled by wardrobe and lifestyle stylist Joanne Plana-Anderson. Whether she's on a shoot with tech leaders like Amazon or Microsoft or sportswear giants like Brooks or Nike, Jo enjoys stretching her style muscles to meet the demands of different clients' aesthetics. This week, we're continuing our article series exploring the talented women of Sally Reps by talking with Jo who graciously divulges some of her favorite resources and style inspirations.

What is the most exciting and creative place you have recently found for wardrobe or props?

For wardrobe, I would have to say either thrifting or anything from Frances May in Portland. As for props, I usually try to repurpose the most basic, simplest items (mostly raw) and transform them into something special. These objects often come from either my recycling bin or a trip to Home Depot.

How much of your propping is influenced by Instagram or other forms of digital media?

I think for sure Instagram, blogs and the internet are big influences, but I'm always the most inspired by traveling—even if that means just stepping outside and going for a run or even reading a good book and placing myself in the real world—that is when I feel the most creative!

Do you look to other stylists for inspiration?

Yes and no. I look at some stylists who I feel have a similar type of aesthetic to my own and are on top of their game, but I rarely look at stylists that most people think of when they hear the term (like Kate Young who styles celebrities like Selena Gomez). I can't get much inspiration out of a stylist who is putting a celebrity in a Chanel dress. I do find inspiration in colleagues who approach styling by creating and making. Maybe that means a dress came from someone's grandma's closet or a thrift store, but it looks that much cooler.

Are there magazines you look to for creative inspiration?

Sadly, I don't look at magazines as much as I'd like to and not because I don't want to, but because the accessibility of the internet is so much easier! I do love me some Porter Magazine, Vogue and InStyle to name a few.

To see Jo's portfolio, visit www.sallyreps.com.

Print Proud: Brad Knipstein Photographs New Line of Wall Murals for Minted

2018-09-11T13:30:00.003-07:00

This week for the launch of their unique new wall murals, Minted tapped commercial interior photographer Brad Knipstein to deliver images for its digital and print campaigns. Knipstein, who captures images of some of the hottest design trends (last year, he shot the new de Gournay Showroom in San Francisco for its grand opening), is happy to see more artistic decor options making their way to consumers.

"If you've seen the HBO series Sharp Objects or follow interior design trends, you're aware that contemporary designers and consumers are clamoring for a fresh take on maximalist, layered design elements like wall coverings and fabric. Aspirational designs from de Gournay and the House of Hackney bring the best of both past and present together," says Knipstein. “Minted, whose core is putting art in people's homes, is the perfect company to deliver these abstract and playful wall murals.”

Knipstein collaborated with talented interior stylist Rosy Fridman to wrap two Minted shoots this summer in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood and Calistoga. “The spaces belonging to Minted’s CEO Miriam Naficy were really beautiful and worked easily to show off Minted’s latest offerings,” says Knipstein.

Take a look at Brad's latest interior work at www.sallyreps.com or www.knipstein.com.

The Mythical American Cowboy Photographed by Ken Dundas

2018-09-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, acclaimed Scottish-born commercial and fine art photographer Ken Dundas took to the road to photograph some real-life cowboys at the Omak Rodeo in Omak, Washington. As a Scotsman, Ken's only experience with cowboys came from movies, television and books. As a personal project he wanted to see these American icons up close and capture authentic images of them in pre- and post-rodeo performance. We sat down with Ken to discuss his vision and to find out more about the shoot.

What drew you to the cowboys as a subject matter?

Coming from Scotland, the mythic American cowboy as an icon is completely foreign to me, I found the idea compelling. I wanted see them for myself. My vision was to photograph their portraits on the fly, just as they were about to ride in the rodeo or right after their event. I wanted something that wasn’t polished, no hair and makeup and no styling.

How long did you have with each cowboy?

The actual time taking their picture was between five and 30 seconds, averaging between ten and 20 seconds. I shot between six and 20 frames per portrait.

What was as unique about this shoot?

The shoot itself was one of the hardest I’ve done. It was difficult to light. My initial idea was to have all the images with the exact same background. Unfortunately, this was not possible as the only space I could shoot was directly in the setting sun. I didn't have an assistant and I had a limited amount of equipment. In the end, I had three different lighting setups over the three day period.

I could only find one space that was only partially suitable. I ended up between a pickup truck, a toilet and the bull and horse pen. Add to that unbearable heat (it was 105 the first night), constant dust, flies and an incredibly foul smell of animal dung.

As far as producing the shoot it was all me. The rodeo organizers weren't able to contact the riders in advance, so it was up to me to get them to stand for a portrait. My plan was to stand at the side gate, where the riders would enter or leave the stadium and ask them one by one if they would stand in for a portrait. In the end, the plan worked to my advantage as the cowboys didn’t have time to think through the request, instead they just stood there and had their picture taken just as they were.

Were the cowboys easy to photograph?

The cowboys themselves were easy to photograph, each of them had their own natural stance; no pictures were posed. The only thing they were asked to do was to stand straight in front of me. They were all friendly and polite, even the ones that didn’t want to have their pictures taken.

To see more of Ken's portfolio, click here.

The #HireAWoman Series Features Photo Stylist and Set Designer Lauren Day

2018-08-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

-->

As enterprising as her work is enviable, Seattle-based prop stylist and set designer Lauren Day is known in the industry for her vibrant, approachable style and tireless work ethic. Never one to rest on her laurels, Lauren is constantly exploring aesthetics, collaborating with artists and building what she can't find. She's one of the lucky ones who lives her work and loves every minute. As part of our article series exploring the talented women of Sally Reps, Lauren takes time out to participate in our Q&A.

What is the most exciting and creative place you have recently found for wardrobe or props?

I can’t pick just one so I’ll narrow it down to three local spots worth mentioning:

The Pacific Galleries Antique Mall in SODO is one of my favorite spaces. I can easily spend two to three hours meandering there and I come back again and again for shoots.
Watson Kennedy is another Seattle staple for me. They stock everything from food to personal care items, textiles and housewares. The store does a great job with visual merchandising and is lovely to walk through. I love the special detail they add to all of their items.
The Frye Art Museum Store carries a beautiful collection of carefully selected objects all made by designers from the Pacific NW.

How much of your propping is influenced by Instagram or other forms of digital media?

I can scroll endlessly through my Instagram feed with the best of them, but I don’t feel that aimless sessions necessarily produce much of anything that translates to my work. I find that if I approach Instagram or Pinterest, or other forms of digital media with a question or a problem to solve, I have a much more focused and productive time finding inspiration for my work.

Do you look to other stylists for inspiration?

Yes! I absolutely look to other stylists for inspiration. I also find myself endlessly interested in creatives who work on a large scale creating and building sets. I have a major work crush on Adi Goodrich and Sean Peckhold of Sing-Sing Studio in LA. They make some killer environments.

Are there magazines you look to for creative inspiration?

I don’t pick up magazines very often, but I might grab something like Monocle. I loved the Lucky Peach. I'll also look at The Gentlewoman or Vogue. I tend to prefer looking through design, art and photography books to fuel fresh ideas.

Take a look at Lauren's portfolio here!

No Summer Is Complete Without a Little Rooftop Golfing

2018-08-21T12:53:00.001-07:00

Acclaimed Scottish-born photographer Ken Dundas joined wardrobe and prop stylist Lauren Day to spend a hot day on Portland's Sauvie Island. Naturally, it included bright pops of color and biodegradable golf balls (ecobioballs) with a core of fish food. Only in Portland.

About the creative team:

Photographer Ken Dundas is widely recognized as one of the best photographers in Scotland. Known for his distinctive style of portraiture, Dundas brings an open-minded, international perspective to all of his commercial, artist and celebrity clients.

Creative force Lauren Day brings an innate talent and ease of work to all of her styling projects. Her diverse body of work includes clients like Amazon Kindle, Microsoft, Herman Miller, Cle de Peau Beaute, Ashley Rodriquez, Tom Dixon, Olderbrother, Iacoli and McAllister, Veuve Clicquot to name a few.

To see more from Dundas and Day, visit www.sallyreps.com.

Hire a Woman: Featuring Photo Stylist Rachel Grunig

2018-08-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

When interior, food and prop stylist Rachel Grunig isn't creating things for work, she's making things for fun. Just head over to her Instagram feed to see her daily adventures in styling! From the garden to the kitchen, Rachel is a force on any busy set. At home in Seattle, Rachel jungles two adorable daughters and a delicious family business — Standard Bakery. We caught up with Rachel this week for our article series featuring the awesome women of Sally Reps.

What is the most exciting and creative place you have recently found for wardrobe or props?

I’ve been really into using a lot of botanicals as props lately. My favorite spots for plants right now are Swanson’s Nursery and Seattle Wholesale Grower’s Market. Swanson’s also has a great little gift shop which has some fun options. For tabletop props, I’ve been loving CB2. I’m excited they’re opening a store in University Village soon!

How much of your propping is influenced by Instagram or other forms of digital media?

I look at Instagram for general inspiration and to find interesting artists and makers. In addition to Instagram, I look at Pinterest, and Unsplash for art and color inspiration rather than for specific propping direction. To check out some of Rachel's favorite feeds see below.

Are there magazines you look to for creative inspiration?

Honestly, I haven’t looked at a shelter magazine in a while! I do love Bon Appétit - they’re doing a great hard light look right now that is stunning. I tend to comb through NYT Cooking and Epicurious for recipes and inspiration when I’m shooting food, especially if it’s something new or unfamiliar.

Check out Rachel's Instagram favorites:

@healthyish - food styling/recipes

@chelsealouisekyle - food styling/recipes

@meghanshimek - fiber artist

@odd.flowers - flowers

@generalstore - home goods/decor store

@maraserene - owner of the General Store, artist

@caseformaking - watercolor store

@jgcloutier - potter/artist

@theaestheticunion - letterpress studio

@candkdesign - interior design firm

@lucyattwater - prop stylist

Visit www.sallyreps.com to see Rachel's complete portfolio.

SALLY BJORNSEN REPRESENTS

Global Warming Cannot Stop this Creative Team

Portrait Photographer Ken Dundas Shares His Powerful Women Series

Three Easy Ways to Welcome Spring From Food and Prop Stylist Rachel Grunig

Photographer Sarah Flotard Gives New Tillamook Recipes Some Cheesy Goodness

Lifestyle and Fashion Photographer Elke Van De Velde Joins Sally Reps

Bye, Bye Gray! Three Easy Ways to Introduce Jewel Tone Colors to Your Home Décor

A Beautiful Bed May Be the Secret to the Year of Big Sleep

To Your Health! Sarah Flotard Photographs for Our Favorite Local Grocer, PCC

Photographer George Barberis Brings the Bling for Fail Jewelry

Interior Photographer R. Brad Knipstein Appreciates All the Angles

Nordstrom and Tom Douglas Join Forces with a New Restaurant, Photographed by Sarah Flotard

Stylist Allegra Hsiao Keeps the Thanksgiving Table Looking Its Best

How To Make the Perfect Thanksgiving Pie

Ken Dundas'​ Photography Honors Those Who Served in Vietnam

Photographer Sarah Flotard Shares a Fresh Take on Thanksgiving Dinner

A Personal Project From Photographer Sarah Flotard: The Artist's Studio

California Homes Features Interior Work from Photographer. R. Brad Knipstein

The #HIREAWOMAN Series Features Wardrobe and Prop Stylist Gretchen Bell

A Dialogue with Luxury Brand Expert Daymon Bruck

The #HireAWoman Series Features Lifestyle and Wardrobe Stylist Joanne Plana-Anderson

Print Proud: Brad Knipstein Photographs New Line of Wall Murals for Minted

The Mythical American Cowboy Photographed by Ken Dundas

The #HireAWoman Series Features Photo Stylist and Set Designer Lauren Day

No Summer Is Complete Without a Little Rooftop Golfing

Hire a Woman: Featuring Photo Stylist Rachel Grunig

Ken Dundas' Photography Honors Those Who Served in Vietnam