Model family fighting the chill.

I’m often asked a) if I like my job and b) what do I do exactly. I can easily answer the first with a simple “absolutely” and it’s usually followed up with the “did you go to school for that?” question. I did, in fact, attend college for Journalism and I am certainly fortunate to put that degree to good use. Question b) is rather difficult as my position is somewhat flexible and my job description is open-ended. My boss, Lisa, likes to call it the little asterisk at the bottom of the page that reads “Editor reserves the right to add or delete duties as necessary.”

One of my first photo shoots at the Society of the Arts (SOTA) designer home in our May 2008 issue had me frantically driving to Home Dept for nails with our then editorial intern Nichole Moroz because we realized we had to hang drop cloths but forgot to bring something to hang them with. For our Hot Issue (August 2008), I juggled dog-sitting my mini dachshund, Winston, who was “modeling” in one of the shots, crouching against the wall with dog treats to lure Winston over; and running up and down stairs for tape, bobby pins, scissors, etc. among other responsibilities. You should have seen my “tool belt”; I had tape on my arm, scissors in my back pocket, bobby pins stuck to my shirt. I was prepared.

Now that I have worked on several photo shoots, I have learned to expect anything and everything. I also learned the importance of preplanning so even the slightest detail isn’t overlooked. This Monday’s shoot was no exception.

Becca preparing fruit.

For our June issue, we’re taking readers on a healthy family picnic. Because we have to work so far in advance, the shoot needed to take place in April, but April’s unpredictable weather had us rescheduling and scrambling for the perfect sunny day. Although Monday wasn’t perfect, it was the first sunny and decently warm day so we took advantage. We loaded the cars and headed up to Beltzville State Park for some by-the-lake photos complete with a model family and yummy treats for noshing.

I’d have to say, it was one of the smoothest shoots I’ve ever worked. Despite the chilly wind and overcast skies, we got what we needed in about three hours. Not too shabby! Plus, we enjoyed the fruits of our labor by taste testing the picnic foods. You’ll have to wait until the June issue to see it; this is just your sneak peek. But you won’t want to miss this tasty picnic menu plan complete with recipes, lake views, and beautiful linens from La Petite Provence in Bethlehem. What a great way to spend a summer day with your family.