Lifestyle Shoot: The Woodstock Retreat
Come behind this scenes on this lifestyle shoot with Shelter Upstate.
Winona and I had shot this beautiful Woodstock property back in January of this year, and the owner contacted us in the Spring saying that she would like some updated exterior pictures. As it was winter when we had originally shot the exteriors it was snowy and the trees had no foliage. It looked beautiful but bare. We decided to reshoot the exteriors in the spring when the grass and foliage had come in and really showcase everything the property has to offer. We get very distinct and dramatic seasons here in the Catskills and it is not uncommon to reshoot exteriors seasonally to show a home in all four seasons.
As this is a short term rental the goal was to show all the ways the property could be enjoyed and to include guest models. The Woodstock Retreat has two separate one bedroom properties and is mostly rented by couples, so I searched for and hired four models to be our couples. We created a shot list of the areas we wanted to capture - the yoga deck, the fire pit, the hammock, the hot tub and the grill on the back deck, and asked our models to bring several changes of clothes.
The Yoga Deck
As there are yoga mats available to guests here and there is a large platform towards the back of the Woodstock Retreat, I created a relaxing yoga class with mats, pillows and of course our models. Having been a yoga teacher in a past life, I used the opportunity to lead our models through a short yoga class while Winona took photos.
After the yoga class, we had our models change clothes and move over to the hammock, fire pit and hot tub. The models then took turns relaxing in the hammock with drinks, roasted marshmallows by the fire pit and lounged in the hot tub. Not a bad afternoon!
The Back Deck
The deck outside the main house kitchen has a sweet little table and chairs which I used to create a summer drinks scene.
There are so many outdoor spaces to enjoy here and we wanted to capture them all. For props I used items that were already at the property (the owner has a shed full of furnishings), as well as props from my personal collection.
The Hot Tub
Our models enjoying the cedar hot tub. Luckily for us one of our models is a fashion designer and has her own swimwear line called Art Butt. I highly recommend her very flattering and comfortable suits. I own one myself. This beautiful handmade cedar barrel hot tub is made by Hudson Hot Tubs who are based in Tivoli.
Styling snacks.
The Property
A pulled back shot showing the hammock, fire pit, and deck with our models grilling and hanging out in towels enjoying some snacks post dipping in the hot tub.
The Grilling Scene
All the colors of summer are represented in these styled vignettes. Prior to the shoot I purchased the food and drink for us to style and photograph, and for the models to enjoy.
Photo Refresh Complete
New spring exterior photos showing the property in all its glory.
Photos by Winona Barton Ballentine, Words & Styling by Venetia Boucher