In further preparation for the launch of the Elephant Heart website, I am organizing a final photo shoot to showcase and brand the Elephant Heart line of jewelry.

I am working with photographer Peter Bohler to conceptualize, design, direct and finally capture the look and feel of Elephant Heart jewelry in still image.

I decided on a Malibu beach location to both accentuate the relaxed feel and casual elegance of the jewelry as well to emphasize the meeting of sea and desert that inspires so many of the pieces in the collection.

Last week Pete and I scouted the location to make sure we shared the same vision of the site.  Pete brought his camera and some reflectors to examine the light, since we decided that using natural light would be the best fit for the project.  I stood in as a model, more of a place holder, so we could later imagine the way a professional model would interact with the landscape.

Organizing a photo shoot takes a lot of time and creative problem solving.  The beach I chose is in a remote location with a steep set of stairs serving as the only access point.  Pete and I discussed all sorts of options for the models to change from one outfit to another during the day of shooting.  A motorhome, which is usually used on big fashion shoots, seemed excessive.  We briefly had thought about renting a U-Haul truck or a large van to serve as both an equipment storage space and a changing room, but abandoned that quickly as being a little too rustic and still up a flight of stairs.  We finally settled on a large tent that the models would be able to stand up in, have some privacy and still be right on the beach!

When my job takes me to the beach on a beautiful and unseasonably warm day in the middle of winter, I can’t help but smile and feel like a very lucky lady indeed.