• Behind the Scenes: The July Issue, Creative Knitting Magazine
• Debbie Macomber Launches Second Annual Knit1, Bless2
• Lion Brand Yarn Studio Tour
• Book Review: Simply Circular

Behind the Scenes: The July Issue, Creative Knitting Magazine

We thought you might like to get a glimpse of what goes on during a typical day at Creative Knitting magazine. At the end of February, we went on location for the July 2011 photo shoot. Over the past few issues, we have had our photographers shooting models simultaneously in different locations to maximize our time spent on location. This efficiency means a lot of running around, and it certainly keeps us on our toes!

When it comes to working on the magazine, the photo shoot is the most dynamic part of the process because it's during this time that the magazine comes to life. I'm constantly inspired when I observe our photographers setting up the shot so carefully, making sure that the composition and lighting are just right. Our freelance photographer Matt Bowen started working with Creative Knitting magazine a few months ago, and his eye for design and composition is impeccable. In the shot below, you may wonder why Matt is on the floor. In his quirky way, he may tell you he's multitasking by trying to fit in a little nap between shots, but in reality, he's a true artist at work. In the shot below, Matt found a way to create the illusion that the glass behind the model appears like sheets of blue water, all without a sign of an outside streetlight or a car in sight!

At each photo shoot, my goal is to remain open-minded because I never know what new ideas will emerge once the artistic process is set in motion. I often find that new ideas come to mind when I see the model wear the garment for the first time. In many instances, I might see things I just couldn't see before. Up to this point, my time was spent reviewing the garments from a technical point of view: studying stitch patterns, matching to a schematic or perhaps taking note of unusual shaping elements.

The day usually starts pretty early since we can successfully shoot about 15 to 20 projects, which means we've got to hustle to keep things moving. The day begins with our talented makeup artist, Amy Ish, who works wonders with hair and makeup. Then, our talented photo stylists, who I fondly refer to as "the Tammies," Tammy Liechty and Tammy Steiner, handle the logistics of the day. They are the queens of multitasking and pull each shoot off without a hitch. Then, of course, we have our gifted photographers, Matt Owen, and add on "B," and you've got Matt Bowen. If it weren't for these two guys, we wouldn't have as much fun as we do. They supply all the silly jokes that keep us constantly laughing throughout the day.

In the shot above, we ventured to the botanical gardens in Ft. Wayne, Ind., where photographer Matt Owen found just a perfect spot to shoot model Misti Riddle. Matt has such a knack for finding just the right setting and taking shots at just the right angle. The balmy tropical garden was like having our own little piece of Florida right here in chilly Indiana.

The next time you flip through the pages of Creative Knitting magazine remember that it takes the effort of a team of fun and talented people to keep readers inspired to keep turning each page with anticipation!