Beauty Among The Teas

When a small group of photographers recently descended upon a local tea shop, it was vendor beware.

The salesperson at Cochrane’s “Tea and Other Things” couldn’t have contemplated the imminent invasion upon granting her meek consent. She was overwhelmed. A lovely model and her lens toting entourage rearranged the furniture, rebuilt the product showcase and attempted to replace tea with beauty (well, tea can be beautiful too). The saying, “anything for the shot” could wreak havoc when this group landed, bag and baggage (photographers never travel lightly), on a quiet, little haven of lifted pinky and afternoon dainties.

Warning to all teashop owners; wish for a bull instead of photographers once they commence painting this canvas. Posing and directing requires concentration. Getting the right composition menas hitting the floor, climbing on furniture, and, heaven forbid, backing up without looking. Wary owners have to hold their ground once the visionary photographer has a “concept” for a winner. Grab the Samovar, all hands on deck as the cameras move between dainty cups and saucers or tea travel mugs. The photographers are on the scene and, no holds barred, where there is a pretty lady and a magic box, passion rules over china. Model mayhem has a whole new meaning when teapots and their aromatic infusions are the background. Be forewarned, they whisk out as quickly as they descend upon your premises, leaving a trail of promised images and future tea purchases in their wake.

Kudos to Tea and Other Things, Cochrane for opening their door to Laura Phaneuf (model), Greg Harder and Lisa Pintaric and myself, who actually only left the possibility of destruction behind.

Reflecting In A Tea Shop

Beauty Among The Teas

Portrait Photography In A Small Town