Taking Scottish textiles to the French provence: why photographing silk scarves in the lavender fields is the best experience EVER.
Firstly, let me take you back to earlier this year:March 12th: Photoshoot dayLocation Edinburgh city - Leith docks to be exactTemperature 7 degrees.Weather: Windy. Cold. Scattered showers.Overall wellbeing: shivering, teeth chattering, silk scarves not looking so summery!Flash idea:"Wouldn't it be great if we could do our photoshoot abroad..."And that's pretty much how our trip to France came about. A spur of the moment idea to bring my Mairi Helena silks scarf to Provence.A notion, a whimsical idea, a moment of madness. Because that's what life is all about isn't it...live in the moment and jump on a jet plane! Go with the flow and think about it afterwards! Something like that anyway.So with our suitcases packed full to the brim, we set off with Pinterest inspiration board in hand, laden with our silk scarves, tote bags and colour picked summer wardrobe.
photographing in france
And it pretty much went like this:Ryanair Flight Edinburgh to MarseilleLand in France. Temperature 35 degrees. Blue skies. Bingo.Rental Hyundai sorted. Drive straight to the Luberon.And make a beeline for the lavender fields. Verdict: glorious.
lavender fields french provence
Capturing photos in the French lavender fields is a textile photographers dream. It's pleasantly warm for a start. For one thing, you can photograph in a skirt and vest top and feel super slick. No wellies and puffa jacket on this photoshoot! The scent of lavender fills the air and seems to automatically takes away any photographic stress. The noise of crickets humming away in the background just adds to the exotic experience. The purple lavender heads, bursting with colour create an amazing blankety haze of bright violet to photograph against. The silk scarves easily float in the breeze and the printed silk designs pop against the blue skies.
lavender fields france photographing silk scarves
And what's more, by escaping to the country, there's very few people around to photo bomb your image. We did come across one couple amongst the lavender fields (I'm sure much to their dismay!) as next minute the guy was down on one knee, a shriek of excitement followed and BAM! We witnessed a wedding proposal! At least we were there to take their photo of course...Photographing our Silk ScarvesSo we photographed our Mairi Helena pink thistle and blue thistle silk scarves in the hazy lavender fields and accessorised with the green thistle and pink thistle velvet tote bags.
mairi helena silk scarves
We also had a chance to explore the picturesque villages of Bonneiux, Loumeriun, Menerbes and Lacose...and enjoy the fine French cuisine! An additional bonus.
luberon france fashion and clothing shops
photographing french cuisine
mairi helena pheasant silk scarf scotland
puffin make up bag
scottish designer puffin silk scarf
There's something about Provence....it's magical, relaxing, authentic, pleasing, picturesque, beautiful.
photographing silk scarf collection mairi helena
french holidays in the luberon lavender fields
Some lavender tips:Recommend time to go to see the lavender fields at their peak: early JulyRecommended lavender cuisine: lavender ice cream and lavender honey!Recommended place to stay: Le Clos Les EydinsRecommended place to eat in Bonnieux: L'Arome Restaurant
eating out in Bonnieux france
In summary: Whimsical notions - yes, I can confirm they're the best.A huge thank you to Richard and Jenni for being their truly amazing selves, what a team! And to the lovely Amanda, our friend in Provence who's kindness and hospitality is hugely appreciated - you're one in a million :-) !
photography trip mairi helena to capture silk scarf collection
photographing in the lavender fields
If you'd like to check out the full Mairi Helena silk scarf collection and accessories, then head over to the Mairi Helena shop to take a browse!I hope you enjoy!
mairi helena in france
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