SHOOTING A BOOK – A DREAM COME TRUE
When I got a phone call early spring last year, I had no idea one of my long-time dreams would be about to come true. The person on the other end was Johanna Kullman, an extraordinary book publisher. She is in charge of the cookbook department at Norstedts Publishing Group AB in Stockholm.
I Got The Question
She asked if I would like to photograph a book together with the ladies at the dessert deli Holy Sweet. Holy Sweet is a small patisserie at Östermalm. Specializing in luxurious cakes and desserts. Catering to weddings, parties and special occasions.
I was over the moon happy and rambled a bit and can’t even remember what I said exactly. Apart from a BIG yes and thank you, totally said thank you a million times over.
Working Together
Linda and Christina are dear friends and I’ve been working with them on many weddings. And nothing could have been more thrilling than shooting a book with them. So at that first meeting, I sat with a big grin on my face and trying to grasp the whole thing. We are doing a BOOK! A real book, that would be available in bookstores throughout the whole of Sweden as well as online. And not any old book, a lush dessert book filled with goodness and amazingness for everyone to enjoy!
In The Middle Of Wedding Season
It was in the middle of my wedding season. But since this was the most exciting and fun assignment I have ever had. I moved around things in my calendar to make it work.
We started planning and shooting in June. And the philosophy behind Holy Sweet is that there are no limits to what a dessert can be – pastries and artwork in one. There is something unique for each and every occasion. Whether it is a wedding, a birthday or an anniversary. But also for the ordinary everyday life that needs a silver lining.
Learning New Things
We had copious amounts of fun when we worked on the book. I laughed so much I cried. I was sweating like a pig and learned a ton on the way. For example. I learned the ins and outs of making a book. Mainly from a photographer’s perspective. It’s not that different from how I shoot weddings, but it’s a pest to wait so long to see the finished product.
I learned what is worth spending extra time on and what’s not that important. Furthermore, I realized that I can do better, always. Now I know that it’s okay to put your foot down and say no if something doesn’t look right. If you put your heart into it and do things with fierce passion, you can achieve almost anything.
You Can Do It Too!
Okay, I will never run a marathon, but not because I don’t want to, for those of you who don’t know, I have no legs. But, I have learned that even if you have disabilities you can do whatever you want. Well, almost, u just trust your gut and roll with it.
I won’t bore you anymore with details about my life but I want to take the opportunity to say thank you again. To Johanna, Linda and Christina who trusted me with this project, I am forever in your debt.
Photographed on Kodak Portra Film
This book could not have been made without the Kodak Portra film. All pictures are photographed on Kodak Portra 160, 400 and 800. Since I promised a little behind the scenes photos… Here are a few pictures of me shooting. Courtesy Christina Kokkalis and Linda Nielsen-Wermeling.
The Holy Sweet book is an inspiration bomb filled with recipes and lots of practical tips. How to make world-class macarons or optimize flavor combinations. How about or creating dessert tables based on different themes. Get it and you will love it! To life, love and Holy Sweet! xo / Isabelle
Isabelle, you take my breath away!! These images are so unbelievably gorgeous!!! You’ve done a most amazing job and can be very very very proud of yourself!! I really want to hop in the kitchen and start baking when I look at them!! Big compliments also to the amazing baker-ladies! Yummyness extraordinaire!!
Congrats Isabelle, the images look fantastic, really stunning.
Beyond marvellous. The photographs are incredibly beautiful. I am so very happy for you and full of admiration that you follow your dreams and make them come true! xxx
So amazing and inspiring Isabelle…you blow me away not just with your talent for creating beautiful images, but with your passionate attitude to life. I’m so very happy for you! xxx
Du är så himla duktig & bilderna är fantastiska!!!
Beautiful photography.
The images are simply amazing! Congrats 🙂
Fantastiska bilder och en fantastisk bok!! Du är verkligen en inspirationskälla och att du har lyckats så bra trots dina hinder får mig att drömma och se lite ljusare på framtiden. Jag vet att min son kan lyckas ta sig för det han vill i livet också, och jag ska banne mig se till att han får det bästa… Kram vännen
The tone of your images. Beautiful work.
These photos are absolutely stunning! I totally understand why this would be a dream assignment, and this type don’t come along very often here in Scandinavia. Congratulations! 🙂
Fab images and it looks like u had some great fun in the process! Jelaous as usual!!! 🙂
Jag ser fram emot att få mitt ex signerat! Vackert!!
Congratulations Isabelle on creating such a beautiful dream to come true. Love those images – they make everything look so delicious – the behind the scenes shots look great fun.
Absolutely beautiful. Such gorgeous, gooey softness! You truly transform your subject to something other-worldly.
Måtte vi få göra måååånga böcker med dig! Underbart samarbete!
I love each and every image! That book is going to be amazing!
Wow!!!! Amazing, beautiful, lovely, beyond beautiful!!! Love it and that is going to be one sweet book!!!
Wow! this is so beautiful and inspiring! <3
Geez I’m hungry now. Great photographs and a wonderful story.
These are beautiful! Love!
Beautiful, beautiful work. It’s really dangerous for my waistline looking at these. Love hearing a bit more about your background and seeing those pics of you in action as well.
Congrats on a fab job.
holy crap this is amazing. what a rad concept, and I’m sure if feels so good wrapping it up too 🙂
Congratulations on the book ( ad the images are pretty stunning too) !!
Wow, this is so inspiring. Yay book!!!
Grattis!
You got skills!
Mind blown and damn film has such an awesome feel
Oh Isabelle, just when I think I couldn’t possibly be more inspired by you, you write this post. xoxo
absolutely gorgeous images. congratulations on the book! well-deserved!
Gudars skymning så vackra bilder!! Grattis till boken! 🙂
OH seriously scrumptious…
Your imagery is just beautiful congratulations!
As always a great source of inspiration and beauty!You’re fab girl ♡
This is such an amazing accomplishment and the photos and deserts both look gorgeous!
Finally got a chance to look at these. I must say:
I do hope the editors realize that they got much more than illustrating pictures for their book. They got ART.
Be proud Isabelle, this is as perfect as it gets.
Sonia, you have NO idea how much your words mean to me, THANK You from the bottom of my heart!!
So cool! You did an amazing job! I love these images.
[…] find out more about Isabelle’s first book project here […]
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Just reading this article again… looking at the images again…. you rock Isabelle! Truly great work!
Gert, thank you soooo much!!! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate you kind words.
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Beautiful and inspiring, great set of images. Love the colour
Amazing set of photos. The color of each photo seems to be perfect! Great job!
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Hi.
What a great post about dreams come true. And really beautiful work. Congratulations on your book and your talent.
Thank you so much Kim!
[…] Colorful Dessert Display – Photography by 2Brides Photography, Desserts by Holy Sweet via 2Brides Blog | Pomegranate Table Decor – Photography by O’Malley Photographers via Seattle Bride […]