We had the unique opportunity to drive up to Connecticut to photograph Denyse Schmidt for Quiltfolk Magazine’s special Cats issue. Denyse is a highly regarded quilt designer and teacher, and her cats, Elliot and George, have found their way into different parts of her work and creative life. Since the feature centered on that connection, the session gave us the chance to document not only Denyse and her quilts, but also the environment and small details surrounding them.
The shoot was a little different from our normal work, which mostly centers on weddings, couples, and families, but it was the kind of opportunity we could not say no to. A lot of our usual documentary approach translated naturally. At weddings, we are constantly noticing little details, objects, interactions, and pieces of the environment that help tell a fuller story. Here, that meant photographing quilt samples, items throughout Denyse’s home, details of her work, and candid lifestyle portraits of her spending time with Elliot and George.
Everything was photographed at her home, both inside and outdoors, which helped the final collection feel personal and grounded in her everyday surroundings. Working with Quiltfolk was also a particularly positive experience. It was clear throughout the process that they genuinely respected the photographers they hired and the role the images played in telling each person’s story. We also photographed Pamela Jane Morgan for the same Cats issue, making these assignments a really memorable change of pace for us.
If you’re an artist, maker, publication, or creative business looking for documentary lifestyle photography that captures both your work and the life surrounding it, we’d love to hear from you.
We are the husband + wife photo team behind Hand and Arrow Photography, specializing in the documentation of wedding, elopements and couples portraits in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and beyond!
