Blogs

[#1]

Hi, there,

This month I’m turning my blog entry over to Editorial Team member Kelly. As a copywriter, Kelly writes home and heath & fitness product descriptions for our website. But that’s not the extent of her talents, as you’ll see below. Take it away, Kelly!

Troy

QVC Editor

Hi, everyone!

When I was a young girl, I loved getting lost in the glossy pages of fashion magazines—I still do! One year for my sister’s birthday, I made her a magazine filled with fashion and make-up tips. I remember planning out each page with art clippings and captions—I even included a cover page, table of contents, and an editor’s note! When InsideQ editor Troy asked me to cover the June cover shoot, I was thrilled at the opportunity to get an up-close look at how our team puts together a cover and captures the beautiful shots we see each month on InsideQ.

The June InsideQ is travel-themed and features a cover story on QVC program host Rick Domeier. When I arrived at the studio, I was given a warm welcome by our team as they prepped for the shoot. Rick had arrived early and was already in make-up and wardrobe getting ready for the first round of photos. Our photographer, Johanna, was taking test shots to make sure the lighting was correct. We were going for a summery tone so we needed the lighting to be bright but not too harsh.

Our set for the shoot was very simple. It included a custom-made backdrop wall set up in the studio space. The backdrop resembled an old wooden shed you’d find tucked away on a farm—very natural and rustic—and definitely evoked a sense of travel and the outdoors. Johanna had her photo station set up a few feet away: a desk held a computer with a large screen that was connected to her camera. As soon as she snapped a photo, the digital image popped up on the screen for InsideQ designers Ted, Sheena, and John to review.

Rick arrived on the set full of energy—and lots of jokes! Once he was ready to get in front of the camera, the team quickly fell into a steady rhythm of wardrobe styling, last-minute lighting checks, and prop picks. Our stylists Kristen and Carol gave him some final touch ups and then it was lights, camera, action!

During the shoot, I was able to chat with Rick about his upcoming summer travel plans. Rick and his family are going to a big city and a small town this summer. I asked him if he had any travel tips. “Make sure you have reliable walking shoes!” he told me “Whether you’re hitting the city or walking around a small town, comfortable shoes will make a huge difference. Clark’s walking shoes are great for that.”

For small town exploration, Rick recommends setting one or two priorities for the trip, and making time for a spontaneous activity, too. “Find out what the locals like to do for fun. Ask your waitress, the bartender, or your hotel’s concierge. Going off the beaten path can create really cool memories and give you a true sense of the place you’re visiting.”

And when you’re in the big city? Rick had some really great advice for traveling as a family. “I have teenagers, and one of the most important things we try to do as a family when we’re visiting a city, especially New York, is to avoid our smartphones and really experience the sights. At the same time, it’s important to make sure we stay connected in case we decide to split up or need a GPS. The portable HALO charger is a great tool to keep your phones charged when you’re traveling.”

After a quick wardrobe change and another round of photos, it was a wrap! We were all finished. Rick said goodbye to the team and headed to his next engagement while the designers began selecting their favorite image to use on the cover. The shoot was a lot of fun, a great learning experience, and definitely got me excited for summer!

Bon voyage!

Kelly

Copywriter, Print & Promotion