December 03, 2013

Life on the Farm: The Selby is in My House!

I am a huge fan of all that Todd Selby does – his photographs, his watercolors, his sense of design, the people and places he is attracted to, and his so-goofy-it’s-cool personality. He is creative and talented, and his style – as well as that of the people he photographs – is highly personal. A few years ago, after religiously reading his blog and combing every page of his first book, I found a business excuse to cold call Todd.  But what I was really hoping when I called him was that we’d chat on the phone and become friends. Which is exactly what has happened. Towards the end of our long phone call, he said. “Hey, what’s your house like?” I told him that I was moving to England and that I would send him some photos. Six months later, in July of 2012, a month after we had settled into our cottage, Todd was here on the farm paying us a visit. So here he was, running around the farm with a camera taking pictures of the barns, the garden, the treehouse, the cottage, the kids, us and all the animals. I was fascinated to watch him work. As a lover of photography myself I was amazed to see how shooting style differs so much from my own. He is spontaneous, quick, unselfconscious with his camera whereas I am always looking for the right angle and calculating in my composition. We have since kept in touch, calling each other occasionally for ideas or advice, and I am so glad to have such an inspiring new friend.

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Related Posts:

Life on the Farm: Catching the Sun
Life on the Farm: Mourning Murphy
I ♥ Your Riding Style: Jackie O

Comments

21 Responses to “Life on the Farm: The Selby is in My House!”

  1. Carola

    Hi Amanda, it is possible that you don't read the comments on your blog anymore, but I wanted to say hi, I am an artist from peru and have been debating between staying in the big city (Lima) or scaping to the jungle of Peru. Your book has reached my hands just at the very exact moment. So inspiring!

  3. Anonymous

    Wonderful images and happy faces! I LOVE the vest you are wearing in the shots in the Selby – what is it?????

  5. annie

    We live in London and my elder stepson spent a week on a Cotswold farm last year. He came back head over heels in love with pigs and his dream is to ride one – I've just shown him the photo of Zack and he's sick with envy.

  6. Alexandra Petersen

    we moved to a tiny cottage on the edge of the Cotswolds, it is very chintzy, but I came to love the florals. Then we visited Daylesford for lunch last week and I am pondering a revamp.

  10. designchic

    I am completely enchanted. What a charming home and love the images of the family. Thrilled to be your newest follower!

  15. Megs

    I adore the Laura Ashley wallpaper and that Coco's wallpaper matches her curtains. Nothing says "English rose" more than a perfect floral print. Great images! I didn't realize you had been featured on The Selby – how fun!

  16. Anonymous

    Those photos are lovely, as you say nothing says 'this is who I am' as those in your home with the ones you love. The photo of Zach pig riding is one for the 18 th birthday!

  18. Meg

    I love your blog so much! It's such a relaxing, beautiful read after a long, jostling (albeit productive) day at work. 🙂

  19. Anonymous

    I like how you respected the history and layers of your home. We had a realtor into ours recently and she poo-pooed our kitchen, with our original farmhouse sink and 1910s cabinetry, still gorgeous with original hardware: people want granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, she said! Today I've appreciated your home and mine :). Thanks, as always, for sharing.

  20. Marianne

    So wonderful to see your home. I am an hour south of you near Windsor and love the relaxed English aesthetic. I also like your American in London point of view (as I am one too).