It’s hard to believe our blog has only been up and running for three months! It’s been so rewarding meeting people who love, cherish, and appreciate Colonial Williamsburg as much as we do. I mentioned in my bio that I’m a former television news producer. That experience makes me appreciate all the hard work-the writing, research, photography, and editing that goes into each new assignment. You’ve seen our finished, polished posts. But today we thought we’d let you in on some of the behind-the-scenes action-all of it caught on camera.
2014: Most Memorable Moments
- You can’t write about something you’ve never experienced! Our very first carriage ride with Captain and Ranger.
- Adam and Karen at the stables getting the horses ready for their big blog debut!
- Chatting it up with Adam Canaday, featured in our carriage blog.
- Lisa Carpenter, trying to wrangle up three ornery redheads for their “Rare Breeds” photo op.
- The team (Jess behind the camera), carving pumpkins using official CW patterns for the special Halloween contest post.
- We had to photograph this in a bathroom with the lights out, using a cell phone in the pumpkin for light!
- The team’s history buff carving “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” into her pumpkin.
- Jason Whitehead making sure there’s enough firewood to keep the flames going and the bricks baking!
- Bundled up and posing by the light of the cresset during our evening return to the brick kiln.
- Ali’s first meeting with the stable cat Molly for our Colonial Kitties blog. We don’t call her “Ali Cat” for nothin’.
- Look who we ran into at Bruton Parish during our shoot for the Fall Leaves post.
- Jenn Mrva digging up parsnips for our “What’s in Season” autumn garden post.
- Behind-the-scenes of the Thanksgiving Taste Studio shoot with Chef Travis Brust.
- Sampling the pecan pie for our post on how to cut the perfect slice!
- Taking a break from all the note-taking to sample Chef Travis’ sangria.
- Close-up of the truffles being dipped!
- Jessica, our hand model, pouring a glass for the camera!
- Cut! Jillian practicing her Thanksgiving table setting demo with Rachel behind the camera, rolling.
- Chef Rodney giving us the rundown for how to bake Raleigh Tavern gingerbread cookies.
- Waiting for those delicious gingerbread cookies to come out of the oven!
- From one intern to another! Ali, talking to Allison about her experience working for Colonial Williamsburg.
- Chef Rodney putting a little fire to our crème brûlée during his chocolate demonstration.
- Brian and Rachel working to get the framing of the shot just right.
- Jessica “running interference” during a video shoot in the Colonial Garden.
- Trying to get an extreme close-up for the cold animals blog post.
- Peppermints go a long way in our horse photoshoots!
- Behind the scenes - trying to get Thomas to look at the camera!
- Sampling Chef Anthony’s holiday appetizers during our Pints & Pairings shoot
- Ali, busy taking notes during the demo
- Chef Anthony was snapping his own pictures for Instagram
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- Rachel taping video of the chef in action.
- Chef Rhys ice sculpting demonstration.
- Brian also does the heavy lifting for the team! I admit, I was holding my breath on this one.
- The Making History team!
We’re so excited for the adventures that await us in the new year. What would you like to see more of in 2015? Email me at jross@cwf.org. We’d love to hear from you!
Clyde Nordan says
I live an hour from CW, but don’t get the opportunity hardly enough to visit when I’d like. Thanks to talented folks like you and the ones on FB that share photos and experiences that help fill that void. Your efforts are appreciated. 🙂
Clyde in Portsmouth ~ Olde Towne Photos
Thank you so much, Clyde! We’re glad we can bring a little of the Colonial Williamsburg experience to you!
Thanks for sharing all of these behind the scenes photos…a little extra appreciation for all your team does! I’ve learned so much from your regular post…thanks for sharing with all of us!
LaJuana - thank you for being such a loyal supporter of the blog. We appreciate your dedication and your feedback!
Ann Langerhans says
It has been really interesting reading your blog and the tremendous amount of work you have put into it is evident. The topics have spanned a huge range and the content is fresh and interesting to someone who has spent many, many vacations in CW. Your blog has been a tremendous success in drawing me even closer in my connection to the best place on earth. Continued success to your group in 2015! Sincere thanks for making each day you post a little brighter for your readers! Ann Langerhans
Sorry, I’m just getting back to you Ann. Thank you for your kind words and please let us know if there are any topics you would like to see more of in 2015!