The Fine Art of Family Magazine

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, let me tell you, having a good idea is the easiest part, especially if you have spent some time putting your vision into practice, as I did. I’m pleased to say my new book, Living with What You Love, is 20 years in the making. That’s how long I’ve been helping people make their house a home by creating personal, meaningful spaces they can enjoy every day. Though it’s not my first book (I’ve done three others about my photography), Living with What You Love was truly a labor of love that was well-worth the wait and hard work.

As you know, books don’t happen overnight. First, you have to find the right book agent, then write (and rewrite) a proposal, convince a publisher that your book is needed, do several in-person presentations for your publisher, and finally, work with a team of creative people, including a writer if you need one (I did and he was fantastic), to make your idea come to life. I was very lucky to find a wonderful publisher, Clarkson Potter (a division of Random House) with an amazing staff that made the long process an experience to remember.

Like with all major projects, I had to make some tough calls, including not photographing my own book. As a portrait photographer, I love to capture people, not objects. So I had to find someone who was not only great at interior shots, but also agreed with my philosophy about photography. Every image had to be shot using natural light and nothing could ever be staged, which is why you’ll never hear me shout “smile for the camera!” After some serious searching, I found a guy who was technical and a perfectionist, and most importantly, he shared my attitude about taking pictures.

Since I couldn’t stand behind the lens, I settled for behind my photographer’s shoulder, which probably drove him crazy. I had to make sure he truly captured my intentions for Living with What You Love: To celebrate and share how real people have integrated their most treasured objects with their home décor.

Because the people we featured in Living with What You Love were clients, friends, or interior designers who I admire professionally, it was easy to go to their homes (they kindly welcomed me with open arms!) and take photos of how their collections, heirlooms, photography or whatever help tell a personal story within their family space or on a wall or a side table. Getting a good mix of different homes—from modern to cluttered to romantic—was time-consuming, but also key in regards to appealing to everyone, which I hope this book does.

For all the blood, sweat, and thankfully no tears (well, maybe a few) I put into this book, I have to say when I saw the final product, I got chills. I really love it. Clarkson Potter and its talented staff, plus my writer, who made sense of all my ramblings, did an incredible job. I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m so proud of it and grateful for the people who helped and encouraged me along the way. Still, I can’t believe the book is finally done. And as of April 20th, Living with What You Love will be out there for all of you to enjoy, so you can start living with your best memories and most cherished possessions as soon as possible.

Can’t wait to hear what you think! In the meantime, I guess I better start working on the next one…

xox,

M

P.S. To celebrate the release of my new book, we’ve got a special lineup planned for you this week, including an MRK original video about Living with What You Love as well as a unique Q&A with Sally Singer, the Fashion News/Features Director of Vogue, who I recently photographed in her home, plus much, much more!

Published on April 18, 2010

Tags: Celebrating, Collection, Collections, Family, Heirloom, Heirlooms, Home, Monicas Blog