First of all we showed up and I was surprised that Courtney was the only child. Then 2 came after. One teen and one 4 1/2 year old. It felt awesome knowing that only 2 little ones got picked for this and Courtney was one of them. It felt even more special.
We were at the beach in Santa Monica. At first Courtney just was sitting around waiting. So she had some preschool writing books to try and her Leapster and various other things in my "bag of tricks". I had all sorts of things just incase. (I was not at all impressed with the site teacher. She welcomed us and looked at her work permit and that's it. She didn't do anything.) At first Courtney was very bored. She did have the last call time of anyone, but still. She probably could have had a call time of 3 instead of 1:45. It started getting very cold. Note to self to bring a sweater/jacket for her even if it's 80 or higher in Whittier. I wrapped her up in a towel to keep her warm. Then we just went in the trailer and that got her all warm. She wasn't so bored either cuz they had cartoons on for the couple kids who were there.
They had called us the night before asking us if we could bring some of her own clothes that went with the color scheme. They had a bunch, but still wanted us to bring some just incase. The outfit they ended up chosing for her was one we brought. It was a good excuse to go to Target and get something specifically the right colors. :) She needed some summery stuff anyway. The color scheme was neutrals (khaki, white, brown, etc.), purple, and orange. Which surprisingly looked good together.
Everyone was finally done with hair, makeup, and wardrobe and it was time to go to the beach. They didn't do anything to Courtney. They didn't even brush her hair. lol They thought it looked just beautiful how it was. I was all proud since I kept brushing her hair and trying to keep it nice. lol We went down to the water where the shoot was. We waited for everyone to get placed.
What the shoot was for is they are recreating an art piece by Seurat. (See picture below) But instead of a garden setting, it's a beach setting. All of the garden things were replaced by beach things. It was pretty cool.
Courtney was supposed to be the little girl in the far with long blonde hair dancing (in the art). But in the beach, she was going to be building a sand castle (but standing near it to be similar). She was doing so good even with it being cold. They kept taking breaks for them to get warm. Then the other little girl started not cooperating. She just wasn't having it and didn't want to do it. So, they replaced her with Courtney. She got moved to a spot that was closer to the front (so you'll be able to see her better). Plus, she's one of the only people actually looking at the camera. Most of the others are looking out to the water. They were going to continue the photo shoot without the other little girl but she finally came around at the end. So, they put her back in the shot, but put her in the back with the sand castle. So Courtney got to stay in the closer shot. They had to hurry up and get the final shots because the tide was coming in. And the blankets (props) were almost getting wet.
They were so proud of Courtney. They kept saying "Smile Courtney" (since she was in the front and looking at the camera). The producer said she was getting everyone else to smile too. I couldn't see her face from where I was sitting. They gave her the beach ball from the photo because she did so well. She also told her that she was the star and did so well changing parts and just doing whatever she needed to do.
We were going to stay at the beach a little to play but it was so cold. Courtney was going to put her feet in the water, but they were taking the shots of the dog (to add it in later since he wasn't cooperating either). So we didn't want to get in the shot. So we headed back to the trailer. She didn't even have to change because all of the clothes were hers. (We'll have to do a beach day soon to make up for not getting to play.)
We found the pictures she had drawn for them in the car when we got there so she wanted to go back to give it to them. The producer was so exited. She thought it was so cute that she did that. She said it was a first for her. Then we headed home and she got a good nap coming back too.
I asked her what she thought of the whole experience and she said it was a lot of fun. And no, I don't know what issue of O Magazine it will be in. As soon as we find it, I will tell you. I asked someone and they didn't know. I should have asked the producer. Oh well.
The set up of the shoot at the beach from the trailer.
The trailers. The production one on the right and the hair and makeup on the left. Catered food infront with tables. But even with all that food she wanted granola bars (that I had).
Courtney's hair just looked so nice after getting blow dried. I had to take a pic of her in the outfit she came in. I told her to smile and she posed for me. Ready to work. lol
This is the cold Courtney picture.
This is where Courtney ended up being. See the lady standing with the umbrella? She is right next to her with a hat on.
This is where she was with the sand castle and towel.
Here she is playing while they are situating everyone.
This is the lighting and film crew set up.
Some of the models. What I loved is that not all of the models were tiny. They were normal. So refreshing.
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, 1884Georges Seurat (French 1859–1891)This is the painting they were replicating. See the little girl dancing in the back? That was supposed to be Courtney. Now she is the one facing front in the center (in a white dress) next to the lady with the umbrella.
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