Due to the many inquiries I receive about being featured on my Cottage of the Month^TM page, I've created this FAQ page to hopefully answer most of the questions you may have...

Who can be featured?

Anyone can be featured on my Cottage of the Month^TM page, however, I am specifically interested in well decorated homes that have a beautiful cottage, romantic look. I am currently looking for Shabby Chic style homes. I ask that you please review the archives of previous homes that I have featured, to get an idea of the style of decor that I look for when doing a feature.

I want to have my home featured...where do I begin?

Please email me at least 10 of your best photos for me to review at jennifer@theoldpaintedcottage.com. I ask that you please title the subject of your email "Cottage Photos" so that I know it's safe to open! All entries will considered, and will be submitted on a first come basis.

How much do you charge to feature a home?

Currently, there is no charge. It is absolutely free. However, that may change in the future, due to the popularity and demand for doing this feature. Also, if I do charge in the future, it will only be to cover my time & expenses.

Do you feature local homes only?

No! I feature homes all over the map. In fact, I'm currently working on a feature for a gal that lives in Australia!

If I live nearby, will you come to my home?

Yes! If you are located within 60 miles of Newbury Park, CA 91320, I will travel to your home and take the photographs for your feature. I bring all my own camera and lighting equipment, and the whole process will take approx 2 - 3 hours.

Please be prepared for your photo shoot ahead of time. You'll want to go around your house and pick up any clutter you may have lying around. And I ask that you have your rooms set up just the way you want them for the photo shoot, prior to my arrival. (For example: don't wait until I arrive, then start pulling out the whole china set and begin setting the table!) When I get there, I like to get started right away, and I appreciate your respecting that my time is very valuable, and I have set aside this time specifically for you.

What if I don't live nearby or am out of state?

No problem! In this case, I will rely on you to take photographs of your home and email them to me. I require photos that have not been resized or edited in any way. And I do require at least 40 different photos of your home.

10 Tips for taking photos for this feature:

1. Decide ahead of time which rooms you want to feature, before you begin shooting your photographs.

2. Take photographs from every angle, in each room you are photographing.

3. Take full room shots as well as close ups.

4. Multiple shots are a must...take as many photos as possible. It helps me greatly in the editing process.

5. It is also important to take multiple shots in case your hand shakes or your flash appears in a mirror or reflects against glass across the room. Blurry photos or photos with a glare won't work.

6. Try to remove any backround clutter. Remember, the camera sees things differently than we do. Small groups of items tend to get lost.

7. Shoot photos during the day, when there is the most natural sunlight in your home.

8. Turn on all the lights in the room that you are photograping.

9. Why not light some candles...adds a very nice touch.

10. Most important - Make sure the flash button is "on" on your camera.

It is my goal for the photos to show up their very best for your feature, and I will do everything I can to help you along the way.

If there's anything that I have not covered here, please feel free to email me jennifer@theoldpaintedcottage.com or you are welcome to phone me 805.428.3903.

Thank you! Jennifer Grey, The Old Painted Cottage