If there's one thing I've learned during my time in this crazy business of ours, it's to expect the unexpected. And repeat clients are won or lost over how well a crew handles the unexpected.

I could tell stories for days, but my favorites include a model who showed up for her 8am call time, stumbling drunk and the time we flew everyone to Texas, for sunny weather outdoor pool shot, only to have a freak 45 degree, rainy day. We never quite know what we might wake up to when we're in the middle of a shoot, but we always find a workaround and that's what sets Heath's team apart from the rest.

One recent job for Staples presented us with yet another, unexpected, hitch in the plan and I am so proud of our team for handling it with grace and speed and, wow, the result was awesome!

With just 24 hours to go before our lifestyle shoot, we learned that the location was no longer available to us. Every producer's nightmare and a stylist's opportunity to shine. Less than a day to create a hotel lobby set? No problem for Woodward Studio!  With just one days notice, Caroline Woodward and her equally talented husband Jeremy designed and built a hotel lobby set to be captured right inside Heath's studio. Check out the final ads, below and in Staples stores now!

A huge thanks to Woodward Studios for being there in our hour of need! Here's to always nailing the unexpcted! ~Jenna

"Each of us has an entrepreneurial spirit. A passion that—if unleashed—can inspire others to act. A talent that—if developed—can create opportunity for ourselves, our families and our communities. An idea that—if cultivated—can build a healthier, more prosperous and peaceful world." This is the motto of a company we are proud to call a client. Enactus is a "community of student, academic and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepeneurial action to transform lives and shape a better more sustainable world."

Our friends at the VIA Agency commissioned Heath to capture still lifes, illustrating many of the projects that Enactus is involved in. We jumped at the opportunity to work on such a meaningful project. Our producer and stylist, Caroline Woodward, spent weeks sourcing products from all over the world including marionettes from India and authentic Army boots from Canada. Oh, and, then there was dumpster diving for recyclables... Our favorite, though, was the pack of live chicks delivered from a farm in Ohio!  Three shooting days resulted in some images that we are all really proud of. 

 Thanks to VIA and Enactus for choosing us to work on such a meaningful project. ~Jenna

 Here are some of the final ads:

For the last couple years I have been shooting a Christmas card for some friends of mine. The objective has always been to poke a little fun at all the holiday cards we all see every year and to do so in the style that I have shot much of my conceptual work. Taking it over the top, plus a good dose of humor is a given so you can imagine the fun we have shooting it. This year we also shot the whole thing in the studio which as you will see was something of a production to make and pull down. There's a time lapse of it at the end here.

Coco Grace does all the hair and make up and although it doesnt seem so - Lucy was having a great time.

Verne Cordova was, as usual, the master of props and set decorating!

Typical work day for Drew.

Just another day at the beach.

and the final image:

Time Lapse of a Conceptual Lifestyle shoot from Heath Robbins on Vimeo.

Heath Robbins Photography: On Location for Keurig from Heath Robbins on Vimeo.

Here's hoping you survived the holiday season...in style!

Each year, Heath creates original food and lifestyle images to feature on our holiday greeting card. Given the continued excitement about our "Out of Control Mom" picture we thought everyone would appreciate a holiday version.

Prop stylist Tui Stark went all out, again, creating a room worthy of any mother's nightmare. Wardrobe styling courtesy of Abby Bielagus, of Ennis Inc, our model, Emilie Rey, is represented by Model Club, Inc with hair and make/up by CoCo Grace. I wish I looked half as good as Emilie during this hectic holiday season. Maybe next year. Cheers to 2014! ~Jenna