We linked up with the owner, Niko Christou at 10:00 a.m. for a grand tour of the farm. We were able to visit areas of the farm that are normally off limits to the general public (thank you Rhonda for arranging this). Some of the areas that we were able to see include the wine cellar/spring house, the guest quarters (that looked like something out of a home and garden magazine), and Niko’s photo studio. Niko is a photographer in Manhattan and has a magnificent studio (Carousel Studio) at the farm as well. The studio has some very pleasant but rugged light brown woodwork, accent lighting that added to the mood of the room, and some extraordinary large windows with breathtaking views of the farm. While in the studio, we received an informal quick class on full format cameras (maybe a future LVPC monthly meeting topic) and some of the lighting that Niko uses in his studio. To be honest, I could live in his studio; the only additions I would need are a kitchen and a shower!
As we continued our tour, we were able to see how the farm processes the lavender to extract the oils used in manufacturing soaps, candles, and skin care products that the farm has for sale. Our last stop before another free shoot was the gift shop where Niko showed off his photo book of the awe-inspiring pictures he has composed of the farm, the smaller photos available for purchase, and the large (50 inch wide if I remember correctly) wall mounted photo of the breathtaking purple lavender in full bloom.
After the guided tour, Niko locked the public gate and we had free reign of the farm, minus the house and pool area. Some of the many things there to photograph include cattle, horses, donkeys, barns, the springhouse, a small pond, one of the most amazing private gardens (my favorite), the lavender processing building, chickens, bees, butterflies, alpacas, a vast number of plants and flowers, some very tasteful landscaping, Niko’s studio, wagons, antique farm equipment and of course the lavender. Bottom line is there is no shortage of subject material at the farm.
Around lunchtime we decided to meet at The Cactus Grill to have a bit to eat (the food was excellent), drink some cool beverages, and learn about each other’s interests.
This was a great photo shoot, the lavender wasn’t quite in its purple full splendor but this was one of my favorite shoots so far; thank you Rhonda for putting together some awesome shoots so far this year. If you haven’t been to the lavender farm the following link has information
http://www.carouselfarmlavender.com/index/CAROUSEL_FARM_LAVENDER.html
We hope to see you at the next shoot!
–Scott Nelson
