Since my Dad retired from his job as a pensions consultant a decade ago he’s developed an interest in woodworking, furniture making in particular. He’s got a great eye and loves designing new and ever more challenging pieces which he makes during his many weekends on courses at West Dean College. I’ve featured the table he made for our living room here before and one of his music stands also made an appearance in a photo from a concert I gave in March 2009. I spent today photographing some more of his pieces for a magazine article he’s writing and he has kindly allowed me to use them for today’s post too.

We make quite a good team doing this sort of shoot – he tells me the sort of shot he has in mind and organises the lighting while I set to with my camera to get the framing, focus and exposure right. We had a few head scratching moments today, mostly caused by a broken light bulb (and no spare in the house of course!), creases in the paper backdrop (created by our feet as we did some scene shifting) and the challenge of photographing large pieces of furniture in a room not really designed for furniture photography. The final solution to the latter problem consisted of me reversing into the kitchen with my tripod and shooting through the doorway! We ran out of time to shoot my jewellery box and my Mum’s embroidery silk chest but no doubt they will get their starring moment in due course – at least they won’t require quite so much studio space!

Wonderful talents shown by both of you...great team work!!! LAZYWASP · 2011-04-11: 17:08

Oh god, another one. My father does exactly the same thing. He turns wood and makes cases for long-case clocks. I'm happy for you that you can collaborate on this. My father won't let me shoot his stuff. revenant · 2011-04-11: 17:12

Sorry, should have added: your dad does really beautiful work. I speak with some knowledge. revenant · 2011-04-11: 17:13

Beautiful work and great shots Lynda · 2011-04-11: 17:30

Helen, my congratulations to you Dad - what a craftsman he is! His work is simply beautiful. the slate panels are wonderful! What a great team. It must be very exciting to collaborate with your Dad. Your photographic presentation of his works are great! danrav · 2011-04-11: 17:58

wonderful clean design, I love the hardware in the laundry bin too, never go cheap on the hardware! McMommy · 2011-04-11: 20:07

Very nice work....both you and your dad! Wonderful collection of pieces! lookagain · 2011-04-11: 21:26

Wonderful ! These objects have a lot of style and I like the first one for the opposition between the materials and the colors josy63 · 2011-04-12: 00:25

Could I order an laundry bin like this from your dad? I love it!! Eiram · 2011-04-12: 04:52

Great work. What a talented man. Jarvo · 2011-04-12: 07:10

Beautifully done! Great pieces and nice design! Thanks for sharing! davidcardona · 2011-04-12: 09:39

Your dad does great work! All the pieces look fantastic and great shooting also! SheriJ · 2011-04-12: 09:41

Wow, he's talented!!! snowpie · 2011-04-12: 13:36

I do love wood, carved wood and wood works a lot. Your dad is so talented, Helen. I like his works. Make him my compliments :) ????? · 2011-04-12: 16:34

lovely work..my partner's mum is retired too and she has a great interest in woodworking.Ian helped her convert part of her garage so she had a little workshop. elizzi · 2011-04-12: 17:56

and I love the slate panels in the blanket box elizzi · 2011-04-12: 17:57

Congrats on your dad's work ! It's so interesting, so nice :) helys · 2011-04-13: 09:41

Your dad makes beautiful work!!! RESPECT!!! Ryana · 2011-04-13: 12:33

Really great shots, I like the lighting in the third shot and your Dad makes some beautiful furniture :-) Andarta · 2011-04-14: 13:43

Beautiful work... my husband's cousin is a violin maker ... these people are soooo gifted. marilynx · 2013-02-21: 17:56

Tagged: furniture table chest