shooting my book – a video for you

by Sharon Santoni

 

house with white shutters

This time last year I was busy writing and taking photos for my book about my French girlfriends.  Happy times that have left me with plenty of wonderful  memories  of our photo shoots all over France.

At each girlfriends house, while my photographer Franck Schmitt clicked away, I was busy styling and also filming short videos.

I was aware of what a privilege it was, getting inside the homes of these exceptional women, and that when the book was ready, I’d want to share some of my favourite things with you.

Determined to include women from all walks of life and from different regions, ages and lifestyles, the photo-shoots turned out to be a veritable tour de France.  In the company of the various girlfriends, I walked along mountain rivers; ate seafood by the ocean; rode horseback in Paris; enjoyed breakfast outside châteaux in the sunshine of Provence and enjoyed many many other wonderful moments.

You know how within your group of girlfriends, each one has a different talent, something that makes her special.  So it was with these women.  Whether we were in a cottage in Normandy; a chic apartment in Paris;  breathtaking vineyards in Champagne or an artists studio in the centre of France, there was always something that made my heart beat a little faster and made me more and more excited about the book.

Here is a video of a few of those special experiences, I hope you enjoy.  And a special thank you to Clem Beatz, a French artist, who generously gave me permission to use his track ‘Lazy’ for the video.

 

The book is release on 1 August next, to pre-order just follow the link HERE.

74 comments

Tish Jett June 15, 2015 - 1:03 pm

Sharon, unbelievable. . .gorgeous, perfect. The video absolutely, brilliantly, captures every nuance of the charm and beauty of this country. Your eye is unfailing.

Thank you for the wonderful day last Friday btw.

xoxo,
Tish

Reply
Sharon Santoni June 15, 2015 - 1:12 pm

Thank you dear Tish, I am so glad you like it!

speak soon

xxx

Reply
Sophia June 15, 2015 - 1:15 pm

How fabulous Sharon! Great taster for what will undoubtedly be a gorgeous book. Congratulations!

Sophia x

Reply
Sharon Santoni June 15, 2015 - 5:14 pm

Thank you Sophia, it’s great to have this encouragement

Sharon
x

Reply
Vicky from Athens June 15, 2015 - 1:27 pm

Sharon – what a special treat this morning! Thanks for giving me a taste of things to come with your book. I really look forward to it’s arrival!

Reply
Sharon Santoni June 15, 2015 - 5:15 pm

Thank you Vicki, I love the idea of my book travelling all around the world!

Sharon
x

Reply
Vicky from Athens June 15, 2015 - 7:03 pm

Oh I’m doing my part to help with that! Not only did I order a copy for myself (in Georgia) but I ordered a copy as a gift for my sister in Florida.

Reply
Kimberly June 15, 2015 - 1:32 pm

I can’t wait to read the book! I’m an American currently living in Bangkok. Last year I spent some time traveling in France and loved getting to see the differences between the regions. I especially liked Normandy 🙂 It is wonderful that your book will feature many parts of France.

Reply
Sharon Santoni June 15, 2015 - 5:16 pm

Hi Kimberly

I really wanted to show some of the many different and wonderful parts of France. Choosing the girls for the book was a long process but great fun!

Sharon
x

Reply
Valerie June 15, 2015 - 1:33 pm

How beautiful to see it through your eyes. Thank you so much!!!!

Reply
Sharon Santoni June 15, 2015 - 5:16 pm

Merci Valerie

x

Reply
Sandra Leonard June 15, 2015 - 11:43 pm

Wonderful video…thank you Sharon! Can’t wait for the book’s release! Have it on pre-order.

Best,
Sandra Leonard, Maine USA

Reply
Richard Hacker June 15, 2015 - 1:36 pm

Good Afternoon Sharon,

Loved the vid clip, will there be any more? Can’t wait to see the book.

Best wishes
Richard.

Reply
Sharon Santoni June 15, 2015 - 5:18 pm

HI Richard

So glad you liked it. There may be some video teasers, I certainly have plenty of material to use. Watch this space ! 🙂

Sharon
x

Reply
Richard Hacker June 17, 2015 - 7:38 pm

That is great news and I will certainly watch this space.
Richard,

Reply
Roxane June 15, 2015 - 1:50 pm

Simply gorgeous scenery and homes! Such inspiring, talented women. I am looking forward to getting your book and reading it while relaxing in my garden this summer. The perfect way to spend a day in my opinion!

Reply
Kim Webb June 15, 2015 - 1:55 pm

Lovely glimpse into the book – cannot wait for it to arrive

Reply
Susie Linton June 15, 2015 - 1:57 pm

Sharon,
Thank you so much for this magical glimpse into the gorgeous, elegant world of French Country Living…can’t wait for your book !!
From a chilly South Australian winter I will keep dreaming !! Xx

Reply
Rita June 15, 2015 - 2:03 pm

I absolutely love the video & I can’t wait to see the book!

Reply
Jan June 15, 2015 - 2:05 pm

WOW can’t wait for your book x jan

Reply
Tracy Yach June 15, 2015 - 2:10 pm

Wonderful xx

Reply
Holly B June 15, 2015 - 2:27 pm

Love love love the video! Did the trick – I have pre-ordered your book and will be surprised when it arrives as I can’t remember those per-buy things! Ha! So your gift of a beautiful book will be a lovely surprise at my door. Merci!

Reply
Katherine June 15, 2015 - 2:37 pm

What a wonderful tease for the book. Very well done.

Reply
Annie June 15, 2015 - 2:51 pm

Gorgeous! Can’t wait for the book, and keep promising myself to come on a Brocante tour, thinking of opening a small shop here in UK
Thank you…really lovely!

Reply
Cara June 15, 2015 - 2:54 pm

Wow!! What a fantastic treat this little film was. Lovely!

Reply
Susan Gabriel June 15, 2015 - 3:16 pm

Ooh la la – makes me want a croissant and cafe au lait.

Reply
JudyMac June 15, 2015 - 3:38 pm

Love the video! A wonderful tiny taste of France and your book.

Reply
Elle Philippe June 15, 2015 - 3:39 pm

I just place my pre-order and waiting with great anticipation for this amazing book. Thank you for sharing upur beautiful work and showing my beautiful France

Reply
Susan June 15, 2015 - 3:49 pm

Thanks for the video tease on your book. Clicked right away & ordered! Beautiful places and inspiring people.

Reply
Jackie June 15, 2015 - 4:07 pm

Sharon,
Really lovely! What a brilliant way to give us a preview of your book…..fabulous!
Thank you,
Jackie

Reply
Sharon June 15, 2015 - 4:31 pm

Lovely, sentimental and wonderful detailing. Anticipating all this in your book.

Reply
Kerry June 15, 2015 - 4:45 pm

What is it about the light in France? oh, I know…it’s perfectly beautiful!

Reply
Cheri Hansen June 15, 2015 - 4:51 pm

Lovely….Cheri

Reply
Suzanne June 15, 2015 - 5:11 pm

Fabulous and exciting! What a charming group of girlfriends you have, and what enviable lives they must lead.

Reply
noreen June 15, 2015 - 5:59 pm

How thrilling Sharon, lovely to catch a teaser of your French girlfriends. I shall have to order this. Congratulations!

Reply
LA CONTESSA June 15, 2015 - 6:25 pm

FABULOUS!!!!!!
This will be a HIT for SURE……………
I was able to watch the clip only because I had a “TECHY” in the house this morning sipping TEA with me who was in THE KNOW!
August First is right around the corner……..after MY BIRTHDAY!
XO
PS. Heather, I have pre-ordered for YOU a book and will HAND DELIVER lets HOPE SOON!XOXO

Reply
Heather in Arles June 15, 2015 - 8:19 pm

Oh this just made me bust out into happy tears! I am so grateful to have such incredible friends…Elizabeth, you really should not be called La Contessa but La Reine (the queen)!!! I can’t wait to give you a big old American style hug. It WILL happen…

Reply
Sandra June 15, 2015 - 6:48 pm

Sharon:
So exciting! Wonderful video and just so looking forward to the book. You should be so proud of your beautiful work. You are such an inspiration and all your post are so appreciated by me. You scatter joy!

Reply
Heather in Arles June 15, 2015 - 6:50 pm

What?! Oh my goodness gracious that was just IN-sanely beautiful…
No surprise there of course…
Eeeee, I am so excited for you!

Reply
PEGGY BRASWELL June 15, 2015 - 6:53 pm

stunning + can’t wait to see more. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

Reply
Karena June 15, 2015 - 6:54 pm

Sharon!! I am so excited and cannot wait for your book release. I hope you will allow me to review it on my site!! What a wonderful video and music!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Reply
Our French Oasis June 15, 2015 - 6:54 pm

Absolutely stunning, loved the music too, had such fun watching that two or three times, beautiful homes and everyone looked as if they were having so much fun. Can’t wait to see the book 🙂

Reply
sheri June 15, 2015 - 6:56 pm

It’s your PASSION that brings this all too life…..anyone can post pretty photos,etc…but the difference is…you make us love them!. Brava!

Reply
Jessica Conick June 15, 2015 - 7:17 pm

Just pre-ordered a copy and can’t wait to see it!

Reply
Sheryl Kirk June 15, 2015 - 7:19 pm

So entertaining. I love the theme and music; so well done. It will be a huge success.

Reply
Sharon santoni June 15, 2015 - 8:21 pm

So glad you like the music Sheryl. Clem Beatz is a young French artist that my daughter put me in touch with. I am very honored that he let me use his music for my theme.

Reply
Caren June 15, 2015 - 8:25 pm

Great little video Sharon and I love the Porsche at the end… so classic!
(I work for Porsche so that was really sweet to see)
Can’t wait to see & enjoy the book!

Reply
Colleen Taylor June 15, 2015 - 8:31 pm

Oh my goodness gracious Sharon, this was breathtaking! I viewed it in full view several times on my 27″ Mac to savor it all in. All these women are not only stylish but beautiful as well. I’m happy I had a tiny part in introducing you online to one beautiful artist. I can’t wait to get my copy! I see a movie in the making, I really do! XXX

Reply
Sheila in SF June 15, 2015 - 8:52 pm

Well done. Loved everything about it; a nice short view into the girlfriends lives.

Reply
Marian from UK June 15, 2015 - 9:30 pm

What stylish women they are and such wonderful ambience in that video. I’m very happy for you that all your courage in starting a blog and your obvious talent in how you present it has resulted in books and films to delight your readers. I do really enjoy reading your blog, it has just the right amount of everything! And as you planned, it brightens up so many of our days! Congratulations – you have every right to be proud of your achievements!

Reply
vicki archer June 15, 2015 - 10:48 pm

Totally fabulous Sharon… and I can’t wait for the book’s release… 🙂 xv

Reply
Delaine June 16, 2015 - 12:03 am

Sharon, what a treat I have just experienced…The video is amazing! The ambiance is outstanding! I can’t tell you how happy I am for you and to see you evolve over the years has been so exciting! I can’t wait to get your book!

Reply
suzana borlovan June 16, 2015 - 12:15 am

Sharon I was walking with you through your special girlfriends homes and gardens. Thank you for the inspirational video. xxx

Reply
Judi June 16, 2015 - 1:19 am

Absolutely gorgeous! A creative video with very creative and interesting women, including you, of course! Would love videos of interviews with them in each of their own settings! This video teased me to want more!! Thank you!

Reply
Deb June 16, 2015 - 5:25 am

So lovely. I love how the styles your girlfriends decorate in vary. From a French version of shabby chic to very glamorous. They all have a good sense of style. Makes me want to make more of an effort when setting the table too. The book looks wonderful.
Debbie

Reply
Amanda Rush June 16, 2015 - 6:18 am

Congratulations Sharon, just wonderful images. I am so looking forward to receiving my copies of your “blog in a book” – your beautiful aesthetic captured on paper! Thank you for sharing your friends with your e-friends, best wishes, Amanda

Reply
Christine Hooker June 16, 2015 - 8:37 am

Wonderful film. All I can say is… more, please! It would make an incredible movie, a feature film,. Sundance is calling!
Can’t wait to see the book.
You are such a special person.
Thank you for all you do for us out here in blog-reading land, and for your guests. To those who might be thinking of visiting your cottage, I can honestly say, go, do, experience France, Sharon’s way…mwah, all the best!
Chris

Reply
Sharon Santoni June 16, 2015 - 1:18 pm

Thank you Chris for your very generous comment…… the step between a two minute video and a full blown film is simply unfathomable, but its a lovely idea to daydream about 🙂

You know you are welcome back here whenever you want, and maybe this time we’d get to paint together!

Sharon
x

Reply
Nancy Powell June 16, 2015 - 1:43 pm

Exquisite and captures the feeling beautifully! Can’t wait to see the book. Xo Nancy

Reply
Mumbai June 16, 2015 - 3:18 pm

What a fantastic video-mix of your girl friends, their homes, animals and more. Looking forward to the book…congratulation Sharon.

Reply
Kate Dickerson June 16, 2015 - 4:01 pm

Wow, Sharon – The video is so beautiful! I just pre-ordered the book – something to look forward to in August – for my birthday!! Thanks for letting us into your and your friends’ lives.

Reply
Sally June 17, 2015 - 1:21 am

What a lovely group of friends, and beautiful photos.

Reply
Gina June 17, 2015 - 5:02 am

Exciting

Reply
Salençon Patricia June 17, 2015 - 12:26 pm

Sharon je voudrais vous dire toute l’admiration que j’ai pour vous et votre travail!!! Cette vidéo est magnifique!!! Tout ce que j’aime!!! Merci beaucoup!!:)

Reply
April June 17, 2015 - 2:51 pm

Now I’m really excited for the book! I too would love to see interviews and more video.

In that first picture at the top, what is the name of the vine creeping on the wall? I saw it in England and Italy. We are headed to France next month and I can’t wait!

Reply
suzanna June 17, 2015 - 6:39 pm

WOW WOW WOW, Sharon, Love your video…..and Clem Beatz…..thank you….
I am enthralled…..me want to come….lol……I am so in love with your page………
gorgeous flowers…..so romantic…oh la la..xoxox

Reply
Anne D. S. June 18, 2015 - 3:18 pm

I never want to wish time away, but I truly am filled with anticipation for the release of your gorgeous book on 1 August!

Reply
Sherry N. June 19, 2015 - 1:40 am

Wow! What more can I say but gorgeous! Thank you for sharing.

Reply
Nathalie June 19, 2015 - 6:42 pm

Hello Sharon,

Already this small video is wonderful, so I can’t wait for the book. I have already pré-order it, as soon as you announced it !
How lucky are all those women to be your friends !
Thank you Sharon for all those nice moments I spend reading your blog. Not all, not everyday but as soon as possible. And as you have probably noticed I am French, and I love the way you write, so it’s good to practice my English !!! Have a wonderful week end !
Nathalie

Reply
Shell Parsons June 20, 2015 - 6:49 am

Oh Sharon….c’est formidable!! Can’t wait to see your beautiful book. Congratulations.x

Reply
Jan Drury June 20, 2015 - 8:36 am

Your video was a joy. What a wonderful lot of girlfriends, beautiful homes, cheeky little dogs and great country side. A true delight!

Reply
Pat Crowder June 21, 2015 - 2:14 pm

Fabulous Sharon! I am ordering now, I can’t wait for this book.

Reply
Leslie in Little Rock June 29, 2015 - 9:28 pm

Well, it was a “tough” job, but so glad the someone who didit was you. So, looking forward to seeing real stylish women in their everyday lives in my dream destination-France!

Reply
Marianne C. Whitman August 17, 2015 - 3:29 am

Sharon, I read Part 5 of your wonderful story and absolutely loved it, love all of it. Can hardly wait for part 6. I ordered and received your new book about a week ago, and so want to find quiet time to sit and enjoy looking at it, which I know I will. I watched the video you posted and I know I was smiling at the beautiful rooms, the women, all of it. I will be looking at it for the fourth time in a few minutes. What a joy it must have been for you to compile this lovely book and what a gift for all of us who will enjoy it do much. Even though I am Italian , living in New York, I found the video so pleasureable to watch that I wanted to be there in France. You are so talented and keep the beauty coming. Ciao, Marianne

Reply

Leave a Comment