That 90's Ranch

Tag: photography

  • A New Backdrop, A New Wreath, and a Full House

    There’s something so satisfying about finally having a spot dialed in for photos. If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve been chasing the perfect light and background for my wreath shots for a while now — and I think I’ve finally landed on it.

    The New Door Setup

    Right outside my sunroom, I’ve set up a painted door leaned against the brick wall of the house, and honestly, it’s been a game changer. It’s just steps from my workshop, which means I can finish a wreath, walk it outside, and get it photographed while the light is still good — no lugging pieces across the yard or waiting for a “good day” to drive somewhere with better scenery.

    The brick gives just enough texture and warmth without competing with the wreath itself, and the door adds that cozy, welcoming, front-porch feeling that I think really matters for fall listings. It photographs beautifully in both morning and late afternoon light, and I’m already noticing the difference in how the listings look.

    Introducing: The Mixed Fern Wreath

    This one’s a little different from my usual fall lineup — softer, more textural, and built around layering several types of fern for depth rather than leaning on the bold pops of color I usually reach for.

    I wanted something that felt lush and a little wild, like it had been gathered rather than arranged. The layering of textures against that weathered door really lets the greens do the talking.

    A Full House This Season

    Life at home has looked a little different lately, too. My dad moved in with me recently, and it’s honestly been such a blessing having him here. He’s turned into one of my biggest cheerleaders when it comes to the wreaths — always ready with a compliment, always curious about what I’m working on next, and always happy to sit out on the porch with me.

    It’s a nice reminder that this little business isn’t just about the finished product — it’s woven into the everyday rhythm of home, family, and the people cheering you on along the way.

    More fall pieces coming soon — thanks for following along!

  • Mastering Wreath Photography: Tips for Optimal Light

    When I started working on the side door off our garage, I had one goal in mind—create a clean, simple backdrop where my wreaths could shine.

    And for a minute… I thought I had it.

    The door looked fresh. The brick had that warm, cozy tone I love. It felt like it should work.

    But there was one problem I couldn’t fix with paint or styling—light.

    The Problem I Didn’t See Coming

    That side door faces south, and while that might sound ideal, the roof overhang created a harsh shade line across the door most of the day.

    Half light. Half shadow. Constantly shifting.

    If you’ve ever tried to photograph anything for Etsy, you already know…
    that kind of lighting is a dealbreaker.

    • Colors don’t photograph true
    • Shadows cut right through your product
    • Editing becomes a nightmare
    • And worst of all—it just doesn’t look professional

    I kept trying to “make it work,” but deep down I knew…

    This wasn’t the setup my wreaths deserved.

    The Pivot That Changed Everything

    So I did something a little unconventional.

    I bought a brand new 36-inch door.

    Not to install…
    but to stage.

    I painted it, styled it, and leaned it against an east-facing wall outside my sunroom.

    And just like that—I had something I never had before:

    ✨ Consistent, soft morning light
    ✨ A full-size door that fits larger wreaths beautifully
    ✨ A controlled, repeatable photography setup

    No harsh lines.
    No guessing.
    No fighting the sun.

    Why This Works So Well

    This setup solved more than just lighting—it elevated everything about how my wreaths are presented.

    Here’s what made the biggest difference:

    1. East-Facing Light is Your Best Friend

    Morning light is softer, more even, and far more flattering than harsh afternoon sun.

    2. A 36” Door Gives Breathing Room

    My larger wreaths finally look proportional and high-end instead of crowded.

    3. Neutral = Timeless

    The simple painted door keeps the focus where it belongs—on the wreath.

    4. It’s Repeatable

    This might be my favorite part.

    I can now walk outside, hang a wreath, and know I’m going to get a good shot.

    And when you’re running a small handmade business—especially on days when energy is limited—that kind of reliability matters more than anything.

    A Little Honest Reflection

    I’ll be honest—there was a moment where I thought:

    “Am I really buying a door… just to lean it against a wall?”

    But this is one of those times where doing something a little different made all the difference.

    Because this isn’t just about taking pictures.

    It’s about:

    • showing your work in its best light
    • creating a consistent brand
    • and making your products look as beautiful online as they do in real life

    And for me, that’s worth it.

    If You’re Struggling With Product Photos…

    Let me just say this—if your photos aren’t working, it might not be your product.

    It might be your light.

    Before you second guess your design…
    try changing your setup.

    Sometimes the smallest shift (or in my case… a whole door 😄)
    can completely change the outcome.

  • When Your House Makes Perfect Sense From the Inside: Fixing My 90s Ranch Entryway for Real Life (and Etsy Photos)

    Part One of the That 90s Ranch Entryway Series

    If you’ve ever driven through the countryside outside of Springfield, Missouri, you’ve probably noticed something charming and slightly puzzling about the homes built here in the 1990s. When this part of the Ozarks was just beginning to boom — when young families were buying small plots of two or three acres, digging their own wells, installing septics, and dreaming up floor plans without the help of an architect — they built homes that worked for them. Practical. Personal. And occasionally, a little quirky by conventional standards.

    My 90s ranch is no exception.

    From the outside, my entryway looks a little odd. The front door faces west, flanked by a sidelite that throws off any sense of symmetry. There’s a storm door that reflects everything and photographs nothing well.

    Step inside though, and suddenly it all makes perfect sense.

    The foyer opens up beautifully. A navy blue accent wall anchors the space with confidence. A Persian rug in rich reds and blues grounds the hardwood floors. A vintage coat rack stands sentinel by the front door, and the light fixture overhead casts a warm, welcoming glow. It’s a real home, lived in and loved, full of personality that no cookie-cutter floor plan could have predicted. The tray ceiling does not sit in the center of the room which drive me bonkers, and the windows are crazy narrow which was seems to be customary at the time of construction.

    This is the story of so many homes built in this corner of Missouri during that era. The builders — our parents, our neighbors, ourselves — were practical people solving practical problems on their own terms. If the lot sloped a certain way, the door went where it made sense. If the family needed a side entrance for muddy boots and grocery runs, that door got built where it worked, not where a designer might have placed it for curb appeal.

    I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately as I’ve been working to improve the photography for my Etsy shop, RonnieKayDesign, where I sell handmade floral wreaths. Good wreath photography requires a good door. And good door photography, it turns out, requires thinking creatively about what you actually have — and what you can coax it into becoming.

    So that overlooked 32-inch side door coming off of the garage? Oof! The one that faces south and catches the most gorgeous afternoon light you’ve ever seen bouncing off warm Missouri brick? That’s my project now.

    Over the next few posts I’m going to share how I’m transforming this quirky little side entrance — painting, styling, and staging it — into both a functional entryway and a photography backdrop I’m actually proud of. No professional contractor. No big budget. Just a woman, her paint brushes, and a deep appreciation for the perfectly imperfect homes that this corner of the Ozarks built for itself.

    Because sometimes the quirkiest parts of your home turn out to be the most interesting.

    Stay tuned for Part Two, where I tackle the paint and show you the before and after of the side door transformation.