We went to Rhode Island for our most recent photo shoot and it was a blast. We chose RI for a few reasons.
- One of our models lives there and we thought it would be fun to shoot there.
- It’s not too far from home in Western Mass, so we figured we could bring the kids and enjoy a little “workation.”
- We have some friends there who were kind enough to let our kids hang out for part of the shoot, so they weren’t totally bored with us.
- Tiny little Rhode Island offers so many locations from which to choose!
We shot everything in a day (for both lexiebarnes.com and spireusa.com), hit the beach, the golf course, three city spots, an amazing park, and still had time for the best Caffe Mocha I’ve ever had. We also had brunch Julian’s, where you can watch Sgt. Peppers on a loop in the loo and order an omelette called The Sith Lord. (You just can’t top that, really.)
We had so much fun and got so much work done, that we surprised the kids with an extra night of bouncing on the bed and swimming at the hotel pool! We spent our bonus day in Newport and enjoyed some R & R, Barnes Family style.
That meant stopping for the most delicious donuts I’ve ever tasted. The sprinkle suckers tasted like cupcakes and practically melt in your mouth. Outstanding.
Allie’s Donuts in North Kingstown, RI
What I loved so much about this shoot was seeing all of these “locations” in one state. Rhode Island is a super example of how great this country is and can be. It’s nice to know you have a choice. You can drive along the bland roads streaked with boxy sameness… or you can stick to the small towns and cool cities that still have a flavor of their own. Providence is gritty and sexy. East Greenwich is sweet and unpretentious. Newport is breathtaking and full of lively, jolly tourists. In fact, not once on our workation did we experience a single snarl, growl, or ignoramous at a checkout. Everyone we encountered – I mean everyone – was courteous, kind, and when applicable, totally professional. And unbeatably friendly (bear in mind, too, that we were, at times, a crew of seven – plus four kids and a boston terrier!)
It was glorious. So go visit Rhode Island this summer! Go to play or go to work. Take your kids along like we did, or ditch ‘em if you’d like. But go. Don’t worry about being as friendly as they are — it’s contagious and you’ll feel great. And I hope you’ll take it with you as you go about your business. Life’s too short for everyone to run around grouching each other all the time. So be nice, work hard, and enjoy it while you can.
photo by Sebastian Barnes, age seven
ciao,
LB




