Fall Home Tour Photoshoot: Behind the Scenes

Episode 16: Show notes

Today’s podcast is short and sweet—only seven minutes long. In this episode, I share the story behind a very special camera that was used to photograph our latest Fall home decor tour. It’s a personal, heartfelt recollection about family, unexpected gifts, and how small miracles can influence the everyday work of a home blogger and photographer.

Listen to Episode:

The audio for this episode is available on major podcast platforms. If you prefer to listen in your browser or on a podcast app, search for “The Harbour Breeze Home Podcast” and look for Episode 16 titled “Behind the Scenes — Our Fall Decor Home Tour Photoshoot.”

Or Listen On:

Apple | Spotify

The Story of a Special Camera

I wasn’t planning to publish a podcast today. While writing a short newsletter to accompany the brand new Fall decor home tour, a story emerged that surprised me. I read it aloud to my husband, and I became emotional—this piece of my heart felt tender and true. He listened and suggested I record it as a podcast episode. So here it is: a brief, sincere story about a quiet man, an unexpected gift, and how a camera became part of a family legacy.

About Seasonal Home Tours as a Blogger

For a while I stepped back from regular seasonal “home tours.” Not because my home wasn’t welcoming or well-decorated, but because so much of my decor is cherished, pared-down pieces that I simply move into new arrangements by season. The same beloved items reappear year after year—vintage pitchers, woven throws, favorite ceramics—and I worried repeating them would feel stale to long-time readers.

Recently something shifted. This season’s Fall tour felt different because of a gift that changed my approach to photographing and sharing the spaces we love.

An Unexpected Gift

About a year ago a relative named Richard—known to family as Rickey—passed away. I had only met him once, but he left a lasting impression: quietly brilliant, thoughtful, and interested in the world in ways I didn’t fully understand. After he passed, I learned he had been an avid hobby photographer with a collection of cameras and lenses.

Through a series of family conversations, I was offered one of his cameras. Receiving it felt heavy and precious. I’d long wished for a camera with professional-quality capability for this blog but had been using an older starter camera for years. I’d dreamed about a certain lens for a long time, but the cost always felt like an unnecessary indulgence. Having Rickey’s camera arrive so unexpectedly felt like another of those small, tangible reminders that blessings sometimes come in ways we don’t anticipate.

Looking for Everyday Miracles

My life and finances have often been intertwined with faith. Years spent on missionary support taught me to pray and watch for provision in the everyday. There was a season when I doubted whether God cared for small details, and I pushed myself to handle everything alone. But a meaningful answer to prayer years ago changed that for me; it felt like a demonstration that He attends to ordinary needs. Since then, I’ve learned to notice and give thanks for small, everyday miracles.

Receiving this camera felt like one more such miracle—an unexpected gift that exceeded what I imagined for myself. I pulled it out with care, attached lenses I’d only dreamed about, and photographed our home dressed for Fall. With each shot I thought of Rickey and felt grateful for being trusted to use something he loved.

Our home isn’t a showstopper, and I’m still learning this new camera’s capabilities. But I hope the Fall home tour images and the episode inspire you with simple, practical ideas to cozy your own space for the season. The blog post for the Boho-style Fall home tour expands on many of the styling ideas shared in the episode.

Thinking of You Today, Friend

If you’re facing hard things right now and searching for a miracle, may I encourage you to speak to Jesus about it? Prayer can be as simple as talking to a trusted friend. Ask for help, for wisdom, and for a tangible sense of love and guidance. I can’t promise specific answers, but I can promise that you are not alone—there is care and compassion for your situation. You are loved deeply, and you are in my prayers.

That’s all for today—just a short and heartfelt episode to begin your week. Until next time, take care.

More about our Podcast

The Harbour Breeze Home podcast is hosted by Rita Joy, the author behind the Harbour Breeze Home blog. Through lighthearted conversation and storytelling, Rita shares practical tips and creative ideas to help you make your home feel welcoming and beautiful. New episodes typically release on Mondays.