top of page
Search

The Perfect Backdrop

Updated: Jun 30

A great location is crucial for a successful photo shoot, be it a wedding, prom, or family portrait.  The location sets the mood and helps the subject feel more at ease. Scenic spots, such as flower gardens or urban alleys, and natural features in parks provide dynamic backdrops, adding depth and context to the experience. Natural lighting in open fields or shaded forests elevates image quality, while unique settings like historic buildings create a narrative. The right location complements the theme, whether it is romantic, adventurous, or serene, making the photos visually compelling. Simply put, a thoughtfully chosen location transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary, memorable captures.


Recently, we heard of a place near Chaffee, Missouri, that features a flower farm specifically designed for photo shoots.  OK, yes, my ears perked up, and I called as fast as I could.  So we decided a fashion shoot was in order.  We reached out to our friends at Ophelia's Women's Clothing and Gift Boutique in Farmington and went to work.


Woman in floral top and jeans poses in a sunny garden. White floral backdrop, colorful flowers, and trees create a bright, cheerful scene. Hannah Politte at Mathew Farms in Chaffee, Missouri
Model Hannah Politte at Matthews Flower Farm in an outfit by Ophelia's Women's Clothing and Gift Boutique.

Flowers create stunning backdrops for photo shoots, adding vibrant color and natural charm. Flowers bring bold, sunny vibes, perfect for cheerful portraits. Wildflower meadows offer a rustic, carefree aesthetic, ideal for family or lifestyle sessions. Strategically placed blooms can add depth, drawing focus to subjects while softening backgrounds. Seasonal flowers ensure authenticity, with summer's daylilies providing pops of color. 


Sunlit garden with blooming lilies in various colors, surrounded by trees and a wooden fence. Rustic buildings in the background. Peaceful mood at Mathew Farms in Chaffee, Missouri
Matthew's Flower Farm is designed for photo shoots and gatherings.
Hannah Politte at Mathew Farms in Chaffee, Missouri wearing Ophelia's Farmington clothing. in denim and white top stands in a garden, hands in pockets. Floral backdrop and soft sunlight create a serene mood.
Path through a vibrant garden with colorful flowers under a sunlit sky, surrounded by trees and small sheds. Peaceful, bright morning.
Hannah Politte at Mathew Farms in Chaffee, Missouri wearing Ophelia's Farmington clothing.
Sunlit garden with colorful lilies in bloom, surrounded by trees. A greenhouse and shed are visible, creating a serene and vibrant scene.
Hannah Politte at Mathew Farms in Chaffee, Missouri wearing Ophelia's Farmington clothing.
Hannah Politte at Mathew Farms in Chaffee, Missouri wearing Ophelia's Farmington clothing.
Hannah Politte at Mathew Farms in Chaffee, Missouri wearing Ophelia's Farmington clothing.
Hannah Politte at Mathew Farms in Chaffee, Missouri wearing Ophelia's Farmington clothing.
Pathway through a sunlit garden with blooming flowers and tall trees. Bright, colorful scene with a peaceful, inviting atmosphere.
Several looks and textures abound at Mathew's Flower Farm.

I'm Carie Huston, owner of the Matthew's Flower Farm.  I'm a wife and a mom who's always been a little creative and sentimental. I do like things to be perfect, but working on the flower farm has taught me that perfect doesn't exist—especially out here. I've learned from my husband that when you're growing things, it's not always going to go the way you plan, and that's OK.  The farm has given me a space to pour all of that energy and passion into something real. I love growing flowers, caring for animals, and finding meaning in the small, everyday moments. It can get messy sometimes, but it's full of heart, and that's what keeps me going.

Carie Huston at Mathew Farms in Chaffee, Missouri wearing Ophelia's Farmington clothing.
Carie Huston, owner of Matthew's Flower Farm.

The house is over 100 years old and originally belonged to my great-grandparents. You can feel the history in every corner—the worn wood floors, creaky doors, and all those little things that only an old farmhouse has. We've been updating things here and there as we can—it's a big project, so for now, it's a work in progress. The house means a lot to me; it's part of my family's story and the heart of the farm.  

A happy dog sits beside a person holding a leash in a grassy yard, with chickens roaming in the background. The scene is bright and calm. Australian Shepherd.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes!

At Matthews Flower Farm, we primarily grow flowers just for our photo backdrops and event settings.  We believe in the power of collaboration between nature and art. Our fields burst with the colors of seasonal blooms, providing endless inspiration for photographers and painters. We've opened our gates to these talented individuals, inviting them to capture the essence of our farm through their unique perspectives.

When photographers are here or when we are hosting an event, my husband and I are always around to lend a hand. We want people to feel welcomed, relaxed, and like they can enjoy the space without any stress. It's important to us that it feels personal. 

Carie Huston in red shorts stands by a mural of colorful flowers and text "Bloom with a Purpose." Greenery and a metal roof in the background.
We believe in the power of collaboration between nature and art.

The farm is always changing with the seasons, offering something beautiful to discover every time you visit. While bloom times shift from year to year depending on weather and growing conditions, we grow a wide variety of flowers you might find throughout the season—including daylilies, daffodils, tulips, peonies, dahlias, sunflowers, cosmos, gomphrena, stock, snapdragons, and more.

Some folks make it a tradition to travel in from out of town, and a few even from out of state. It means a great deal to see people feel connected to this little farm, no matter how far they've come.

Carie Huston smiling, holding large white lilies in a sunny garden. Background shows greenery, orange flowers, and a blurry structure.

It's definitely more than 40 hours a week to keep up with the property. We've been pouring a lot of energy into reviving the farm, and honestly, it's been a real labor of love. In addition to regular upkeep, there's always a growing list of projects we're excited to tackle—each one helping us create a space that feels intentional, meaningful, and welcoming to everyone who visits. 

A Carie Huston kneels among blooming flowers, smelling lilies in a vibrant garden. Sunlight filters through trees, creating a serene, summer mood.
A Carie Huston at Matthews Flower Farm in red shorts swings on a rope tied to a tree, smiling. Sunny day in a grassy field with a small shed in the background.
...dahlias, snapdragons, and zinnias—that need to be started from seed each year.
Close-up of vibrant orange lilies in bloom against a blurred green background, creating a serene and colorful garden scene. Matthews Flower Farm in Chaffee Missouri
Matthews Flower Farm in Chaffee Missouri Yellow daylilies in full bloom with buds, surrounded by green leaves in sunlight, creating a bright and cheerful garden scene.
Matthews Flower Farm in Chaffee Missouri Lush garden with vibrant red, purple, and yellow flowers under sunlight. Trees and a field are visible in the bright background.

The Matthew's Flower Farm take great care to have the best backdrops possible.

Many of our flowers return year after year, which is always a welcome surprise in the spring. We also plant annuals every season—such as dahlias, snapdragons, and zinnias—that need to be started from seed each year. Additionally, we're continually adding new perennials, so there's always something new to discover. The garden is always changing, which keeps it exciting and fresh.

Woman in a blue dress stands in a sunlit garden with colorful flowers, trees, and a rustic wooden structure in the background. Hannah Politte At Matthews flower Farm in Chaffee Missouri wearing Ophelia's Farmington Womens Clothing
Hannah looks great in this blue sun dress.
Woman in a blue dress smiles with arms raised, standing against a floral-patterned background. Sunlight creates a warm, cheerful mood. Hannah Politte At Matthews flower Farm in Chaffee Missouri wearing Ophelia's Farmington Womens Clothing
Hannah has many great looks.
Woman in a blue dress stands in front of a floral fabric backdrop in a sunny garden. Soft sunlight filters through, creating a serene mood.
Patrice Parson owner of Ophelia Farmington Womens Clothing Smiling woman in floral dress, holding colorful patterned clothes on hangers in a boutique. Bright, cheerful atmosphere with clothing racks.

Meet Patrice Parson owner of Ophelia's Women's Clothing and Gift Boutique

Ophelia's Women's Clothing and Gift Boutique in Farmington is a charming haven for fashion and unique gifts. Owned by Patrice Parson, a behavior specialist with a passion for retail, Ophelia's offers a curated selection of women's apparel, accessories, jewelry, and home decor. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and ever-changing inventory, the boutique caters to diverse tastes, ranging from casual to elegant, with small-batch buys that guarantee a truly unique look.  Patrice wears and makes daily posts to her social pages showing off her latest finds.  Patrice's dedication to quality and customer service makes Ophelia a beloved local gem, perfect for finding distinctive pieces—We Lub you, Patrice! Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

About our creative team

Model Hannah and her jazz-singing and stylist sister Sarah. They did a great job on the shoot. They both are so talented. 573 is lucky to have a relationship with both of them.

Hannah Politte and Sarah Politte at Matthews Flower Farm in Chaffee Missouri. Smiling and standing in fron of daylillies and old barns.
Woman in a floral dress stands confidently in a sunny garden with yellow flowers, hands on hips, serene expression.
Woman in a floral dress lounges on a wicker bench in a sunlit garden with colorful flowers, evoking a serene and relaxed mood.
Hannah and Sarah have worked several shoots with us and in September they will be assisting a shoot with Motion Dog Films in Scotland. We will keep you posted.

Get Out There! Create something. Start that new business. Start a garden.  Do something.  Do anything. What one person can do, another can do. That sunken sofa will be fine without you. 



573 people, places, passions logo
Be sure to visit all of our awesome sponsors who make these stories possible!





bottom of page