LaLa Life 31

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums.

Week 31

 ** Taken on the iPhone using the Instagr.am app **

(Filter: Earlybird)

A couple of weeks ago I first posted on LaLa Life my sudden interest in home cooking (week 23 to be exact). As of late, this interest has started to grow on me. So much so, that my sisters, who are domestic goddesses when it comes to cooking and baking, were taken aback at just how much experimental home-cooking I have been doing lately. 

Those who know me well know that I love dining out (in fact I think my Soul Food album is evident of that!) and I was not even the least bit interested in home-cooking; I learnt just the essentials to be able to cook for my family because eating out all the time was not a viable option. Now I find myself buying food magazines and downloading food apps on my iPad to try recipes I like! I'm not even sure what influenced me to suddenly become so adventurous with my cooking because television shows like 'My Kitchen Rules' and 'Masterchef' do not interest me (...not yet anyway!). I told my husband, "I love cooking for my family" to which he responded, "Well I love eating your food."  So I guess everyone in the family benefits from this newfound interest of mine and I find that my husband is willing to invest more in kitchen appliances and equipment more readily than photography equipment. :P 

As with most interests and hobbies I venture into, photography has to fit in somewhere and how better than writing a blog about all my cooking adventures. I'm no Donna Hay or Nigella Lawson, but I can boast that all the food props are delicious and all made by me! You can visit my food blog, LaLa's Kitchen. Hopefully the library of recipes on the blog will grow but for now - there's a really simple and delicious Mocha Self-Saucing Pudding recipe you can try :) 

LaLa Life 30

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums. 

Week 30

In week 30 of LaLa Life I received a most precious photo.  A milestone photo that is to be distributed amongst immediate family for framing as it marks the start of a very important part of his young life.  When I went to collect Andrew from kindergarten, I received his first school photograph. 

I couldn't help but smile and the tears did well up a bit; it seemed like only yesterday that I was cradling my little man in my arms as a baby.  As I looked at the photo I recalled vividly the day we were preparing for the photo. 

Prior to 'Photo Day' I had taken Andrew for a haircut and at the time we told the hairdresser to cut his hair in such a way that we could spike it.  Come Photo Day morning I received the instructions "Mum, I don't want spikey hair.  I want it flat and parted on the side."  While I am all for personal growth and opinions, I couldn't help but be a little disappointed; I envisioned my son to look cool in his photo with spikey hair.  I tried enthusiastically to change his mind, "Are you sure Andrew? You can have spikey hair like your friend Dylan!" "No thank you mummy."

So I did as I was told and I flattened and side-parted his hair.  By the time I was finished I thought his hair looked like it should of belonged in a 1980's class photo (not that there's anything wrong with that!).  I was amused and thought to myself, 'Bless, he looked just like his father when he had his school photo taken."  We finished styling Andrew's hair and we were both happy with the result, as you can see in the photo he is holding. 

My little flashback was short-lived as Andrew rushed out of the classroom to greet me and tell me about his day.  I know I have said this previously, but I am truly blessed to have a job that I love and be able to be around the children to cherish these simple moments. 

Oh, and just for fun, below is a kindergarten photo comparative between Andrew and myself. :) 

LaLa Life 29

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using photographic mediums.

Week 29

As you all know through previous LaLa Life posts, I have taken to pre-loved goods (such as Pedro the Polaroid and my current obsession for vintage shopping).  Now, hand-made products have started to take a shine on me. There is something beautiful in the effort and passion a person puts into making something with their own hands. 

With this in mind, plus the fact that Perth's wet weather has forced me to stay indoors, I have decided to have a go at creating something hand-made.  Thus LaLa Photography's sister company 'Made by LaLa' was created and I have opened an online shop on Etsy named 'MadebyLaLaP' (the P is there to link to the photography as well as the fact that the name was taken :P ) 

In essence, 'Made by LaLa' allows me to combine my love of photography with stationery and craft.  I currently have mini pegs which I have been using to showcase the Polaroid pictures I've been taking with the boys, as well as an inspirational greeting card series called #thinkhappythoughts, whereby LaLa Photography have produced the images.

I have discovered that the emotions that I feel when making the products for my little online shop is the same as when I'm doing photography; the creative process is exhausting, the execution is exhilarating and when the product is finished, there is elation. 

You will see on my LaLa Photography facebook page a 'My Etsy' tab on the left (underneath our profile picture).  This tab shows you all the items currently listed on our Made by LaLa Etsy shop. Also, I will house a photo album of new shop additions .  To visit my Etsy online shop direct, please visit www.etsy.com/shop/MadebyLaLaP 

One of the #thinkhappythoughts greeting cards

Mini Pegs which have been very useful in displaying photos around my house. 

LaLa Life 28

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums.

Week 28

** Taken on the iPhone using the Instagr.am app **

(Filter: Brannan)

LaLa friends, meet the newest addition to our family - Felicity (or Flick). 

Felicity is a Fujifilm (Instax Mini 25) Instant Camera. While she wasn't made by Polaroid like Pedro, she does produce instant pictures only at a fraction of the size. 

Exposure setting is tricky with Pedro and the other big, noticeable difference between Pedro and Felicity is the processing of the Polaroid picture: a black card-slide is used to cover the picture when produced and, together with the Polaroid, is placed in your pocket (as body heat is used in developing the picture). 

In contrast, not much effort is required with Felicity's photos; just let it sit and wait for the magic of the picture to come through! Plus she was equipped with the benefits of today's picture technology along with in-built flash and electronic exposure settings.  Felicity even has a little mirror so you can see yourself when taking a self-portrait! 

My eldest son joined me in learning and exploring this medium; he was most intrigued by waiting for the picture to process and was asking many questions that I sometimes struggled to answer! Both Pedro and Felicity gave me an opportunity to expose my kids to another type of photography, where pictures aren't always readily available to view on the LCD screen at the back of a camera.

My boys and I had so much fun playing with both Pedro and Felicity, both of which helped create some beautiful memories during the school holidays. This week for LaLa Life, there is a picture of Pedro and Felicity with the Polaroid pictures they each produced (above).  Below is a picture of some of the Polaroids I took of the boys with Felicity. 

LaLa Life 27

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums.

Week 27

** Taken on the iPhone using the Instagr.am app **

(Filter: Earlybird)

As mentioned previously, I have been exploring various photographic mediums.  My first was iPhoneography and I absolutely love it!

Recently my exploration took a bit of a turn into the vintage. Pictured in week 27 of LaLa Life is my new friend the Polaroid 1000 Land CAmera, which I have affectionately named PEDRO.  Yes, I name ALL my cameras.

Pedro and I are still getting to know each other; the polaroid picture you see attached is attempt number five. While there are newer models of Polaroid cameras out in the market with more advanced picture-taking technology, there is something about understanding the old in order to appreciate the new.  The whole experience has made me really appreciate the efficiency and quality of today’s camera’s; DSLR or not.

LaLa Life 26

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums.

Week 26

It wasn't that long ago that this lovely mummy-to-be was organising my baby shower and so it was an absolute delight watching my sister-in-law Aleisha share the excitement of expecting her first born with her girlfriends. Here are a few pictures of the day :)

J & J Wedding

"Two drifters off to see the world, there's such a lot of world to see.  We're after the same rainbow's end, waiting 'round the bend, my Huckleberry friend; Moon River and me." - Lyrics to 'Moon River' by Frank Sinatra. 

It is very common for many to leave the securities of our childhood home to venture out and explore this wonderful world of ours.  With the millions of people that inhabit and trot the globe, how is it that two people from the same home-town meet and fall in love on the other side of the world?  All the celestial bodies have aligned themselves for this beautiful chance meeting to happen; it was just meant to be for this couple ...

I had the absolute pleasure of assisting Katey Manuchehri Photography in capturing the beautiful nuptials between Justin and Johanna. As second photographer, I enjoyed documenting the candidness of this relaxed yet very intimate ceremony between the newlyweds in the company of their closest relatives and friends.

To see Katey Manuchehri Photography's blog on Justin and Johanna's wedding, please go to Katey Manuchehri Photography's Blog. Below are LaLa Photography's collection of photographs for the day. 

LaLa Life 25

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums.

Week Twenty Five

All images taken with iPhone4 camera and the Earlybird filter in Instagr.am applied. Photojojo's Macro lens was used in the floral photos only. 

I cannot lie dear LaLa fans; winter 2011 has been terrible health wise.  After years of going through previous winters with relative ease, I recently came down with a fierce case of the influenza coupled with the most awesome migraine attack I have ever encountered!

So I have been sure to follow the doctor's orders as closely as possible; resting lots and taking advantage of all the creature comforts that come with the season - sleeping in during rainy mornings, reading good books by the fire, soothing cups of tea and cooking warm, hearty meals just to name a few.

The floral pictures seen in this week's LaLa Life picture collage was taken during the past month with my iPhone and Photojojo Macro lens, as well as revisiting my love affair with craft and stationery. 

So while the body is tired from fighting germs and viruses, the mind is still very much active.  Please be patient with me as I have so many projects that I want to share with you all. In the meantime, please take care of yourselves and your family.