Capturing Life

posted in Main

May 23, 2010

There’s little said when a moment of happiness passes you by. Of all the moments I caught onto, even the so called bad ones I grasped onto, I can honestly  say photography was one I grasped and never let go of.  Throughout the last five years, whilst everything else in my life has been rather unsettling and unsure, my photography was there – it’s my escape from reality, it’s my weapon of choice, my way of showing the world; my world.

Feeling unsettled is what makes us as artists uneasy, but it’s that mere thought that  makes me push harder, breathe faster and want more in life. I want to show the world what I can capture – beauty, emotions, dreams.. these are all things  we strive for in life and we can’t live without one or the other.

Our thoughts and emotions control our life. We are constantly searching for better, to make ourselves better, to control everything around us – yet reality gets in the way of dreams.   Life is a constant echo of what we had and lost. Memories exist to keep us human; to remember is as much as it is to forget. We lose touch with ourselves and are so keen to move on but memories keep us grounded, unsolved and help us remember who we are and where we came from. My photography enables me to capture memories, milestones; whether in fashion, style or age.

I am capturing existing life – in pictures they will never grow old, in reality they will.

nivea: I'M SURE YOU HEAR IT ALL OF THE TIME,...BUT YOU ARE SO WISE AND TALENTED, FOR ONE SO YOUNG. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND GUIDE YOU. TRULY YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN A GIFT-CONTINUE TO LET IT SHINE FOR ALL TO SEE...EVEN YOUR WORDS ARE LIKE VISIONS SEEN THROUGH YOUR CAMERA'S LENS. BE WELL FROM NYC NIVEA (August 12, 2010 3:56 pm)

Spills: Being settled is when the dream becomes the reality, or the reality becomes the dream, and there is nothing greater to aspire to anymore: you've reached whatever hell or heaven you wished for. Being unsettled, however, is to feel the persistent burning of the things that lie just beyond the horizon, the everlasting curiosity of what lies around the corner. Memories are markers of where we've been so that eventually we can map our course, catch our bearings and a glimmer of where we're heading. (June 1, 2010 4:01 pm)

Robert Larson: You sound like someone who had a relationship come to a recent end. I say that because I've said similar things during those moments of my own life. (May 26, 2010 4:55 pm)

Donovan: This post really inspired me. I agree so much with what you're saying. Lara, you're such an inspiration, keep up the work. :) (May 23, 2010 4:09 pm)

Donovan: I remember a while ago you made a tweet about being a writer if you couldn't be a photographer. I couldn't agree more. I loved this post and it really spoke to me. Lara, you're such an inspiration, keep it up. :) (May 23, 2010 4:06 pm)

DannyLamar: thank u a million for this blog.. very inspirational.... i just got started into photography and it is my escape as u described.. when ever life gets a little too weird or unsettling i grab my camera and i feel liberated... i'm not really that good at it..but i'm learning so much everyday and i practice as much as i can... wish me luck... once again thank u for this blog (May 23, 2010 4:06 pm)

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Artists..

posted in Main

May 12, 2010

We, as artists constantly strive for perfection, we live life on the edge, unsure where life will lead us, we live life in the moment, achieve and move on to the next thing, the constant strive to do something new and unique, we want to be noticed yet we want to hide ourselves, our lives are a contradiction and yet we question everything. We are yet to realize that the happy things in life come from imperfection. We fail to notice the things in life that truly matter – it’s not the money, fame, the image we hide ourselves under, it’s the people around us, the energy and warmth of those we love. It’s being able to live in a beautiful world and appreciating that we are living.

Jacinda Setiawan: Fully love your work. This quote is perfect, so true. (August 6, 2011 4:30 am)

Noel Hannan: Hello Lara, great blog and great photos - I really like your work. I must say that I don't totally agree with what you say in 'Artists'. I think as artists we absolutley do notice the things in life and we photograph them. The little things that we see everyday creep into our shots, sometimes we notice them, sometimes they go unconsciously into the frame. But they are there. Your shots are truly great - please keep sharing. All the best, Noel (June 3, 2010 10:11 am)

Skip Gue: If we could all adopt this attitude,we would be rich beyond our dreams! (May 21, 2010 4:09 am)

karl bratby: wow that is so true, and straight from the heart. (May 16, 2010 11:39 pm)

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NYC

posted in Main

May 9, 2010

New York City is one of my favorite places to be. 12 days ago I visited for the second time. I absolutely love the vibe, the people, the attitude – you can feel alive, you can be free, yet you can still feel at home at the same time. Most of all I love the rush. I don’t care that I’m walking around on heels for 12 hours a day, I don’t care that there’s constant noise in my ears, I don’t mind rushing through crowds, riding on packed subways. I just can’t explain the feeling, I can only say you need to experience it for yourself.

I booked my ticket without knowing where it would take me. I knew I wanted to shoot there – so I did. I did four shoots in total with models from Elite & Wilhemina, none of which were planned, I just feel alive whilst taking photos and the models were absolutely wonderful. If there needed to be a make up artist – I did it, the styling – the models turned up in their own clothes and I would accessorize if they needed it. I shot with the quirky Mercura Sunglasses (their glasses have been used by some of the most amazing photographers in the world and also worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, of course!). I can’t wait to show you the images.

I met with friends, I shopped until I was quite literally sick of seeing the same things in the stores (and believe me this takes a lot), I was out for coffee everyday, I walked and walked blocks and avenues, I took the subway places just to discover, I worked in the warmth of the night on the balcony of my apartment, I enjoyed the food without counting the calories and I was inspired. Everytime I go to NYC I am so inspired that when I come home I don’t even think about it – I work and retouch and try to push myself more than I ever have.

I am hoping to move here in June for a few months, we’ll see how it goes. All I know is that I think this is good for me right now. There’s something about New York that London doesn’t have. Everyone I know that has experienced both says the same thing..

I will update very soon with images & shoots! I am so tired right now, I slept almost all of today and have retouched since I got home.

All my love, LJ

katrina: I love NYC too! I don't know what is it about that city that just makes you wanna get up and move and explore. It's when America meets Europe. Some of the older buildings are captivating... like air we breathe. (July 16, 2010 7:03 pm)

karl bratby: hey L, i hope i get the same Vibe...but this bloody ash cloud might scupper my plans. (May 16, 2010 11:42 pm)

jOHN erDOVEgi: "Green Acres is the place for me, no New York is where I'd rather be..." I was born in a big city and they still excite me. I've seen some of your eyeglass pics on facebook. If you wear them to long your eyes will go gaga. nice! (May 15, 2010 1:49 pm)

Estelle: I totally understand where your coming from! I went there in March and loved it! I definetly want to go back! Although last time I went as a wind band player I can't wait to explore the city fully in my own time. So inspiring! Good luck! (May 12, 2010 1:45 pm)

Jenan Julianne: DEFINETLY MOVE TO NYC!!!! IT IS THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH!!!!!!!! AHHH oh i miss it everyday of my life! LIving on the busy streets my first summer out of high school was the most amazing adventure, of. my. life. Congrats lara jade, you have found your soul in that city!!! (well...you are already have hot photography skills...so all you need do to in nyc is work em!!!! ow ow!) :) Cheers, xo, jenna (20 as well.) :) (May 10, 2010 11:50 am)

Eduardo: NYC is magic. My experiences there were also amazing. It is a place to recharge the batteries of imagination. If I could I would live there too. (May 10, 2010 2:56 am)

Kahulani: Lara I am so happy to hear that New York was magical for you. i absolutely love nyc and when i go again I will look you up. keep shooting and being inspired. i wish you all the best. (May 10, 2010 1:35 am)

lizet: Hoping to see some cool new pictures soon! I saw some previews on twitter, and those looked good allready ^^ i've been to new york once too, and i think you have to experience the big city before you know how it feels... i loved it too and am wanting to go back in the near future :) would be cool! have fun retouching! :) (May 10, 2010 12:17 am)

PierLuigi "AlienXS" Franchi: Thank You for your NYC feedback :) I guess all the enthusiasm is because you don't live there and few days is absolutely not enough to "get" the city. I did work and study there and I started to understand and "feel" the big apple properly only after 3 months. It's a Wonderful Hell ;) A city that gives you everything but asks a Lot. A place to enjoy but not to live in. (BTW, I miss the shopping too, especially at Strand Bookstore close to Union Sq. and Pearl Paint in Tribeca) :D Update us! (May 9, 2010 11:27 pm)

True: I love NYC rush too.. update!)) (May 9, 2010 10:58 pm)

Steve Morton: When you find that place in the world where you feel most at home, where work doesn't feel like work, and where your creative side comes alive you just have to be there. I'm about to move to France in a couple of weeks time and that's where I find I start to see things when I'm out and about with my camera that I never see in UK. Enjoy your next visit and I look forward to seeing your pictures from this latest visit. Take care Steve (May 9, 2010 9:56 pm)

Daisy von Starr: I want to go to NY even more now that I have read your post! it sounds wonderful, I am hoping to visit n the summer. Looking forward to seeing the photos you took whilst out there. Daisy x (May 9, 2010 8:22 pm)

the-LifeStyleBlog: I must say, you had the best nyc experience. and just going with the follow....thats one thing, i miss...'the rush'. two fav agencies, luv elite more so, drop names of the models on your next post. (May 9, 2010 8:09 pm)

bruna: hey lara, nyc seems amazing, its one of my dreams also, i never went there, but hope this year, i'll keep my fingers crossed,good to know that your work was good there and 'can wait to see what you are saving for us. you are a inspiration with your great work. cheers. bruna (May 9, 2010 8:01 pm)

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