Little Red Riding Hood

Yes, it’s me! I got to be Little Red Riding Hood this year! What fun! A friend of mine loaned me this super-cool cape for the day, and it was perfect. It kept me warm, and was easy to play the “photographer” role at Candy Zone.

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope your day was a blast! I’d love to see some cute pictures of all your kiddos in costume. Send me an email! lara@laragrauer.com

One Day Only

Don’t let summer get away from you! Contact me on Tuesday, July 21st to book your summer appointment, and you’ll get a free mini session, or $150 off a complete session! This is an awesome deal, but it will only be available on Tuesday. Sessions must be completed by August 31st to qualify.

Coming for the Summer Heat!

My summer travel to the midwest is officially confirmed: I will be available for summer sessions in Chicago on July 29th and 30th! Contact me now to book your appointment – space is limited.

As noted early this spring, I will also be available for portrait sessions in Iowa City on August 1st and 2nd. Thanks to those who have already reserved times. You’ve made it possible for me to offer these travel sessions without travel fees! If you’re in Iowa City and you haven’t booked your appointment, contact me soon – there is one remaining time slot.

Warrior

Not much to say about this one. It was a rainy day with a mix of snow (Yeah, snow, this is Seattle, but it snowed on April 13th) and I was itching for something to shoot! The Warrior it is. I really do like this statue. He stands guard over our fireplace. There’s a very interesting story behind it, but of course I’ve forgotten many of the details! I think it had something to do with a king or an emperor who had statues made of all of his soldiers so that they could be with him in his grave and accompany him into the afterlife. Each statue was a portrait of an actual soldier in the army, so they’re all different. I believe there were thousands of them. I think it would be cool to know this guy’s name.

Birthday Girl

Yesterday was a big day in our house – Molly’s 6th birthday! It’s amazing how fast they grow, the things they can learn, and the wit that abounds at such a young age! We’ve been through Elmo, Dora, princesses, and now Pokemon. We’ve been to many museums, beaches, parks, field trips, and parties. The adventure will continue and we look forward to many joys and challenges to come. I have loved watching her grow, and it’s through pictures that I am able to savor the memories.

You might recognize this cute face; I used to get a whole lot of personality from her, but things have changed. I love this expression – it’s very natural, and what I see in her. But it’s not so easy to get the variety and the exuberance that exploded from her as a toddler. We’ve reached the frozen grin stage. I knew it would come – and it will come to your family if it hasn’t already! It wouldn’t bother me much, except that it means she’s a big kid now!!! NOOOO!!!! I think one of my challenges for April will be to get a big expression from her and post it for all to see.

What I love so much about my job is that I’m going through the stages of parenting myself. I really relate to my clients because I know what it’s all about. I understand the joy and the frustrations. Most of all, I understand what a precious thing it is to capture that beautiful essence that we see in our children every day.

Love Bugs

These cute little guys were a gift to my son from his Nana. My daughter got a ladybug version but there’s something about these little ants that are so cute! They are perched on top of a little green pedestel, with a button on the bottom that makes the ants go limp when you push it. But if you only push it partly down, they can dance so gracefully! They’re like sweet little love bugs. I have to say my favorite part about these little guys is the way their rear-ends stick straight out to the sides. Aren’t they funny? So now that you know that I spend way too much time thinking about little toy ants, I better dig up something really great for your viewing pleasure. How else will I save my dignity?

I have a couple of projects on the horizon, but the one I’m most excited about is a project involving commercial photos for my favorite Seattle restaurant Cafe Piccolo! I am really looking forward to this, and I’ve already begun coming up with ideas. I hope to do a little bit of everything – portraits, interiors, food shots – you name it! I hate to disappoint you, but there won’t be any little dancing ants in this project. Stay tuned . . .

Travel Plans

It’s that time of year again! Time to plan my travels. This summer I will be heading out to the midwest once again. I will be scheduling appointments in both Chicago and Iowa City in the near future. If you’re interested in booking an appointment, contact me as soon as possible! No flights have been booked on my end, so I might be able to accommodate your travel plans. Last year’s travels were great fun, and I was able to create a lot of memorable photos. Keep your eyes out for upcoming details.

This was one of my favorites from last year’s trip to Iowa City . . .

Recession or no, the babies still GROW!!!

Time keeps ticking, and children keep growing. I just love watching how they change almost into different people over time. It’s just amazing. Photographs can tell the story of your life. Beauty, wonder, and joy all wrapped up in an image without any need for explanation. Simply being. Words can cause trouble, or lack the meaning you wish to convey. I hope that families will continue to put a few dollars aside for high-quality photographs. There is no substitute. I know I will.

Spring is Springing

Despite yet another Seattle snowfall two days ago, the flowers are beginning to emerge. I’ve even done some deadheading on my primroses! A perfect opportunity to get warmed up for the outdoor photography season. I can’t wait for the sunshine to kick us all outside again.

New Adventure

I’ve just joined a new site, which I learned about from Lavender. It’s called www.jpgmag.com, and it’s an online community that shares photography work as well as stories and submits them to be included in JPG Magazine. I couldn’t resist! There is some brilliant work being displayed there, so I decided to give it a whirl. I’ve just submitted my first photo in the “Zen” category. Go check it out and vote for my picture, of course!