Lara Grauer Photography » Iowa

Hearts In States

Lara — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:11:13 +0000

Yesterday I was looking at some homework that my daughter had done for school. They are studying geography, and on this particular worksheet, they were learning about the different regions of the U.S.A. On one of the maps, she had drawn a heart in Illinois, where my parents live (and where she lived until she was 4). She also drew a heart in Iowa, where my brother lives with his family. From those two hearts, she drew lines across the country to Washington state, where we live now. Inside Washington, she drew a heart, broken in two pieces.

Having lived the first 31 years of my life in Illinois, I was quickly brought to tears by this image. I could deeply relate to the feeling of longing for those places, and the people who live there. While we have a nice home here, and we’ve made a lot of friends since we moved, there really is, as Dorothy would say, “no place like home.”

With Thanksgiving upon us, I began to wonder how I could look at this simple little drawing and be thankful for our life as it is today. It would be easy to get caught up in the sadness and the longing for something I can’t have. But this holiday is for being thankful. It is meant to bring joy as the weather turns cold and dark.

I’m thankful for our move to Seattle because it has helped me appreciate the true meaning of family. We all get frustrated with our families, and we often can’t help but take them for granted. I won’t be taking my family for granted any time soon.

I’m thankful that I get the opportunity to go to the Midwest often, so I can continue to know my family, as well as my true home.

I’m thankful that my children recognize the importance of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Being far away highlights that for them like nothing else can.

I’m thankful for my friends here in Seattle who acknowledge my longing for another place, and help me feel at home here anyway.

I’m thankful for our neighbors who are friendly and supportive.

Moving to Seattle has been a Grand Adventure. I never could have known what I would experience here. Whatever the future may bring for me and my family, one thing is for sure: I am grateful for my experience here in the beautiful Northwest. I have gained a new perspective on life and relationships, and found unexpected learning and growth. These lessons are uniquely credited to this crazy place we live in.

Competition Winner – Lara Grauer Photography

Lara — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:44:12 +0000

At the SPPA monthly competition, I was awarded second place in the Wedding category for this photo!

These kids have been so much fun to work with, and it thrills me that they get to be a part of my competition experiences! I think the best part about this photo is its genuine reflection of the children’s personalities. I admit I might tell people where to stand from time to time, but other than that, this moment is genuinely candid. These kids got all dressed up and *gasp* acted like kids! How wonderful! That’s what Lara Grauer Photography is all about – capturing those elements that make people who they are.

The meaning of FUN!

Lara — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 06:46:18 +0000

I just finished working on this collage for my brother’s family. I love this collection so much because it really shows what it means to have fun! These images are so full of love and life, it makes me want to go back to Iowa City NOW so I can hang out with these guys [...]

Another Amana Adventure

Lara — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:33:30 +0000

This family is so great – creative, enthusiastic, agreeable – all the things I could ask for. We had a fun time walking around the lily lake in Amana.

Stopped in Amana, Iowa – Childrens’ Portraits

Lara — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 06:44:53 +0000

I love these kids to death. I got to hang out with them for a few hours last weekend in Iowa, and what a treat! They had loads of fun and Mom even dressed them up in their formal clothes from a wedding they were in last month, which means I had as much fun playing as they did! It’s amazing how much these two kids have changed – and stayed the same.

Coming for the Summer Heat!

Lara — Mon, 18 May 2009 19:33:31 +0000

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.