Rainy Day Blues

Posted: March 14th, 2011 | Author: Lara | Filed under: Articles, Charity, Events, nature | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

It has been raining. And raining. And raining. And still raining around here. It just won’t let up. I know what you’re thinking – it’s Seattle; get used to it. But in my experience (only 3 and a half years, but enough to feel somewhat at home), rain in Seattle tends to be light and misty. Sure, it might rain all day long, but you typically don’t need an umbrella. As long as you dress in layers, it’s really no big thing.

This week, it’s been like a good old-fashioned rainy day in the midwest. Big, fat raindrops. Thick and heavy clouds. Puddles everywhere. Mud. Worms on the sidewalks. Eeew…

Rainy Day Photos in Seattle

No, I didn't photograph this image. It's from the cover of McCall Magazine back in 1943! The maker's name is Nickolas Muray - he died in 1965.

I had my Beach Photo FUNdraiser this weekend. I got lucky on Saturday, and was able to shoot during the few hours the rain subsided, but there was no chance on Sunday. It was just way too gross. The whole thing got me thinking about my philosophy: Capture life as it really is. Accept what you see and make a memory out of it. Why did I decide enough was enough?

I think the rain is fun and exciting. Shooting in the rain is a challenge worth facing – and it helps to create some of the most unique images out there. I would be thrilled to have a photo session with my family in the rain!

But it’s not about me. It’s about you. I can truthfully tell you that photos in the rain – with the jackets, umbrellas, and all of that – are so fun! But I can also come to grips with the fact that some people don’t want to be pelted in the face with cold rain and wind after they’ve anticipated their photo session for so long. There’s Seattle mist; and there’s steady, fat, and oppressive RAIN. Your pictures will be around for quite a while. It’s important to be sensible and set yourself up to enjoy the experience of making a memory.

I canceled photos on Sunday because it was the best way to make our time together FUN. That’s what this FUNdraiser is all about: Kids having FUN at school, and you having FUN with your family. This kind of rain is just not fun.

If you want to find some beauty in the rain, check this out. These photographers know about rainy day beauty. You could see it too. You just have to be open to it.


Brothers

Posted: August 26th, 2010 | Author: Lara | Filed under: video | Tags: , , | No Comments »

The friendship begins . . .


Winter Whimsy – Boudoir Event – Lara Grauer Photography

Posted: January 28th, 2010 | Author: Lara | Filed under: Client Sessions, Events, on-location | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »

Winter Whimsy was a blast! We had delicious food, mimosas, music, and wonderful company. I really enjoyed working with everyone! I thought it only appropriate to share some photos from the event… maybe you can join us next time!dsc_0317-edit-edit

dsc_0044-edit

dsc_0155-edit


2010 Already! – Winter Whimsy 2010

Posted: January 2nd, 2010 | Author: Lara | Filed under: Events | Tags: , , , | No Comments »

Oh My!

2010 is upon us! Winter Whimsy is only 2 weeks away. Will you be joining us? Spaces are filling, so it’s time to make up your mind… I hope to see you there!


Sweet Sisters – Seattle Child Photographer

Posted: September 19th, 2009 | Author: Lara | Filed under: on-location, portrait, siblings, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

These girls are so fun! We had the best time making little “flip books” with my quick release shutter – they would act out little scenes and then watch them on the back of my camera.

cool kids

urban

smile

splash

buddies

just right

painted walk

natural


wayward vegan cafe – food photography

Posted: July 25th, 2009 | Author: Lara | Filed under: commercial, food photography | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

I headed over to Wayward Cafe in the U district last week and got to spend some time photographing their yummy food. It’s a cool little vegan breakfast/lunch cafe, tucked away on the corner of 55th and 9th. The food is awesome, no matter what you’re accustomed to eating. You should check it out!

Some photos to whet your appetite:

wayward sign

wayward 100%

wayward meal

wayward hero

wayward logo


Newborn Baby Photography – 10 Days Old!

Posted: July 20th, 2009 | Author: Lara | Filed under: babies, Client Sessions, on-location, portrait | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »

I got a rare opportunity to photograph a newborn, only 10 days old! So many people wait to have their baby’s portraits done until 3 months or so, and they miss out on this lovely opportunity. Thanks to the S family for welcoming me into your home.

newborn 1

newborn 2

newborn 3

newborn 4

newborn 5


Character Study: Cam

Posted: May 12th, 2009 | Author: Lara | Filed under: babies, character study, Client Sessions, on-location, portrait | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

My artistic training is rooted in theatre. I am a thespian at heart; a three-dimensional storyteller. One of the things I love about theatre and photography is that they both dig in and truly explore the ins and outs that make a person who s/he is. Photography brings me in touch with so many real-life characters, and each portrait session is a chance to study them and deliver my interpretation.

Happy Cam Fun Cam Thoughtful Cam

Here is Cam, about 6 months old. If you look at these images closely enough, you’ll start to notice the soul that resides in his little growing body. He’s like an old friend: inquisitive, good natured, and full of humor.

We tend to think of babies as cute and cuddly, almost the way we see our pets. They are adorable – don’t get me wrong – but so often we’re taken aback by the human qualities within them. Why? They’re human, after all!

Teaser Cam [singlepic id="198" w="320" h="252" mode="" float="left" ]Cam’s inquisitive nature has already emerged – it sparkles in his eyes. It’s obvious that his discoveries bring him joy, and energize his drive to learn more. This is human nature at its best!

In each of these photographs you see a flash of a cute baby boy. With the entire image collection, however, you know Cam without having to meet him. He’s had wonderful adventures in his young life, and he has loved every one of them. Yes, he will change over time. He’ll grow, he’ll learn, and he’ll flourish. But for now, this is his story. It has been told.

Morning Cam Party Cam


Warrior

Posted: April 13th, 2009 | Author: Lara | Filed under: commercial, General | Tags: , , , , , , | No Comments »

dsc_6077.jpg

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.

dsc_6071.jpg


Love Bugs

Posted: March 29th, 2009 | Author: Lara | Filed under: commercial, family, General | Tags: , , , , , , , | No Comments »

These cute little guys were a gift to my son from his Nana. Love Bugs 1 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? Love Bugs 2

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 . . .