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May 30, 2011
May 25, 2011
Sample Album
The UPS man dropped off an exciting package yesterday!
My sample album showed up!
I'm so excited to show you guys just how awesome it is!
My sample album showed up!
I'm so excited to show you guys just how awesome it is!
It was wrapped in the cutest little bow!
The cameo on the front is printed on metal... yes, metal. It's so pretty!
It's shimmery and has so much more dimension then a normal print.
The side is printed in silver.
The pages are really thick and printed on photo paper.
The pages lay completely flat. No gutter between the pages!
I had fun playing with different options for layouts.
Here's some close ups of the pages.
(I don't know why the crease keeps coming out looking blue! I swear it's the camera and not the book!)
Have a question about albums? Ask it in the comments!
May 23, 2011
Amazing Find: Pinterest
Every once in a while I find something that is so amazing that I just want to tell everyone about it! I've been obsessed with the website Pinterest for a few months now, and every time I log in I think to myself, I have got to talk about this on my blog!
So what is Pinterest you ask?
"Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great taste. People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things -- wedding inspiration, favorite T-shirts, DJ equipment. You name it, people are pinning it. We know you have great taste in something. Our mission is to make Pinterest the best place for you to share your taste with the world."
And it is a complete obsession of mine. Pinterest is so full of inspiration. Looking for wedding inspiration? How about home decor? Are you a DIYer? You can find something for everyone.
I keep pin boards of poses I'd like to try with clients, quotes I really like, and projects I'd like to try. You can check out my boards here: http://pinterest.com/lauralaing/ It's a great way to keep ideas organized without keeping tons of files on your desktop! I wish it had been around when I was planning my wedding! I would have spent endless hours staring at all the amazing pictures!
Right now Pinterest is invite only, but they usually get back to you pretty quick if you don't have an invite. Want an invite so you can try this amazing site for yourself? Shoot me an email and I'll send one your way!
And it is a complete obsession of mine. Pinterest is so full of inspiration. Looking for wedding inspiration? How about home decor? Are you a DIYer? You can find something for everyone.
I keep pin boards of poses I'd like to try with clients, quotes I really like, and projects I'd like to try. You can check out my boards here: http://pinterest.com/lauralaing/ It's a great way to keep ideas organized without keeping tons of files on your desktop! I wish it had been around when I was planning my wedding! I would have spent endless hours staring at all the amazing pictures!
Right now Pinterest is invite only, but they usually get back to you pretty quick if you don't have an invite. Want an invite so you can try this amazing site for yourself? Shoot me an email and I'll send one your way!
May 19, 2011
FAQ: What time to schedule a shoot
So you've decided to schedule a shoot, you've picked your location, and you've decided what to wear... the only thing left to do?
Decide on a time for the shoot!
When couples ask me what time we should meet for a shoot I usually have two suggestions, either early morning (like really early) or right before sunset. Why these times? The light is SO MUCH BETTER. It's soft and light, just beautiful. In fact, the hour before sunset is called "the golden hour" to photographers. Why you ask? Just look at the photo below. This was taken right before the sun set and basically came out of the camera looking exactly like you see it.
Decide on a time for the shoot!
When couples ask me what time we should meet for a shoot I usually have two suggestions, either early morning (like really early) or right before sunset. Why these times? The light is SO MUCH BETTER. It's soft and light, just beautiful. In fact, the hour before sunset is called "the golden hour" to photographers. Why you ask? Just look at the photo below. This was taken right before the sun set and basically came out of the camera looking exactly like you see it.
If you do a shoot closer to noon, you will end up with really bright direct light that will cause unflattering shadows on your face and an overall unflattering look. Usually if this happens we spend the whole shoot searching for shade, which can be done but it's just not the same.
If you plan on having your shoot during one of these times, please, please, please be on time! There is such a small window in which the light is perfect that if you are late it just won't be the same!
Have a question you would like me to answer? Ask it in the comments!
If you plan on having your shoot during one of these times, please, please, please be on time! There is such a small window in which the light is perfect that if you are late it just won't be the same!
Have a question you would like me to answer? Ask it in the comments!
May 10, 2011
New York Part 4: The End of an Amazing trip
We went down to Chelsea on Friday morning. I was looking forward to checking out the Chelsea Market after seeing it mentioned so many times on Food Network. When we got off the bus my mom spotted an Apple Store. My sister had just told us a few days before about how she graduated from Caltech with the guy who designs and builds the staircases for the Apple Stores all over the country. In Los Angeles we don't have many multi-story Apple Stores so seeing one with a swirly glass staircase was a treat.
Then we walked down the street to Chelsea Market. I loved walking through the kitchen supply stores that had every kitchen gadget you could ever think of buying.
And then there were the cupcakes.... we didn't try one since it was still way before lunch, but they looked and smelled amazing!
Right down the street from there is High Line Park. I had seen it on an episode of Project Runway and just had to see it for myself! The park is made up of an old converted train track that ran above the city. I loved how they took the look of the old track and modernized it into a beautiful park.
They even have an area for sunbathing! These seats can be moved around on the old track!
The next place we checked out was the flatiron building. You almost wouldn't notice it if you weren't paying attention, but it's quite a sight to see!
We were heading towards Grand Central Station (or terminal as it's known locally!) so we decided to check out the lobby of the Empire State Building! Definitely take a look in if you're nearby! Not only was the lobby beautiful, but they also had a replica of the top of the building lit up in the colors that it would be that night! The day we were there it was going to be Orange and White for Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's Foundation.
The next stop was the Library. We didn't go inside, but the outside was impressive!
After grabbing my sister at Grand Central, we checked out Bryant Park (where all the fashion shows are!). They were doing construction to most of it, but they had a cute carousel on the side.
We ate dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner. If you're looking for a fun place to eat where your waiter's are actual Broadway singers that serenade you between bites... this is the place to go! It was so much fun singing along with the staff as they sang our favorite popular songs and Broadway show tunes (even a few Disney ones thrown in for good measure!)
And yes, that would be our waiter up on the booth singing!
Sisters!
The next morning we got bunch at a little place in Greenwich Village called Elephant and Castle. Very cute place and the food was good!
Across the street was a parking lot surrounded by a fence covered in tiles. Upon closer inspection we realized that these were "Tiles for America" which were all commemorating the September 11th attacks. We were able to take a few seconds to reflect on what that day meant for New Yorkers as we looked at the tiles.
We walked around Greenwich Village and checked out the cute architecture.
And we suddenly found ourselves in from of the Flat Iron building again! My sister's reaction was priceless when she turned around and saw an angle that looked like half the building had disappeared!
Then we walked down the street to Chelsea Market. I loved walking through the kitchen supply stores that had every kitchen gadget you could ever think of buying.
And then there were the cupcakes.... we didn't try one since it was still way before lunch, but they looked and smelled amazing!
Right down the street from there is High Line Park. I had seen it on an episode of Project Runway and just had to see it for myself! The park is made up of an old converted train track that ran above the city. I loved how they took the look of the old track and modernized it into a beautiful park.
They even have an area for sunbathing! These seats can be moved around on the old track!
The next place we checked out was the flatiron building. You almost wouldn't notice it if you weren't paying attention, but it's quite a sight to see!
We were heading towards Grand Central Station (or terminal as it's known locally!) so we decided to check out the lobby of the Empire State Building! Definitely take a look in if you're nearby! Not only was the lobby beautiful, but they also had a replica of the top of the building lit up in the colors that it would be that night! The day we were there it was going to be Orange and White for Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's Foundation.
The next stop was the Library. We didn't go inside, but the outside was impressive!
After grabbing my sister at Grand Central, we checked out Bryant Park (where all the fashion shows are!). They were doing construction to most of it, but they had a cute carousel on the side.
We ate dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner. If you're looking for a fun place to eat where your waiter's are actual Broadway singers that serenade you between bites... this is the place to go! It was so much fun singing along with the staff as they sang our favorite popular songs and Broadway show tunes (even a few Disney ones thrown in for good measure!)
And yes, that would be our waiter up on the booth singing!
Sisters!
The next morning we got bunch at a little place in Greenwich Village called Elephant and Castle. Very cute place and the food was good!
Across the street was a parking lot surrounded by a fence covered in tiles. Upon closer inspection we realized that these were "Tiles for America" which were all commemorating the September 11th attacks. We were able to take a few seconds to reflect on what that day meant for New Yorkers as we looked at the tiles.
We walked around Greenwich Village and checked out the cute architecture.
And we suddenly found ourselves in from of the Flat Iron building again! My sister's reaction was priceless when she turned around and saw an angle that looked like half the building had disappeared!
Thanks Mom for taking me on such a fun trip! I will never forget the fun time we had wandering around the city!
May 4, 2011
New York Part 3: Running Around Town!
Tuesday started off as a rainy windy day. What's a girl to do? Head to Macy's of course! To our surprise we came during their annual Flower Show! What's the Flower Show you ask? Imagine that the Rose Parade barfed on Macy's. They have flowers everywhere! On top of display cases and coming down the aisles. I definitely recommend seeing it if you're in the area during spring!
After our day of shopping we headed to the Jimmy Fallon show! Sorry no pictures :(
We checked out Rockefeller Center on our way out.
We headed up the street to have dinner at a place we had heard about. It's called "The Joint" and it's located in the Le Parker Meridian Hotel. Behind a curtain. Hidden in a corner. And the only sign it's there? The smell of yummy burgers and a tiny neon sign.
As it's name implies, it really is a joint. It's cash only, there are only a few tables, and there are signatures covering the walls. If you're looking for somewhere that's very "New York", definitely check this place out.
The next morning we got up bright and early and headed back to Rockefeller Center, but this time to check out the "Top of the Rock"!
If you're going to pick a buliding to go to the top of in New York, this is the one to do! You have perfect views of the Empire State Building and Central Park. We got so lucky with such a beautiful morning!
My mom asked this random Irish guy to take our picture. He made us pose like this!
I'm slightly obsessed with these.... they were just so vintage looking!
We headed back to Central Park to check out parts that we didn't check out the last time. We walked through Strawberry Fields, walked by the boat house, and stopped by the (empty) fountain.
The next morning we took a ride on the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. When I was in 7th grade we actually went up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, so viewing it from a distance was fine with me (and it was free!).
We walked down to Wall Street and checked out the Bull. The kids were having a little to much fun with his backside....
We made our way towards Ground Zero and stopped by St. Paul's Chapel of Trinity Church. Outside is The Trinity Root which is from an old tree that got blown down on 9/11. The amazing part of the story is that the tree shielded the building from being damaged and when it fell, it fell in such a way that it didn't damage anything.
They have a old cemetery on the side of the church. Don't be fooled by the pictures... it was packed with people!
Next we headed to the Brooklyn Bridge. My mom was such a good sport. We hadn't planned on going there until we were right next to it and I begged her to go with me! I couldn't pass up a photo opportunity like this!
Next we headed to Washington Square Park.
This might be the coolest view of the Empire State Building.
We finished that day by walking through the Washington Mews, a little alleyway that's a complete throwback to how the city once was.
Up next.... Chelsea Market, Highline Park, and the Flatiron Building!
After our day of shopping we headed to the Jimmy Fallon show! Sorry no pictures :(
We checked out Rockefeller Center on our way out.
We headed up the street to have dinner at a place we had heard about. It's called "The Joint" and it's located in the Le Parker Meridian Hotel. Behind a curtain. Hidden in a corner. And the only sign it's there? The smell of yummy burgers and a tiny neon sign.
As it's name implies, it really is a joint. It's cash only, there are only a few tables, and there are signatures covering the walls. If you're looking for somewhere that's very "New York", definitely check this place out.
The next morning we got up bright and early and headed back to Rockefeller Center, but this time to check out the "Top of the Rock"!
If you're going to pick a buliding to go to the top of in New York, this is the one to do! You have perfect views of the Empire State Building and Central Park. We got so lucky with such a beautiful morning!
My mom asked this random Irish guy to take our picture. He made us pose like this!
I'm slightly obsessed with these.... they were just so vintage looking!
We headed back to Central Park to check out parts that we didn't check out the last time. We walked through Strawberry Fields, walked by the boat house, and stopped by the (empty) fountain.
The next morning we took a ride on the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. When I was in 7th grade we actually went up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, so viewing it from a distance was fine with me (and it was free!).
We walked down to Wall Street and checked out the Bull. The kids were having a little to much fun with his backside....
We made our way towards Ground Zero and stopped by St. Paul's Chapel of Trinity Church. Outside is The Trinity Root which is from an old tree that got blown down on 9/11. The amazing part of the story is that the tree shielded the building from being damaged and when it fell, it fell in such a way that it didn't damage anything.
They have a old cemetery on the side of the church. Don't be fooled by the pictures... it was packed with people!
Next we headed to the Brooklyn Bridge. My mom was such a good sport. We hadn't planned on going there until we were right next to it and I begged her to go with me! I couldn't pass up a photo opportunity like this!
Next we headed to Washington Square Park.
This might be the coolest view of the Empire State Building.
We finished that day by walking through the Washington Mews, a little alleyway that's a complete throwback to how the city once was.
Up next.... Chelsea Market, Highline Park, and the Flatiron Building!
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