the sweet light » Film photography and natural light.

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I hope that you had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!

Congrats to Christina who won the giveaway for the spot in Creativity Boot Camp.  Your answers were so touching, I wish I could have given away a spot to everyone who entered….

Just wanted to let you know that I am going to be away from this space this week – I am extremely busy with a few things in my life that require my full attention.  Isn’t that how life is sometimes?  I’ll be back next week with more images to share.

I’ll leave you with this capture of my baby girl playing in bed. I couldn’t resist her reflection in the mirror!

Have a wonderful week, my friends ~

 

Posted in black and white, digital, my life
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  • Elisabelle - May 9, 2011 - 11:12 am

    such a sweet image!ReplyCancel

  • christina - May 9, 2011 - 3:39 pm

    this has to be one of my very favorite photos, of yours.

    and thank you~ i look so forward to this class.
    have a wonderful week my friend.
    xoReplyCancel

  • Angela Giles Klocke - May 10, 2011 - 1:41 pm

    Beautiful photo. I hope your Mother’s Day was also wonderful. :)ReplyCancel

  • Kristi - May 10, 2011 - 6:39 pm

    Love this! What an amazing image. I hope you have a good time while you’re ‘away’. xoxo, KReplyCancel

  • Marcie - May 11, 2011 - 7:54 am

    This is so very creative..so filled with whimsy. Love it!ReplyCancel

  • Kristina - May 11, 2011 - 4:55 pm

    wonderful photo, such a soft tone and how nice to see that cute little girl playing.ReplyCancel

  • Jacqueline - May 12, 2011 - 12:55 am

    Just came across your blog, and I’m so glad I did! It is absolutely love, and your photography is beautiful. Off to explore more of it. :)ReplyCancel

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Film. Kodak Portra 400nc

So happy that Spring has finally found her way to my little corner of the world.  So thankful!

Signing off a bit early this week – life & two little girls are calling me. Thanks so much for your visits and sweet comments.  Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.

Posted in film, nature, spring, the seasons
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  • Alice - May 5, 2011 - 9:38 am

    i feel like i need to sign off early this week too. completely exhausted!

    very lovely and quaint images of spring!ReplyCancel

  • nathalie - May 5, 2011 - 1:44 pm

    i love how you captured those soft tonesReplyCancel

  • April - May 5, 2011 - 9:49 pm

    Beautiful!!! Your photos are gorgeous! If this is where you live I want to visit. (Spring isn’t here yet, need I say more)ReplyCancel

  • Karin van D. - May 6, 2011 - 5:42 pm

    Gorgeous. Those blossoms, so beautiful! Have a lovely weekend!ReplyCancel

  • Kristin - May 7, 2011 - 4:52 pm

    Lovely spring photos. :)ReplyCancel

  • Marcie - May 7, 2011 - 6:26 pm

    Such lovely soft spring colors. Truly beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • Paula - May 7, 2011 - 11:00 pm

    So very lovely! Here, it’s all about getting out the winter woollies :)ReplyCancel

undefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedFilm. Kodak Portra 400nc

A couple of images from my kitchen recently.  Just looking at these images makes me hungry!!

A couple of links to share with you today.

+ Love these portraits by Ashley Oostdyck.

+ Suzie is writing an wonderful photographic guide to shooting film on Indie Foxx.

+ This cookbook is next on my list.

+ Love the simplicity and anticipation in this image by Katarina.

+ Tim captures light like no one else I know.

+ Karen’s lessons learned from spending a week with little people.

Have a wonderful Wednesday~

Posted in film, Food and Drink, my life
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  • suzie - May 4, 2011 - 7:16 am

    these are beautiful, I have to get my hands on some Portra! How on earth do you always seem to get the light so perfect? Fabulous!
    Thanks for the link too :)ReplyCancel

    • A. Jarrett - May 4, 2011 - 7:54 am

      Thanks Suzie! I’ve learned by trial and error with my light meter to over-expose my images a bit get the light that I want. I’d like to experiment more with shadows though!ReplyCancel

  • Jarka H. - May 4, 2011 - 8:18 am

    Lovely photos! Natural light looks always great on food photos. Oh and I would eat those strawberries right now 😀ReplyCancel

  • christina - May 4, 2011 - 2:13 pm

    hello friend!
    i love all of your links!

    and i have the cookbook. i SO love it.
    xoReplyCancel

  • Sandra - May 4, 2011 - 3:44 pm

    gorgeous, gorgeous photos!ReplyCancel

  • Tim - May 4, 2011 - 6:52 pm

    Thanks for the nice comments.

    These photos are very refreshing. Bright, clean and crisp. Really like the second one.ReplyCancel

  • jeanine - May 4, 2011 - 10:31 pm

    these photos are STUNNING. and thank you so much for introducing me to katarina’s blog. i reckon i’ll be spending several hours over there.ReplyCancel

  • Paula - May 7, 2011 - 11:02 pm

    Beautiful photos and light – something really special about that tomato on the windowsill too :)ReplyCancel

  • Jacqueline - May 12, 2011 - 12:57 am

    I swear, tomatoes are one of the most photogenic foods, especially with the vine still on there. Lovely set of pics.ReplyCancel

undefinedundefinedundefinedFuji Instax 210 | Fuji Instax Wide Instant Film

A few shots from my first adventure with the Fuji Instax, which was a lot of fun!  I knew that this camera was big, but I have to admit that I was shocked by HOW big!  It’s definitely bigger than my daughter’s toy camera – but it feels good in my hands.  It’s definitely a conversation piece – I was stopped by the lady who owns this tree because she was so curious about what I was shooting with!  We ended up talking for almost an hour….

There’s nothing quite like polaroids, but it felt good to go for a photo walk and return with a stack of pictures!  I think I’m going to like this camera…..

Posted in film, instax, the seasons, yours truly
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  • GayleV - May 3, 2011 - 9:49 am

    Looks like fun!! Such a pretty tree!ReplyCancel

  • Katarina - May 3, 2011 - 9:55 am

    I love Instax colours. I really wanted to get one myself, but then to my horror I saw its size in reality (it looks so tiny on their website). So now I don’t know…I have too many huge cameras to carry around :(ReplyCancel

  • Katarina - May 3, 2011 - 9:56 am

    Now I can’t stop looking at your pics and I definitely want one! :)))ReplyCancel

  • Sharon Caillier - May 3, 2011 - 10:16 am

    Beautiful.ReplyCancel

  • Alice - May 3, 2011 - 10:43 am

    i love the way the colors came out in that first shot!

    i think i may have to go with the smaller instax! this one does look huge.ReplyCancel

  • Astrid - May 3, 2011 - 3:30 pm

    Lovely photos!

    I just started looking into buying this camera today!ReplyCancel

  • Lucent Imagery - May 3, 2011 - 7:24 pm

    The colours in the first photo are gorgeous!ReplyCancel

  • debbie - May 16, 2011 - 6:49 pm

    these are very pretty photos. i was researching this camera and stumbled across your blog. lovely space you have here.ReplyCancel

Film. Kodak Ektar 100

I mentioned in an earlier post that I was honored to be a special guest of Maegan’s Creativity Boot Camp this year!  Meagan has designed an artistic course, one that concentrates not only on photography, but “the work of your soul“.

The course is two weeks, beginning May 15.  It will be filled with activities devoted to creativity, ideas for journaling, and thoughts + inspiration by other artists (myself included).

You can find all the information you need here.  What’s more? Meagan is donating half of all money collected from the course to Show Hope, an organization devoted to orphan care.

I am happy to give away a spot in the course to one of my readers.  I would love for you to experience this creative journey!  Please leave a comment and let me know how Creativity Boot Camp would inspire you.  A winner would be chosen randomly.  Entries will be accepted until Friday, May 6 at noon EST.  Good luck!

*****************

Update: Congratulations to Christina of Soul Aperture who won the spot in the course!

Thanks so all who entered!

Posted in film, flora, giveaways
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  • suzie - May 2, 2011 - 6:32 am

    I would love to have a spot on this course! The last few months for me have been all about helping others and inspiring others, either through my own teaching or nuturing my childrens’ ambitions. I really need some ‘me’ time and a chance to reconnect with my own inner creativity!ReplyCancel

  • Line - May 2, 2011 - 7:43 am

    it would be wonderful to get the challenge to take pictures everyday!!ReplyCancel

  • maureen@Cottage 9690 - May 2, 2011 - 10:53 am

    I participated in Meagan’s first CBC and it was fabulous and incredibly inspiring. I would love to participate in this second camp, especially with the different format and wonderful contributors.ReplyCancel

  • Nori - May 2, 2011 - 10:56 am

    I soo need this because I have my moments when I’m lacking inspiration (not only in the realm of photography), and it makes me feel horrible. Something like this would come in so handy :)

    Thanks for doing this.ReplyCancel

  • Melissa - May 2, 2011 - 11:07 am

    I would love to be a part of this! I went to portfolio school in college, but don’t work in a job that is as creative. Also, I’ve pick up a camera and been really into trying to become a better photographer. I’d love the opportunity to push that.ReplyCancel

  • Rachel - May 2, 2011 - 11:46 am

    I’ve been in “corporate america” for close to a decade. With each year that passes, I feel more of my childlike creativity slipping through my fingers. After my son’s birth I went through a period of fog (sleep deprivation? Postpartum? Not sure…). When it lifted, the world seemed new again and I’ve begun blogging and exploring my more creative side. I can’t justify spending the money on a course for myself, which I think is is sign that I need this bootcamp… *fingers-crossed*ReplyCancel

  • Amanda - May 2, 2011 - 12:27 pm

    I went to school for humanities, photography and art are my passions. But, I’m stuck at a boring 9 – 5 office job. I could use some inspiration and creativity in my life :) I would love this opportunity. I feel it would allow me to grow as a photographer and hopefully help push my photography to a new level, so a 9 – 5 job is not longer required. 😉ReplyCancel

  • Lindsay - May 2, 2011 - 1:52 pm

    I’ve been in a bit of funk lately. We’re making a cross country move right before this boot camp starts, and I’d love to participate to get my creative juices flowing again. I hope I win!ReplyCancel

  • GayleV - May 2, 2011 - 3:22 pm

    I have been thinking about creativity a lot lately. Mostly because I feel my creativity has waned and I need a little “kick-start.” Maybe this class would help me be “me” and refocus my creativity!ReplyCancel

  • Meg - May 2, 2011 - 6:44 pm

    Just being exposed to so many inspiring and creative women would be uplifting. I would love to have a chance to take this course! Creativity is something that I need in my every day life, and this seems like such a great way to boost that!ReplyCancel

  • rebecca heise - May 2, 2011 - 9:59 pm

    I would love to allow my college age daughter to do the boot camp to see her learn and grow in an area of her life that doesn’t get nurtured. She has been trying to journal more and she feels like she needs to be encouraged to stretch her imagination and learn to be more creative.ReplyCancel

  • christina - May 4, 2011 - 2:20 pm

    i have read every name (at least twice) who is going to be teaching there. the idea of such amazing talent… it would SO inspire me to take “it” in a different direction, shake things up a bit behind my lens. i just know it would ; )
    xoReplyCancel

  • Sandra - May 4, 2011 - 3:44 pm

    Creativity Boot Camp sounds wonderful. It may be just what I need to get out of my current slump. So many wonderful, inspiring people to learn from, too!ReplyCancel

  • Laura Fitzgerald - May 5, 2011 - 9:22 am

    Hmm. What to say? This sounds like the perfect creative soul-searching opportunity most of us need. I understand slumps and lulls and even the “blahs”, and frequently experience them myself. Almost seven months ago, one of my closest friends committed suicide. He was my photography pal, and so very talented with a camera. Photos were “our” thing and while I kept up with my own creative inclinations for a few months after the event, with the emergence of spring, it just seems to have tapered off. Life goes on for the rest of us, obviously and this should be the most inspiring time of year for me…new life, and all. But for the moment, I just feel a little lost when it comes to creativity. Maybe a nudge and a commitment to a curriculum that pushes me to look deeper is just what I need.ReplyCancel

  • Nicole - May 5, 2011 - 2:05 pm

    Creativity Boot Camp would inspire me to step outside of my comfort zone and provide daily encouragment for me to just get out there & do it. So often I find myself wanting to perfect every detail that I never get anything accomplished.ReplyCancel

  • Dianne - Bunny Trails - May 5, 2011 - 4:00 pm

    It’s hard getting out of a creative rut and this would be the perfect thing. It would also be a lovely birthday present (mine’s on the 16th). I really could use the inspiration, especially as I’m planning to start a portrait business. Thanks for hosting this.ReplyCancel

  • Kath Stewart - May 5, 2011 - 6:03 pm

    I need the push of a class to keep me on edge. I get complacent and my art lacks oomph without constant learning and stimulation. I would love to win this!ReplyCancel

  • busy, busy » gabrielle kai photography: the sweet light - May 9, 2011 - 5:05 am

    […] to Christina who won the giveaway for the spot in Creativity Boot Camp.  Your answers were so touching, I wish I could have given […]ReplyCancel

Film. Kodak Portra 400nc

It’s the normal weekends that mean the most.  The kind that don’t involve any plans, or anything grand.  Just filled with conversation, laughter, good food, and a glass of wine.

It’s hard to believe that May is upon us already.  I am treasuring weekends such as this.  Things are going to get a bit busy for me (in a good way)!

I hope you had an equally enjoyable weekend ~

Posted in film, Food and Drink, my life
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  • kim kath - May 2, 2011 - 10:16 am

    i love a lazy weekend not too many plans, just doing what we feel like as we feel it. They don’t happen very often life seems to pop up and plans seem to need to be made. Enjoy every unplanned unhurried weekend i am trying tooReplyCancel

Film. Kodak Ektar 100

A couple more shots from this past weekend, makes me want to climb right back in bed this second!

A few things ~

+ Loving Irene’s artful images of Spring in NYC.

+ Inspired by this portfolio.

+ I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who gets funny looks from others while shooting in public.  Thanks so much for your candid responses in my last post!

+ Just received a Fuji Instax and I’m loving it so far, but man it is BIG!  I’ll share some images soon…

Posted in film, places i've been, simplicity
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  • Fran - April 28, 2011 - 7:07 am

    Very, very lovely!ReplyCancel

  • Line - April 28, 2011 - 10:25 pm

    sweet!ReplyCancel

  • suzie - April 29, 2011 - 2:14 am

    Beautiful, I do love a bed shot!
    I have seen Marcus on flickr and faved quite afew of his photos, he’s very good isn’t he?ReplyCancel

  • Marcie - April 29, 2011 - 1:41 pm

    Love the romantic softness of these images. So inviting!ReplyCancel

  • mitosinkovie - April 30, 2011 - 6:00 am

    Hello Gabrielle.

    This is a very pretty and dreamy site (:

    Good luck!

    ZuzanaReplyCancel

  • Georgianna - April 30, 2011 - 1:54 pm

    Beautiful and inviting! I hope you have a dreamy weekend! xoxo – gReplyCancel

undefinedundefinedundefinedPolaroid 660 Land Camera| Polaroid 600 film (oh how I miss my 600 film!)

One of the things I love the most about photography is the ability to forever capture an instant in time.  And knowing that these pictures will live on much longer than me.  Capturing not what’s there, but what I see – My perspective, my spin, my vision.  The funny looks I get in public when I am composing, focusing, and clicking away (most times with a baby on my hip) don’t bother me at all.

In fact, sometimes I feel sorry for those people who don’t see.  And I feel that if I could just put a camera in their hands, maybe, just maybe – they will be able to notice the beauty in their lives.

Posted in film, polaroid, polaroid 660, still life
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  • Line - April 27, 2011 - 9:06 am

    this is so true beauty is every where and photography gives us a change to see more beauty!! great post!ReplyCancel

  • Line - April 27, 2011 - 9:07 am

    I love theses pics too what a sweet and delicate light and texture!ReplyCancel

  • Elisabelle - April 27, 2011 - 9:29 am

    i get these funny looks a lot too;)
    it feels good to know that i am not the only one!!!
    lovely pola!ReplyCancel

  • shannon - April 27, 2011 - 11:27 am

    Well said. Sometimes people tell me I’m missing out on life because I always have the camera in my hand. I argue that I’m not actually, I’m preserving bits of it.

    Be sure to capture a shot of yourself, camera in hand, baby on hip. That’s a memory to preserve. :)ReplyCancel

  • tracey k in ohio - April 27, 2011 - 12:26 pm

    Count me in the ‘funny looks’ club, too – especially @ stores when I wanna capture the colors of fruit, whatever – everyone stares at me like I’m using the bathroom right there in the aisle! (LOL!)
    I definitely feel sorry for those who ‘don’t see.’ Even my own family – “oh no, here she comes again with ‘that’ camera…”
    It’s all about memory preservation :-)ReplyCancel

  • Lucent Imagery - April 27, 2011 - 4:15 pm

    Ah yes, the funny looks. As a legally blind photographer, you can imagine the funny looks I get! Of course I don’t see most of them 😉 and choose to ignore the others. Some tell me that they feel I see more beauty in this world than a fully-sighted person. I think that’s because it’s a state of mind first and foremost that allows those discoveries. The camera is one way (and my favourite) of capturing what we treasure. Love this post A. xReplyCancel

  • anh - April 27, 2011 - 6:08 pm

    so true! Keep on the good work since I love to see the world through your perspective. :)ReplyCancel

  • climb right back in » gabrielle kai photography: the sweet light - April 28, 2011 - 4:45 am

    […] + I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who gets funny looks from others while shooting in public.  Thanks so much for your candid responses in my last post! […]ReplyCancel

  • Mandy Lynne - May 2, 2011 - 1:42 pm

    Your words are inspiring and your images beautiful & calming..
    Thanks for sharing on your blog! xxReplyCancel

  • Daniella - November 15, 2011 - 3:25 pm

    I totally hear you about this! I get the funny looks too sometimes, which makes me kind of nervous to keep shooting, but I shouldn’t care what other are thinking, lol.ReplyCancel

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Film. Kodak Portra 400nc

We enjoyed a quick getaway this weekend.  No sunshine to speak of – rain, rain, and more rain…. but at least I had a chance to experiment with shadows and light.

I think that I’ll look at rainy days in a whole new light – they are not so bad after all!

Posted in film, Food and Drink, shadows and light
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  • Alice - April 26, 2011 - 9:31 am

    very soothing. love the mood in all of these. and of course, love 400nc.ReplyCancel

  • Ashley Sisk - April 26, 2011 - 10:04 am

    Beautiful beautiful light.ReplyCancel

  • tracey k in ohio - April 26, 2011 - 11:30 am

    Welcome to the midwest! Rain, rain & more rain. And just when you think you’ve had enough – it rains again (LOL!) I’ve learned to look at rainy days the same way – when it’s dreary, I throw open the curtains, raise the blinds & get the best natural ‘gray’ light I can get. I love the shadows it gives.ReplyCancel

  • Elisabelle - April 26, 2011 - 4:01 pm

    beautiful light!!!!
    perfect shots.ReplyCancel

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