the sweet light » Film photography and natural light.

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I feel that shooting with film definitely gets to the core of my theme of simplicity for this year.  Love the grain, love the light, no post processing required.

A few links I have enjoyed this week ~

+ Whitnee posted this quote that I simply love.

+ This desktop background for February.

+ Jen’s new photography project, The Makers.

+ A short cake story by Kristina.

Happy weekend to you!

*All images above captured with my Pentax K1000, Fuji Superia 400 film

Posted in film, flora
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  • Elisabelle - February 4, 2011 - 6:00 am

    great links! thank you :)ReplyCancel

  • Alice - February 4, 2011 - 9:31 am

    you take the best tulip shots! and i’m surprised at how good it looks on superia! i’ve heard not so great things about that film.ReplyCancel

  • Kristina - February 4, 2011 - 9:49 am

    The light and the grain truly is perfect! Super nice pictures! Looking forward to the spring…
    Have a great weekend, KristinaReplyCancel

  • Whitnee Jenkins - February 4, 2011 - 1:08 pm

    ooooh, lovely! and thanks for the desktop calendar. love it!ReplyCancel

  • Katyha - February 4, 2011 - 8:27 pm

    I love tulips, one of my absolute favourites. Lovely captures :)

    Hope you have a lovely weekend tooReplyCancel

  • Katyha - February 4, 2011 - 8:28 pm

    I love tulips, one of my absolute favourites. Lovely captures :)

    Hope you have a lovely weekend tooReplyCancel

  • Kristina - February 9, 2011 - 3:49 am

    thank you very much for mentioning my blog!
    beautiful pics of tulips. I see you shoot film, i am thinking about film camera for myself one day. beautiful tones in your pictures.ReplyCancel

  • from the first roll…. » the sweet light - October 4, 2015 - 9:51 am

    […] learning how to create different effects in my work.  Blue tones, clear vivid colors, grain – it’s amazing the different moods in film photography that I can create simply by my […]ReplyCancel

{Rome, September 2009}

My husband and I had just stepped off of the Roma Termini and I was so in love with this scene, that I whipped out my polaroid land camera and pressed the shutter.  My heart sank as I realized that there were people at the bottom of the scene.

But I find that, as with a number of images I take, it has to marinate for a while.  I might not like it at the time, but after a while, it grows on me.  And that is exactly what happened here.  Does that ever happen to you?

I now love this polaroid shot, and I think that the people I captured add to the entire scene, the mood, the moment.  Exactly as I remember it.

Posted in film, polaroid, polaroid 660
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  • Sharon - February 2, 2011 - 8:37 am

    It looks like it could have been taken 30-40 years ago! And yes, I think the people in the photo add personality and life. I have to keep telling myself that about my own photos too.ReplyCancel

  • christine - February 2, 2011 - 11:57 am

    having a few heads in the picture also add perspective – helping the viewer determine distance! weather (no winter hats on these people)! and energy to the scene (lots of activity)…
    just looking at your posted pic reminds me to be gentle when I crop my pictures! maybe I am too focused on the closeness & clarity of the object… & missing the story!ReplyCancel

  • Whitnee Jenkins - February 2, 2011 - 2:45 pm

    this always happens to me. always!ReplyCancel

  • Georgianna - February 2, 2011 - 7:16 pm

    Wonderful image, A, and much more interesting with the heads! Yes, I do find that some images need time to marinate – perfect term! At the time I take them, I might be disappointed as I imagined something else but coming back months or years later, I can more easily see the merits and am often pleased and satisfied that it did, after all, capture my intention. hugs, xo – gReplyCancel

  • Lucent Imagery - February 3, 2011 - 11:40 pm

    I love Christine’s comment. And your term “marinate”. It’s perfect! I’ve also looked back on older pictures when my skills or camera equipment wasn’t as good and had to learn to love them as they are and for the journey they represent to me about my photography. Have a lovely weekend. xxReplyCancel

  • agrippina maior - February 4, 2011 - 4:30 am

    it’s funny, i didn’t even notice the people. just the light on those buildings of one of my favourite cities.

    later, seeing the people there however, i thought they looked just perfect.

    i spent my first trip as an adult to europe trying to avoid people in my shots. but now? people and their interactions with their built environment is what it’s all about for me :-)

    Just beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • Trix - February 28, 2011 - 10:50 pm

    I know what you mean, some of the photos I take do grow on me, especially the ones I take on impulse. And I think having people in the frame makes the picture more interesting!ReplyCancel

I recently found the perfect little wooden spoons for my coffee and tea.  I think they will be perfect for spreading preserves as well.

Can’t wait to use them!

Posted in day to day, film, my life, simplicity
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  • Alice - February 1, 2011 - 10:55 am

    ooh i would love a set of wooden spoons like this! rustic charm, hello.ReplyCancel

  • mary - February 1, 2011 - 7:29 pm

    I *love* these!! Lucky you. :)ReplyCancel

  • christina - February 1, 2011 - 9:41 pm

    i would love to add these to my collection. did you find them online?

    oh your blog has made me smile so very much. it really has. ; )
    XOReplyCancel

  • Jan's camera - February 2, 2011 - 7:33 pm

    Lovely. How do you manage to make ordinary items into works of art? I love those spoons.ReplyCancel

    • A. Jarrett - February 2, 2011 - 9:39 pm

      Truly appreciate all of your kind words!

      Christina, I found these in store at Anthropologie – not sure if they are online!ReplyCancel

  • Annie - February 3, 2011 - 10:47 pm

    i love this shot! beautiful light 😀ReplyCancel

As January draws to a close, I realize what a long but wonderful month it has been.  Cold, yes – but that just gives us an excuse to snuggle under blankets, sleep in just a little longer, and keep fuzzy socks on small toes.  January is always like a clean slate for me, the first month of a new year.

I’ve done a great deal of reflecting this month, and I have finally decided on my word for 2011.

Simplicity.

Simplicity in my life, my thoughts, my actions, and most notably – my photography.  I am keeping things simple in 2011……

Posted in day to day, home is love, i love details, little ones, my life, simplicity
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  • Elisabelle - January 31, 2011 - 6:31 am

    simplicity is a wonderful word!ReplyCancel

  • Karleen - January 31, 2011 - 3:02 pm

    i absolutely *adore* your style. simplicity is the perfect word for your work. btw, i got your calendar – gorgeous images!!ReplyCancel

    • A. Jarrett - February 1, 2011 - 10:54 am

      Thanks so much, everyone!

      So happy you like the calendar, Karleen!ReplyCancel

  • Lucent Imagery - January 31, 2011 - 5:11 pm

    Wonderful word! It became my word back in 2004 and it has stayed with me ever since. Even with the addition of new ones, it still rings very true and powerfully to me. Enjoy your simplicity. xReplyCancel

  • Sharon - January 31, 2011 - 9:06 pm

    That sounds like a good word for me too! Your images are simple but oh so lovely.ReplyCancel

  • geraldine - February 1, 2011 - 3:08 am

    “Simplicity is the essence of happiness..” ~ Cedric BledsoeReplyCancel

  • que - February 1, 2011 - 6:54 pm

    I, too, have adopted this word as a mantra and way of life. I phrase it differently, however: “Pack Light.”

    Your blog is so inspiring.

    Keep up the creative way in which you spread joy and peace in this insane world.ReplyCancel

  • Kristina - February 2, 2011 - 4:15 am

    simplicity is very important to mee too. love your photos, so inspiring. will be visiting you more.ReplyCancel

  • my weekend » gabrielle kai photography: the sweet light - February 28, 2011 - 7:25 am

    […] keeping with my theme of simplicity for this year, these are a few captures from my weekend.  Very relaxed as you can see!   I even […]ReplyCancel

We don’t have much planned this weekend, so I am looking forward to keeping warm with my girls.

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.

Posted in flora, home is love
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  • Sharon - January 28, 2011 - 7:01 am

    You too Azzari! Here’s to low-key week-ends : )ReplyCancel

  • Elisabelle - January 28, 2011 - 7:16 am

    enjoy!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Jan's camera - January 28, 2011 - 12:19 pm

    Happy Friday, lovely color on these tulips. Beautiful composition. Have a wonderful weekend.ReplyCancel

  • Alice - January 28, 2011 - 1:10 pm

    have a lovely weekend as well. :)
    love the two-toned color of the tulips.ReplyCancel

  • Katyha - January 30, 2011 - 2:37 am

    Oh I wish it was cool over here too. We are expecting very high temperatures all this week. No plans are always good I think, hope you have a relaxing weekend.ReplyCancel

  • Lucent Imagery - January 30, 2011 - 9:48 pm

    Beautiful beautiful colour. One of my biggest passions for 2010 was a short depth of field. I think it will continue!ReplyCancel

  • Carolynn - February 2, 2011 - 7:27 pm

    Oh, I love this photo. The colour is so rich. Don’t ask me why but it makes me think of hard candy. So yummy.ReplyCancel

No creative title today, just some thoughts (and a couple of links)!

I am shooting with film more and more these days.  Just like the moment I touched my DSLR, I feel the need to master my Pentax.  It’s a challenge that I am ready for, and thoroughly enjoying.

I have to admit, though, that I am ready to capture the goodness that spring has to offer!

A few things that I have been enjoying ~

+ Pouring through the images of Lorena Arance, especially her coffe and tea collection.

+ Dottie’s midday photo bike adventure.

+ I could live in Kelly Rae’s kitchen.

+ Just discovered Pinterest, and it is definitely addictive!

Posted in day to day, film, home is love, my life
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  • Caty - January 27, 2011 - 2:29 pm

    beautiful moments, great pictures!ReplyCancel

  • natalyn - January 27, 2011 - 9:58 pm

    Oh my gosh, isn’t Pinterest awesome? It’s like an even more refined Tumblr. I love it.
    And I love that you’re into film! I’ve been waiting patiently for a little extra to buy an old Yashica! I can’t wait.
    Gorgeous images as always.ReplyCancel

  • Jan's camera - January 28, 2011 - 12:21 pm

    Hi, I just checked out your Pininterest. It looks like fun and I can see how it would be addictive. And, oh, so nice to see you. Your photos are so lovely.ReplyCancel

  • Kathryn - January 28, 2011 - 7:23 pm

    love posts like this, especially this one.
    And I love pinterest! it’s so awesome <3ReplyCancel

  • christine - January 29, 2011 - 12:50 am

    what an adorable baby blanket… mind if I ask where you got it?ReplyCancel

    • A. Jarrett - January 30, 2011 - 10:26 pm

      Hi Christine, Not sure – it was a gift from a friend for my baby shower!ReplyCancel

No rhyme or reason, just little things that have made me stop and reflect for a moment lately.

I used to wait until the brightest part of the day to shoot.  But with the days being so short, I am enjoying the available light, no matter what time it may be.

Posted in day to day, home is love, little ones
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  • Elisabelle - January 25, 2011 - 9:46 am

    sweet, sweet photos…ReplyCancel

  • Whitnee Jenkins - January 25, 2011 - 2:10 pm

    sometimes that dusk lighting is just so lovely, though. more so than bright light.ReplyCancel

  • Kristi - January 25, 2011 - 3:41 pm

    Beautiful…I especially love the one of your sweet girl on the bed…adorable!ReplyCancel

  • Samantha - January 25, 2011 - 4:24 pm

    So wonderful how everything is so separate, but still compliment each other somehow. The pic of the baby is so sweet!ReplyCancel

  • cindy - January 25, 2011 - 7:05 pm

    i love the picture of the camera….i have an old minolta that my parents bought me when i was a teenager. it doesn’t work anymore but i still have it…

    i guess i need to get a picture of it up on my blog too, after all, it’s where i started from.

    hugs, cindyReplyCancel

    • A. Jarrett - January 25, 2011 - 9:34 pm

      Thanks so much for all of the kind, sweet words ~ReplyCancel

  • Lucent Imagery - January 27, 2011 - 8:31 am

    The photo of the camera on the table is gorgeous. I love the warmth of the timber colour, the chair, the background light and the reflection.ReplyCancel

  • Cralleyflotte - March 2, 2012 - 1:01 pm

    SneakersReplyCancel

I recently found a stack of polaroids that I took over a year ago now, with beloved Polaroid 600 film.  Of course, I am completely out of polaroid film now!

This apple tree is in my aunt and uncle’s garden in London.  I was surprised that such a small tree had so many apples.  They have such a small, beautiful space behind their home.  This polaroid brings me right back to that evening.

Speaking of polaroids, I only have two 2011 calendars left in stock featuring a few of my polaroid images from Italy.  I’ve discounted the price, and you can find them in my little print shop.

Happy Monday to you!

Posted in film, nature, polaroid, polaroid 660
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  • Elisabelle - January 24, 2011 - 6:23 am

    oh i love this polaroid of the apple tree!
    i still have some photos left in my polaroid camera, i am waiting for the perfect inspiration.ReplyCancel

  • Alice - January 24, 2011 - 10:46 am

    luckily i’ve got some packs in my fridge but i’m waiting for the weather to warm up before i can shoot through them!

    i love the little tree you’ve captured here.ReplyCancel

  • Karleen - January 24, 2011 - 2:53 pm

    the calendar is so gorgeous!! i’m heading over to buy one now =)

    i went to my local walgreens to develop my 1st roll of film and it came out terribly. i’m hoping that it’s that particular walgreen and not my camera. will be taking it to another place to develop my next roll.ReplyCancel

  • Georgianna - January 25, 2011 - 2:11 am

    What a wonderful find! I can just imagine from your image what their garden looks like. Sigh. I hope you get more film soon! xo – gReplyCancel

  • Kristi - January 25, 2011 - 3:43 pm

    Aren’t little treasures like this so amazing to find…I really love surprises!ReplyCancel

  • Katarina - February 7, 2011 - 1:19 am

    What a lovely calendar, and your shop is so nice!ReplyCancel

    • A. Jarrett - February 7, 2011 - 8:28 pm

      Thanks Katarina!ReplyCancel

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