the sweet light » Film photography and natural light.

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When many people think of Louisiana, they think of New Orleans.  Not as well known, but just as historic, is french speaking southwest Louisiana – comprised of descendants of 18th century Acadian exiles that speak French and Creole French.  My father is one of those descendants, only learning English when he started school.

This week, I’m excited to share with you images from my newest collection, which I have entitled – French Louisiana.  All images photographed in Southwest Louisiana.

Not too many words this week, I’ll let the images tell their own story.  I hope that you enjoy them.

Posted in louisiana, photography
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Ending this week by sharing a few more film shots.  In the words of Sara Remington, “I’ve gone from spraying machine gun bullets with my digital to a slingshot and a rock with film.”

Slowing down to notice the beauty and seemingly mundane of my life was one of the reasons that I fell in love with photography.  Film has allowed me to get back to that special place – where I notice, slowly compose and frame my image, and click the shutter.

Thanks for all of wonderful comments and visits this week!  This weekend, I’m working on a new photography project I hope to share with you soon.

Happy weekend, my friends.

Posted in film, little ones, yours truly
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  • Line - January 7, 2011 - 9:28 am

    so beautiful Gabrielle, and what a swette name, my daughter as the same!!ReplyCancel

  • Line - January 7, 2011 - 9:29 am

    sorry I wanted to say sweet!!ReplyCancel

  • Nycce Alves - January 7, 2011 - 10:02 am

    Happy weekend for you too dear!ReplyCancel

  • Alice - January 7, 2011 - 10:03 am

    really loving the simple daily moments in your film shots.

    have a lovely weekend!ReplyCancel

  • Karleen - January 7, 2011 - 2:14 pm

    so true! i bought a film camera, but have been hesitant to use it – not sure why. i guess i’m afraid of seeing badly exposed images and so i end up not wanting to try it at all! ha!ReplyCancel

  • Krista - January 7, 2011 - 9:34 pm

    Isn’t film fantistic? I love the all the things that make it different from digital. I love the excitement, and anticipation when you are waiting for a film to be developed. I think it is a little like unwrapping a gift.ReplyCancel

  • iHanna - January 8, 2011 - 12:19 pm

    Sweet photos and great that you’re enjoying film again. I think we could all use this mindset more when snapping photos even with the digital camera. Just take a few, it will be less deleting later! :-)ReplyCancel

  • Annie - January 9, 2011 - 11:05 pm

    beautiful shots! :)ReplyCancel

  • kim kath - January 10, 2011 - 5:59 pm

    oh i love those little baby feet so gorgeousReplyCancel

  • Pascale - January 27, 2011 - 6:14 am

    I am discovering your lovely blog & photos.. I love these particulary…ReplyCancel

  • Pascale - January 27, 2011 - 6:15 am

    I%20am%20discovering%20your%20lovely%20blog%20%26%20photos..%20I%20love%20these%20particulary…ReplyCancel

  • from the first roll…. » gabrielle kai photography: the sweet light - March 4, 2011 - 7:43 am

    […] captures from this day, all taken at my mother’s home – hence, the paint brushes!  The grain is courtesy of […]ReplyCancel

I’m so happy to announce that my dear friend Yvette and I are continuing our project in 2011 – One Inspiration, Two Perspectives!  Every other Thursday, we will capture a few of our favorite details to share with you.

This photography project is near and dear to my heart.  I adore Yvette’s work and I look forward to sharing our collaborations with you.  Hopefully, they will inspire you as well.

Happy Thursday to you!

Posted in collaborations, one inspiration project, photography

Posted in inspiring words
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I enjoyed a very rare moment for myself recently.  I treasure these moments so much.  A few more film shots today.

Thanks so much for all of your warm comments on my last post.  I appreciate the time you take to visit me in this space.

If you signed up for the Winter Photo Swap, you should have received your partner information by now.  If you haven’t, please send me an e-mail.  I’m so excited to see everyone’s images of winter!

A few things that I have been enjoying on the Internet recently….

What have you enjoyed recently?

Posted in film, Food and Drink, louisiana, yours truly
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  • Alice - January 4, 2011 - 1:30 pm

    i am loving that community coffee sign. how lovely the light is too!

    checking out that “i want to be her” blog right now – good stuff :)ReplyCancel

  • margie - January 4, 2011 - 5:47 pm

    sorry i missed the winter photo swap sign up, such a busy time of year!ReplyCancel

  • Sharon - January 5, 2011 - 2:52 pm

    Looks like you are enjoying film! That and a good cup of coffee. I know what you mean about the rare special moments alone, they do seem all to seldom. Especially if your a mom.ReplyCancel

My friends, I have fallen in love.

With film.

There, I said it.

So excited to share these first few film shots with you.  I have to admit that I’m learning, and that’s the beauty of it.  My first roll of film came out completely blank.  Imagine my surprise when I opened my package and a blank roll of film fell into into my hands.  Ha!  Turns out I hadn’t loaded the film correctly.

I tried again.  I still have a number of things to learn, but I love the grain and how this camera captures natural light.  With film, I feel like I captured the essence of this room.  I love that.  No post processing, just the photo – pure and simple.  A great way to start this new year.

More soon.

Posted in film, photography, places i've been
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  • natalyn - January 3, 2011 - 9:36 am

    I love these! So simple and quiet. They seem to hearken back to a much slower and quieter time. And there really is nothing like good old film, is there? Happy New Year to you and your family! Blessings to those precious girls!ReplyCancel

  • Nycce Alves - January 3, 2011 - 9:37 am

    Beautiful! Congratulations! As always your photos are so delicate and a beauty that touches my soul.
    Already wished happy new year to you? I think not. So, HAPPY NEW YEAR!ReplyCancel

  • Anna - January 3, 2011 - 12:31 pm

    These photos are so tender and sweet, with this warmy light! I adore it! You’re awesomeReplyCancel

  • Line - January 3, 2011 - 2:47 pm

    wonderful shots, I should try film too, I have two cameras waiting!!ReplyCancel

  • yvette - January 3, 2011 - 4:36 pm

    Oh Azzari, these are Beautiful.
    Happy New Year!ReplyCancel

  • Karleen - January 3, 2011 - 7:57 pm

    these came out so gorgeous!!!ReplyCancel

  • Megan - January 3, 2011 - 10:12 pm

    I love your photos! Both the film and the digital, but the light in these is amazing. Good luck in your new venture with film!ReplyCancel

  • Georgianna - January 4, 2011 - 1:47 am

    I’m very excited for you, Azzari! Beautiful light and softness. Wishing you a wonderful first week of January. xoReplyCancel

  • Line - January 4, 2011 - 8:57 am

    Hello I have a price for your on my blog!ReplyCancel

  • Whitnee Jenkins - January 5, 2011 - 4:41 pm

    oh. these are just perfectly lovely!ReplyCancel

    • A. Jarrett - January 6, 2011 - 8:16 am

      Thank you so much for all of your kind words! I truly love film….ReplyCancel

  • Kirsten - January 6, 2011 - 11:03 pm

    Yay for film! There is certainly something about it…in the depth, isn’t there?ReplyCancel

  • Kiley - January 18, 2011 - 9:57 am

    stunning shots. I love film, too. I am inspired by your shots to get out my scanner tomorrow and finish scanning 6 rolls of film from summer vacation. That should take about…all day!ReplyCancel

  • meredith winn - January 19, 2011 - 12:39 am

    oh lovely! this whole series really feels so good. well done!ReplyCancel

  • Kristina - January 19, 2011 - 4:20 am

    Love the set of pictures. You are right, the grain and the light is perfect! I think I need to get my old camera out as well!!
    Viele Gruesse, KristinaReplyCancel

  • lorena - March 7, 2011 - 8:36 am

    just stunning!
    love the result.
    Film is the essence of photography.ReplyCancel

  • on photography, film, and other musings » the sweet light - October 4, 2015 - 9:50 am

    […]  My entire journey into film photography has been documented in this space.   When I look my first post with film,  I still get excited.  I remember how my first roll came out completely blank, and I used that […]ReplyCancel

Pentax K1000

And so it begins…. my venture with film photography.  This is my first completely manual SLR, a new-to-me Pentax K1000.  I love the way she feels in my hands – sturdy, yet delicate.

Next week, I’ll share with you my first film shots.

Don’t forget, January 1 is the last day to sign up for the Winter Photo Swap!

Here’s to healthy, happy 2011 – filled with lots of love.

I’ll see you in the new year!

Posted in black and white, photography
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  • Alice - December 31, 2010 - 9:54 am

    i hope you’ll fall in love with film like i did!

    happy new year!ReplyCancel

  • Line - December 31, 2010 - 9:56 am

    have fun!!!ReplyCancel

  • Georgianna - December 31, 2010 - 11:57 am

    I’m excited for you, A, and very proud! Wishing you the best year ever in 2011. xo – gReplyCancel

    • A. Jarrett - December 31, 2010 - 12:24 pm

      Thanks so much, ladies! I’m excited to share with you my first shots.

      @Alice – and yes, I think that I have fallen in love with film as well….ReplyCancel

  • Conny - December 31, 2010 - 1:14 pm

    Hello Azzari,
    have a happy turn of the year and a lucky and healthy new year!ReplyCancel

  • Krista - December 31, 2010 - 6:12 pm

    Enjoy… Film is brilliant! I have a bit of an obsession, that is rapidly growing. I love the unknown of the film. You get what you get and there are no redos.

    Happy New Year!ReplyCancel

  • a year of film » the sweet light - December 30, 2011 - 7:33 pm

    […] year ago, I bought a Pentax 35mm film camera on ebay that was older than I am.  Little did I know how much I would fall in love with film […]ReplyCancel

  • what’s in my camera bag, part 1 » the sweet light - June 2, 2014 - 8:33 am

    […] cameras over the last 4 years – beginning with the manual, 35mm Pentax K1000 (read the post here).   And I guess it is obvious that I became hooked!  Below, I’ve grouped my cameras by […]ReplyCancel

My favorite images from this past year ……

January 2010

Pink tulips basking in the sweet morning light on my kitchen windowsill.

February 2010

The Old Pink House in beautiful Savannah, Georgia.

March 2010

The softest pink of the spring blooms on a cloudy day.

April 2010

Finding beauty in the most unexpected places…..

May 2010

Afternoon tea with the women in my family – priceless.

June 2010

The cookie jar at my favorite brunch restaurant.

July 2010

The birth of my second daughter.

August 2010

Still adjusting to having two girls!

September 2010

Fresh concord grapes from the farmers market.

November 2010

Loved the beauty of fall in Pennsylvania.

December 2010

Reflecting in my quiet space.

I love looking back over my work this past year.  Each of these image takes me right back to that specific time and place.

Here are my best from 2009.  What are your favorite images from this past year?

Posted in Inspiration, photography
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  • Alice - December 29, 2010 - 9:54 am

    these are so beautiful! now i’m tempted to go and find a picture for each month of this year, maybe not necessarily my fave but just an interesting picture.

    i do love your january’s and december’s – nice bookends to this year!ReplyCancel

  • Erica Lea - December 29, 2010 - 9:59 am

    What a beautiful treasure trove of photos. I really like the maple leaves on the wall.ReplyCancel

  • Sylvia - December 29, 2010 - 12:45 pm

    beautiful shots every one of them, but I love the afternoon diptych!ReplyCancel

  • Line - December 29, 2010 - 12:49 pm

    so beautiful all year long!!!ReplyCancel

  • tracey k in ohio - December 29, 2010 - 1:01 pm

    You work gets better & better, if that’s possible! I remember ‘finding’ you when you were just starting out doing a picture a day or something like that. So glad I kept following you :-) All of your pix are wonderful. Makes me want to go back & find my faves – maybe that can be an idea for a post. My favorite of yours is the first one of the tulip – I’ve never seen a flower look so fragile; & the 2nd is your new little in her tutu w/those baby feet – something about baby feet touches my heart!!ReplyCancel

  • Lucent Imagery - December 29, 2010 - 7:18 pm

    I can’t believe it’s a year since I looked at your last review in 2009! And your photos continue to be stunning and inspirational. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. Rather than my favourite photo, I’d like to remember my favourite moment on your blog this year – when you decided to start this new one and allow yourself the freedom to be whatever you want to be in each post. I love that you have let go and started fresh in a way that makes you happier.ReplyCancel

  • Kristi - December 29, 2010 - 7:24 pm

    I love all of your photos-each of them appeal to different parts of my heart. And what a fabulous idea for a post…I may have to do one myself! I hope you have a wonderful New Year!ReplyCancel

  • Elisabelle - December 30, 2010 - 10:34 am

    it looks like a beautiful and sweet year!
    congratulations on your second daughter!!!ReplyCancel

    • A. Jarrett - December 31, 2010 - 12:27 pm

      I am truly honored by all of the kind words from this past year.

      Thanks to all for your support of my work.ReplyCancel

  • Katyha - January 5, 2011 - 5:26 am

    absolutely gorgeous…I love them allReplyCancel

  • Twiggs - January 9, 2011 - 9:54 am

    oh your year was just beautiful!!!! loved the softness of every image… may this 2011 be even more beautiful!!! have a delicious week! twiggsReplyCancel

He was the most friendly horse of the three.

He slowly walked right up to me, the sweet light shining so beautifully on his coat.  It’s as if he wanted to say, “hello”.  I thought he would be frightened by my camera in his face.  Oh how wrong I was.  He is such a beauty.

I’m pleased to introduce you to La La.

Posted in louisiana
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  • Alice - December 28, 2010 - 9:33 am

    so handsome!

    what a gorgeous chestnut color too.ReplyCancel

  • Kristy Life n Reflection Photography - December 28, 2010 - 5:29 pm

    He’s handsome!ReplyCancel

  • geraldine - December 29, 2010 - 2:21 am

    gentle eyes..ReplyCancel

    • A. Jarrett - December 29, 2010 - 10:19 am

      Thanks so much ladies!ReplyCancel

  • tracey k in ohio - December 29, 2010 - 1:10 pm

    Oh! He IS beautiful. Don’t they have the most gentle, loving eyes? My mother had a horse growing up & she said they’re just as loving, faithful & loyal as a dog. Her’s used to follow her all over the place. Lucky you for meeting such a beautiful, new friend :-)ReplyCancel

  • Lucent Imagery - December 29, 2010 - 7:13 pm

    Pleased to meet you La La! You’re gorgeous. I’d love to give you a cuddle. I am rather envious of your mane of hair. I chopped too much of my hair off this year :(
    Gorgeous photos!ReplyCancel

    • A. Jarrett - December 31, 2010 - 12:29 pm

      @Tracey – I never realized that they could be so friendly and loyal!

      Thanks Lucent!ReplyCancel

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