the sweet light » Film photography and natural light.

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Images from a quick trip to New Orleans we made this past weekend.  It was great to get away, enjoy breakfast in bed, and see the sights and sounds of New Orleans.  The weather was overcast, but perfect for walking around the French Quarter.

I am looking forward to this new year.  I always feel like the new year is a clean slate, a renewed chance to start new, start fresh.  Surely,  many good things to come.

And many thanks to Kirstin for inviting me to participate in “Conversations” on Mortal Muses.

Happy New Year!

Posted in 35mm, film, Fuji Pro 400H, nikon f100
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  • Kirstin - January 9, 2013 - 1:06 am

    These are exquisite, Azzari. A very happy new year to you and your family. And thank you for your inspirational conversation.ReplyCancel

  • antonella - January 9, 2013 - 5:11 am

    Wishing you a creative and fulfilling new year, Azzari!ReplyCancel

  • Vickie - January 9, 2013 - 6:22 am

    gorgeous photos, love the bike with the beads & here’s to a wonderful 2013 :)ReplyCancel

  • Patricia - January 9, 2013 - 10:06 am

    I have always wanted to visit New Orleans, and now with your wonderful photos, that wish is even stronger. Thoroughly enjoyed your interview with Mortal Muses. Very inspirational, and thank you for introducing the site to those of us who were not aware of it. Best to you in 2013.ReplyCancel

  • Milynn {love and whimsy} - January 9, 2013 - 10:52 am

    gorgeous photos as always. I love the first one so much, breakfast in bed is always the way to go!ReplyCancel

  • Lindsay - January 9, 2013 - 3:32 pm

    Happy new year! Sounds like a great weekend (I’m envious!).ReplyCancel

  • Sarah SB - January 10, 2013 - 9:44 pm

    beautiful! It is so fun to see places across the other side of the world from me & captured so well xReplyCancel

  • Danny Bligh - January 15, 2013 - 7:45 pm

    I really love these photos.ReplyCancel

  • lucent imagery - January 15, 2013 - 9:39 pm

    Such beautiful images! I would love to stroll those streets again to take more photos. I love cloudy days! I hope you and your family are well?!ReplyCancel

  • Klo - January 16, 2013 - 3:10 am

    Beautiful. Just beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • coulda shoulda woulda - January 20, 2013 - 5:03 pm

    Those pics of Nawleans – one of my fav cities was fabulous…

    How could you not have a great time there…

    Even overcast – beautifulReplyCancel

  • twiggs - January 20, 2013 - 8:27 pm

    beautiful photos despite the weather! and i cannot wait to read your interview! going there now! and i’m not sure if i’m not too late but here goes – happy new year!ReplyCancel

A recent baby shower for my cousin.

It was my kind of shower – a Sunday afternoon filled with tea, coffee, and cake.

The newest baby girl in our family made her debut on Sunday!

Posted in 35mm, film, Food and Drink, Kodak Portra 160, nikon f100
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  • Vickie - December 12, 2012 - 4:42 am

    wonderful photos, love the second & last imagesReplyCancel

  • twiggs - December 14, 2012 - 3:02 pm

    oh i love these kind of stories! the way we learned what we learned, the way we thought when we tried to work it out with our cameras, what we wanted to accomplish, and the way we felt when we developed the film… beautiful light here!ReplyCancel

  • twiggs - December 14, 2012 - 3:06 pm

    ah and i just left a comment on the wrong post, i was reading the one below about your first work in film… :)ReplyCancel

  • Annika - December 29, 2012 - 3:59 pm

    Hi
    Your blog is called “the sweet light” so I wanted to visit.. I was not disappointed..!
    Lovely photos!
    I´ll visit you soon again ♥ReplyCancel

  • Sarah SB - January 10, 2013 - 9:41 pm

    just beautiful! love the collection of images you have shown! Sarah xReplyCancel

  • Nikki - January 25, 2013 - 10:05 pm

    you get the most beautiful colors :)
    love!

    nikkimckenziephotography.wordpress.comReplyCancel

As I was digging through my archives recently (trying to organize my files), I ran across these images that I took at a friend’s home.  I loved how she had her tea set displayed near the window.

This is some of my early film work – when I wasn’t quite sure of my camera settings, light, film, etc.  I had just started experimenting with my Pentax K1000.  I am reminded of how far I have come.  How I can pick up that camera now and be confident that I will get the shot I want.  I love how images take you right back to that very moment.  I remember exactly what I was thinking and feeling in this very moment.

Unfortunately, I don’t remember which film I used for these shots…..

Posted in 35mm, film, pentax k1000, photography
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  • Noe - December 5, 2012 - 8:42 pm

    What lovely photos. Isn’t it neat how often times, photos tend to bring us right back to that specific moment? :)ReplyCancel

  • Patricia - December 6, 2012 - 1:38 pm

    I agree with what you have said about photos taking you back to the moment. I too was recently looking back at past images and remember what my thoughts were at the time. It makes every photo worthwhile even though it may not have captured exactly what was wanted. Though you describe these photos of the tea set early work and you had just started experimenting, I find them quite beautiful and perfect.ReplyCancel

  • emily w - December 7, 2012 - 3:20 pm

    i love your friend’s teapot!
    it’s wonderful the journey film takes you on. i love looking back and thinking of the moment i pressed the shutter button – what i was thinking, feeling, hoping how the photo would turn out.ReplyCancel

  • Anne - February 26, 2013 - 10:43 am

    You’ve come a long way! It’s always interesting to see how you captured things before you really knew what you were doing, and what kinds of mistakes you made.

    I used to be so afraid of taking photos in public that I would be shaking and would get a ton of blurry shots. I also had a tendency to get too close or not close enough so when I look back, only a small percentage of my photos still appeal to me in some way. And to think I called them “work”. Ha!ReplyCancel

I’ve been sick.  And it was not fun.  Needless to say, I will be get my flu shot from now on.

The above images were taken in Father’s garden in Louisiana over the Thanksgiving holiday.  His kumquat and lemon trees never disappoint.  And as you can probably see, I’m learning to love Portra 160.

And finally, On the Table is back in stock and ready to ship.  I had no idea so many people would be interested – thank you!

Posted in 35mm, fall, film, Kodak Portra 160, louisiana, nikon f100
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  • Jade Sheldon - December 3, 2012 - 9:31 pm

    Wow, that bokeh is absolutely beautiful…ReplyCancel

  • Vickie - December 3, 2012 - 11:52 pm

    hope you’re feeling better :)

    & that first photo is so gorgeousReplyCancel

  • twiggs - December 4, 2012 - 6:08 am

    oh yes, kodak portra 160 is such a beautiful and charming film!!! i cannot wait to get some more! such magical bokehs you have herReplyCancel

  • Klo - December 23, 2012 - 3:52 am

    So in love with the first shot!ReplyCancel

  • Elijah Mena - December 29, 2012 - 2:43 pm

    Beautiful photos. Love the first shot especially!ReplyCancel

There’s nothing quite like fresh, clean linens and morning light.

Posted in film, fuji fp 100c, home is love, photography, polaroid land camera, shadows and light
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A few captures from a recent trip to the Fuqua Orchid Center.

Don’t get me wrong, I love orchids – but it amazes me that I’m mostly drawn to the other plants and wildlife in the greenhouse.   And Kodak Portra 160 film is definitely growing on me.

I am signing off for the rest of the week.  I plan on laughing a bit louder than I usually do, eating a bit too much, and spending some time with two little girls that are growing up faster than I would like.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Posted in 35mm, film, Kodak Portra 160, nikon f100
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  • Milynn {love and whimsy} - November 20, 2012 - 4:27 pm

    These are beautiful photos and reminds me of my dad’s makeshift greenhouse. He built a similar wooden structure and has orchids hanging all over the place in it. In the springtime when all the flowers are in bloom, it is so pretty :)ReplyCancel

  • jay - November 20, 2012 - 9:41 pm

    Orchids are one of my favorite flowers…. if only if I could keep them alive :(ReplyCancel

  • Diane - November 21, 2012 - 11:50 am

    Good for you, signing off and laughing loudly. Enjoy! I love coming here, your photos are mesmerizing!ReplyCancel

  • Vickie - November 22, 2012 - 6:35 am

    hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving :)

    beautiful photos, love the last oneReplyCancel

  • traceykinohio - November 22, 2012 - 1:29 pm

    Love, light, peace & much laughter to your and your family on this day of thanks! :-)ReplyCancel

  • Dottie - November 25, 2012 - 11:26 am

    Gorgeous light and colors. The sharpness and depth of field make them look almost like medium format shots.

    Funny, I had a dream last night that I was using Portra 160 (film nerd alert). I’ve used it only once, I think, a while ago, and I liked the results. I should pick some up again. I strongly dislike Portra 400 for my own work (400NC was my favorite), but love Portra 800.ReplyCancel

Yesterday, I went for a lunch time walk.

I stopped and paused when I reached this bridge.  It was covered in fall leaves.  Undisturbed.  Beautiful.

All images taken on my iPhone and edited with the VSCO Cam app.

Posted in fall, iphone, the seasons
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  • Ana Cooks - November 15, 2012 - 9:12 am

    So beautiful, as usual!ReplyCancel

  • Emma - November 15, 2012 - 11:42 am

    Beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • Vickie - November 16, 2012 - 6:12 am

    just gorgeousReplyCancel

  • antonella - November 24, 2012 - 5:53 am

    Oh, they are so beautiful! During the past two weeks I’ve tried to make the most of the last leaves as well and this afternoon I’ll develop the roll with my last (sigh!) autumn walkReplyCancel

  • Kathryn - December 1, 2012 - 9:05 pm

    wow, what an amazing place and stunning images.ReplyCancel

First off, thanks for such a warm response to my book + calendar.  It’s quite humbling to see my work in print and be able to ship to so many wonderful places.  Thank you, truly.

A few images from my weekend, a quiet one at that.  A fall colored bouquet, coffee and the morning paper, signs of my nephews’ visit, and “the day after” candles – memories of a good meal at the table.

A few links to share:

+ Loved this letter.

+ Dottie’s black and white images of Paris.

+ Inspired by this beautiful studio.

 

Posted in 35mm, day to day, fall, film, Kodak Ektar 100, pentax k1000
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  • sarah - November 13, 2012 - 11:35 pm

    for some reason, images of coffee + newspapers make me inexplicably happy. love all the blue tones here, too. they lend such a wonderful, almost coastal mood to the images.ReplyCancel

I mentioned previously how I was busy with a few photography projects.  I’m happy to finally share them with you.

I’ve gathered together a collection of images that I’ve taken over the past year on my kitchen table.  A small book of images all captured on film.  And if you have been following me for some time, you know that my kitchen table is one of the favorite subjects!

In a small way, I wanted these images to be enjoyed together, in print.  It includes 35 pages of images, full color, perfect bound, with a short introduction.  On The Table is available here and here.

And another little project – a 2013 Calendar featuring my favorite images from the past year –

The calendar is unbound, approximately 5 x 7 inches, one page per month (including a cover page), and printed on beautiful, heavy matte paper with a small hole at the top for easy display.  2013 Calendars are available here and here.

I’m so happy to share this work with you.

And hopefully, enjoying my work in print will bring you joy + inspiration.

 

Posted in digital, on the table, shop
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  • lorena - November 8, 2012 - 2:05 am

    I want your book!!!
    beautiful!!!ReplyCancel

  • Vickie - November 8, 2012 - 5:15 am

    love the calender :)ReplyCancel

  • Mag - November 8, 2012 - 5:46 am

    this is really amazing!ReplyCancel

  • tracey k in ohio - November 8, 2012 - 8:30 am

    You are amazingly talented. I want both the book & calendar! What a keepsake of beautiful images.ReplyCancel

  • emily w - November 8, 2012 - 9:11 am

    they both look so beautiful, congraulations.
    i am going to have to buy your book in a mo.ReplyCancel

  • Dottie - November 8, 2012 - 10:49 am

    What a beautiful project idea. I’m excited to see the book in person when it arrives.ReplyCancel

  • Birgitte Brøndsted - November 8, 2012 - 4:20 pm

    I am in love with this book. It is so beautiful. And the calendar as well. Congratulations on your two beautiful projects.ReplyCancel

  • milynn - November 8, 2012 - 10:56 pm

    These are wonderful!!! Absolutely beautiful :) I’ll have to order a copy soon!ReplyCancel

  • Kathryn - November 10, 2012 - 10:27 pm

    the book looks incredibly beautiful and professional! :)ReplyCancel

  • Kirstin - November 11, 2012 - 3:30 am

    Absolutely irresistible! And so perfectly inspirational.
    I can’t wait to receive my copy. xReplyCancel

  • a good weekend » the sweet light - November 11, 2012 - 9:28 pm

    […] off, thanks for such a warm response to my book + calendar.  It’s quite humbling to see my work in print and be able to ship to so many wonderful […]ReplyCancel

  • Ana Cooks - November 13, 2012 - 10:00 am

    it’s so nice when i follow a blog that teachs and inpires me so much!
    It’s always a pleasure to visit your blog.
    Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • jenny - November 14, 2012 - 1:02 am

    two very beautiful projects. i couldn’t help but order myself a copy of your book. :)ReplyCancel

  • Kristina - November 14, 2012 - 3:17 am

    beautiful. i always love your work.ReplyCancel

  • Christina - November 19, 2012 - 10:02 pm

    i will be purchasing this book. you are just an amazing photographer… and friend.
    xoReplyCancel

  • Klo - November 21, 2012 - 4:49 pm

    I’m not surprised you are sold out on the book. It looks beautiful and I plan on placing an order soon!ReplyCancel

  • Lucent Imagery - November 29, 2012 - 4:28 am

    oh wow. Just beautiful projects my friend! So happy to see things going so well for you. xReplyCancel

  • about the table » the sweet light - May 21, 2014 - 9:29 am

    […] My kitchen table is a major source of inspiration for me.  We gather here every night for dinner.  My daughters do homework and arts and crafts here.  And I photograph (almost daily) here.   So many memories!  My most popular captures on instagram are taken on this table.  It was also the muse for my self-published book, On The Table. […]ReplyCancel

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