The Beauty of Hand Painted

As a designer I love mixing mediums - different papers, printing options like letterpress, screen printing, foiling, engraving and mixing in my love of painting with my designs.

When a client approaches me about hand painted invitations I say absolutely we can!  This doesn't mean hand painting 200 invitations although I very well could do that for a client if they asked.

The process begins with a discussion with my clients about their theme, their colors, the styles they like and then taking that discussion and translating it into an initial sketch.  I sketch out several ideas with pencil before I lay down any color and discuss again with my client to see if this is the direction they were wanting to go.  Once the sketch is approved I begin the fun part - adding in color!

The end result is a beautiful one-of-a-kind work of art!


Des
www.paper-airplanes.ca
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Why Film?

I often get asked, why... why are you still shooting film in a digital era? Technology is advancing so fast and with all the digital cameras hitting the market so frequently, I know it may seem a little ironic that film would still exist and be a choice of medium for photographers in this day and age. The truth is, I love film, and I can't shoot enough of it. I have shot film my whole life. Film is truly at the heart of my photography and there are numerous reasons as to why I shoot film, but today I want to briefly discuss a few of them.

The Look.

Film has a distinct look and feel. There is a specific colour palette and softness I am looking for when I create my images. My film choice and how I expose the film, paired with selected lighting conditions and shooting locations are the main elements that determine how my final image is going to feel. By having as much control as possible over these factors, I am able to create a very particular look with film that reflects my style as an artist. My all-time favourite film to shoot is Fuji Pro 400h. I use this film stock 90% of the time. It has a soft pastel aesthetic, and when used in selected lighting conditions the light wraps around my subjects giving them a gorgeous soft, dreamy glow. 

The Quality.

There is a latitude and detail retention in the highlights and shadows that is unparalleled in digital. Film is able to capture details in both the highlights, e.g.  the sky and clouds on a bright sunny day, as well as details in the shadows which would otherwise be lost information. By capturing more information in both the highlights and the shadows, film is able to capture a huge range of tones and colours with an even gradation from darks to lights. 

Film challenges me to become a better photographer.

There is no chimping (looking at the back of the camera) when you shoot film. You have to know your exposures, and know how the image is going to look even before you shoot the frame. I really feel this has pushed me personally to become a better photographer both technically and creatively. Each time I load a roll of film, I have 16 precious frames to create something artistic and beautiful. It truly encourages me to slow down, creatively compose the image and wait for the perfect moment before taking the shot. 

Here are a few images all taken with Fuji Pro 400h. 

Until next time! 

- Lani Elias

Old, New, Borrowed, Blue.

Something old, something new

Something borrowed, something blue

And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

While certain traditions - especially wedding-related ones - can often seem played-out, there is always a way to execute it well!  The tradition of a bride wearing something old, new, borrowed, and blue is believed to have its roots in Victorian era England, and the variety of interpretations is abundant.  All in all, the general idea is that each of the items symbolizes an aspect or quality of marriage, and serves both as a reminder, and as a wish of good fortune for the bride.  

(Is your inner historian craving more on the backstory?  If so, check out this simple explanation of the saying.)

The following is my interpretation of a tradition gone right:

 ... a stunning vintage gown...

... a new clutch (take your pick: shiny, or sparkly, or shiny and sparkly)...

 ... a pretty comb (probably borrowed from that friend who always looks pulled together due to *just-the-right* accessories - you know the one)...

...and a perfectly gorgeous (blue-ish) engagement ring.

A new take on a tired old, often-borrowed, blue-hued adage - totally worth a 2nd (or 842nd) thought!

-Kari

* For more creative ideas and inspirations, visit me over at Dove Tree *

Sources:

www.lonkoosh.etsy.com

www.roseark.com

www.onewed.com

Wedding Hair Accessories

Wedding Hair Accessories

Once you have decided how you would like to wear your hair on your wedding day, the next step is deciding what hair accessories you would like to wear. This is somewhere where you can be as simplistic or creative as you like.  A lot of women opt for the traditional veil, which is beautiful, but  with the trends this season there are many more options.

 

Headbands can be worn with your hair up or down, and can accommodate any bride's style, whether it’s soft and delicate with beading and pearls, or elegant with intricate details and rhinestones.

If you’re a little less sparkly and glamorous, and a little more “hippy/bohemian” try a fun crown made of flowers or soft green leaves and earthy twigs, like our Southern Suite Organic shoot with the beautiful Robin!

 

(Hair by Stephanie @ Shear Bliss, Makeup by Audrey @ Glo, Headpiece by Kari @ DoveTree Design

 Another great wedding accessory is the hair clip or brooch. This year we are seeing a little bit of everything: Flowers and feathers are HUGE for wedding season, as well as big and sparkly, but my favorite is VINTAGE VINTAGE VINTAGE!!!!! Hit up your local thrift store, or take a look through your grandma’s jewelry. How special would it be to wear a family piece!

 

(Blog post by Stephanie of Shear Bliss Salon and Day Spa)