June 18, 2020

I Went Back to Film! Want to See Some Side-By-Side Comparisons?

June 18, 2020/ Courtney Laper

Last summer I bought a film camera. The first I’ve had since I sold my original film camera 15 years ago. When I sold mine, after everything I was doing was digital, I never had a clue that I’d go back to film. But upon seeing this camera, there was an urge to get back into it. When I was in school for photography, my class was the very last class to learn film before they tore the darkroom down. Everything was leading toward digital and the space made room for more available studio shooting space. But it was a sad moment when that happened. Excitement toward digital but also a sombering moment that an art was dying.

During this pandemic, when all I’ve had is time, I found two incredibly ancient rolls of film. One black & white, one color. I have no idea how old they were, or if they would even turn out but I put them in the camera and I went for photo walks. That’s all I could do for the past few months… walk. But taking my cameras out on walks was more therapeutic than I thought it would be. Both digital and film had given me a way to see things I’m normally too busy to stop and really appreciate. I’d gotten in the habit of only bringing my camera out if I had a session or had something to shoot at home for a client. I wasn’t shooting anything for me, for fun, anymore so this was a perfect opportunity to get my creative juices flowing again. All I did was photograph whatever inspired me, and places I found beauty.

Below are just a few of the scans I got back from the developed rolls. Surprisingly, they all developed well! I took the B&W roll to a local lab here in Chicago called PrintLab and sent the color off to the FindLab per recommendation of a friend. I was very happy with both services.

While I’m only using my film camera for personal passion projects right now, someday I’ll think about incorporating them into client sessions. I’m way out of practice with film, though, so I need to develop my craft before that can happen. I expect too much out of myself for client sessions and can’t be held back by fumbling with a camera!

Much love, all. I hope you’re hanging in there!

Can You Tell Which is Film and Which is Digital?!

Film - Still getting used to the focusing of this old camera!

February 21, 2020

My Own Photo Session in Paris with Brittany Marie Photography - Tips on How to Have a Great Photo Session

February 21, 2020/ Courtney Laper

I’m SO late to the game in blogging my own photo session that I had on my trip to Paris (almost a year ago already!) but it’s better late than never, right?!

I try to get on the other side of the camera once in a while because 1. I don’t like it so it pushes me out of my comfort zone and 2. I can relate to my clients when I’m photographing them by knowing tricks to get them comfortable. This time in front of the camera was especially special since I was in Paris visiting my crazy-talented friend Brittany of Brittany Marie Photography. We spent the day together exploring Paris and that morning we took some quick photos of each other. Later, we waited in line for what seemed like hours for the best damn crêpe I’ve ever had in my life! I blogged the photos I took of her, but never got around to sharing (aside from Instagram) the photos she made of me. See below for some tips on how to have a great portrait session and learn from my mishaps.

Things I learned after being photographed in Paris.

Don’t wear something that you’re going to be self-conscious about the entire time! Something you feel amazing in will do the trick. I wore a shirt that I loved the look of but didn’t like the look of ON ME! It wasn’t the most flattering on my short body and I ended up feeling self-conscious and in my head about it the entire time. Trust your instincts and go with your first choice.
Get a great night’s sleep beforehand! I am never myself when I don’t get enough sleep and my brain is foggy & makes it harder to relax. And my eyes look so sleepy!
Speaking of sleepy eyes…. the older I get, the more I dislike my giant light-up-the-room-smile and the dark circles under my eyes (thanks, genes). I know it’s silly and all my own insecurities, but I feel more like myself when I don’t look tired. Next time, I will hire a make-up artist to help me feel even more amazing. AND will work on loving myself, “flaws” and all!
Have fun, be playful and relax. It will show if you’re stiff and uncomfortable. The most important tip for great photos is that you have to trust your photographer.

If you go to Paris, and I highly recommend you do, you MUST be photographed by Brittany! Check out her stunning photos here!

February 15, 2020

Need Flowers? Houseplants? Gifts? Go to Fleur - Chicago's Flower Shop Gem in Logan Square!

February 15, 2020/ fleur/ Courtney Laper

If you're planning a wedding in the Chicago area or just looking to buy yourself some fresh flowers or houseplants, I'm about to tell you about one of my most favorite floral studios in the city! Fleur is a magical little bubble of sunshine, flowers and so much goodness in the heart of Logan Square. Not only do they create gorgeous flower arrangements for events like weddings, but they also have the most adorable little shop filled with plants & flowers, unique jewelry, home goods and beauty products. I walked in by accident a few summers ago when I was heading to the Logan Square Farmer's Market and I instantly felt at home. Everyone is super helpful and friendly, and they make STUNNING arrangements. If you’re in Chicago, please check them out. Give their Shop Kitty some love when you’re there too!