I have always found having my photograph taken difficult... I much prefer to be behind the camera rather than in front of it. It is most likely a combination of shyness and female insecurities... When I see my picture I continue to grimace and be rather all to critical... yet at the same time I am intrigued and if the truth be known I want to see more... one of those female peculiarities... I-don't-but-I-do kind of situations...
Over the last few years I have been working with photographer and great friend Carla Coulson... she has photographed the images for both my books and in the process she has taken many portraits of me, my children and my husband. She has a way about her that puts you at ease, that makes you welcome the lens and not be afraid of it. Her generosity of spirit, her emotional and loving outlook on life are what make her a brilliant photographer... plus she knows every photographic technique to flatter the face and body. She understands women... Carla knows how we feel about ourselves and the way we want to be pictured.
This week Carla has launched her new site and a new direction... Paris Muse... She explains it best...
'The photography that I have enjoyed the most in the past years has been photographing women, watching the transformation of a woman before my eyes with the help of a talented hair and make-up artist and then seeing her beauty through my viewfinder. I have rolled my love of fashion and portraiture together with my love of working with women to create Paris Muse in the wonderful Hotel Lancaster. The ultimate portrait in Paris!
I want to be a Paris Muse... imagine spending the day in one of the most beautiful hotels in Paris and in the most luxurious suite... imagine feeling truly Parisian chic... imagine having a portrait that not only celebrates your femininity but also commemorates your time in Paris... I definitely... definitely want to be a Paris Muse...
Carla is generously offering a Paris Muse shoot to mark the launch of her new and stunning, Carla Loves Photography... Don't miss the chance to be her Paris Muse... click HERE to enter...
portrait via paris muse - carla coulson
What a FABULOUS idea! Would love to do something like that before I'm too far gone to care! I spent most of my 30's hiding from camera's, and now that I'm in my early 40's I bemoan the fact that i don't have any photos of me in my prime - you can't win sometimes!
ReplyDeleteI've heard it said that the reason we don't like portraits is because it captures a single expression, when we are used to seeing faces in motion. The art of the portrait photographer is to capture the flattering yet recognizable moment.
ReplyDeleteOh this sounds wonderful! How fantastic to be a Paris Muse, (sigh) just imagine! What a great prize & idea!
ReplyDeleteLavinia
x
Years ago here in Canada there was a chain of photo studios called "Glamour Shots" where you could have your photo taken after professional makeup and hair was done. It was so much fun - I still have those shots and look at them time to time thinking "ahh, that's what I looked like at 35". To be a muse again would be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about having my photo taken, somehow I never, ever look like myself - not that I'm beautiful in any way but I do want a photo to be a true representation of me warts and all ;-) But then feeling very uncomfortable in front of the camera is perhaps what makes me look so odd! Dog-chasing tail scenario perhaps :-)
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful shots, I'll definitely be bookmarking the Paris Muse page - sumptuous photography!
Jem xXx
I am thinking of having her do this on my upcoming trip to Paris!!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
ML
mlanesepic.blogspot.com
I seem to grow more besotted with Carla's work every time I see it. Her recent photo shoot of Kerrie Hess is stunning, too. Have a beautiful day, Vicki.
ReplyDeleteOh wow!
ReplyDeleteI adore this in a photographer, to make you feel at ease! And, like you, I prefer the spot behind the camera! But you make your dreams come true! You are a Paris muse to many of us! And my French Muse....
ReplyDeletexoxo
Great idea - 100% decadent but 100% beneficial to the womanly soul!
ReplyDeleteI want to be anybody's muse, ha!
ReplyDeleteCarla is the real deal. Her work blows me away--as does her generosity of spirit! There is no way on earth that I could have the guts to sit for a portrait though--not without copious amounts of champagne beforehand! I am aiming to be a muse of another kind...
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea! Just went to her website - gorgeous photos! We will be in Paris (first time!!) in June celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary - I'd love this!!
ReplyDeletethank you for the link! i just entered! not sure how i found your blog but i'm glad i did...my husband and 4 children and i are moving to paris this summer!! :)
ReplyDeleteI follow Carla's blog because of you + how blessed I am to have found you both. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteI never like getting photographed but this sounds lovely!
ReplyDeleteJenniferxx
.. yes V ... it's not about the photo at all .. it's about the way we move, the timing of expressions ... the fun we are having that shows on our face, in the way we smile, talk, laugh ... most models are not attractive in person and I've seen quite a few. I still think about the fun story you told of your niece and the wrong train home, I bet you were fantastically beautiful the whole day ...
ReplyDeleteKaren in CT
.. oh oh oh ... this reminds me I need to visit Ines's little tours ... see if there is a new one up yet .. xo
ReplyDeleteLovely photo! Lovely idea. I'm with Mrs. Sutton, I did the same thing!
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail once again ... oh to be a Paris muse. I like the naturalness of the photo. She is looking directly at the camera and there's no artifice. She's beautiful and happy at at ease.
Great photo!
ReplyDeleteThat is a fabulous idea! From toddlerhood I've never liked to have my photo taken. Dad said I must be part Native Indian who he said felt the process stole part of your soul. I don't know about that...just...to each their own!!
ReplyDeleteI love photography and Carla's photos are true art!
moi aussi
ReplyDeletemoi aussi!!!
Carla's work is gorgeous!
Géniale l'idée... je n'aime pas voir des photos de moi...
ReplyDeleteje vous dis à bientôt...
gros bisous
How wonderful Carla's photography is. I think as I've aged I shy from cameras due to the unrecognizable person (me)...I feel so young inside and look older outside. In any event I'm sure I love life and will continue to act accordingly. Good luck to some young lady to have the talented Carla take their portrait picture.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Vicki, this is such an important topic.
DeleteI truly believe that feminine beauty is all about self care and presentation. French women obviously have this one down pat. Beauty past 40 years of age usually requires some significant management, like anything worthwhile in life. I know first hand that maintaining a certain level of style along with diligent exercise and healthy foods are imperative. As well, expanding the mind and heart through reading and empathy. Women are nurturing and giving by nature and the fact is, we gradually give up on self care after we start our families. I believe this is a concern that needs to be addressed in order to improve our self image. Challenges may come our way, but we owe it to ourselves to be the best we can be. I'm a 53 year old widow who was happily married for 25 years. Today I am engaged to be married this fall to a gorgeous, adorable, smart and funny guy. On to the next chapter of life... Shiree'
How beautiful!!! I am a big fan of her work (through your gorgeous books)!I will visit her pronto :) Merci...
ReplyDeleteBises,
- Irina
Thank-you V for a warm and generous post.
ReplyDeleteWe certainly have had some wonderful times with family and friends both in front of and behind the camera many many beautiful memories captured, with many more to come!!
Here is to the new chapter, friendship and love.
Carla xxx
She's so amazing, isn't she? I adore her work. I have definitely enetered to win ;-)
ReplyDelete~ Clare x