Golden Hour, Golden Day

I had the pleasure of hanging out with my friend, Ema Tunermann, from Ema and Her Lady Parts last Tuesday evening.  We met up around 4pm and managed to catch the "golden hour", which always makes photos look really ethereal, like images from a Terrence Malick film.  I know my shots will never be as epic, but I'm just happy to have had an awesome girl's day.  

Someone's gate in Echo Park

Lately, I've been really into 30s & 40s fashion.  This is my interpretation of a 40s look without being too costume-y.  I mention it in my post called, "Inspiring 40s Fashion".  These are those h&m palazzo pants I scored after a hunt for my size. They didn't have them at the Glendale store, so the next day I drove over to Pasadena. I was on a mission, and sometimes you just have to go that extra mile to get what you want. ;-)

Hello, golden hour flowers & check out the beautiful bougainvillea down below!  I would love to be surrounded by these plants every day.  Before I spotted the bougainvillea, we had a scrumptious late lunch at Masa. If you haven't checked out Masa, I suggest you head on over.  I am no food blogger, but this little place in Echo Park has the most amazing bread pudding that you will gladly put into your hungry mouth. I decided not to take a polaroid of this delicacy, for it would not have done it justice. Too beautiful & much too tasty, made with three different kinds of croissant, drizzled with a bit of chocolate and caramel sauce & a little sprinkling of powdered sugar.  Ema & I shared one because of it's decadence.  I believe it has been the only dessert that has made me giggle with great joy. Anyway, there's your review. Oh, by the way, they are known for their authentic Chicago Pizza!  I've been to Chicago & they aren't kidding.

On into the night, we decided to check out our friend & coworker's band, Arms That Work.  Go Tyler, go!  Is  that a dinosaur riding a bicycle?

There is a similar shot I took for Ema's performance at Pehrspace. Old habits die hard.

Salvation at the Silverlake Lounge.

Gold nail polish for a golden day.  Good night everybody! 

your friend,

ava

Ema Extras

These are some photographs of Ema that I have been meaning to show you all, dear readers and friends.  This was Ema's costume change for her portrait session that she took the time to select before I arrived at her cozy Echo Park apartment.  I love these images so much, but I felt that they didn't flow with the others.  I think they stand on their own, as their own series of images.  A narrative for that beautifully cloudy day. 

{click on the images for a larger view}

© Ava Alamshah  

your friend,


ava

Fever Dreams

It's been a little while since I've been on here. I needed a little break from this bright, glowing screen. I had a lot of time to think - plenty of hours to day dream. It's always nice to take some time to yourself. That is when I come up with project ideas. I'll go for walks and wander around in my own head. What do I want to photograph? I definitely wanted to photograph Ema again. She had recently dyed her hair a bright pink and looked so magical. 

Later this week, I embark on another trip to Portland. I hope to tell some lovely stories when I get back to beautiful Los Angeles, with it's golden rays & pink skies. 

All images © Ava Alamshah / all rights reserved

Model: Ema & Igor

Wardrobe: Model's own

Makeup: Ema & Ava

Location: City of Angels

Forever Nostalgic

  Thanks, Ema!  xo

  I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday.  I want to do exactly what she is doing in the image above.  Ema finds the best photos.  When she was in Europe, she bought this album with original (vintage) family photos.  I think she should have it published.  I wish we still lived in an era without instagram, and facebook, and just enjoyed being outside while using real film.  

  Forever nostalgic. 

Ema and Her Lady Parts

My friend, Ema, is the front woman of one of the best bands in LA today. I was just at Pehrspace checking it out & she is amazing. She plays the banjo, and the accordion, and did I mention she's super cute? Hello girl crush! 

But seriously, wonderful all girl band. Here is a link to the only blog I could find with their recordings. A record is in the works, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!  It is so inspiring to see talented ladies making lovely sounds. It's time I pick up my bass again. 

Women bassists are bad ass!

Check out those tights!  I believe they have angels. <3

your friend,

ava

Adventures in House Sitting

  

  While house sitting, my friend Ema came over and we had a photo adventure.  I took some serious black and white, medium format images that I have yet to develop.  These polaroids, with magical colored frames, are from Impossible Project.  It was wonderful being able to photograph again.  I feel a bit rusty, but looking forward to practicing and creating more images next week.  Jeaux and I will be in one of my most favorite destinations, the bay area!   I finally caved in and bought a digital slr just for the occasion.  It's time to get serious!

E M A

 Alex and Britt's home gave me so much inspiration.  Lots of great, classic architecture and an abundance of plant life.  There was an abandoned home up Montecito that looked like something out of Grey Gardens or Great Expectations.  I expected Little Edie, or Miss Havisham to jump out at any moment.    

M A K E   A R T

& Have Fun Doing It

your friend,

ava 

Merry Merry

  Ema finds the best photos.  The best!   Rita Hayworth, xmas, ornaments in a pool?!!!  AHHH

  I hope to see you all for the holiday festivities this Saturday.  Click  H E R E  for more info.  Now if I could just recreate this scene...pool and all.

your friend,

ava

time travel

I've been going through some archives. Some from my last trip to Portland. Some from an excursion to a childhood favorite - The Huntington Library, and some from my last shoot with the lovely Ema. I want to use these photos in some way eventually. Maybe some mini zines, or up on my site as "extras", but they are more than just random shots. They are a way for me to time travel. Wander back into a beautiful memory. 

All photos © Ava Alamshah / all rights reserved 

your friend, 

ava