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 

Girls on Film

Thank you to Girls on Film for featuring my work. You can see more photos from this series by clicking here…

The Huntington Library

Recently, my Mom and I spent time at one of our favorite places. This is my childhood. As long as I can remember, she's been bringing me here. This place is full of dreams. I remember rolling down the grassy hills near the cacti garden. Giant palm trees surrounding me. The same statue of a sea horse resides by the lily pond.

all images © Ava Alamshah / all rights reserved 

Two years ago we took some polaroids here!

I couldn't wait to share these photographs. I've been feeling a bit sad to be honest, and I know the reason why. I have this passion and I feel like I'm not doing enough with it. Zinefest was amazing and I got this natural high from creating. Making little books you could hold on to. This outlet has been great, but I have been craving the old school way of creating. I've started shooting a lot more with film again, and I love it. Now what to do with all this film? I want to produce books. Zines, and maybe eventually coffee table books. The portraits of Ema are a work in progress. There is so much more I want to do with those. I have a look book idea in the works for someone I truly admire, and I hope to get that started next month. I'm being awfully candid about my feelings. I'm glad I'm shooting a lot more. I suppose that's what counts. As long as I have the ability to do that, I'm happy. 

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

The Witching Hour

//  C O M I N G   S O O N  //

© Ava Alamshah

Photo © Ava Alamshah

Models: Ema & Igor

Wardrobe: Model's own

Tumblr Open Arts

Hi Everyone! 

Just wanted to announce that my work has been featured on TUMBLR OPEN ARTS! Click here to see!

  It is a favorite from my series, With You, Today.

  Thanks for looking, and follow me on tumblr if you like what you see!  Follow me anyways.  Let's be friends. x

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

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. 

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

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 

S U M M E R T I M E

My friend, Ema, sent me this wonderful image today.  It makes me think of summertime, beach days,  I C E   C R E A M,  vintage glamour, picnics in the park, H A P P I N E S S,  friendship.....everything that's wonderful about life. 

I need to find a red bathing suit pronto!  And that hat!

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

your friend,

ava