Valentine's Day Photo Inspiration from Elan Klein Photo

Last week I heard from Élan Klein, a wonderfully talented photographer, about a recent photoshoot she did at a popular Pasadena, California shop: Lula Mae. I love Elan's work and the dreamy quality of light in her photos, so of course I couldn't wait to have the chance to share a few of my favorite captures of hers with you all today.

I feel that these photos are especially inspirational if you've ever dreamed of owning your own little sun-dappled boutique, or if you just can't get enough of all that crisp white light (I'm raising my hand for both). 

Aren't you more than just a little bit in love with all the gorgeous color too?! Those periwinkle blue walls are definitely calling my name!

There are so many more gorgeous images from this shop in Élan's flickr album and her blog. You won't want to miss them, so be sure to pop on over for a visit. Thanks for sharing your talent with us today Élan! xo Ez

All images are by Élan Klein.

Color Inspiration Daily: 02. 14. 12

You're just my type! Illustration by Samantha Hahn. Psst...Samantha has made this lovely illustration and her entire set of free printable Valentine cards available for you to print and enjoy. Aren't they great?! Also be sure to check out Samantha on her blog, Maquette.

Souvenir Foto School: Day 13 - J for Jam

Today I really wanted to work on getting some great shots in camera that didn't "need" post-editing. I find that once you start Photoshopping things it's easy to feel as though nothing is good enough, so for me it's a challenge to allow an image to just be.

I can definitely see things that I could "fix"...such as the giant crease in the fabric in the left-hand shot, but I'm forcing myself to leave it alone (so.very.hard).

Again, the light was really crummy and grey here today, so I photographed these using the same double foam core board bounce set up that I used on Saturday's images. It really does wonders for a photo. For those of you who are more visual (like I am) I also thought it would be nice to actually show you how I've been using the foam core board to bounce light into my photos. Here's the fancy-schmancy set up (photographed with my iPhone):

I like to have my photos back lit a lot of the time, so I have this little makeshift photo board (just a board painted white) sitting in front of my office window that I use as my "table." My camera faces the window and I place my foam core board in a V facing out from it so that it bounces the window light straight back into the shot and takes out the heavy shadows. I also have half of my window covered in waxed paper to soften the light a bit (I'm sure my neighbors think I'm nuts). Here's what the photo looks like with and without the boards (there was no editing done to either photo, and I used the same settings on my camera for both shots):

Tip: Click on the image to see it larger in a pop-up window.

Credit: I first learned this bounce trick from Nicole of Nicole's Classes (using one board). And btw, if you are ever looking for an online photo course to better yourself I can't recommend it enough! Super awesome and fun!

Prop notes: The little blue spoon was part of a Sugar set from Anthropologie and was given to me by my friend Melis, and the blue "napkin" is a piece of folded fabric. Foam core boards are available in craft and office supply stores for a couple dollars a piece.

If you'd like you can also find all my images in individual and diptych form for this month-long class challenge over in my flickr album. | Souvenir Foto School is offered by Besotted Brand.

Pinterest Picks: Fashion Crush

One of my favorite (and most followed...so flattering) collections over on Pinterest is my Desired: Wearables & Style board. Obviously I'm particularly fond of it myself, so I thought I'd use this week's Pinterest Picks to spotlight a few of my favorite pins from it. I hope you'll like them too. Do you have a fashion pinboard over on Pinterest? I would love for you to link to it in the comment section here so that I can pop on over for a little visit! xo Ez

P.S. If you'd like to see all of my past Pinterest Picks posts you can find them right here. You can find all my boards on Pinterest, right here.

P.P.S. I also just wanted to let you guys know that we are having a Winter storm blow through Oklahoma right now. These storms tend to knock out power from time to time. So if for some reason during the week I haven't updated and you don't hear from me, you will know why. Fingers crossed that that doesn't happen!

1. Rag & Bone Marisfeld Tee - La Garconne (via Priscilla) | 2. Perfect Shirt - Conversation Pieces (via Jessica) | 3. Neon Nail Polish - American Apparel (via Erin) | 4. H by Hudson Encke Ankle Boots - Urban Vintage (via Esther) | 5. Carven Volcano Skirt - Net-A-Porter (via Merrilee) | 6. 5-Pocket Striaght Leg Jeans - Scotch & Soda (via me) | 7. Stacked Sapphire Ring - Mociun, seen on Unruly Things (via Pennyweight) | 8. Deborah Marquit Antoinette French Lace Bra - Net-A-Porter (via me) | 9. Lecco Scarf - All Saints (via Galaxie Andrews) | 10. Hat from Yestadt Millinery (via Melinda) | 11. Rings from Bario-Neal Jewelry, seen on Style Me Pretty (via Jennifer) | 12. Katy Bracelet by Orly Genger by Jaclyn Mayer - Of a Kind (via Pennyweight)

Free Last Minute Valentine's Day Printables from Mooo

The lovely team at Mooo (an Australian company who specializes in adorable personalized goods for kids and their cool parents) got in touch yesterday to share their fabulous set of Free Valentine's Day Printables with you all. Aren't these just the most charming designs...and can you believe they are free?!! Hop on over to Mooo to download the printables a.s.a.p.! 

And if you're all out of time to print a set out this year, you can still do something sweet for your Valentine by sending one of Mooo's free Valentine e-cards. More adorableness! xo Ez

P.S. Don't you just love the stripey paper bags and paper straws they used in their photos? Well you're in luck because you can find them and more goodies like them in the Mooo party goods department (I want everything they carry)!

Images from Mooo.