April 2010 « Diana Lupu Photography

Archive for April, 2010

04.30.10

Staring isn’t polite… I’m often reminded as I openly gaze with eyes so wide, you’d think I just witnessed something monumental. Remembering to blink, I force myself to look away. I often catch myself looking at something for a long time, completely unaware of the fact that I may look borderline creepy and stalkerish. Then Adi squeezes my arm or mutters my name under his breath, so as to bring me back to reality. Sometimes, I ignore him and he has to literally pull me away because I’m just so entrapped. I have serious stare downs with anything that captures my attention…a dress in the window display, a lovely bench in an alley, a great book design at Borders…anything. It really can get embarrassing. Adi can attest to this as he can tell you stories galore. Like the time we were at a red light and he pointed out the drool-worthy Porsche on the lane next to us, only to be horrified when I unawarely put down the window to get a better look. Apparently, you’re supposed to admire things like that behind tinted windows. Or all the times we’re at a restaurant and I drop my fork and ask Adi to move to the right so I could get a better look. Clearly I can’t admire the beautiful woman with a wardrobe that would make Anna Wintour jealous, while trying to handle a fork and having my husband blocking my view.

I had one of these moments this week. And because I was behind a computer screen and Adi was nowhere near, I unapologetically stared back, mouth opened and all. I just could not get over the beauty. My wonderfully gifted Aunt is a floral designer in Georgia and growing up around her, I’ve come to have a serious sweet tooth for flowers. Currently, I’m working on a project that I’ll be able to share with you all in about a month or so. Meantime though, I’m on the prowl for florists here who are young, fresh, and eager to rock the industry. Unfortunately, all the images I’m going to share with you are talents I’ve discovered… in CALIFORNIA. Really Cali? Did you have to hog up all the internet with your florists, your photographers, your designers? If any of you know or are somehow connected to South Florida floral designers, I’ll take you out to lunch and buy you cupcakes for divulging this seemingly top secret information. Until then, feel free to stare down these gorgeous buds… you know I did!!

Whenever I’m asked what my style preference is, I draw a huge blank. I have never been able to pinpoint one particular color or style scheme because I love so many. But one thing is for sure, I love my arrangements to look like they were just handpicked from the garden. In other words, no structure. I love the loose, gathered, thrown-together-in-minutes-when-really-it-took-hours look. The following are from the oh-so talentedThe following are from the oh-so talented Flowerwild Designs.

Oh dear God, this made my heart skip a beat. So dreamy ….and boy do I love me some COLOR! This, my friends, is my dream bouquet. You know…for when I convince Adi to ask me to marry him again and let me have another wedding.

These images were taken by the great Jessica Claire. Whod’a thought to use pomegranates in their flower displays? Just genius.

Some toned-down beauties…

These next few images are from the talented Treasured Petal. How beautiful are they?!

Happy Friday Everyone! =)

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04.28.10

Lately I’ve been giving a ton of thought to my brand. Things like, what I want my business to look like, who I want my client to be, and most importantly, who am I? My father always taught me that my business should represent me before it represents my client. My brand, my service, my word, my look…all the necessary tools for success. However, the most important thing is that I make sure to be myself and no one else. It’s easy to look at photographers who are already well established and try to take the route they’ve taken. Or do things the way they do it. But that wouldn’t set me apart. It wouldn’t make me…well, me. So how do you condense every part of you into one? How do you stay true to who you are and be the best you? How do you even figure out what that is? …And define the core of who you are? One thing is for certain, I know a few of my loves include sand between my toes, walks with my husband, trips to Anthropology, funky jewelry, and indie music. Oh, and eating my ice cream with a fork and a side of soda. I also know I hate goodbyes, traffic, and when Adi puts my dove milk chocolate in the fridge. Because really, there is nothing worse than cold milk chocolate. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to be happy with who you are as a person and what you stand for. Even if it is totally awesome with a splash of weird

Here’s a link to a photographer/graphics designer/artist/amazing hair/funky style/totally rad chick who’s name is cooler than cool. A girl who is true to herself and makes no excuses, ever. I love that.

Posted in Personal, Photography | 1 Comment »

04.26.10

About 3 weeks ago, a stray kitten found its way into my life. She captured Adi and I in ways I didn’t know possible. Immediately, Molly Skittles weaseled her little self into our lives and became a part of our family. We loved her more than we thought we ever could… maybe a bit too much. After all, she was a cat for goodness sake, yet her bed was more comfortable than mine. I asked myself why this kitten became so important to me. Why, all of a sudden, I was waking up in the middle of the night to feed her. Why I ran a few yellow lights to rush home to her so she wouldn’t be lonely. I wondered what it was about her that filled me with so much love. Perhaps it was her need for me…and her complete trust in someone she had never known. Or maybe it was the way Molly was ours. Mine and Adi’s. She was something we shared and took care of together. By this point, you may think I’m either a crazy cat lady (I’m not) or ready to be a mom (I’m really NOT). The reason I’m writing this post is because I want to remember her forever and the way she’s led me to learn a few lessons in life.

This past Friday, we felt that Molly Skittles was old enough to go to her permanent home and get to know her permanent family. Because Adi was allergic, I knew this day would eventually come but I can’t say that I wasn’t openly praying for the miracle of healing. As we drove away from Molly’s new home, I felt a piece of my heart left behind. Through pathetic sobs, I asked Adi what the point of it all was. Why I took Molly into my life only to have to give her away? Why God was mean about it? After all, He knew the outcome.

The following day, I boarded a flight to Detroit for a wedding. As I took my seat next to a woman with kind eyes and a warm smile, I hoped she wasn’t a talker. One of those people who just didn’t get the hint. But as I settled in, I felt more and more drawn to her kind comments and sense of humor. By the time our flight took off, I was so deeply emerged in our conversation, that I didn’t even bother to freak out like I normally do at the possibility of our plane taking a nosedive. I was captivated and felt this woman speak to my soul. It was profound…deep…and totally relevant to the place I was in. I learned that this woman dedicated her life to fostering 21 children. I learned that some were temporary, some have remained a part of her life, but all have touched her in ways she couldn’t put into words. I told her I didn’t understand saying goodbye to children that became a part of her life for years when I couldn’t say goodbye to Molly Skittles. I told her how unfair for her I thought that was. How hard it must have been for her. As she wisely thought about what I said, she responded rather simply. It wasn’t about me. It was about helping those children. It was about being there for them. To raise them…to provide a healthy, loving home for them for as long as they needed. To nurture them and bring joy into their lives. And if that meant she could be a mother to them for only a few years, then so be it. As tears fell from her beautiful blue eyes, she recalled many of her children’s stories. How much pain was often involved. How much love she gave. How much each child impacted her and her husband’s life. She recalled how much joy it brought her to provide these children with a life they’d never known existed.

After 2 hours of speaking and answering all my questions, she opened her book and began to read. I think I was probably starting to be that annoying person. As I closed my eyes and thought about everything she had just told me, I realized that whether it’s a kitten, or a child, a job or a good deed, everything in life should be done for others. To help. To provide better than what they have. To show love. To be kind. It’s not always about us…about the pain of letting go or the hurt we could potentially be confronted with. It’s about giving other’s more than you have….it’s about sacrificing and at the core of it all, loving. Molly taught me that. And those 21 children taught Vicky that. I will never forget the lessons I learned from either of them.

Funny thing is, I took this photo a few days before I gave Molly away. Little did I know, this was a prelude to one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned…

My favorite family photo ever. =)

Posted in Personal | 7 Comments »

04.22.10

I always assumed it came naturally. The ability to be in front of a camera and just be yourself would be an easy task for all. I thought at the sound of my shutter, people would assume the role of supermodel on me. Truth is, most people see a camera and freeze. Suddenly all the “natural” things they do when the camera is not around is taken down a few oh, I dunno… hundred notches. I quickly discovered this with my first couple of shoots. I’d tell my couple to just be themselves and sweet with each other and they’d blankly stare back at me. Like….In front of you? And all the cars passing by? It took me a few awkward moments to realize that this is not always a comfortable situation, nor is it the easiest. Meeting your couple ahead of time and allowing them to choose a location definitely helps but lets face it, most of us aren’t the Beckham family. We’re not used to all the attention and usually out of our element. Every shoot, my goal is to make my couple feel at ease and I’ve discovered that posing them a few times and telling them (or in most cases showing them) what to do eases up the situation and makes it more enjoyable for all. For one, I get the looks I want and for another, my clients feel less pressure to “perform”. Before you know it, we’re exchanging recipes and picking our next Project Runway winner in between takes.

In order to avoid having all my photoshoots looking the same, I look to everything and everyone for inspiration. I’m influenced by advertisements, movies, my friends & family, billboards, fashion magazines, culture, and even those cheesy Zales commercials. I keep a file on hand and try my best to look over them and remember them before I go on a shoot (which is a challenge on its own). Then, I aim to put my own stamp on them and make them more “me”. I think it’s important to have a certain look and feel to your work and become known for that. This is something I work towards every single day and am always fine tuning. Here are a few ads I’ve pulled from various fashion houses that are currently wetting my taste buds. Oh, that and the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream I just inhaled. Happy Thursday to all!

I LOVE Banana Republic Ads…

Behold, Michael Kors:
This year, Burberry rocked my world with these new ads:

A little homage to my highschool, Abercrombie wearing days…

When I saw these in the new Spring 2010 Bazaar issue, I tracked them down and haven’t let them out of my site since…

Posted in Photography | 2 Comments »

04.20.10

I’m not quite sure what it is, but book smart people have always intimidated me. People who know facts and can quote bio books without opening a page. Don’t get me wrong, I consider myself quite the intelligent gal but ask me to solve a functional analysis equation and I’ll tell you to please speak English. I’m champion at cramming and I’ve always made the honor roll thank-you-very-much, but when it comes to actually remembering facts, I’m a lost cause. Shoot, I can’t even remember jokes. So on any given day, you can find me calling Adi to ask questions about everything from sheep to World War II. It’s that random. When I first saw Aida, I was a freshman in high school and she was a senior. I’d eat lunch on the stairs in front of the biology department with all the cool kids (rrriiigghhhtt) and always see this girl coming down with the largest stack of books in her arms. I wondered how she could carry so many and admired her studious nature. If only I’d known that one day, I’d marry her younger brother. Funny, the way life works.

Throughout Adi and I’s relationship, I continued to admire Aida and her intense motivation. She was the only human being on the PLANET that I’d ever met who knew what she wanted to be and how to get there, since she was a young teenager. She wasted no time and was determined to become a dentist. Two long graduation ceremonies later, Aida is the BEST dentist out there and is already looking to open her own practice. **Holla if you need a great dentist and I’ll hook you up with her number.** I’ve never stopped admiring her hard work, intelligence, and confidence in her own abilities. I have to admit that I’ve envied her fearlessness and dedication on numerous occasions. Besides being intelligent and a bit intimidating at times (you try arguing stats with her), she’s also extremely beautiful, encouraging, and has a heart of solid gold. She is probably the most generous person I have ever met and is loyal to those she loves beyond anything else. Did I mention the girl can dance?! She brings the house DOWN and kills it! Now, you know if you’re smart AND have rhythm, I’m going to want to be your best friend. :)

Aida, don’t hate me for posting these but I thought you should know that you are so loved. And had I known on those stairs at South Broward High that you’d one day be my sister in law, and that we’d one day have a photo shoot showing off your fabulosity, I’d have told the entire school how amazing you are….and how lucky I was. Thanks for filling my cavities (darn you gummy bears!), helping me pass statistics, making me laugh, teaching me salsa, and being an all around amazing sister who has accepted me and loved me from the very beginning.

I don’t know about you, but growing up, my dentist never looked this good…

Aida enjoys reading so much, we once threw her a surprise birthday party with all things books as a theme. And salsa dancing.

Hun, you’re so beautiful, it hurts…

Lord knows I pray for my children to inherit your eyes…

Aida unleashed her fierce side and I was loving every minute of it…

Happy Tuesday!

Posted in Just Because, Photography | 8 Comments »

04.18.10

I never thought I’d say it, but I’ve officially become one of those annoying pet people. You know…the ones who talk baby talk when they’re around them? The ones who buy toys and spend hours playing with them? The ones who swear their pets have feelings? Yea, I’ve officially become one of those. Yesterday, Adi and I went over our friends house for a barbecue. Of course, we brought Molly Skittles. And when she finally fell asleep, I did the unthinkable. I walked outside and told my friend to put on her quiet voice when she walked back inside the house. Because Molly’s sleeping. Seriously?! It’s official. I’m one of those…

But I make no excuses for loving my lil’ Molly Bear…cause wudya jus look at that shweet, lil’ face…

She fits perfectly in Adi’s hand. It’s her favorite place to be… =)

Posted in Personal | 1 Comment »

04.17.10

It’s Saturday and I’m feeling the regret of not posting a fabulous Friday find. I do love those things. So I decided to post what I initially wanted to post for this Friday, on a Saturday. Because I love those. And now I just feel redundant and annoying. You’ll forgive me when you see these rooms…

I’ve been a fan of stripes for quite some time. Bold, beautiful, colorful or neutral, thick, stripes. They are just so versatile to me and can achieve so many different looks. I love the drama behind them and the statement they leave. I love the quiet way they sneak up on you when done subtly. I love them on floors, furniture, or walls. I heart them all. On my desktop, I have a folder titled “Design Inspiration” where I’ve collected photos I’ve seen on the internet of beautiful rooms for quite some time now. I tell myself that these pictures will help inspire the mansion on the beach that Adi and I will one day build. The one with 10 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, and a pool guest house. Why so many rooms you ask? Because I want to have all my design options available for me. It will be my coloring board and I’ve already warned Adi about this. I also tell myself I will have a garden with perfectly manicured bushes, trees, and roses. On the beach. Yea. It will be epic.

I first starting loving striped walls when I saw this photo. I’m not gonna lie… I was first attracted to the pink. But upon closer inspection, I found a little surprise tucked behind the bed. A beautiful, soft, striped wall. Nothing too dramatic…but just enough to leave a lasting impression. I then began to notice all the stripes in the furniture and how well it complemented that wall I loved so much. From there on out, I started a collection of stripes and found these next few images. In my new mansion on the beach, with 2 kitchens even though I don’t cook, I WILL have a striped wall somewhere.

I believe this is a nursery…I’ll need one of those in my future mansion for sure. Horizontal Stripes tend to widen a room, while vertical ones give spaces a boost in height. Take this fun bathroom for instance…And now, some drama fo yo mama…

I’m a bit obsessed with this next picture. So much so, that I may have to build one of these in the future backyard of my future mansion. It would make for some awesome photography backdrops if anything.

Happy Weekend Everyone!!!

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04.15.10

It’s just something she’s always wanted to do. A desire so strong in her heart, she has been chasing this for many, many years. Some thought it would never happen, but Becky pressed on. She knew that someday, her dream of traveling to Africa in hopes of spreading her faith and her great big love, would somehow work itself out. But you see, it wasn’t just a dream. This was such a strong reality for her, that come rain or come shine, she knew that Africa was where she needed to be. And boy, did the rain come. In the form of numerous obstacles, it poured. Yet, she pushed on and refused to give up her heart for this country.

This June, Becky will be traveling to Africa. After graduating with her Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, she was accepted through Africa Inland Mission to begin a 1 year journey in Nairobi, Kenya. She will be working at the Tumaini Counseling Center, where she will counsel missionaries through the integration of Biblical and Psychological concepts. Please click on the video below to better understand why there is such a need for this service and what we can do to help. Because that’s really what it’s all about. Community. Reaching out for the better of humankind. Support. Understanding.

*click on the play button and then pause it while it loads for your best viewing pleasure*

When I first spoke to Becky about this, I asked what her number 1 hope for this post was. Her immediate response was prayer. I often feel helpless with the amount of need that is happening in our world. I feel as though no amount of money will suffice and am torn because I just can’t do more. But what I can do is write a letter or an email of encouragement. Or say a prayer. Of course, financial support is needed and donating any amount to Becky will help fulfill the destiny that God has placed in her heart. So I encourage you to please consider donating and being a part of her story. And if you can’t financially support her, she needs the friendly and emotional kind of support as well.

This June, Becky will travel to Africa with God and her supporters. Click on the below links to learn more about this cause and how you can help by donating any amount at all.

To make a pledge, just click here to download and make sure to write your check to Africa Inland Mission, or AIM, and not to Becky. If you’d like to contact her personally, please do not hesitate to email her to find out more at petrila777@gmail.com. And make sure to follow her blog here.

Also, Click here to learn about Tumaini Couselling Center

Now on to my beautiful friend…

One of my favorite things about Becky is her laugh. Not her smile, her laugh. She has one of the purest hearts I know and the ability to see the good in everything. Her laugh is way contagious…and I love this one:

I tried to get Becky’s inner model out and she quite frankly impressed the marbles out of me

But, it didn’t last very long…because before I knew it, she was back to doing what she does best…

We figured since Becky would be working in Africa for a year, she should learn to do it like the locals:

Beck, you’re seriously GORGEOUS

I mean, how could you say no to this face? =)

Last one with the sign we slaved over…

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Posted in Just Because, Personal, Photography | 15 Comments »

04.13.10

My parents weren’t your average parents. They would often hug, steal kisses, and sweetly tap each other’s rears every now and then as I’d sit at the breakfast table. Or tried to do my homework. As a kid, this was a strangely comforting and totally normal sight for me. I always felt safe seeing them love one another so much and be affectionate. I never really understood or thought twice about their relationship as a child, or even a teenager. But looking back at all my fond memories, I realize that my parents were the best example of what a marriage should be.

When mom got very sick and was in and out of the hospital, you were devastated. I remember you coming home and looking so tired, so very worried. But always the brave and collected man, you’d put on a gallant face and try very hard not to show me that your world was collapsing. When she was too weak to stand, you’d sit next to her and hold her hand. And when it got really bad, you’d softly shut the door and unconvincingly tell me that everything would be alright. I remember walking into the room once and seeing you pray over mom. To this day, that memory remains one of the very few I have where I heard fear in your voice. And more love than I’ve ever witnessed.

I remember all thousand times dad would scoop you up, and tell you “I love you” over and over again as you would lovingly joke “Ay, John…I know, I know.” Every time you would buy something for yourself, dad insisted you do a fashion show and model your new shoes or new outfit for us. I remember helping you get ready for him and looking back now, how eager you always were to impress him. And when you would come out, dad would whistle after you and tell you how beautiful you are as you twirled around. Funny thing is, you crazy kids still do this.

I will never forget coming home from my dates with Adi to find you both on the sofa laughing in hysterics at America’s Funniest Home Videos. Dad would literally howl and laughing tears would stream down mom’s face. I was sure the neighbors thought we were nuts. Then, you would try and explain the video and I’d just laugh at YOU. I’ll never forget all the times mom scolds you for eating too fast and finding the ice cream she hid for me. How worried she gets about your health and how she tries everything in her power to get you to the gym. And I’ve always gotten a kick out of how she packs 6 bottles of ice-cold water in your cooler so you don’t get dehydrated, and hangs two IRONED shirts in your work van just in case you get rained on. When things were a bit rough for our family and mom got a part-time job, I’ll always remember how much you hated it. And how you made her quit and worked overtime because you couldn’t bare the thought of her being stressed and risking getting sick again.

Mom & dad, Happy 30th Anniversary. Growing up with you as examples for marriage, has been the best blessing God could have ever given me. Because of you, I believe in love and affection. Because of you, I believe in teamwork. Because of you, I have trust. Because of you, I have admiration. The road hasn’t always been easy, but together, you’ve come out better than before. I love you both so very much and pray you have many, many more laughters, good tears, I love you’s, and fashion shows.

Posted in Personal, Photography | 6 Comments »

04.13.10

I remember the day like it was yesterday. Nothing special actually… just a tired, hungry, and grouchy kind of day. Those three combinations are the end of me. And lethal to any poor soul who’s around me. There are very few people who know just how to cure my funk. While a nice big bowl of carb-induced pasta and big fluffy pillow does help, it doesn’t quite do the trick all the time. Adi knows this. He knows just what I need to perk up and he knows that it isn’t what any other normal girl would need. Because let’s face it, I’m just not normal and we had already established this well into year 1 of marriage. I’d much rather get a candle or bar of soap over flowers any day. Yes, a bar of soap will make me happy as a clam. And big romantic surprise gestures? He know’s I’d rather him buy me a set of new table lamps. Or an electric toothbrush. Which is why, he knew what would bring me back to life. And he knew it couldn’t just be any ol’ normal thing. When Adi brought up the mail a few weeks back, he called me over and said something came for me. As I looked through the pile and prayed it wasn’t the bill for J. Crew, I stumbled on the new issue of House Beautiful Magazine. And right there, with a big white label across the front cover, was my name typed in crisp black ink. As he stood back and smirked, he just knew that was it…the end of my funk. And just like that, I threw my arms around his neck and squealed in his ears. Just the way he secretly loves. Yesterday, my second issue came with the same white label and I remembered how Adi always knows just what to do. No flowers or romantic fluff for this gal, just a good old magazine subscription that can cure just about anything.

Posted in Personal | 4 Comments »