carla loves photography

Mezza Italiana - A Great Read on Falling in Love with Italy

2012-01-29T01:10:00.000+01:00

There were many years after I wrote Italian Joy that I couldn't pick up a memoir on Italy.

The years leading up to the momentous moment when my publisher gave me a book deal were the years when I devoured memoir after memoir on Italy. I loved the joint and couldn't get enough of what everyone had to say about it.

I remember my publishers parting words when I walked out the door with my first book deal "you know the author of A Thousand Days in Venice was incredibly honest that takes courage". Those words remained with me and when I wrote Italian Joy I remember always searching for honesty even though some days putting it down on paper felt embarassing. I secretly thought no-one would ever read it!

For two years I was immersed in writing and photographing Italy for Italian Joy and when I came out the other end I couldn't pick up a book by a foreigner on Italy. It all felt too familiar.

The passage of time truly heals all things and in the past couple of years my love for Italian memoirs has resurged. It's probably due to the fact on rainy days in Paris I dream of being under the Tuscan Sun (literally) with a glass of Chianti in my hand sitting at a table surrounded by funny sounding Tuscans..

I picked up Mezza Italiana when I was home last year in Sydney and tucked it away for a rainy day in Paris. I loved this book!

Zoe Boccabella has a vastly different story to the foreigner who falls in love with Italy. She has Italian blood running through her veins as the grandaughter of Italians who immigrated from Abruzzo. As a young girl growing up in Brisbane Australia everything Italian drives her crazy.

Zoe Boccabella in the family home in Fossa Abruzzo

It's only as a young adult and thanks to an enthusiastic 'Italy loving boyfriend' that Boccabella heads to Italy for her first trip and eventually to her grandparents natal village.

There is much to love about this book. The wonderful characters, her fabulous Italian grandfather who takes his love for all Italian traditions to Brisbane and cherishes them till he dies. Her boyfriend who becomes the poster boy for all things Italian and the people of Fossa, a village tucked away in the mountains of Abruzzo.

Zoe Boccabella's love affair is a slow burning one once she lands in Italy and something unexpected becomes a passion, the Boccabella's family home. It's as much about falling in love with a house as it is with falling in love with Italy.

I can highly recommnend Mezza Italiana on a cold day when you are dreaming of Italy..

Carla xx

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Les Touristes - For a Colourful Life

2012-01-28T09:22:00.000+01:00

All images of Les Touristes - Carla Coulson

It's friday, it's grey and raining outside and the only thing keeping my mood buoyant is all the colour in my apartment. I am fortunate to live in the Marais and just a totter down the road from the colourful and joyous Les Touristes.

Home furnishings that make you feel like you are on holidays! When my sister touches-down in Paris her first stop is Les Touristes to bag floral cushions, printed tablecloths and lightweight sarongs for the beach. Les Touristes is a little eclectic, a touch hippy trippy and with a pinch of grandma all rolled together.

If you love living with colour you might like also to check out:

Colourful bookshelves at Bright Bazaar

Shannon Fricke's take on Les Touristes

A dash of colour over at the Style Files

Colourful bits and pieces a Paradissi

Colour = Happiness

Carla x

PS If you are a fan of eclectic interiors of artists and creatives you will love The Selby!

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Mama Shelter Paris

2012-01-26T21:22:00.000+01:00

Mama Shelter Paris

So here's the challenge. It is easy to come to Paris and stay in a fabulous hotel if you are on a champagne budget, the list is long, glamorous and titillating. The only decision for the champagne budget is which arrondissment to stay in and whether to go Jacques Garcia gorge at the Hotel Costes, old world French at the Hotel Crillion or pop culture groovy at the Hotel Murano!

But what about if you want a little glamour but you are on a beer budget or should I say a panaché (a shandy in French) budget!! Where does one sleep?

Well I would like to introduce you to one of my favourites Mama Shelter where one can sleep in style and still leave a little spare change for some champagne!

Mama Shelter Paris

Philippe Starck has given Mama Shelter in the 20th arrondissment a design hotel feel without the credit card crunch on check-out. Dark walls, low lighting and photography exhibitions in the reception all get a thumbs up from me. And as low as 89 euro (weekends not included) for two makes Mama Shelter one-of-a kind in Paris.

On the location Mama says:

Mama Paris is located in the

20th arrondissment at 109 rue de Bagnolet 75020 Paris, France.

OK, it's not the centre of the City, but it's definitely the most diverse,

surprising and interesting area and that's why we love it

Sleep Well

Carla xx

PS: If you want to know what to do when

you are in Paris check out 11 Things I want to show my best friend in Paris.

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Portrait Inspiration - Peter Lindbergh

2012-01-25T18:38:00.000+01:00

All images copyright Peter Lindbergh

There are some photographer's work that I can never get enough of and Peter Lindbergh is one of them. I adore the way Mr. Lindbergh shoots and sees women especially his portraits. ONYA PETE!!.

Having the great fortune to work and photograph some of the most beautiful women in the world (teensy bit jealous here) his images are a never ending source of inspiration for me and thousands of other photographers.

Why I love Peter Lindbergh's Portraits

1. His Light. Mr. Lindbergh loves great light and I am yet to see a portrait of his that doesn't make my photographers heart flip for his light. It is soft and kind and would take years off any womans face. Long known for his love of cinematic HMI lights Mr. Lindbergh's light always ROCKS.

2. The way he works with his subject. I have seen a couple of backstage videos of Mr. Lindbergh and his gals and boy are they having a good time on set. Pete seems to have the power to convince them to do anything and like a director he manages to drag out of them a little tortured emotion. His gals aren't rolling around laughing instead you feel as though you are really getting a little insight into their soul. Something deeper more private than laughter. I LOVE THEIR EXPRESSIONS.

3. Though Mr. Lindbergh spends a fortune setting up a shoot using incredible cinematic lights his images always have a simplicity to them that I love. This simplicity allows the emotion to stand out and his light is heart thudding stuff (or maybe I am just delusional).

4. His images are almost always in black and white (and we know Carla loves her black and whites). In his book simply tititled PETER LINDBERGH (I have leafed through my copy so often it's on it's last legs) there is a story about the first time he showed legendary fashion editor Franca Sozzani of Vogue Italia his images and how she adored his black and whites so much she never asked him to work in colour. BRAVA FRANCA!!

If you are new to Peter Lindbergh's work I can highly recommend his self titled PETER LINDBERGH..

Life is too short for bad light

Carla xx

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Portraits of Aussie Beauties + How I Shot Them

2012-01-24T22:57:00.000+01:00

Rachel Bajada in Paris Copyright Carla Coulson

I had the great pleasure this year to photograph many Australians in Paris including two exotic beauties, Rachel Bajada and Tina Arena. The images were created for Inside Out and Gourmet Traveller and I adored shooting these two great gals.

The above pic was taken in the beautiful Bouillon Racine in the 6th arrondissement and although I shot many photos in the wonderful Belle Epoque decor I had a feeling she would look like a movie-star shot through the window! So I took this pic as the last shot of the day.

Shooting Notes:

One of the things to watch for when shooting through windows is the reflections and flare. I had a lot of trouble finding an angle that didn't have a reflection of a big white van all the way across Rachel's face. There was no moving the parked Parisian cars so Carla had to move her butt to find the right spot! This pic was taken using natural daylight on my Canon 5D Mark II.

Tina Arena at Au Général La Fayette Paris Copyright Carla Coulson

Tina Area is one of those people I love shooting in all seasons in all situations. Generous, warm, funny and down-to-earth Tina makes for the perfect portrait subject. Portraiture is definately a collaboration between two people and the images are special when both participants, the photographer and the subject are willing to give. Tina is definately a giver and drop-dead gorgeous to boot!

Shooting Notes:

This pic was shot at the end of the day in those last moments after the sun has gone down. We used a pro-foto battery pack with a bare flash head to achieve this light. The flash was positioned to my right and pointed down at Tina at a 45 degree angle. I didn't want to blast her with light but I did want the appearance of daylight. Tina did the rest!! This photo was taken on my Canon 5D Mark II.

Put your best face forward

Carla x

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Italy My Love

2012-01-23T20:41:00.000+01:00

Piazza Signoria Florence Carla Coulson

I arrived in Florence on a hot August night in theyear 2000. I remember walking through the lamp lit streets feeling as though Ihad little champagne bubbles in my blood. A whole month in Italy! I felt likehugging myself with happiness. Chris de Burgh’s song ‘Lady in Red’ was playingsoftly in one of the cafes facing onto PiazzaSignoria and the first of many well dressed waiters called ‘Ciao Bella’ tome. It had been years since anyone had paidme a compliment and a little spark of the woman that had along ago died insidesprang to life.

I didn’t realise at the time but it was the firstday of a new life.

Falling in love with Italy for me was love atfirst sight. I loved everything about Italy the crumbling buildings, thebeautiful men, the elegant well-dressed women, coffee, the food, the language, the passion packed into every sculptureand the incredible humanity of the Italians. That night I unpacked my bags in asmall pensione in the heart of Florencethat looked like a movie set from the war years and waited for my first day atItalian school so excited I could hardly sleep.

Italian Joy Carla Coulson

If you had asked me that night would I believethat one day I would still be in Europe married to an Italian and aphotographer I would have thought whoohyou had indulged in one too many grappa’s baby!

But something extraordinary happened to me. Italygot under my skin and the longer I stayed the more I fell in love with theItalian way of living. The idea of going back to my life as a single girl inSydney was out of the question. Life took me on another path. Sometimes I feelas though Italy scooped me into her arms and looked after me. That mother Italydecided “well this girl really does need a new life and I am going to be theone to help her”.

Italian Joy Carla Coulson

Twelve years have passed. Whoever said ‘it isabout the journey not the destination’ was one wise soul. So much has happened,so many of life’s lessons that I needed to learn, so much growing that I neededto do as an adult and most of all learning to believe in myself. I thank Italy forthat. The journey continues and each day I look forward to where it is going totake me. I certainly don’t know.

Next week I am off again to Italy, the champagnesbubbles are already flowing in my blood at the thought of touchdown in myfavourite country. My dog eared copy of Henry James's Italian Hours is in my bag. The long list of all the things I want to eat and see, theconversations I want to have and to speak the language I love so dearly. And to be in a place that loves me.

Some love affairs last a lifetime and I know Italyand I have many more years to rest contentedly in each other’s arms.

Italian Joy Carla Coulson

Have you ever fallen in love with a country??

Carla x

If you love Italy you will probably love Dianne Hall's La Bella Lingua and Henry James Italian Hours . I do!!

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La Bella Lingua - A Language Love Affair

2012-01-22T20:45:00.000+01:00

I have just started reading La Bella Lingua. I adore Dianne Hales book on falling in love with a language. When I arrived in Italy I too adored pronouncing every word in Italian. A language love affair is something inexplicable unless you have tried it . Every little Ti Amo, Spremuta d'Arancia and Di dove sei? that you manage to say is spine tingling stuff.

There are also moments that are euphoric when a word pops out that you didn't even know you knew and there are the depths of frustration when as a grown-up you can't express the simplest phrases.

I am so thrilled that someone has attempted to put this into words. If you have ever loved a language especially Italian you will probably love this book.

Dianne Hales La Bella Lingua.

Tante Belle Cose

Carla xx

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My Local Parisian Flower Market

2012-01-21T10:23:00.000+01:00

It's almost the weekend and tomorrow I am off to do one of the things I love most in Paris and that is to buy my flowers! I go to my local market Marche Baudoyer to the stall run by the fabulous Carole (see above) in the 4th. Carole always has a sea of flowers in a myriad of colours and scents and it certainly beats lining up for the veges.

Some of my favourites are peonies and sweet peas. The sweet peas remind me of my dear dad. When I was growing up it was one of his prefered flowers to cover our back fence with and the scent was incredible. Having parents who loved their garden with a passion has rubbed off on me. I am still dreaming of the garden but for now I am happy to visit my local market and return home with an armful of flowers..

Have a colourful weekend.

Carla xx

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Glam Decor in the George V Hotel Paris

2012-01-19T21:05:00.000+01:00

All Images Copyright Carla Coulson

I shot these photos a couple of years ago in the beautiful George V Hotel. I adored the interior and all the lush decorations in this suite. The details were exquisite, marble busts, flocked wallpaper, period furniture and a view to die for!!

If you are in a French mood check out these lovely links below.

Carla xx

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La Petite Robe Noire - Didier Ludot

2012-01-18T20:49:00.000+01:00

La Petite Robe Noire - Carla Coulson

The fabulous, beautiful and ever so stylish Dominique is probably one of Paris's chicest shop assistants. I spotted her the first week I arrived in Paris elegantly attired through the window of La Petite Robe Noire in the Palais Royale. Owned by the couture king Didier Ludot, La Petite Robe Noire is the ultimate destination to shop for that perfect little black dress (all designed by Didier himself).

Just weeks after arriving Dominique kindly sat for a portrait and over the years I have returned many times to La Petite Robe to photograph this beautiful woman and place for different magazines. Dominique not only looks like a designers dream but she has an incredible knowledge of couture. having worked her whole life in fashion. On the day I took the above shot she was wearing vintage Christian Lacroix. A burst of colour among the little black dresses..

La Petite Robe Noire
125 Galerie de Valois
75001 Paris

Carla xx

All images taken on my Canon 5D Mark II

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Moulin Rouge - Backstage and From the Wings

2012-01-17T18:57:00.000+01:00

All images taken at the Moulin Rouge Paris copyright Carla Coulson

If there is one place I love to be in Paris it is backstage. Take me backstage at the couture shows, backstage at the cabaret or backstage at the Ritz Hotel and Carla is one very happy girl!

What do I love about being backstage? Backstage is where its all happening. Whilst on the catwalk or on stage you see a polished show behind the scenes its wonderful chaos. Girls changing their clothes, someone late and running like a madwomen to be ready, a lost shoe, headdress or spangly bra.

And there is the anticipation. Those last seconds before the show starts, the perfect entrance at exactly the right moment. The sigh of relief from the staff, designers, costume makers, musicians that everything is running smoothly. The joy of the girls as they run offstage breathless with excitement that their performance was perfect. And the energy, the high energy that only performance brings. Whether it be on the catwalk or on the stage performance brings out their best and backckstage we witness the joy that being part of this world brings.

To all the dancers, cabarets, designers, choreographers, models, set designers and producers thank-you for letting me part of this is incredible world. There is nothing I like better.

Carla xxx

All Photos taken on my Leica M7.

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Portrait Inspiration - Monica Bellucci

2012-01-16T18:27:00.000+01:00

All Image From Monica Bellucci by Taschen

Monica Bellucci has inspired a whole generation of photographers, both fashion and portrait with her sultry looks and her knock-out curves (and lots of men like my darling. This book was his Christmas present!). Like the fabulous Sophia Loren before her, Monica Bellucci has become the poster girl for Mediterranean beauty thanks to her dark hair, feline eyes, full lips and abundant cleavage. I can hear a sigh from someone on the couch behind me!

I imagine she is every boudoir photographers idea of the perfect subject! Innocent and sensual at the same time which from my experience is quite an art to find in a model! Monica is one hell of a model and she is certainly someone that I constantly look to for inspiration and styling ideas.

The kind folks at Taschen have done us all a huge favour by putting together a weighty tome of images titled Monica Bellucci featuring the work of some of my favourite photographers, Peter Lindbergh, Richard Avedon, Ellen von Unwerth and Helmut Newton. What an archive and what an inspiration for us photographers.. Merci Monica and Taschen..

Carla x

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Paris Addresses For The Fashionista

2012-01-15T15:17:00.000+01:00

Simply You - Carla Coulson

As I have been blabbing on all week about fashion I thought I would leave you with some Parisian addresses for the fashion addict.

I live in the Marais so when I cross town to check out the beautiful and chic Le Bon Marche its like taking a holiday!! Le Bon Marche has gathered the best in fashion and if you are on a flying visit to Paris you can find everything you need here under the one glamorous roof!!

A must visit (but its currently closed for renovations) is the Musee Galliera, Paris's fashion museum. With over 100,000 examples of fashion and an incredible archive of fashion pics the fashionista within will be in heaven. The location is perfect to totter across for lunch on your Manolo's to the extremely groovy Palais Tokyo.

There are a couple of can't-live-without streets in Paris for the fashionista. Rue de Grenelle, just a shimmy away from Le Bon Marche and is home to the chic boutiques of Christian Louboutin, YSL, Frederic Malle and Prada. I go to feel glamorous!

Between the glam Place Vendome and the Jardin des Tuileries is another must visit street, the rue St Honore. The fashionista's head for Collette and her water bar as a starting point but up and down this street you will find Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Lanvin, Givenchy and french luggage stars Goyard.

When I want to turn the fashion clock back I go to Didier Ludot in the Palais Royale. Didier has gathered the biggest and best labels in vintage couture. So good they will make your eyes water!!

At the end of the day when your shoppers back is killing you and you want to fling your Louboutins into a corner, stop! There is just one last address before the day ends. Fashionistas look even cooler slumped into the velvet chairs and with the low, low lighting and an aperitif in hand at Hotel Costes. Be careful here one risks a case of tennis neck from people watching!

Carla's Paris for Fashion Addicts

Le Bon Marche

24, rue des Sevres

75007

Musee Galliera

10, avenue Pierre Ier de Serbie

Paris 16e

Rue de Grenelle

Paris 75007

Rue St. Honore

Paris 75001

Didier Ludot

24 Galerie Montpensier

Jardin du Palais Royal 75001

Hotel Costes

239, rue St Honore

75001

Carla x

PS: Fashion addicts will lurvvvveeee Chantal Thomass's Mon Carnet d'Addresses

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Fashion Shoot Preparation - Lighting and Testing

2012-01-12T21:56:00.000+01:00

Test Night Shots Paris - Carla Coulson

You might remember from Monday's post that I am shooting next week. These are a couple of pics from my light test that I did last week. I wanted to check out my lighting set-up before the big night.

What type of light I wanted?

I wanted to re- create Parisian lampost light. A good thing to know before you start is what type of light you want to achieve. I love soft light and didn't want the light on my subject to stand out from the rest of the scene.

How I created this?

So I had my super cute assistant hold a SB 800 flash off up high to one side and in front of the flash he held a shoot through disc that diffused the light onto the subjects. I attached a Hahnel comb TF pro to my camera and also to the flash to trigger the flash each time the shutter was released.

What I learnt?

Bloody cold in January at night!

My glasses fogged up when shooting!

Black clothing ate the light. Note to self not to use black dresses.

Wear more clothes to shoot in.

Assistant needs to wear fingerless gloves otherwise fingers turn to icicles.

Stay Warm..

Carla x

Canon 5D

Leica M8

SB800 Nikon Flash

Hahnel Combi Pocket Wizards

Shoot through reflector

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Paris - Scouting for a location

2012-01-11T23:17:00.000+01:00

All Photos by Carla Coulson

Morning Lovelies,

This is going to be short and sweet today because the Paris sales start today and Carla needs to get herself out of the apartment and into 50 percent off land.

You may recall Monday that I mentioned that I am shooting a night fashion story next week. As Carla loves to be organised I always scout my locations before the big day. There is nothing worse than dragging around a team of models, stylists, make-up artists and assistants not knowing where you are going. And when you arrive at the chosen spot and it isn't as one imagined you then need to convince your crew to walk another 1km to the next location. Ouch!!

To avoid all of this I scout. I love to scout so the shoot runs smoothly.

What I learnt by scouting the above locations?

1. Some backdrops have a better balance of street lamp light
2. Other backdrops offer more image that will go with my story
3. Some are just too dark

My Tip: If you live in a city like Paris and you don't have lots of time to scout let your fingers do the walking. I check out books like Yvon's Paris, Paris Mon Amour and Elliott Erwitt's Paris to see what locations these great photographers have shot in.

Keep Shooting... I am off to the sales

Carla xx

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Fashion Shoot Inspiration - Dior by Patrick Demarchelier

2012-01-10T22:21:00.000+01:00

All Images from Dior by PatrickDemarchelier

My heart skipped a beat as I leafed through Dior by PatrickDemarchelier. Big frock heaven!!! Over 100 exquisite images of Diorthrough the years by French 'class act' photographer Mr. Demarchelier..
Discovered just in time for my pending big frockshoot next Monday..If you love fashion or fashion photography youwill lurrrvvvve this book..

More is more

Carla x

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Paris - Planning A Photo Shoot

2012-01-09T22:25:00.000+01:00

My shoot inspiration board

Next week I have a photo shoot planned in the city of light!! Like all photo shoots that I work on I plan them well in advance and I thought you might like to come along for the ride and see how I do it!! This is a small part of the preparation that goes into a shoot. Vogue cover shoots are months and months of preparation by a team of talented photographers, stylists, designers, models and make-up and hair artists.

This shoot is inspired by a shoot I did years ago at 3am in a beautiful Piazza in Florence (which was in turn inspired by a scene in Dolce Vita). See top black and white images. I adored shooting at night and the incredible atmosphere that is created by the street lights.

To start I break the photo shoot down into bite-size pieces so it is easier to plan. Here are some questions I ask myself?

Who am I shooting and Where?

I am shooting at night in Paris!! Yippee.. Paris doesn't get anymore atmospheric than at night. And I am shooting a beautiful woman with long blond hair and her companion.

The Story

My story (invented by moi) is called 'The Party is Over". Its glam, glam, glam. A beautiful gal who is on her way home from one of Paris's most fabulous masked parties with her handsome beau! Its fun they are a little tipsy, they stop to take a breather on a park bench, he wheels her home on a bike..

Styling

I want her to be wearing a big fat couture frock!! The dress every girl dreams of wearing..Fab cocktail rings and jewels and fun masks to wear pushed up on the top of her hair..

Props

Party stuff!!After all she has been to a party. And an old fashioned bike that her beau can wheel her through the deserted streets of Paris on. A bunch of white balloons for her decent into the Metro only to find the metro is closed. White cocktail gloves to put on a bench. A bottle of champagne and plastic cups..

Hair and Make-up

I love the messy Claudia Schiffer hair above and strong eyes and lips. The night will eat up subtle make-up kind of like stage lights do. Bling in her hair.

Locations

(See Wednesday's scouting around Paris post)

Lighting

I'd love to replicate the beautiful soft street lamp light of Paris and I will be doing a light test later in the week. Stay tuned.

I gathered the above imagery to inspire me for my shoot, some of the images are mine, some are by the fabulous Ellen Von Unwerth and others from a film. Inspiration can come from anywhere, art, books, photography, music, film, history, the weather etc.. We are surrounded by inspiration..

Endless Fashion Shoot Inspiration

Carine Roitfeld Irreverent

Tim Walker Pictures

Ellen Von Unwerth Fraulein

Deborah Turbeville The Fashion Pictures

Deborah Turbeville Past Imperfect

Love + Bling

Carla x

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Carla Loves....Deborah Turbeville

2012-01-08T21:49:00.000+01:00

Deborah Turbeville The Fashion Pictures

I have loved Deborah Turbeville's photography since the first time I spotted her images

in Vogue Italia and her interior images in Casa Vogue. Her fashion images are like no-one elses.
Women are clad in gossamer dreams. Beautiful, ethereal, poignant and always shot in dusty 'lived in' locations. Bring on the soft focus!!

I remember when I found her book Past Imperfect at my local bookstore I nearly passed out. It has since become one of my favourite inspiration books. Her new book The Fashion Pictures is winging its way to me and I can't wait for it to arrive. The introduction is written by one of the world's most stylish women, the fabulous Franca Sozzani editor of Vogue Italia..Boy, does she know a thing or two about fashion!!

What books are you reading??

Carla xx

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Paris - 5 Inspiring Addresses for Creatives

2012-01-07T09:00:00.000+01:00

All Images Taken During the Madame Gres Exhibition at Musee Bourdelle Paris - Carla Coulson

Paris is a city full of heart thudding inspiration for artists, photographers, painters, writers, interior designers and lovers of beauty.. Bring it on!!

These are the places I go to get my 'mojo' back. Yep, sometimes the 'well' dries up and I need to stop and put back all the creativity that I have expended. To do this I love to look at the work of others to forget about mine and see the world through new magic eyes.

I go to:

Jeu de Paume
1 place de la Concorde
75008 Paris

Outstanding 'epic' photography exhibitions featuring the biggest names in photography. The divine Diane Arbus is currently showing here. The Jeu De Paume is such a hit on weekends the line snakes around the garden.

La Maison Européenne de la Photographie
82 rue François Miron
75004 Paris - France

An entire Hotel Particuleur dedicated to photography. Carla Tap Dance!! I love this place and so thrilled it is in my hood. Just two steps from St. Paul Metro. The MEP has a permanent exhibition and wonderfully inspiring season of temporary exhibitions.

Musée Bourdelle
18, rue Antoine Bourdelle
75015 Paris

I discovered this Museum thanks to fashion. Yes, former fashion addict Carla Coulson still likes to look at as much fashion as possible and the wonderful Madame Gres exhibition here was exquisite in every sense (see image above). I love the combination of the atelier that feels as though the artist has just stepped out for a cuppa and I adore the monumental space and statues created to house his work . A real find if you love sculpture.

Musée des Arts décoratifs
107, rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris

Alongside of my weakness for fashion is my love of design. Right next door to the Louvre the MDAD could just outshine the Louvre if design is your thing. A must for interior designers.

Musée Rodin
21, boulevard des Invalides
75007 PARIS

A treasure of a place. Beautiful for three reasons, the incredible garden, the beautiful building and Rodin's incredible work. I have always been fascinated by the forms of Rodin and they are often an inspiration for my poses.. So much to learn from other artists.. Although he did sound like a tyrant to his beautiful and talented muse and assistant Camille Claudel (maybe he was a teensy weensy bit jealous of her incredible talent?)

Put Back Your Creativity..

Carla x

Great Reads for Creatives on Paris:

The Private Lives of the Impressionists,

Claude and Camille

Renoir, My Father

Lust for Life

Brassai: Secret Paris in the 30's

Camille Claudel

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So You Want To Be A Photographer - Team Up

2012-01-06T04:27:00.000+01:00

Chasing a Dream - Carla Coulson

Share the love!!! That's what this post is about. Most things are better in twos..

In yesterday's post I discussed getting started in your photography career. Taking those first baby steps towards making a plan and turning photography from a hobby into a career.

I want to tell you about one of my secret's to having survived the first couple of years as a newby photographer. I had the great fortune in the early days to be sent on an assignment with a seasoned journalist. This guy had been working in the industry for years and boy did he know some moves!!

Within a day of meeting him he had pitched 5 stories to different magazines and he needed a photographer to deliver the second part of the story. He asked me whether I would be willing to do the job if the magazine said yes? Hello!! For me it was a dream come true someone actively procuring work for me!! Bring it on!!

Over the years I have formed a tight knit group of people I love to work with. Its important to work with people you admire, are reliable and share the love around. They help me and I help them. Whoever gets the job shares the love around.

Whose on my team?

Fashion stylists

Make-up artists

Great hairdressers

Fabulous assistants

Savvy journalists

Wonderful Photographers

Who could be on your team?

Lets say you:

Want to be a:                Who Could be on Your Team

Food Photographer          Food stylist, chef or food writer
Fashion Photographer      Make-up artist, fashion stylist, hair dresser, model
Travel Photographer        Travel writer,
Interior Photographer       Interior stylist, interiors writer,
Portrait Photographer       Stylist, assistant, wedding photographer

So start building a photography community. I have list of photographers who work in the same area as me and others who specialise in weddings or something that I am not into. I happily recommend them when someone gets in touch with me..

You see what I mean??

Some photography link love below of people in the photography world doing great stuff..

Reportage and Travel

Steve McCurry

Betelgeze

Stylists

Dietlind Wolf

Shannon Fricke

Bright Bazaar

Fashion

Sartorialist

Violeta Purple

Interiors

Food

Inspiration

Flowers and Pretty Things

Share the love

Carla xx

So You Want To Be A Photographer - Getting Started

2012-01-05T08:44:00.000+01:00

Chasing a Dream - Carla Coulson

Morning Lovelies,

Yesterday I gave a brief overview of what is required to succeed as a working photographer. A question I am often asked is 'How to Get Started as a Photographer '. I would like to give some insight into getting your photography show on the road in 2012 through my own personal experience. And boy have I road-tested it!!

When I was at photography school I was enamoured by many diffent types of photography. I adored the reportage style of Henri Cartier-Bresson, I loved the fashion photos of Paolo Roversi and after passing almost a life-time behind a desk I dreamt of travel.

Boy was I confused!! One of the toughest choices starting out is which type of photography to choose. I remained confused for the first couple of years. My first story published in Marie Claire Australia was a travel story on Naples and within a couple of years I was also shooting fashion. It gave me a great chance to have a look at different parts of the photographic industry and it also helped me to decide. If you can decide straight away what field you want to specialise in you are already ahead of the game.

Chasing A Dream - Carla Coulson

Carla's Tips To Getting Started As A Photographer

1. Educate yourself on photography through schools, universities, courses, workshops and books.

2. Take time in the beginning to experiement with many different types of photography.

3. Form a clear picture of what field of photography you want to start in.

4. Look at 5 professional photographers doing what you would like to do. Look where they are working and for whom. Write a list..

5. See if there is any chance of assisting one of your favourite photographers. A true short cut to seeing how photography works in all senses.

6. Make a business plan. Defining who you are, who your potential clients are and a marketing strategy to get where you want to go. Write a long list of all your potential clients.. Only you can make it happen.

7. Create a a body of work that you can use to sell as your first photographic story if you want to be published or use it as a portfolio.

8. Make a budget for your first year listing costs including rent, cameras, electricity aand what you will need to live on.

9. Have some savings that will get your through the first year of your business or consider working part-time whilst you launch your new career.

10. Believe in your vision, your work and yourself.

11. When you are ready put your business plan into action. I have always had a plan and a list. I have been writing lists almost my whole life. Every morning I write a list and slowly cross things off as I achieve them and add more things to the list. These lists keep me focusesd and staying focused is tough..

12.. Take small steps each day. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward. If you have a water tight plan just keep working towards it. YOU WILL GET THERE.

Dreams = Hard Work + Vision

Carla x

So You Want To Be A Photographer - Overview

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

Ellen Von Unwerth and her Nikon

Who wouldn't want to be a photographer?? We get to go to great places, meet incredible people, participate in amazing shoots and work our own hours.. Sounds like the best job in the world.. And most days it is. But what is the reality of working as a photographer?

Any of you thinking of taking the plunge in 2012 here is a little overview of what you need to know to make it as a photographer. I don't want to freak you out!!

So many people not involved in this industry don't see what the big deal is about being a photographer. Isn't it just a couple of clicks here and a couple of clicks there??

Well the answer folks is a giant NO!! Being a full-time working photographer requires hardwork, planning and most of all a burning passion..

Richard Avedon shooting his portrait series In The American West

Here's Carla's List of what you need to know to succced as a professional photographer.

1. A Clear Picture of what field of photography you want to do (ie, travel, food, fashion etc)

2. Your own style of photography

3. A Business Plan (yes folks this is a business)

4. Money (to finance all those delicious cameras you want to buy)

5. Camera gear to suit your field of photography and you need to know your stuff

6. Presentation - Your work needs to be visible to the public so you need an online presence of your best work

7. Team Up - A community of people in your field that you can work with and help each other.
(ie I regularly work with journalists, make-up artists, stylists)

Annie Leibowitz At Work

8. Work Ethic.. I like to think I have never let any of my clients down in all the years I have been working as a photographer. You are only as good as your last job so do what you have promised.

9. Understand money streams - There are many alternative ways to earn money as a photographer. Including royalties from book sales, photo libraries and agents on-selling your photographic stories.

10. You need to know how to work with your subjects and never lose your cool. You're the director and you are there to bring out the best in your subject.

11. Photographer's Agents - To be respresented or not. It is a photographers's personal choice if they want to be represented. Depends on where you want to go and how you want to live your life.

12. Social Media - Have an online presence it's vital.

13. Set Backs - Know what to do when things go wrong.

14. Pricing, Paperwork and Model releases.. Uggh the thought of paperwork.. This is a vital part of life as a working photographer. Paperwork covers your back and makes everything clear upfront. PUT IT IN WRITING.

15. Keeping Accounts - As I mentioned in point 3 if you plan to work as a photographer you need to be clear that this is a business as much as a creative art. You need to know how to keep accounts and run a business.

16. Have fun - This is one of the most important things we need to hold onto. We started in this photography thing because we love images. Great images come in fun atmospheres and through people doing what they love. Always have fun..

Make a Plan

Carla xx

Henri Cartier-Bresson

A Sparkling 2012 From Paris

2012-01-03T06:35:00.000+01:00

January 1, 2012 Notre Dame Paris - Carla Coulson

Today, the first day of a New Year I took one of my favourite walks at my favourite hour in Paris. Down through the Marais over Pont Louis Philippe onto the ile-st-louis and around the back of Notre Dame. I have walked it a thousand times but the pure beauty of this corner of Paris never ceases to please my senses. I took a couple of snaps here and there and made by way home.

A New Year brings hope, its a clean start, a fresh look at the world and there is nothing I like more!

I wish all of you a spectacular 2012 and can't wait to see what treasures you have in store for me this year.

Happy New Year..

Carla x

Shot Using: Canon 5D Mark II

Converted to Black and White: DXO Filmpack

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Living In a Foreign Language

2011-12-22T23:15:00.000+01:00

Living in a Foreign Language by Michael Tucker

Living in a foreign language about sums up my life. I now live in two foreign languages and sometimes feel like my brain has become a blender.

Francesco and I have always spoken in Italian and with my French friends and in my daily life I speak in French. With my mother, my sisters and all my fabulous Aussie friends I speak in English. No wonder I am exhausted at the end of the day when any word could whizz out in any language of it's own accord. There are moments when I really feel like I have lost control of my 'c-drive'. Francesco tells me I have my very own language - it's called Carlese..It takes about half-a-bottle of red wine to understand it!

I have Living in a foreign language tucked into my luggage for Christmas and can't wait to see what challenges the author strikes. Michael Tucker sounds full of as much zest and love for Italy as moi!! Looking forward to curling up in front of the fire in Puglia to read it.

Baci e abbracci

Carla xx

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Carla's Favourite Things in Her Shop

Glam Christmas - A Shoot from My Archives

2011-12-21T21:03:00.000+01:00

Eve Magazine Copyright Carla Coulson

I had the great pleasure years ago to shoot a Christmas story for English magazine Eve. We shot the Christmas story in a beautiful Edwardian home in the heart of London with a gorgeous model and two mini-models!! And what a glam Christmas the stylist created!

If only I was so glam on Christmas day...

Shot using:

Leica M7

Tri-x 400 pushed two stops

Kinoflo continous neon lights created this soft light!

If you need a little Christmas inspiration you might like:

The wonderful colours and a pared down Christmas at April and May

An easy no-fuss Christmas tree at Wish you Were Here
Three last minute decorating ideas at Bright Bazaar

France's most loved priest at French Girl in Seattle

This incredible red dress at Dustjacket

And the photographers might like a refresh on how to shoot Christmas lights at Strobist
Henrietta Hassinen's true meaning of Christmas

If you are behind time on the the gift giving and need some ideas check out my Italian Christmas list.

For cool French stuff this Christmas have a look here and if you have a budding portrait photographer in the family check this out.

What are you wearing this Christmas??

Shine On

Carla x

Carla's Italian Christmas list Italy

Carla's French Christmas list France

Carla's gift ideas for the budding portrait photographer

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'French It' This Christmas

2011-12-20T21:49:00.000+01:00

Paris Canal Saint Martin - Copyright Carla Coulson

"Paris is romantic, dirty, warm, kind, rude, enchanting, frustrating, heavenly, infuriating and impossibly beautiful - if you can't see the beauty in Paris you must be blind.". This was Toro's, my black and white printer's definition of Paris when I asked him years ago what he thought of Paris. I was still trying to find my feet in a city that I didn't understand. I loved his definition and often when I am walking around Paris spying beauty or getting ignored at my local boulangerie I think of his words!!

My love affair with Paris (for those of you who have read Bridget Jones Diary or seen the movie) was more like Bridget's relationship with Mr Darcy than with her sexy colleague Daniel!! It certainly wasn't love at first sight, my heart wasn't thumping or I wasn't going weak at the knees. I had to scratch the surface of Paris and dig deep into its layers to get it. Some, fall in love with Paris the first time they put their Louboutins on her cobblestones, others who have arrived from Latin countries (moi) are reeling with the off-hand behaviour and the cold..

But just like Mark Darcy who won over the hilarious Bridget, Paris got her claws into me!! And they are well and truly stuck.. I know so many of you out there who are gah gah for Paris and if you want to take a little bit of Paris home this Christmas here are some of the things I love about Paris.

Yvon's Paris

For all of you in love with photography and Paris you will lurvvvee Yvon's Paris. Yvon was no ordinary photographer, he only shot Paris in a particular light that played on the moodiness of Paris and her beauty. Imagine a book with every photo shot in the same light!! Shot at the beginning of this century Yvon's Paris it is a must for the nostalgic.

J'Aime Paris

A friend of mine was working in an Italian restaurant in Paris when Alain Ducasse walked in and sat down for dinner. The owner instantly recognised Mr Ducasse and as any restaurant would (if one of the best chef's in the world came for dinner) went into a flap. Mr Ducasse was researching J'aime Paris, the above book so when I received it as a gift I knew that his favourite Parisian addresses had been test driven by the man himself. I love this book!! I have since given to other friends who love Paris and eating! What is great about this book is the restaurants aren't all Michelin star joints, they even have my local falafel shop in it.. The second best thing is the little red book with all the addresses in J'aime Paris that comes with this weighty volume that one can tuck into your handbag and have it whenever the restaurant questions comes up!!

Parisian Chic

Paris loves Ines de la Fressange. Fashion muse and effortlessly stylish Parisian this is a little book about how to dress, shop and look like a Parisian.. If you want the look check out Parisian Chic.

The Private Lives of the Impressionists

I loved Sue Roe's Book, The Private Lives of the Impressionists.. Ohh the struggle. On bad days when I think this photography thing is hard I just read through a chapter of The Private Lives of the Impressionist and bingo, I feel better. Boy were their lives tough and what a struggle to convince the establishment that their new style was not only beautiful but also saleable. I always think of Camille Pissaro when I see one of his paintings and admire his persistance - he held onto the end. He never gave up painting yet he lived his entire life in poverty and died poor. A shout out for Pissaro!!

Paris by Cedric Klapisch

I remember watching Paris and thinking this is a close to real life in Paris as I have seen on the big screen. Beautifully shot, director Cedric Klapisch interweaves stories in a beautiful and heart warming way. Of course the fabulous Juliette Binoche is a pleasure to watch as is the marvellous Paris seen through Klapisch's eyes..

Ohh soooo easy to watch the beautiful Audrey Tatou in Coco before Chanel. Cast as the young Coco Chanel, Audrey Tatou is effortlessly stylish and so damn beautiful!! This film gives a wonderful insight into how Coco really changed the way us women dress. If you love fashion and France you will adore Coco before Chanel.

Dyptique Fig Bougie

I have beaten a trail to the Dyptique store on rue Francs Bourgeois in the Marais. If I have been once I have been 30 times!! I love Dyptique products especially the candles and the body creams and it is a gift I give with love!! Who wouldn't want a house that smells of French chic.. The one above is fig and I adore it in the winter..

I love the ideas of postcards flying around the world with words of love on exquisite photos. These black and white images of Paris are particularly beautiful!!

The French are brilliant at stationery! They love their fine papers and exquisite lined envelopes with beautiful calligraphied addresses. And I love having them land in my mailbox. If you love fine paper and letter writting check these out

Keep the carambars away from me!! It might be the five year-old within (who is always trying to get out) but I am addicted to these caramel bars.. Carambars are on sale everywhere in Paris which makes resisting them difficult! Good luck..

Converse are to Parisians what thongs are to the Aussies - essential footwear. You can wear your Converse to the opera, the fashion shows or to museums and nobody would bat an eyelid. I have them in red and black and where them with everything.. They are the new Hermes scarf??

They would take away a Frenchman's (or an Italian's) passport if he didn't have a decent bottle opener. This is the one my hubby uses!!

Baccarat

Wishing and hoping and praying one day I will have a little of France's most celebrated crystal, Baccarat on my table to make washing the champagne bubbles down so much smoother!! Loving these Champagne flutes!!

For all of those of you who are checking out now I want to say many thanks for all your wonderful support this year for my blog, my photos and my books. I wish all you all lots of love and happiness during the holiday period and look forward to seeing you back here in the New Year. For those of you staying around.. stay tuned.

If you want to check out more cool French stuff for Christmas have a look here. If you want to have a look at some of my Italian Christmas Look here. And if you want to see what Vicki Archer has in her Christmas hampers have a look here.

Carla's pick of Italy

Carla's pick of France

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Five Hotels for A Chic Christmas in Florence

2011-12-19T12:56:00.000+01:00

Hello Lovelies,

Thank-you for all your messages, emails and notes about my previous post about my Italian Christmas. It seems that I am not the only one on my way to Italy for Christmas. Sounds like lots of you are planning an Italian Christmas and you need some help..

One of the questions I am frequently asked about Florence (where I lived for 5 years) is where to stay. During my years in Florence I had the chance to photograph many beautiful hotels and had the great fortune to get to know some of their owners and managers well. Florence has a high concentration of gorgeous design hotels, many made-over by the clever Architect Michele Bonan.

So for those of you heading to Florence this Chrismas and wanted to know where to stay in spetcular style here are Carla's faves!!!!

1. JK Place

The clever and talented Ori Kafri slept in as many rooms possible in as many glamorous hotels around the world before planning his gorgeous hotel, JK Place. Like a chic gentleman's residence in the heart of Florence JK Place is an art and design lover's haven. Tucked away in a corner of Piazza Santa Maria Novella you are in walking distance of everything you wll need in florence.

2. Hotel Gallery Art Florence

Hotel Gallery Art was revolutionary in Florence when it opened. It was Florence's first design Hotel and in a rockstar location, a quiet Piazza right next to the Ponte Vecchio. The other great thing I love about Hotel Gallery Art is the art collection. Serious contemporary art and photography is exhibited in the downstairs Gallery and the public are encourage to come on in and view the works. They also have an incredible 'aperitivo' in their bar around twilight. Chic locals abound.

3. Continentale Florence

Continentale has a 50's twist to their design. In the same Piazza as the Hotel Gallery Art Continentale has without a doubt some of the best views in Florence, a bird's eye view of the Ponte Vecchio. Designed by the clever Michele Bonan who also designed JK Place and Hotel Gallery Art.

4. Four Seasons Hotel Florence

If your pockets are full of cash this Christmas and you want to stay in not only Florence's most luxurious hotel but also in it's most historic head straight for the Four Seasons Hotel in Florence. Formely Palazzo Gheradesca, home to the Florentine noble family of the same name has all the trimmings you would expect of a Florentine palazzo - handpainted frescoes, original handpainted wallpapers, grand staircases and incredible grounds. I love this building and the designer kept the wonderful original features. The entrance on Borgo Pinti hides hectares of park with four hundred year old trees.

5.Hotel Dei Macchioli

If your budget can't take all the above hotels you might like to try the Hotel dei Macchioli. I recently stayed here with my sister and her husband and found this hotel delightful. In an historic building with an incredible painted wooden ceiling Hotel dei Macchioli is two steps away from the Duomo and had lovely recently renovated rooms. They give themselves 3 stars (probably because of the flight of stairs to the reception but the delightful staff will carry your bags)..but by Italian hotel standards my guess it is more like a 4 star..

For all of you who won't be visiting Italy this Christmas I hope you enjoyed this little virtual tour of Florence. And for those of you dreaming of Italy you might like to check out my Italian Christmas List.

Buon Viaggio

Carla xx

Carla's pick of Italy

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Give 'Italy' This Christmas

2011-12-18T22:32:00.000+01:00

Florence Copyright Carla Coulson

I am off to Italy for Christmas this year. I was secretly hoping that I might be able to jump on a plane and spend it with my family in Australia but that looks like a slim chance at the moment. Instead I am off to my other family in Puglia to spend Christmas all'italiana. If I can't spend it with my family in Australia there is no other family I would rather sit around a long table groaning with food than with Francesco's family. I have an inkling they are baking, chopping, preparing and cooking as I write.

The celebrations (and eating) start on Christmas Eve and go non-stop till we roll back onto the plane a week later. It feels as though we pass the entire holidays at the table. Each meal blurs into the next and when we struggle up from the table a week has passed. The baccala has blended with the panzarottis, the cime de rape and the dolce - thank-god for the grappa to wash it all down.

For all of you (like me) who love Italy with a passion I have my Chrissie list ready chock full of Italian, films, books, music and design. All the things I have listed below have got my heart thumping through the years and as Italy has been good to me, I am going to be good to her. I am giving Italy this Christmas!!

I devoured Gods Mountain in a two hour trip home from Naples to Paris. This tender story of a thirteen year old Neapolitan boy brought tears to me eyes. So beautiful.

I love Zoe Boccabella's tale of discovering Italy through her Italian families home in Abruzzo. I adored her boyfriend in the book who was so totally in love with everything Italian that he reminded me of myself when I first landed in Italy.

Let's face it what Italy lover doesn't dream about owning their own slice of Italy. I sure do. I have stalked real estate windows in every town in Italy. Wishing and hoping and praying there is a bargain for Carla!! I know the fabulous Lisa at renovating Italy has dived in.. If you do want to end up owning what the real estate agent has promised this book will help!!

I am mad for all things Mediterranean.. I have pored over every page and plant in this book dreaming of my Mediterranean garden. I love Heidi Gildemeisters approach to a waterwise garden, imagine not ever having to water the garden and how fabulous for the planet. I just need the garden!!

The first thing that happens in our morning is the struggle to the kitchen to get the Moka on the stove and the coffee pumping. Our Moka is on its last legs so I am dreaming of this beautifully designed Alessi number to give our kitchen a lift and to make our morning even prettier.

I just have to look at this can and I think of my husband. If I ever had to pass an immigration test (aka the film Greencard) about what brand of coffee 'his gorgeousness' drinks I would do it with flying colours. He has Illy stamped all over him.

Francesco's grandmother has promised more pasta making lessons this Christmas. The dear woman has persevered with me and my big mits punching holes in what should be 'little ears' (orecchiette). This Christmas she has promised to show me how to make lasagne and tagliatelle and she has a little machine clamped onto her kitchen bench just like the one above that squeezes out lovely flat pasta.

Tessa Kiros has made me look like a queen (or at least a cook)! After having the great fortune to spend almost two years in a Florentine kitchen with the divine Popi I longed to cook all those Tuscan classics that Popi often cooked up. And then I found Twelve. I love Twelve for many reasons. First the recipes really work and I mean really work!! I have grown-ups scraping their plates after serving Tessa's lemon and almond cake. About 200 people have asked me for this recipe. I also love that the book is divided into the twelve seasons. In the middle of winter when there is only a carrot and a pumpkin on my vege stall at the local market I flick to December and Tessa has a recipe for these two forlorn winter vegetables. Fabulous

Bread and Tulips has to be one of my all time favourite Italian films. I think I have seen it about half-a-dozen times and loved every romantic inch of it. It is the story of a women who is in a love-less marriage and on holiday with her family and gets left at a truck stop. She hitches a ride with someone going to Venice and never wants to go home. Venice has never looked so good as in this film. CARLA LOVES THIS FILM!!!

Shot in beautiful Puglia this film was a huge hit in Italy. Loose Cannons (Mine Vaganti) is a story of two brothers who both want to come out and the families reaction. A beautiful second story runs through this film of the boys grandmother. Somewhere between hilarious and tragic

Guiseppe Tornatore's masterpiece Cinema Paradiso, that many say is an auto-biographical story on Tornatore's love affair with cinema as a young boy living in a small town in Sicily. This is a 'two boxes of Kleenex' film if you have a romantic heart like mine and is a wonderful nostalgic look at Sicily.

Murano! Can they do anything wrong? I have been drooling over these glasses for sometime now. What about that smoke effect created with the beautiful blue??

I guarantee an Oil and Vinegar set sits on every Italian table. But this oil and vinegar set are for the design freak in all of us. Two design masters created these, Italian design guru Ettore Sottsass and those incredible folks at Alessi..They are on my wish list

Reminds me of summer days sitting on a canvas beach chair at Da Adolfo near Positano drinking their white wine with fresh peaches. Da Adolfo serves it from a beautiful ceramic pitcher just like this.. I just have to see one of these and I feel like heading to Positano. Would also look great in my future Italian country home one day!!

Francesco introduced me to the effervescent Vinicio Capossela. I love all sorts of Italian music and Vinicio definately has his own sound. But for me his music will be forever linked to Francesco and us driving to the fartherest corners of Puglia with Vinicio in the background.

I am not sure whether this should be technically in my Italian list but for me this chair will be forever linked to my Italian memories. I sat in this fabulous Wassily chair (designed by legendary Bauhaus founder Marcel Breuer) most days during my two year sojuorn at Popi's. Cool cat Popi had her house made-over in the 70's and she has more design pieces than most showrooms. I always loved that she was never precious about them and let us all lie around on her Le Corbusier lounge and let us do our homework swinging in her Wassily Chair.

My list goes on and on with things I love about Italy..If you dare you can check out more of my favourites here.

What are you giving for Chirstmas??

Italy Forever

Carla xxx

Carla's pick of Italy

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Paris - Shooting Snow

2011-12-15T22:22:00.000+01:00

Place Des Vosges - Carla Coulson

Le Marais - Carla Coulson

Notre Dame - Carla Coulson

Ile-St- Louis - Carla Coulson

Places des Vosges - Carla Coulson

Along the Seine - Carla Coulson

Last year in the lead up to Christmas it was snowing it's little heart out in Paris. As those first flutters fell every photographer raced outdoors including moi (see above). It is so rare to have a thick blanket of white in Paris and when it happens we all go gah gah..Sometimes its just us photographers out there shooting each other in Paris.. How romantic!!

There is a trick to shooting snow. For your camera it is like pointing the lens towards the sun, the exposure meter goes wild and thinks ooohhh there is too much light and it will encourage you to close down your aperture or suggest a higher shutter speed. Which results in murky snow, not lovely white snow that the eye sees..

Why does this happen??

Your camera is programmed to read the light at medium grey..When you point your camera at different coloured objects in the same light (eg white or black) your camera will give you two different exposure readings even though the objects are in the same light. The white will cause you camera to under expose the image and the black will tell you camera to overexpose it. This was a huge problem when using film. At least with a digital camera you can see that it is incorrect and correct it by changing shutter speed and aperture.

How to overcome this problem?

You can carry a grey card with you and take an exposure reading of the grey card in the same light as the scene - the camera lurves grey. Or you can take an exposure reading of a medium grey object in the same light in the scene and measure your exposure on that. That should get you a spot on exposure reading and pretty white snow.. Works for brides dresses too!!!

Happy Shooting..

Carla x

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Great Reads on Paris The Most Beautiful Walk in the World, Walks Through Lost Paris, Hidden in Paris, Parisian's Paris

Lunch in Paris, Paris Mon Amour, That Paris Year, Paris, Paris and of course Paris Tango by Moi

Divine Beauty

2011-12-14T18:24:00.000+01:00

Kanchipuram India - Carla Coulson

Valencia Spain - Carla Coulson

Florence Italy - Carla Coulson

Palermo Italy - Carla Coulson

Sicily Italy - Carla Coulson

There is so much beauty in devotion no matter what religion. I have always loved photographing the colour, passion and art of religious icons..

Have a divine day

Carla xx

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10 Christmas Ideas for the budding portrait photographer

2011-12-14T09:59:00.000+01:00

It's here, it's around the corner, the decorations are up and the flight plans are booked. I am off to Italy for Christmas. I am not sure whether it is the world wide crisis and the threat of Europe sinking into the sea but I am more interested in giving this Christmas than receiving.

Portrait photography makes my heart sing. I think it has to do with my endless fascination with people no matter what age, creed or race. The human race and it's faces offer endless fascination and make for wonderful photos. If you have a budding portrait photographer in the family here are 10 of my suggestions that could score a yipppeeee yiyeeahhhh when they find them under the tree.

1. GIVE THEM RICHARD

Richard Avedon's portraits ooze class. The man is at home with country folk, actors, fashion models and politicians. Richard Avedon remains my hero, he manages to tell a story in the simplest of ways. Give them the best this Christmas, give them Richard!

2. GIVE THEM DIANE

Diane Arbus through her incredible imagery shows the world that different is good. Arbus chose to focus on the not so perfect and the quirky. Diane Arbus show us the beauty in the unusual and paves the way for all of us to see beauty in everyone.. Carla loves Diane

3. GIVE THEM ANNIE

Annie Leibovitz has gone where no other female portrait photographer has. To the top! Annie Leibovitz is considered one of the world's greatest portrait photographers and that is a quite a feat in such a male dominated world.. Sorry guys!! This behind the lens look at Annie Leibovitz's life and how she got started is a wonderful read for any portrait photographer.

4. GIVE THEM A PORTRAIT LENS

Every portrait photographer needs in their kit a good portrait lens (normally a fixed lens not a zoom with a focal length of approx 85mm). The above one will blow the budget but is considered the best in the Canon range (i think it is too heavy). Canon also offers an 85mm in their EF range which is about a quarter of the price of the above one.. Another option is to keep your eyes peeled for a good second hand one. As I have always loved using manual focus you can pick up an old one and get amazing results if you are not into auto focus..

5. GIVE THEM LENS BABY

I spent the first years of my career trying to get my photos in focus and now I am looking for as much blur as possible! I just have two words of advice for you.. LENS BABY!! The Lens Baby range offers lots of different lens that put tonnes of blur into your pics!! And you get to choose where the blur goes.

6. GIVE THEM A FLASH

I am a natural light girl and I will push and play with the light to its limits. But there are some days when the natural light isn't doing what Carla wants it to do. On those days I use a speedlight flash. These are flashheads that go on the top of your camera but Carla is begging you to please never use them this way. Instead get it off camera and get great light!!

7. GIVE THEM GREAT LIGHT (OR AT LEAST HELP THEM MAKE IT)

These little babies are worth every cent of their $70!! One sits on your camera and the other attaches to your flash and voila you are free. Your on-camera flash now just went off road. You can choose to have a human light stand and someone simply holds it or you can screw it into a stand and you have light! You can also use them with different brands of cameras and flashes like I do. You just need to buy the right brand for your make of camera..

8. GIVE THEM SOFT

Well if you have the flash off camera (see 6) and you have a pocket wizard (like in 7) one of the easiest things to drag around in your kit is the Lastolite EZY BOX. Made for speedlite flashes it folds down to a small triangle. I used it a couple of times last week in Italy and loved it. Gives diffused soft light, perfect for a portraits on the run.

9. GIVE THEM YOUR OLD CAMERA

Go on live dangerously!! Most of the people starting out now in photography have never had the chance to play with an old camera and a roll of film. If you have a camera lying around in your cupboard give it to someone you love who loves photography!!

10. GIVE YOURSELF AS A PORTRAIT SUBJECT

Wayne Chick Copyright Carla Coulson

Photography is about sharing, trying, experimenting, watching, feeling and trying some more. One of the greatest gifts one can give a budding portrait photographer is your time. Be part of the process, ask your budding portrait photographer where and how they would like to photograph you and then set aside a couple of hours and devote yourself to him or her. It is one of the most wonderful gifts you can give..

Good light forever!!

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Paris for Lovers

2011-12-12T22:38:00.000+01:00

Nightfall Tuileries Garden Paris - Carla Coulson

After an action packed week in Italy I longed to be in Francesco's arms. No matter how wonderful it is to travel to destinations I love there is nothing worse than leaving a part of me at home.

Yesterday my darling and I were reunited in Paris . The sun was shining we strolled along the Seine and indulged ourselves in the minute detail of Paris. We stopped into some of Francesco's favourite bookshops in the 6th and sat in the last rays of sun in the Luxembourg gardens, he with a nutella crepe and moi nursing a hot chocolate. The kids (not ours) were doing hurdie gurdies on the swings and life felt grand. All of us happy beneath Paris's leafless trees.

Winter is the season I love the most in Paris.. I never thought I would say that (being an Aussie sun lover) but Paris is at her best. She is beautiful, melancholy, shrouded in mystery and looks ever so good to my photographers's eye and a romantic heart. If you are in Paris this winter here are a couple of suggestions of what to do with someone you love.

12 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN PARIS WITH SOMEONE YOU LOVE

For Monsieur

1. Let him roam the antique bookshops in the 6th.. Rue du Seine and the streets around Saint Sulpice are packed with male dreams..

2. Show him the Rose Line in the Eglise Saint Sulpice - the one Dan Brown made famous in the Da Vinci Code.

3. Musee Des Arts et Metiers.. Male heaven, the history of construction, materials, technology and more bloke stuff.. Your heart won't be beating hard but his will!!

4. Take him to Frederic Malle and buy him a bottle of Vetiver. Heaven....

For Madame

5. Show her the Christmas lights in Place Vendome. It will make any womans heart melt.

6. Sit down for one of Paris's most beautiful afternoon teas at Laduree

7. Drop in to Chantal Thomass to see some of the world's sexiest lingerie.

8. Take her to Annick Goutal in Rue du Castiglione for the most feminine of scents..

For Vous

9. Walk the length of the Seine from the Pont des Arts to the Ile-st Louis. One of the most beautiful walks in the world.

10. Take a ride on the ferris wheel in Place de la Concorde. The cabins are closed so you are cosy and warm high above Paris. (see above)..

11. Sip champagne in the Hotel de Crillon Bar. Old world Paris at its most elegant serenaded by beautiful bubbles..

12. Rug up and take a seat in the Luxembourg Gardens, grab a hot chocolate and a nutella crepe and watch the world go by. What could be better!!

ALL WE NEED IS LOVE

Carla xx

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Great Reads on Paris

The Most Beautiful Walk in the World, Walks Through Lost Paris, Hidden in Paris, Parisian's Paris

Lunch in Paris, Paris Mon Amour, That Paris Year, Paris, Paris and of course Paris Tango by Moi

Carla Loves Mitch

2011-12-09T14:24:00.000+01:00

Mitchell - Copyright Carla Coulson

No I haven't left 'his gorgousness'! I am flying out of Naples today and my nephew Mitchell arrives in Paris..I am so excited. He is my first nephew or niece to do their version of the Grand Tour of Europe with their friends. His trip includes almost every country. Three months just like I did all those years ago.. So much knowledge, experience, life lessons and fun to be had. Can't wait to see him..

Have a wonderful weekend wherever you are..

Decisive moments.

Carla xx

Taken on my Leica M7

Shot on Tri-x 400 film

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Anton Corbijn Portraits

2011-12-08T14:50:00.000+01:00

All photos Copyright Anton Corbijn

I discovered the photos of Anton Corbijn almost ten years ago. It was a great moment for me. I had always loved portraiture and had invested in numerous portfolios when I found his book in a Florentine Book Shop. I was captivated. I adored the collection of moody portraits of rockstars in Everybody Hurts printed in strong high contrast duotone,with lots of film grain and full of almost 'slit your wrist emotion'.

I found his images liberating. At the time I was just on the road to defining my style. My portraits were full of action, noise, movement and happiness (and still are). I adored that his portraits were the total opposite. They screamed of fragility to me and here were some of the biggest rockstars in the world showing a vulnerable face. But was it the rockstars showing their vulnerability or was it the genius of Anton Corbijn that was looking for something more than the polished image of a successful international rockstar and used his talent to produce them? I think Mr. Corbijn had a big hand in this.

I read in an interview that Anton Corbijn arrived at this grainy style by accident. As a young photographer he would be shooting concerts all night with high speed film and then have some of it left over in his camera and the following day do a portrait. At the time it was about money and not wanting to waste half a roll of film and through this casual coincidence Corbijn built his work to be as recognisable as 'brand'. He used the unforgiveable strong process of duotones to print and what the viewer is left with is a stark and beautiful portrait. Black tones that disappear, harsh lines that are ingrained and highlighted skin.
Anton, Carla Loves You!!!! You taught me that having 'quiet' pictures was cool.

I have listed some of my favourite portrait photographers in a section of my store where you will find endless inspiration from the world's greatest photographers..I certainly have..

Creativity is in all of us

Carla x

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My Florence Address Book + Syliva

2011-12-07T14:48:00.000+01:00

Sylvia in the backroom of Gilli Caffe Florence - Carla Coulson Italian Joy

Sylvia in Gilli Caffe Florence - Copyright Carla Coulson

Syliva in her office Florence (not bad hey?) - Copyright Carla Coulson Italian Joy

I met the marvellous Sylvia on holidays a year before I moved to Italy. Fiftee years ago I was in the zany restaurant Garga with a good friend. The waiter decided that 'all the beautiful girls' were going to sit together that night. Sylvia wore a flowing caftan and was draped in jewels. I thought she was the most elegant woman on earth. What started out as a night of sign language ended in the beginnings of a wonderful friendship.

When I moved to Florence in 2000 and I had learnt a little Italian I called the divine Sylvia Matteoli.. Sylvia became my dear friend and 'translator' of all things Italian. I stayed 4 years and we roamed the streets, the bars, the shops, restaurants and cafes of Florence together.

Here are some of our favourite addresses where to eat drink and be merry in Florence:

For old world Florence and a great coffee and brioche at the bar try

Gilli Caffe

Via Roma 1/R,

50123 Florence

Some of the best pastries and sweets in Florence. My darling dreams of the Sfoglia alla Crema and I try to bring one back to Paris each time I visit..Hard to resist it on the plane. Great coffee at the bar..Sitting down will cost you a fortune.

Paskowski

Piazza della Repubblica

Florence

Best hot chocolate in Florence and delicious pastries. Costs a couple of euros if you drink and eat at the bar in one of Florence's exquisite historical caffes..

Rivoire

Piazza della Signoria

Florence

A hole in the wall 'panino' shop that is a cult address for locals. The two brothers make your sandwich on the spot to order from local products and you can stand eating it in the street with your wine glass propped up on their stand.

I Due Fratellini

Via dei Cimatori 38/r,

Florence

Located in the small piazza della passera in Oltrarno Quattro Leone is a good solid trattoria where we have had many a great night. I love the fiocchetti with pear and cream

Trattoria 4 Leone

Via dei Vellutini, 1r

Florence

Old school trattoria serving classic Tuscan cuisine. Men in grey jackets, no email, no website. Old school in every sense. I have always eaten well here and found the staff delightful.

Sostanza

Via Porcellana, 25/r

Florence

What every girl needs in her life a Mozzarella bar. Housed in a historic building Obika does mozzarella in every possible way, smoked, roasted, fresh, splendid etc. Great for a girls lunch.

Obika

via de' Tuornabuoni 16

Florence

Although this place started life as a wine bar I have passed many a lunch here in this simple style trattoria. Delightful staff and great in winter downstairs. Mini wine bar upstairs or grab a glass and sit on the street.. Love the owner!!

Fiaschetteria Nuvoli

Piazza del'Olio

Florence

Great around 6pm for a glass of champagne and a mini truffle panino. Procacci is a historic truffle bar and has a refined decor. Makes me feel like a Signora sitting at one of the little tables sipping champagne.

Procacci

Via Tornabuoni, 64/r
50123 Firenze

Delicious Tuscan food in a convivial atmosphere. A little more expensive than your classic trattoria. Last time I had taglietelle with truffles. I thought I would pass out..

La Giostra

Borgo Pinti, 12/r

Florence

Best gelato in Florence.. Unfortunately no cones but delicious all the same.

Vivoli

Via dell'Isola delle stinche, 7r

Florence

Well that should get you started on your next trip to Florence. I hope you enjoy hanging out and eating in some of my favourite places..

Food = Love

Carla x

If you love Florence and Italy you might like to read Under the Tuscan Sun and Living in a Foreign Language , The Promise and Death in the Mountains. Of course you would probably lurve Italian Joy

Taken on my Leica M7

Shot on Tri-x 400 film

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Popi + Cesarina - Women who changed my life

2011-12-06T14:14:00.000+01:00

Popi on her terrace - Carla Coulson

Cesarina on the terrace - Carla Coulson

I met the fabulous Popi and Cesarina when I still had a business waiting for me back in Sydney. I was in Florence for an Italian course that was meant to last one month. At the end of the month I was having way too much fun and decided to stay another month. I was going crazy in a small room in the centre of Florence and my Swiss friend who was doing the same language course as me recommended Popi's house. He promised 'it was close to paradise'.

I was hesitant about living in a house full of people but my friend insisted, till one day I went to meet the fabulous Popi. There she was dressed in a caftan (a different one to the above picture) smiling ever so sweetly over her balcony. I fell in love in love with Popi, her house, her cooking, her generosity, her nowness and the wonderful Cesarina who came with the package. I stayed two years.

Cesarina would be at Popi's place by 7.00am that meant that she took the regional bus from her home around 5.45am. Cesarina always had a smile and a cheeky sense of humour she would have all of us rolling around clutching our stomachs with laughter. Nothing like Tuscan humour to get the day started. I am yet to meet anyone that has passed through Popi's house in the last 25 years that hasn't fallen in love with both of these women.

Some mornings when I had a late class I would sit at the kitchen table with Popi and Cesarina and discuss life. It was during these discussions that they both told me literally 'to get a new life' probably in more eloquent words. Well, I did exactly that. I left my business, my family, my friends and my life in Sydney to come and share their life in Florence. It was Popi and her house that gave me the courage to leave knowing that I always had a 'safe port in a storm'. My years in Florence one could almost say were the best years of my life, so jam-packed full of happiness, learning and love. I still like to enter my memory somedays to re-live them one day at a time.

For all of you who have read Italian Joy and fallen in love with Popi vicariously I want to tell you that our friendship has endured all these years. She is the first person I call when I am in Florence and when I ask her if there is any room at her table she always responds no matter how full the house is 'c'è sempre spazio per te' there is always room for you.

Has any woman changed your life??

Friendship forever

Carla xx

If you love Florence and Italy you might to read Under the Tuscan Sun and Living in a Foreign Language. Of course you would probably lurve Italian Joy

Taken on my Leica M7

Shot on Tri-x 400 film

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Naples + How I had my first story published

2011-12-05T16:15:00.000+01:00

Naples - Carla Coulson

Naples Copyright Carla Coulson Italian Joy

Naples Copyright Carla Coulson

Naples Copyright Carla Coulson Italian Joy

Naples Copyright Carla Coulson

Florence Copyright Carla Coulson Italian Joy

Goodmorning from Italy!! This week I will be in Italy and blogging from one of my favourite countries in the world. Tap Dance!!

Italy has been good to me. It gave me another chance at life, at a career, delivered me profound love for her people, ways and food and introduced me to 'his gorgeousness'. Italy changed the way I lived my life, the way I ate, the way I looked at things, my career and it taught me to go slow.

Italy also helped me get my first story published. Could I ask anymore of her??

Here is what happened..

I was at photography school in Florence when my teacher announced that we all needed to do an end of year project that we could present to a magazine or use to build a portfolio. He had already delivered the news that no magazine would ever give us a job based on our portfolios without precious 'tear sheets' (published pages of our work from magazines). Welcome to the real world!

I chose to do a story on my favourite city Naples. Before I started I researched as much as I could about local customs, food, traditions, religion, personalities, important landmarks, festivals and famous Neapolitans. We studied how a photo story is put together, what shots are used for double pages openers, what shots were used for the main body of the story and what were the closing shots. Studying numerous magazines I realised every magazine has a 'recipe' of how they put a story together. Look closely and you will see.

I treated it like a job. Everytime I went I stayed for a three or four days and worked from sun-up to sundown getting all the 'must have shots' that would define Naples as well as the shots that made my heart sing (see above).

Each time I returned to Florence my teacher would act as photo editor and man he was brutal! He would literally get my 'trannies' and chuck them in the bin if he thought they were rubbish. Could there be a tougher way to edit? He was honest when things weren't good enough, too blurry or badly composed off into the bin they went. He also applauded the ones full of emotion and with what he considered the right amount of blur.

This process took a couple of weeks, me going back to Naples and him chucking my photos in the bin till we had a tight selection of 150 great images. No mean feat.

I called all the Australian magazines I dreamt of working with months before returning home. They all gave me a chance to meet them.

Vogue E + T (god love their souls) told me my photos were beautiful but they had just published a story on Naples, Qantas asked me to leave the photos in the mail room and Marie Claire cancelled my appointment. My feet were dragging by day three. On the 5th day I received a phone call from the creative director of Marie Claire telling me they wanted to publish my photos. I almost burst into tears on the phone!! There was one problem they needed a personal story about Naples to go with it and they had six weeks before the publishing deadline. I rang a journo mate of mine and she gave me the name of the writers studio and off I went for a month long writing course. Six weeks later I forwarded my story on Naples (they edited it to the eyeballs to make me look good) and voila I had my first story published.

On Friday as I packed my bags I dug into the depths of my 'camera cupboard' and pulled out my old Leica M6. It felt so tiny in my hands after the Leica M8 and the Canon 5D.. I gathered some rolls of black and white film out of the fridge and decided to go back to the beginning. To take the photos I always loved taking with just a roll of film in my pocket, my Leica M6 in my hands and the dream of a great photo in my heart..

Keep shooting

Carla x

All of the above images were taken on my Leica M6

On Tri-x 400 black and white film

Some great reading on Naples Falling Palace and for Art Lovers Street Fight in Naples and of course if you love Italy you might like my book Italian Joy

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Wishing You a Star Filled Weekend

2011-12-03T18:38:00.000+01:00

Merci Christmas Window - Carla Coulson

Paris's Christmas Decorations are hotting up!! The clever gang at Merci have these elegant stars hanging in their windows and throughout their store. Would love to steal one for my house..

Hope you have a great weekend.

Shine On

Carla x

Taken on my Canon 5D Mark II

Carla's Personal recipe of colours added afterwards with a photoshop action

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