Charley Laas is a completely beautiful and talented musician from the Bothell area outside of Seattle. She’s just a senior in high school and has recorded her own demo, released a killer music video and recently performed a packed coffee house show. Needless to say I’m proud. Oh yea, and did I mention she’s GORGEOUS? Miley Cyrus eat your heart out.
Almost two summers ago I spent a month and a half in Greece. I was there doing ethnographic research for the University of Washington. Living in the Greek lifestyle drastically molded me into a more relaxed person. I seriously stepped off the plane at Sea-Tac Airport 6 weeks later tan, smile on my face, and completely chilled out. I guess turquoise waters, and lots of time to journal and reflect can do that to a person. I also made two of my closest girl friends on the voyage, and will always be grateful for that.
Tidbits I loved about Greek culture: the importance of family, taking care to support local business, eating fresh, and making time to relax and enjoy life everyday (not just weekends). Simple hints at life, I attempt to be mindful of. In an attempt to reconnect with my time spent abroad, I’ve decided to revisit the almost 7,000 pictures I took on the trip, and pick out my favorites to share with you here. I will also be selling prints from this Olive Collection, so if you’re interested just send a message. Enjoy…
Here are some fashion/editorial shots of Brady MacDonald at a hidden part of Lopez island in the San Juans. We felt like we were in Ireland. Some of the jetted rocky landscape is mind blowing. But the best thing about getting away to the San Juan islands is you lose cellphone service as soon as you step off the ferry onto Lopez. Living for just two days with no internet, texts, or facebook was seriously rejuvenating.
Lopez isn’t a big tourist destination, and it’s mostly inhabited by artists. During the summer large amounts of bikers hit the island to take advantage of it’s flat roads. Otherwise the place remains pretty natural. Brady (who is a painter, and also my boyfriend) has been coming to Lopez since he was a kid. Lots of cooking, exploring and of course picture taking happened over the weekend. The first night we watched Chocolat, which is a film I’ve been wanting to see for seriously years. It lived up to its lure! I wanted Theo Chocolate like none other.
Getting my wisdom teeth out=surviving off of trader joe’s chocolate pudding.
So thrilled to finally be starting up this blog. It’s been in the works for literally months. And by in the works, I mean in the back burner of my brain. Four wisdom tooth extractions has caused me to be stuck at home for the past several days. The upside? It’s given me time to finally finish the blog. Of course it’s a work in progress, but gosh it feels good to have the ground work set.
Nitty Gritty: For those of you wondering, I installed this free wordpress template and created all the graphics in Adobe Photoshop.
// THE LADY
Hi there!
I’m inspired by human interactions and movement, modern spaces, and honest storytelling.
I hang in the space between photojournalism, and art.
Based in the Pacific Northwest. Shooting editorial projects & weddings worldwide.
// CONTACT
For wedding, portrait and commercial bookings please reach me at Chantal(at)chantalandrea.com or fill out my booking form here.
// PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
