Wishing you all a wonderful New Year from Paris

We are going to have a small, intimate diner with my wife and son this evening at home.
I have the menu in my mind and I am left to do the shopping, down the street at Montorgueil.
Looking forward to a wonderful New Year.
To everyone, celebrate and drink in moderation :)
From Paris, France my best wishes with a "4 seasons video in 40 seconds"
which i really enjoyed watching just now.
It sums up quite well 2008 which has been exiting & fun and quite speedy at times-
My son Pierre is one year already, walks and is a happy camper!
Already, 2009 is well on the way with bookings in New York, London, Middle East as well as Paris,
the Loire vallee, Dordogne and the south of France.
But first, shopping for this evening of celebration.
White roses for my beautiful wife.
Champagne is getting chilled!
God bless ....

Olivier

Wedding video at the Rainbow Room

.
Beautiful Jewish wedding ceremony at the Rainbow Room in New York. I do love the Rainbow room, it is such a classic New York city venue with one of the best view of Manhattan skyline.

Boudoir in Paris

Voila, our little boudoir video is out, thanks to my Sweet Partner in crime " Madame Audrey. "
Right in time for Christmas for all of us to enjoy.
If you happen to be in Paris for your vacations and want to indulge in some fun time
with myself and my glorious team for a cool Parisian boudoir moment, get in touch.
We do provide the bubbles!
Lingerie by fifi chachnil in Paris

Watch" laproductrice"

A photographer in Paris

My new site is out !
I have decided to regroup all of my skills under one roof. It is sometimes difficult
to explain that I am not just a "wedding photographer" and that my photographic skills
spam to quite a wide spectrum from reportage to V.I.P portraits and Boudoir photography.
It is named www.olalin.com.
Drop by and say hello!

Boudoir photography in Paris

To many, boudoir photography is considered the art of visually capturing beautiful, sensuous and sexy photos of regular women. Age (as long as you are of minimum legal age), how thin, how tall, doesn’t matter. Boudoir comes from the French word to 'pout or sulk' and refers to a woman's dressing room, bedroom or private sitting room so the terminology goes. The purpose of boudoir photography is to make women look great.
Boudoir photography somehow became very popular in the U.S a few years back along side the "trash the dress" style wedding photography.
Call it a "Nouveau genre" that somehow has not quite picked up in Paris yet.
I wonder why?
Here is a little collection of my last Boudoir session in Paris thanks to the help of Brigitte and Tina for Hair and Make up!
Lingerie by fifi chachnil in Paris.


Lingerie by designer fifi chachnil.
Fifi Chachnil award winning lingerie designs are highly sought after around the world. Fifi Chachnil first started her lingerie collection in 1996 and immediately started selling to boutiques in Tokyo,
New York and London. Fifi's famous lingerie label is well known for her glourious feminine designs, her sense of humour combined with style. Her passion for music, romance, fashion and theatre have all been influences, she says. Make sure you visit one of her two store @ 231 rue Saint Honoré or 68 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Both stores located in the first arrondissement.






view site at "Olivier Lalin photography"

Video of Paris

Lately, I have become interested by video. Photography and film are somehow intertwined. It is a fascinating theory for a photographer that 25 moving frames make a still image ! I just put together this little Super 8 video, I shot in Paris a few weeks ago.
I find it quite peaceful to watch.

My Paris and a walk through Tuillerie garden

This is my Paris, the city I Love.
Nothing beats it, I still fall under its charm every time I go out for a promenade. I have just finished editing a video I filmed a few weekends ago. I was wandering through the gardens of the Tuillerie on a sunday, late in the afternoon. I do take my clients there for some fun & classy portrait photography from time to time.
Lucky enough, it is a few steps away from my studio. Every time is a different feeling,
the change of seasons, the subtleties of the light always make it a unique experience.


You can view more of my wedding Portfolio at
"Wedding photographer France"

Preparation of a bride in Paris

I have just put together a little video of the getting ready of one of my bride.
This is a little wink to my hair and make up team in Paris.
Brigitte and Tina Kancel for hair; wonderful to have you around and very much looking forward to our next wedding.
Let it be soon!
Oh, by the way the bride was Late but that is quite normal.

All of the visuals from this Blog have Copyright and are not made for other bloggers
to feed their pages without linking back to the source, THANKS !




You can view more of my wedding Portfolio at
"Wedding photographer France"

Oscar de la Renta wedding dress

Just a last photo of Deirdre wearing her beautiful Oscar de la Renta wedding dress.
The photo was taken right in front of Bertillon on the Isle St Louis. Best Ice cream in Paris
with the most beautiful afternoon lights over Notre Dame!

And a thank you note from my bride that always warm my heart.

"... Olivier,

We just returned and are a bit dazed from the 2 day trip home. India was spectacular, and the Maldives were paradise. It was the perfect honeymoon.

The first thing we did upon our arrival in the States was to view the slideshow. We were blown away! I cannot tell you how much we love the photos. I knew you would do an amazing job, but you far exceeded my expectations. I have now viewed the slideshow countless times and every time am moved to tears which are then replaced by the hugest smile. Not only were you able to capture the beauty of Paris and the spirit and emotion of the day but also our personalities. I was concerned that spending over 3 hours taking pictures would be tedious but you put us at ease and made it delightfully fun. Everyone has been talking about how wonderful you are and how lucky I was to find you and I couldn't agree more! We are over the moon and eternally grateful.

We hope to see you again either in Paris or New York very soon.

All of my love to Pierre.

A bientot!

xox
Deirdre ... "

My Friend Brigitte Beling

I have just listened to "Inspired By You", a new song by Brigitte Beling- She happens to be a friend, a talented make up artist, resides in Paris and has a wonderful voice. Brigitte has just released her new CD. You can listen to her music on Brigitte Beling, My Space or Weelbe. Buy her Music, it is going to cheer everyone up over the national TV debate of Mac Cain & Obama tonight !

Trash the dress in Paris!

It is commonly called "Trash the Dress" in the U.S - Somehow, I do not feel the expression would do much justice to my photography. Paris is a beautiful backdrop to go out and spend a few hours with a bride who wants to take her wedding dress out of the draw one last time. It is a great opportunity for some wonderful portraits that you did not have the chance to do during your wedding day. IT is fun, relaxing, may be daring and always classic & Chic!




You can view more of my wedding Portfolio at
"Wedding photographer France"

Simple French wedding bouquet

A simple French, Elegant wedding bouquet that Miho chose for her wedding a couple of weeks back.

Opera entertainment at Chateau d'ermenonville

I would like to share this little video that we filmed at chateau d'Ermenonville a few weeks back- For anyone looking at hiring opera singers to spice up your diner, those guys rock!

A wedding photographer in Paris, c'est moi!

I do hope that you will all enjoy this little " About me " wedding video -
It made me laugh indeed as well as quite a few friends :)
It is about a wedding photographer who doesn't take himself too seriously
and obviously loves his job -

and a few words we have just received from Anna who is featured on the video

"... Hi Olivier

Just a quick note to thank you and Audrey for the most wonderful video.
We've watched it so many times - it makes us laugh and cry at the same
time! We particularly like the bit of my Dad at the end - very funny!
And the dancing scenes really captured the moment.

Please pass my thanks to Audrey.

Perhaps our paths will cross again - I will certainly recommend your
services to anyone looking for a photographer or videographer in France.

Best wishes to you.

Anna Mann ..."




You can view more of my wedding Portfolio at
"Wedding photographer France"

French countryside wedding

A few images of Miho and Olivier's wedding at chateau st. Julien, located near Poitier in the Poitou region. You can view a larger slideshow @ French countryside wedding
You can purchase a copy of the DVD going to Miho and Olivier's SlideShow - as well as email the DVD to friends and Family, browse the photo gallery, order picture as well as DVD's and Digital download for your MPEG-4 IPod video.
You can access the web gallery entering the bride's and groom family names directly @ olivier Lalin Weddings.




You can view more of my wedding Portfolio at
"Wedding photographer France"

D700 and wedding photography

I have just purchased the new D700 a few weeks ago - have been testing it on a few jobs already and it simply rocks! Finally starting to fully enjoy digital photography. I was just about to buy the D3 and thank God I spoke to my dear friend Laurent who advised me against it - I have no regrets. It is a smaller body, holds perfectly well in my hands, 12.1-megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) - Everything i have been dreaming of and more. It is the perfect tool for a photo-journalist, reportage, wedding photographer. Well , I just rave about it but I am really exited to look at the images on my screen! It is the best thing Nikon has come up with in a long time.
Here is the best review around comparing the D700 to the D3 Nikon camera .

wedding at the Chateau st. Julien

I have just returned from the "chateau st. Julien" where I was photographing a wedding over the week end ! The château lies in the center of the Poitou, a culturally rich but largely undiscovered region of west-central France that abounds in history, good food and clean air. I will post a slide show later on this week once I have processed some 2,000 photos -

New York City Chapel of Love

While I lived in New York city, I photographed a few of my friends " intimate wedding affair " at the " New York City Chapel of Love " or rather the Manhattan marriage bureau at city hall. " The setting was a warren of offices on the second floor of the Municipal Building, its hallways lined with cracked tile floors, fading yellow walls and dim fluorescent lighting, where city employees have been giving true love a brief, secular send-off since 1916 " says the NY times article I have just read this morning. Nicole Bengiveno , a New York times photographer, documented a Day and a Life of the Marriage bureau at city hall before its closure. The photots are great and brought back wonderful memories!
New York City Chapel of Love

Wedding Hotel Crillon Paris

You can view a larger slide show @ Wedding at the Hotel Crillon, Paris. Deirdre and Charles celebrated their wedding in Paris this past weekend. The weather was just superb, reminiscent of those beautiful summer days we've never quite had in Paris this year. Deirdre's dress is Oscar de la Renta, my favorite designer with Vivienne Westwood. They are now off to Radjastan and the Maldives, two of my favorite places. Please take me there :). I am going to start offering "Honeymoon Luxury packages" with special discount to the first client who takes me back to the Desert dunes of "Jailsamer".
Here is an interview of Oscar de La Renta for the N.Y Times.



You can view more of my wedding Portfolio at
"Wedding photographer France"

Wedding video Paris

By the way, we do provide high end DV video services, Super 8 as well as photography for your very special wedding day. You can view sample of Fine Art wedding video on "Olivier Lalin weddings" site. WE DO LOVE Super 8. IT is the film that our parents used in the 70s. It has this raw, stylistic quality that you will not get with modern DV technology.
Only it is cost-prohibitive for many of our clients to produce an entire wedding film with Super 8 or 16mm film. You might not be able to afford an entire wedding
footage. We can tailor a package where real super 8 film segments would be inserted in the HD video footage to add to the final product an edge.
We always give our clients the film on DVD as well as the rushes and the original Film strip in this "beauty" customized little box.

Meanwhile, here are a few words of appreciation from one of my bride.
" Dear Olivier,
You of all people should understand how words simply can not express our gratitude for the gift of your work.
You gave us our dream to hold onto - what a talent you have.
You are so wonderful and we feel just so very lucky that you were a part of our wedding and that you were the one to capture our memories.
And of course, everyone LOVED you!
Trish "




You can view more of my wedding Portfolio at
"Wedding photographer France"

Wedding photographer France Album Sample

The album presented above is a 10x10 size Asuka wedding Albums.

The wedding ceremony took place at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 50 Avenue Hoche , Paris 75008 - The architecture of the church reminds me of Le Corbusier's work at Firmini.
You can view more of the portrait session in the streets of Paris @ Korean wedding in Paris




You can view more of my wedding Portfolio at
"Wedding photographer France"

Family portrait in Paris

I am often asked whether I wouldn't mind photographing a family portait in Paris, a pre wedding portrait or simply documenting a celebration. Of course I do, it is simply a lot of fun!



view Portfolio at
Wedding photographer France

Ermenonville Castle

A happy bride photographed at the Chateau d'ermenonville some 45mn away from Paris.
Contact : 60950 ERMENONVILLE- France
ermenonville@leshotelsparticuliers.com
Tél.: 03 44 54 00 26 - Fax: 03 44 54 01 00

Vimeo and the new HD 30 video

Fireplays from Jon Thomas on Vimeo.

I have been watching a lot of Vimeo lately. For anyone who has interest in moving 25f/sec images, it Rocks!
Simply put, Vimeo is the home for videos you make. Use Vimeo to upload and share videos with anyone, watch great videos,
meet new people, and explore the amazing world of personal video.
The quality of what you see on this Site is phenomenal and I love my new HD 30 canon camera.


Khula Happy Singers St. Lucia from Jan van der Meer on Vimeo.
Video shot on HD - I Love IT !


view Portfolio at
Wedding photographer France

Wedding photographer's skills

Make up by Tatsu Yamanaka @ Agent Marie France Thavonekham


Image manipulation with photoshop.
IT is a fun thing to play around with images ! The possibilities are endless. The aim is simply to enhance the portrait, giving it more of an edge, a dreamy feel ! But first, natural light is king and windows are always a real treat for a wedding photographer.



view Portfolio at
Wedding photographer France

Gina Alexander handbags

I am considering proposing the Gina Alexander designer photo handbag to my brides.
I think it is a cool product, curious to find out whether you would be interested
in purchasing one?
Looking forward to your comments
Thanks
OL

The French and wedding photography

Sometimes when I speak to potential client for some wedding photography in Paris, they love my work but would like me to justify the price.

And here is where I find myself trying to explain to my client WHY... !
I always say that unfortunately not everyone can afford a Ferrari or a Louis Vuitton bag. Same goes for a wedding photographer's work though or rather photographer who will cover your wedding with style, passion and reverence for the couple and act of marriage. ( I dislike using the name "wedding photographer" in France as it is somehow underrated! ).

The fact of the matter is that outstanding wedding photography in France is a rare thing. Somehow the French are not willing to pay the price for beautiful wedding imageries, fall for the mass market product and take risk with their wedding photography. Strange thing really when you think of the history of photography in France back in the 50's and 60's with names like Cartier Bresson and Robert Doisneau.

Only today with the digital era, it seems that everyone is a photographer. Don't get me wrong, I consider my pricing to be very fair, and I Do enjoy the competition but I would love that some clients understand why that Louis Vuitton bag has that price. Same goes for the few of us who have dedicated some 15 years of their professional life to wedding photography to bring the theme to an "Art form".

With that said, I kind of feel sad about the way the wedding photography market is going in France, not so much due to the many " overnight wedding photographer " who claimed they had talent soon after purchasing their first digital camera and probably never processed a roll of Film but the fact that only a hand full understand that quality has a price.
France is renowned for its Luxury goods worldwide and I wish I could see more " Coco Chanel look alike " walking down the streets of St Germain.


view Portfolio at
Wedding photographer France

Wedding Veils

An occasion on which a Western woman is likely to wear a veil is on her wedding day, if she follows the traditions of a white wedding. Brides used to wear their hair flowing down their back at their wedding to symbolise their virginity, now the white diaphanous veil is often said to represent this.
It is not altogether clear that the wedding veil is a non-religious use of this item, since weddings have almost always had religious underpinnings, especially in the West: in the Christian tradition this is expressed in the Gospel passage, "What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder" (Mt. 19:6). Veils, however, had been used in the West for weddings long before this. Roman brides, for instance, wore an intensely flame-colored and fulsome veil, called the flammeum, apparently intended to protect the bride from evil spirits on her wedding day.
The lifting of the veil was often a part of ancient wedding ritual, symbolising the groom taking possession of the wife, either as lover or as property, or the revelation of the bride by her parents to the groom for his approval.

wedding portrait Paris

Pale pink roses for a wedding bouquet in Paris works beautifully.
The portrait was taken at the "Jardins du Palais Royal" under the archades.


view Portfolio at
Wedding photographer France

Super 8 Wedding video in Paris

Just LOVE this little super 8 jewel !

For anyone that has two passions in Life : " Paris and Photography," I have just read a NY Times article on the Paris photo Art Fair.

And a little comment from a bride about my Hometown Paris !
" Dear Olivier,
We love our photos! And our friends and family have been RAVING about them too. The photos are such a nice reminder of our special day, and of the wonderful team of people (like yourself) whom we spent it with.
Last, but not least, you were absolutely correct....Venice, Italy is no match for Paris!! We never forgot what you said when we were comparing the most beautiful cities in the world and you said "Venice? Venice is two blocks". Having finally been to Venice, we now have no doubt that your hometown is the most beautiful city in the world!"

photographe © Olivier Lalin © photographer
view site at
Wedding photographer France

Paris FAshion Shows

I am covering the Men's fashion in Paris right now - It is fun, love doing it.
Few images on my Portrait - Editorial blog