Blog by Kristina Kasparian Veni Etiam Photography

Why I do what I do

31/5/2017

Why do I do what I do? Because I love to inspire you with places and their stories. I love it when you tell me how nostalgic a photograph makes you feel, or how it makes you dream of traveling more and seeing more. I love it when you say the vibrant colors make you feel happy, or that you can just feel the mood I've captured in a shot. I love it when you ask me to customize a piece for your own style and space. I love talking about travel with you, giving you suggestions or hearing your own tips. I love feeling connected to you, through similarities in our passions and journeys. I love the idea of you adding something to your wall that truly reflects you and uplifts you.

What do you do, and why do you do it? Pausing our day for a moment to reflect on our “why” is a rewarding exercise. Leave a comment below to let me know what you discover. ? #mywhy #dowhatyoulove #lovewhatyoudo

From my heart to yours.

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Those places

29/5/2017

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This past weekend, I spent hours immersed in writing. I let go of all those anchors that ground me to the 'real world' and relished being on a separate plane of existence for a while. As you may know, writing has always been my main passion (photography just kind of snuck its way in). I am excited to reveal that, over the past few months, I have (finally) been working on a book of travel stories told in words, rather than photos.

I won't reveal the title or concept of the book just yet (but you can subscribe here for updates on the book and special sneak peeks!). However, this Monday's inspiration comes from 5 key places that have a special place in the book.

Have a smooth week!

From my heart to yours.

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Out and About in Amsterdam

22/5/2017

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Now and then, there's a city I miss - for no particular reason. A season, or light, or mood can remind me of it out of the blue, and make me feel a little nostalgic.

Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities. I had the fortune of living in the north of the Netherlands for a little while, and frequent trips down to Amsterdam always brought me joy.

Amsterdam is at the heart of this Monday's inspiration (with some bonus photos for you this week, because I simply could not limit myself to just five!).

Have you ever been to Amsterdam? What neighborhood do you enjoy the most? Leave a comment - I'd love to hear from you!

Have a wonderful week!

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Sail Away

15/5/2017

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"Self-doubt is the anchor that keeps our ship from sailing".

There are so many beautiful quotes about the metaphor of setting sail and navigating the seas and tides of our lives. As I missed my #sundaywisdom series on Instagram yesterday (because I was so swept up with a bustling May Market!), I thought I would combine it with my Monday post and share some inspiring words and images with you.

And so, this week's theme is "Sail Away", to inspire and motivate you to set your course and fiercely pursue your hopes on the open horizon.

"You can't control the wind, but you can adjust the sails"

"Home is where the anchor drops"

"We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds."

"A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor"

Have a wonderful week!

From my heart to yours.

Mom's Favorites

10/5/2017

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With Mothers' Day around the corner, I thought I would share with you which photographs are my own Mom's favorites.

Having spent a lot of time helping me out at shows and markets this spring, and being the number one fan of my blog, my Mom has had ample opportunity to enthusiastically communicate which photos make her feel most nostalgic and inspired. Truthfully, it makes me love these photos even more!

In case these might also inspire your Mom or other beautiful women in your life, on Mothers' Day or any other occasion, feel free to click on them to see them in my print shop. Note that the titles and heartfelt captions (in English and French) accompany the print when you receive it!

Painted Blue
The idyllic pastel palette of Burano, Venice

Flowing Time
The months rushed on, without the possibility of return, like the Adige river
(Rovereto, Italy)

Rode Fiets (Red Bicycle)
In a town of millions of bicycles, paint yours red
(Amsterdam, Nethelands)

Biosphere
The steel dome is a unique and iconic sight for locals and visitors
(Montreal, Canada)

Forget Me Not
Wherever you go and whatever you do, forget not what I feel for you
(Montreal, Canada)

Deity
Guarding the hilltops and bringing you peace
(A mountain near Miyajima, Japan)

Light on the Lake
A perfect light filtered through the Italian Alps on a glorious spring day
(Riva del Garda, Italy)

Primavera
The vibrant colors of a promising spring
(Rovereto, Italy)

Sunday in Burano
Local life in a quiet 'Campiello'
(Venice, Italy)

Buongiorno Rovereto
Mornings in the old town and its rustic light
(Rovereto, Italy)

Elegance
The delicate softness of magnolia petals
(Montreal, Canada)

After the Rain
Sometimes life becomes even more beautiful when it has been graced with raindrops
(Bangor, Wales)

August Rain
Amsterdam bicycles know raindrops all too well, even in summer
(Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Summer Skies
A day like any other - of blue skies, gorgeous blooms and peaceful local life
(Polignano al Mare, Puglia, Italy)

Laundry Day
Picturesque everyday scenes, in all their simplicity
(Burano, Venice, Italy)

Cobblestone
Simplicity, optimism and endurance
(Old Montreal, Canada)

Fede
Have faith: She is watching over you
(Rovereto, Italy)

There is beauty in simplicity
Sometimes the simplest sights are worth pausing to record
(Polignano al Mare, Puglia, Italy)

Up
It will be a season of peace and balance
(Montreal, Canada)

Lincoln Park
My melancholic friend in Lincoln Park
(Chicago, USA)

Bicicletta
Parked for lunch
(Riva del Garda, Italy)

Happy Mothers' Day weekend to all those incredibly nurturing, inspiring and empowering Mommies in our lives. Thank you for all you are and all you do.

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Last weekend: Port City Wanderings

9/5/2017

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As a maritime soul, it's no wonder that one of my favorite aspects of living in Montreal is my proximity to its Old Port. I love to go there to wander around, seamlessly blending in with the tourists as I point my camera in all directions.

I have recently noticed that I am especially drawn to the port when seasons change - I seem to go there most when autumn fades into winter, and winter fades into spring.

Last weekend, after making a fresh delivery of fine-art prints to ImpresArts near the Basilica, I decided to clear my agenda for the hours that followed, and simply walk, look, capture and enjoy.

It was raining when I first arrived, and the silhouette of the Notre-Dame Basilica masked with raindrops made me smile. The bells struck noon, and soon thereafter the skies cleared. A street musician started his soulful rendition of "Wicked Game", forcing me to sit down on a wet bench in the square to listen, as did dozens of others who were similarly entranced by his voice. It was fortuitous timing in every sense.

The air was thick and damp, almost visible. My curls flattened, as they do when I'm on my lagoon. Puddles and budding trees were welcome reminders that spring was in gear. There was a pleasant breeze, finally mild after a long winter, and although the skies were overcast, colors were saturated enough to contrast with one another.

If you are familiar with some of my Old Port photographs from my Montreal collection, you know that my eye is usually drawn to moody urban scenes, architectural treasures, decay, textures, lines and symmetry. It's always a feast for the eyes when I stroll through Old Montreal, and last weekend was no exception.

After a couple of hours of walking, I stopped into the beautiful Tommy Café to enjoy a tea. I sat at a table on a step, halfway between the main floor and the second floor, facing the big open doors that let in fresh air.

I came back from the port relaxed and happy. I hadn't had such a relaxing Saturday in a while, as my last weekends had been devoted to shows and launch preparations. Once in a while, you do need to be a tourist in your own city to feel as though you are on vacation and to take in sights with a fresh perspective.

From my heart to yours.

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Daily details

7/5/2017

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As songwriter Jacques Brel once put it, "Il y a deux sortes de temps : y a le temps qui attend et le temps qui espère". The idea that we spend our time either waiting or wishing rings so true.

Photography has helped me become more conscious of the beauty in the present moment (even before Instagram became all the rage). Slowing down the day and our minds to pay attention to something simple in our surroundings is a small act of mindfulness and appreciation.

This week's photo-inspiration is dedicated to the beautiful details of everyday life.

Have an amazing week!

From my heart to yours.

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On Sème - Marché de mai

4/5/2017

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English version

La fin de semaine prochaine, celle de la Fête des Mères (13-14 mai), On Sème organise leur 3ème Marché de Mai à Montréal. C'est l'occasion parfaite pour accueillir (finalement) le printemps et d'acheter des semis, des fleurs, des produits gastronomiques, des thés et des créations uniques conçues par 40 créateurs montréalais.

L'entrée est gratuite et l'ambiance est familiale. C'est l'occasion idéale pour trouver un beau cadeau pour gâter Maman (et pourquoi pas vous gâter aussi?!)

Provenant directement de la Concordia Greenhouse, l'équipe de City Farm School vous offrira des semis de tous vos légumes: aubergines, betteraves, brocoli, cerises de terre, choux de Bruxelles, choux, chou-fleur, chou-rave, chou kale, fenouil, haricots, oignons, piments forts, poireau, poivrons, tomates, concombres, melons, citrouilles, courges, ainsi que plein de verdures, de fines herbes et des fleurs à découvrir sur place.

La pépinière de plantes comestibles et permaculture Neumark Design y sera aussi pour vous offrir des arbustes fruitiers et à noix, des légumes et fleurs vivaces, des épices et des plantes pour tisanes, des légumes et tubercules, ainsi que des plantes comestibles tropicales et méditerranéennes. Vous trouverez également MicroHabitat pour la vente de compost, de fertilisants écologiques et de pots de culture. Ils seront là pour vous conseiller au besoin!

Crédit photo: Mélissa Clément Photographe

Crédit photo: Prairies

Vous pourriez aussi acheter des billets pour 5 ateliers:

13 mai, 12-12h30pm. Atelier-midi sur l'intervention par le jardinage (Pierre-Vincent Breault)
13 mai, 14-15h. Gestion du stress, énergie, concentration et plantes médicinales (Marie-Josée Vivier)
14 mai, 11-12h30. Nutrition Workshop: A Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet (Danielle Levy, Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner)
14 mai, 13-14h30. DIY Affordable & Sustainable Cleaning Products (Pamela Filion)
14 mai, 13-15h. Culture de champignons à la maison (Guillaume Benoit)

Vous y trouverez aussi une sélection variée d'entreprises montréalaises et leurs créations d'art, bijoux, fleurs, confitures, épices et d'autres produits gastronomiques. Pour voir la liste complète des artisans, consultez la description sur la page Facebook de l'événement.

Laucolo, Blueberry Jams, Joannie Houle Art, Sorbetiere et petite cuillere

Veni Etiam Photography est fébrile de faire partie de cette belle initiative pour la première fois ce printemps! J'aurai avec moi toutes vos photographies préférées de Montréal et des quatre coins du monde. De plus, pour cette occasion, j'ai créé une toute nouvelle collection d'impressions et d'aimants sur le thème agricole - parfaits pour ajouter de la couleur à votre cuisine, votre balcon ou votre salle-de-bain, sans oublier vos cadeaux pour la Fête des Mères!

Aimants Collection Marché par Veni Etiam Photographie

Série "Burano Blessings" par Veni Etiam Photographie

Impressions Collection Montréal par Veni Etiam Photographie

Aimants Collection Florale par Veni Etiam Photographie

Summer joys / Joies estivales by/par Veni Etiam Photographie

J'ai super hâte de passer mon weekend dans une atmosphère communautaire dynamique, entourée de plantes, de fleurs et de personnes sympathiques! Venez nous saluer et célébrer l'arrivée du printemps à Montréal.

Où? 6750, avenue de l'Espanade, bureau 102, Montreal, Quebec H2V 4M1
Quand? Samedi 13 mai et dimanche 14 mai, de 10hrs à 17 hrs

De mon coeur au vôtre.

Crédit photo: Dallas Curow Photography

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'On Sème' May Market

4/5/2017

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Read this en français

On Mother's day weekend (May 13-14), On Sème will be hosting their 3rd annual May Market in Montreal. It's a wonderful opportunity to finally welcome spring and buy your seedlings, flowers, local food, teas and unique creations by 40 Montreal artists.

The event is free, totally family-friendly and the perfect opportunity to find a meaningful gift for Mom -- and perhaps also a treat for yourself and your beautiful home!

Directly from the Concordia Greenhouse, the City Farm School team will provide thousands of ecological seedlings. There will be eggplants, beets, beans, broccoli, cherries, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, kale, fennel, onions, chilies, leek, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash, and all sorts of greens, herbs and flowers to discover at the event.

The edible and permaculture plant nursery Neumark Design will also be on site, offering fruit and nut shrubs, perennial vegetables and flowers, tea and herb plants, mediterranean and tropical edibles, permaculture landscaping plants and more. MicroHabitat will also be offering compost, ecological fertilizers, pots, as well as gardening advice.

Photo credit: Mélissa Clément Photographe

Photo credit : Prairies

There will also be 5 workshops you could purchase tickets to attend.

May 13, 12-12.30pm. Atelier-midi sur l'intervention par le jardinage (Pierre-Vincent Breault)
May 13, 2-4pm. Gestion du stress, énergie, concentration et plantes médicinales (Marie-Josée Vivier)
May 14, 11-12.30pm. Nutrition Workshop: A Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet (Danielle Levy, Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner)
May 14, 1-2.30pm. DIY Affordable & Sustainable Cleaning Products (Pamela Filion)
May 14, 3-5pm. Culture de champignons à la maison (Guillaume Benoit)

A diverse selection of Montreal artists will be selling art prints, jewelry, flowers, jams, spices and other food items. To see the full list of exhibiting artists, hit "see more" in the description of the Facebook event page.

Laucolo, Blueberry Jams, Joannie Houle Art & Sorbetiere et petite cuillere

Veni Etiam Photography is excited to be part of this joyful initiative this spring! In addition to your favorite Montreal and international photographs, I will have a new collection of food and floral magnets and prints especially for the occasion. They make perfect little accents for your kitchen, garden and bathroom decor, not to mention colorful gifts for Mother's day.

Veni Etiam Photography - Food magnets

Burano Blessings collection by Veni Etiam Photography

Basketfuls of Hearts magnet by Veni Etiam Photography

Montreal fine-art prints by Veni Etiam Photography

Floral magnets by Veni Etiam Photography

Summer Joys fine-art print by Veni Etiam Photography

What I am most looking forward is spending my weekend in a vibrant community atmosphere, surrounded by plants, flowers and kind people. Come say hi and celebrate spring in Montreal.

Where? 6750, avenue de l'Espanade, bureau 102, Montreal, Quebec H2V 4M1
When? May 13-14, 10 to 5pm

From my heart to yours.

Photo credit: Dallas Curow Photography

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5 photos to start your week: Chasing a path of peace

1/5/2017

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It is not always easy to find your way - to create a life with a delicate balance between stability and challenge, comfort and excitement, certainty and uncertainty.

I feel there are some points, more than others, which shake you up and consciously make you ponder your way. I touched on this yesterday in an Instagram post for my weekly #sundaywisdom, but decided to dedicate this week's photo-inspiration to that theme.

Chasing a path towards fulfillment and peace sometimes involves following a path (over another), and sometimes involves paving it for yourself - perhaps boldly, perhaps hesitantly - while holding your breath waiting to see where it will lead, and what the skies will deliver along the way.

Here are 10 photographs to inspire you this Monday (didn't you realize I skipped posting last week's five?!). I've snapped them over the years, in places near (Montreal) and far (Japan) and in between (Italy and Greece).

Happy Monday. May you be resilient and optimistic in the path you choose.

Did a photograph stand out for you? Leave a comment below and let me know!

From my heart to yours.