My good friend Hanssie (aka Queen of Everything) asked me if I was available to lead some groups for this shootout, which happened to be one of my favorite styles. Of course I said yes! I’ve done this once before and it’s always a great experience talking to other photographers and teaching. In this case, I did less teaching and more shooting. Everyone was excited to get time with our lovely model. She was so great, it was hard to get a bad photo of her. And everyone loved her! (And so does the camera.)

Thank you so all who participated in this!

Organization: SoCal Photog ShootOut
Model: Isabel Dresden
Hair by Diego Ortega
Makeup by Jennette Pulecio
Styling by Heather Skelton and Kaylee Sizemore
Venue: Casino San Clemente

Some of me, Hannsie and the shooters!

Here’s some of my favorites from the day:


I brought my camera since it fits so well!

Isabel is the perfect mid century modern gal!









The whole group of “Mad Men” models.

I was testing the light and got this one of the other model, Kayla Lighthizer.

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The first part of my light, contrast and beauty project. I was a little intimidated to shoot Maile because she has so many amazing pictures of herself and I also find her photography moving. She takes incredible, intriguing self portraits and other photographers have shot amazing pictures of her… But that’s the thing I’ve realized is number one creativity killer; fear! Forcing myself to shoot even if everything isn’t “perfect” can only help me grow as an artist. So I was so excited with how these turned out. She loved them and will let me shoot her whenever I want, which means you’ll be seeing more of her gorgeousness soon.

Posted in Editorial, Models, Personal, Portraits | 2 Comments »

Every Friday, I’ve decided to work on some projects just for me. I started last Friday with my beautiful friend Maile. This is about light and contrasts. The next part of this series will be at night.

Here’s just a preview of the day session:

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Jessica Rey asked me join this shoot featuring her new cover ups. She had planned it with Kristin Rogers (who happens to be a dear friend of mine). I love Jessica’s philosophy: that a bathing suit can be flattering and modest while still being cute. I’ve had such anxiety trying to find swimsuits that don’t show too much and this sort of thing is perfect for someone like me! Plus I heart anything vintage or vintage inspired!

Designer – Jessica Rey
Designer Asst. – Rebecca Christian
Second Assitants – Camila Vilareal and Alyssa Ramos
Make Up – Sheila Northcut
Make Up Asst. – Jennifer Hernandez
Hair – Tiffany Loggins and Victoria Buge
Models – Models: Lindsey, Tracy, Aurelia, Celeste, Christian, and True (his real name)
Location – Berni Neal

Posted in Art Projects, Models | 5 Comments »

My friend and makeup artist extrodinare, Amy Clarke put on a fun shoot where a bunch of photographers, models, makeup artists and hair stylists got together for an all day extravaganza. I’ve known every single hair and makeup artist for a long time so it was really great to work with all my amazingly talented friends!

I looked at it as an opportunity to practice my off camera lighting and try something I don’t normally do. It’s difficult to use off camera lighting at weddings because there’s usually a limited amount of time and lighting takes time to set up. I’m still working on it but I am happy with how these came out.

Makeup Artists:
Amy Clarke
Brandie Bedell
Shelia Northcutt

Hair Stylists:
Melody Rachunok
Vanessa Del Campo
Kristen Camancho Enriquez

Makeup by Brandie.

I’ve been photographing Vanessa for years! Makeup by Brandie, Hair by Melody:

Makeup by Amy, Hair by Vanessa (not only a model but a hair stylist too!)

Makeup by Brandie, Hair by Melody.

Makeup by Amy, Hair by Melody.

Vanessa: Hair by Melody, Makeup by Brandie. Chantel: hair by Kristen, Makeup by Amy.

Makeup by Brandie, Hair by Melody.

This is my absolute fave from the shoot. I love the colors and it’s my favorite time of day with and without lighting.

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