North Shore Sugar

We really went for it with this one. Becky and I had talked about heading to the North Shore for a little surf / photo trip, we bounced around the idea of getting some brands involved so we could create the perfect work play scenario. It all seemed to be up in the air when we bought the tickets but it felt right.

This trip really felt like a nod to us, something that would be really good for the soul. Doing our favorite things. So we got a few of our favorite brands on board and curated one of my favorite trips to date.

Model: Becky Pagan

Brands: Poppy Chain & The Bend & Target

BRAIN FREEZE SEASON

Brain freeze season. Ice cream headaches. The coldest of cold water (not really) in Biarritz - Feb 2019.

Every time my head went under I felt the icy water pulsing around my head, it was golden hour and the waves had been trash the whole week. There was little promise but I only had a few days left in Biarritz, and I really wanted surf photos. My friend Thomas, who is an amazing photographer / surfer / native to Biarritz, posed as my model for these shots.

I always think about this shoot, and how I almost didn’t do it because the wave report wasn’t great, and how I would have missed out on a few of my favorite ever photos if I didn’t suck it up and take my chances.

The sunset was magic. And the reflection off the water was a faded 70’s pink color, I remember watching surfers dance on their longboards on these pink waves and I felt like I was watching in slo-mo. Or it was a clip from an old movie. I LOVE these moments. they make me feel alive - hope they make you feel similarly.

 
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SUNSHINE DRIVE-THRU

 

Washed up cars and porch fronts sprinkled with fresh mandarins and hints of summer weather.

Theres a few things about this shoot that really resonate with me. From beginning to end, each decision was very wistful and and we went with our gut. The outfit, location, makeup - all snap decisions. I don’t think this is a good method, but sometimes you can use spontaneity to hit a creative sweet spot that isn’t always attainable.

We started on the porch because there was a unique pocket of light that was peaking thru. I love some of the shots from this part of the shoot, but my favorites are from the car we were able to use for a few minutes. I saw this car pull up and park on the street in front of my house whilst deciding on where to shoot our second look thinking “dang I would LOVE to shoot in that car.. Maybe I should go ask that stranger if we could. They might feel super uncomfortable. Will Sarina be ok with shooting in a strangers car? I would but I don’t really know her.. its’ probably fine!” Then, in the process of thinking this I see the girl in the driver seat wave to Sarina. Boom. I realized this girl is the random car was my models ride. From here I decided to mess around with makeup, giving Sarina a hot pink glow around her eyes a cheekbones, a nod to the splash face color photo trend i’ve seen, but a little less on the nose.

I’ve always loved being in cars, whether i’m driving 7 hours north through the night or over Mulholland for sunset. Driving to a lookout and talking til 4am with a good friend. Blaring music while hugging the turns on a backroad. Theres always been something that feels safe and vulnerable at the same time when it comes to cars. I often sit in my car after I’ve reached my destination and just think. Maybe I’m on the phone or listening to music or responding to a text. Whatever it is, I always find myself not wanting to leave them and I think its because I feel truly untouched by the outside world. Like I’m in my own think tank and I can be just as I want.

I really feel something when I look at it this first photo - and thats usually why I love a photo, but something about the style and execution of it really resonates with who I am as a creative and the way I want to be portrayed. It just feels like me.

 

CHRIS + ROXY

Chris and Roxy, one of the sweetest, most loving weddings.

I loved being able to work with these two so closely and capture their beautiful and pure love, all in the heart of Grass Valley!

SHADOW PLAY

 
 

In my shadows. In my dream. pictures of you. flashbacks that i lean. 

love is toxic. your eyes are haunting. mind on fire. and waters charging.

this is a new series that will constantly be developing; inspired by the mystery behind shadows

 
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VENTURA STRONG

It's enflamed grass and charred cars, It's a favorite trailer burned to melted aluminum. It’s heartbreak for your home. It's people, it's about loving because you can, it's about reaching out because it feels right. It's being there for each other. It's open arms.

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