It’s Friday! And look - I have another blog post up - WHATTTT?!

How has this first week of 2021 treated you so far?

So far I’ve been able to keep up with my first habit - which is to start having work hours and plan my work to do’s for the week - one of that being - blogging….again. I am just terrible at it as I tend to ramble, never know what exactly to say and often probably say the same thing - because let’s be honest, all my client’s are great and it’s wonderful to have them and get to know them and of course have the honor to document their day!

So here is something from last year that has been waiting to be published (this draft is from October 2020, so I was trying and I don’t know why it was sitting as a draft only!)

Leah & Wojtek’s engagement session was something I was looking forward to last year, but like many 2020 events - it too had to be reimagined. The original plan was to photograph these two in and around Big Sur - which holds a special place for them- but due to the fires within the Big Sur area (and really all over the western states and much of California) - we had to come up with a new location and plan.

While these two are having a wedding next year in Idaho, they actually live in Los Angeles - where I actually grew up, so when Leah asked if we can do the session down there at some spots she was thinking of - and these were some iconic spots, that I actually have always wanted to photograph at, so of course I was like - UM YES PLEASE! (The only difference is - I drove and did not fly - and did not stay at my family’s home - nor hang out or hug any of my family that I miss so much 😪)

So, prior to any of my engagement sessions or elopements - the first step is to do some research and online scouting. Especially to find out if a permit is required! Thankfully at the options they wanted, so as long as I didn’t have light stands etc - no permits were needed!

First stop was, the Walt Disney Concert hall - to which of course as I rolled up, there was a fashion shoot going on too. I mean it’s a pretty iconic place and at the right time of day- the light just hits it in such a magical way to spread it’s architectural warm glow.

The second stop were the Urban Light - the lamp post sculpture by LACMA. The story behind this installation is so fascinating. We weren’t actually allowed to take photos within the installation itself with masks off but we did manage to do a quick one - and then the security guard suggested to try out on the public sidewalk - to which we followed his directions- of course.

I had such a great time photographing & hanging out with these two - even though it was all behind a mask and no hugs were given (oof, I miss hugs). I can’t wait for their intimate wedding next year and especially getting to work with Harmony from The Function Co. event planning & management. I also can’t wait to hug them too.

(This post was written & scheduled previous to the domestic terrorism by white supremacists - that took place on January 6th at the Capitol in DC - where, while not surprising that America continued to show it’s true colors. I’m continuing to watch and listen to what others have felt and already stated - some school districts apparently as per an Instagram post - are already requesting educators to remain “neutral” and to not discuss the events of January 6th at all with their students. THIS is how we continue to support white supremacy. THIS is how we remain complicit. If schools/educators are not allowed to speak up - then? Do you speak to your family, friends about the current events and such? Of course this day (the 6th) was to be a day to have felt a sense of relief and pride and to rejoice in all the efforts made by predominately Black womxn voters , those who campaigned and sent postcards, made calls because of the WINS in the Georgia senate run offs. Thank you Stacey Abrams, Thank you Georgia)