Olga

SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA PHOTOGRAPHER

 Sempervirens: "ever green, everlasting." Redwoods are incredible; they can live for 2,000+ years, they're fire-, insect-, and disease-resistant, and their needles absorb morning fog for moisture. Drop one of their seed pods in a vile of water, and it will turn a rich burgundy from the seed's tannic acid content. As we walk, the scent of bay leaves and rich forest dirt permeates the air, as golden dust hangs in the lingering sunlight. This shoot is one of my favorites. I hope the photos accurately reflect the magic of the redwood forest. It couldn't have been done without the help of hair & make-up artist Terry Alabata and software-engineer-by-day and model-by-night Olga Silina, who are both two awesome, talented ladies.

Adele

POINT REYES, CALIFORNIA PHOTOGRAPHER

From tree tunnels, to parasols, to a rock face that seemed to temporarily transport us to the Scottish Highlands – this shoot was quite a journey. An amazing day exploring the Point Reyes National Seashore with these three, who made my life so much easier:

Stylist: Catherine Francis Style | Model: Adele Thurston | HMUA: Nea Devina

Ruby

Santa Barbara, California Photographer

Being a photographer – or any kind of artist – requires you to be a bit unconventional. Breaking social boundaries is a part of what I do, by bringing people out of their comfort zones (while simultaneously being out of my own), getting in their personal space, slyly trying to capture strangers when I have no models around, etc. Often times I see people with an unusual look or interesting style and wish I could just ask them on the spot if they'd be my model (thankfully I haven't gone this far – yet!). Well, this a great example of that. I had seen Ruby around campus and admired her wonderfully vintage style and was always thinking, "I'd love to take photos of her!" Creepy, right? Well, bringing creepiness to the next level was when I saw her tagged in a photo with one of my other Facebook friends and decided to message her. Luckily, she wasn't totally creeped out and agreed to work with me! So thanks, Ruby, for going along with this unconventional arrangement and creating some beautiful images with me!

This shoot started out with some bright and cheery mustard, and the images got moodier as the sun was setting.

Ariella

GAVIOTA STATE PARK, CALIFORNIA

Thanks to Ariella for our '20s soundtrack on the way to Gaviota, for helping me not fall off miniature cliffs, and for entertaining this ridiculous bird-lady dress.

Sydney

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

A sailboat washed ashore near the UC Santa Barbara campus recently, and Sydney (also a UCSB student) was nice enough to come explore it with me before it's gone. It was a beautifully overcast day, so I couldn't resist getting some shots along the way. We gathered a "bouquet" of dead brush and had fun incorporating it into some shots (and discussing the fact that it belongs in a mason jar at a hipster wedding). Thanks again, Sydney!

Krissy & Erik

Goleta, California

The day of this shoot was the 3-year anniversary of when Erik first proposed to Krissy, so I thought it was sweet that we got to incorporate their wedding attire into some of the shots. They are an amazing couple with awesome style. Thanks again, Krissy & Erik!

Laura

Knapp's Castle // Santa Barbara, CA

Laura and I had a great time exploring these ruins. The Knapp mansion burned down in 1940, so anything that was made of stone is all that remains. I always love exploring places where people once stood, people whose lifetimes have long since passed. It's like time travel to me.