Ariella & Elliot

Santa Barbara Photographer | Ocean People Project

These two. This day was one of the coldest in Santa Barbara, but I am lucky enough to have friends that indulge my somewhat insane impulses. The Ocean People Project is something I've been working on for a while now. It's simple: people run into the ocean with their clothes on (the more formal or outlandish, the better). This is the first one I've published on my site because I'm trying to come up with a more complete collection before posting. More to come...

Gilberto

Joré

El Capitan Canyon & Gaviota State Park

I don't think either of us knew what we were getting into for this shoot. This was the first time I had been to both of these places (the train trestle and the wind caves), and based on some vague research into each, I had certain expectations. One thing I didn't expect was a 60-foot section of nearly vertical climbing to get to the caves. Needless to say, Joré was definitely more in shape than I was. She is involved in theater at UCSB (I love theater people!), and I had a great time working with her.

Natalie

Knapps Castle Senior Portraits | UCSB Class of 2015 | Santa Barbara, California

Meet Natalie, another lovely UCSB senior! We had a lot of fun on this Free People-inspired shoot – especially with the bathtub! Despite the cold wind we found up in the mountains, I think the shots we got are one-of-a-kind and so warm and golden. Thanks again, Natalie! And congratulations!

Ariana

Goleta, California Photographer | UCSB Senior Portraits | Class of 2015

Had such a great time exploring this magical forest and beach bluff with Ariana. I hope this series accurately reflects her joyful, creative spirit!

Sydney & Alex

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA PHOTOGRAPHERYou may see a familiar face in this post. Sydney did some modeling for me in the past, so when her boyfriend Alex contacted me saying he wanted to gift her a couples session for her birthday, I was thrilled! These two are so fun to be around and so attractive - I told them they should sign up for couples modeling. Thanks again, Alex and Sydney!

Jessica

SANTA YNEZ, CALIFORNIA PHOTOGRAPHER

What's not to love about a red polka dot dress, California poppies, green hillsides, and red balloons? Had a great time working with Jessica - she was so enthusiastic and had many wonderful ideas. I love working with people who inspire me in new directions - and help me get through barbed wire fences!

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.

Cavewoman

GOLETA, CALIFORNIA

Self-portraits are one of my favorite things to do because they're challenging. They require thorough shot-planning, tripods, remotes, and a certain degree of discomfort (carrying all the gear, running back and forth, people walking by, etc.). I committed myself to going out to this beach cave today around sunset to get these shots, and I almost backed out a few times. But I'm glad I didn't. Luckily, I pretty much had the whole beach to myself, and the few people I did see just smiled and said, "Hi." You can get away with lots of weird things in a college town.

Lindsey & Bryan

STOW HOUSE | GOLETA, CALIFORNIA PHOTOGRAPHER

This shoot was great for so many reasons: the colors, the lighting, the fresh green grass from the recent storms, but most of all, the two amazing people I got to capture. I love shoots where people say things like, "Can we dance?" or "This might be weird, but..."

Thanks again, Lindsey and Bryan, for being so enthusiastic and fun to work with!

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!

Alex & Mike

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

Alex & Mike recently got engaged, and we had a great time wandering around the Funk Zone and beach area of Downtown Santa Barbara. They moved here from New Jersey not too long ago, and I'm glad because it meant I got to work with them! I love the industrial feel of the beginning shots, followed by the soft, romantic tones of the ending after the sun had set. Such a sweet, attractive couple. :-)

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.