Off Of My Haitus

It's been way too long since I have posted anything new. The more time that has passed, the more difficult it seems to start blogging again. But I am going to approach it differently and just write whatever is on my mind, and think less about it. I also want to start blogging about some local LA spots, as well as cool places throughout California- since that is really what I love to do. Discover new things.

So thanks for being patient.. And I look forward to creating some new posts..

Los Angeles Updates

This is a picture of me taken on a shoot about 2.5 months ago. Not the most recent photo, I know but there is just something so real about it. On shoots I try to be so serious and on top of my shit- and it's just so funny that a photo like this reflects that so well. That side of myself only comes out rarely in certain situations. And usually I am so focused and peacefully stressed that I would never notice it. But here it is.

It has been so so long sonce I have posted anything! That makes it all the more interesting to sit down and write right now- there are so many things I could write about. So many experiences I have had in the last three months. But I will stick to the basics- have amazing house. I have been getting amazing shoots. I have wonderful friends. I love Los Angeles. I feel so fortunate.

This is the entrance to my little studio. I live in Laural Canyon- which is technically part of the Hollywood Hills. It cracks me up to tell people that I live in the Hollywood Hills- but it is true. Laurel Canyon is probably the most down to earth section of the hills. The roads are barley wide enough for two cars. The wind obscurely through the canyon, some paved, some simply dirt. Houses sit on the edge of cliffs over looking the city below. The other night as I was getting ready for bed, I heard a pack of coyotes barking for minutes at a time. Being in the canyon, all of the sounds below of dogs barking, birds singing, and people in their backyards is amplified. It's a fascinating place to live.

More photos of my house:

Photos of Laurel Canyon:




more to come soon..

I Am Alive in Los Angeles

Venice Beach, CA..

I took this picture late yesterday afternoon. I was in Venice Beach for a photo shoot and had about an hour in between subjects. It was surprisingly peaceful out in the Pier. Even right on the beach in Venice, the grittiness of Los Angeles still permeates even the calmness of the ocean. But yesterday it was quiet.

It's been a while since I have posted anything. Mainly because I have been in limbo, commuting back and forth between San Diego and Los Angeles. However this week was monumental in that I made a life changing decision in about an hour.

On Sunday evening, I drove down to San Diego from LA after a rich and relaxing Thanksgiving weekend. On Monday morning, I decided it was time to cut the crap and move to Los Angeles. On Tuesday morning I was in my car, on my way up to LA. By Wednesday morning I had a two month sublet and a photo shoot.

The time was right for me to move to LA and now that I am here, I couldn't be happier. This is the first step towards getting settled again, having a home-base, and building a new life!

More updates to come...

From San Diego to Maui!!!

I left San Diego on Wednesday morning. It was such a relief to get out of there. The fires had been burning since Sunday. My lungs were at their capacity- and my entire body was feeling affected by the smoke. I had been evacuating from place to place for 2 days. But the stress I was under was nothing in comparison to thousands of people who lost their homes. Either way, I was glad get out of there. I had a trip planned to Maui for several months, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Here are some photos from our first day....

San Diego Fire Evacuees, Qualcom, Stadium

I got a call from People Magazine to shoot portraits of evacuees at the Qualcomm Stadium. I had a little over 2 hours to make these portraits, however I am really happy with them.

Overall, it was very easy to get these people to be real with their emotions in front of the camera. Most of the people there had been under so much stress and lack of sleep- the last thing they wanted to do was smile in front of a camera. While they agreed to be photographed- most boundaries that keep people from being comfortable in front of a lens had dissipated.

I encouraged them not to smile- but to express what they were feeling in that moment, in front of the lens. It really worked. As I was taking these portraits, I was floored by how powerful the experience was. I don't think I have ever made a series of portraits of people in a traumatic situation such as this. It was an amazing experience.

I LOVE my friends!!!!

(Rachel Lane and Nicole Bernhardt)

Well, it has been a little while since I have posted anything. I guess I have just been caught up with everything- I went to New York for a week and a half, was in Seattle visiting my family, and now I am in Venice Beach.

But first, I need to focus on what this blog entry is all about, my amazing friends. I was in New York from September 19- 28. I got to see my brother, my great friends, visit with my agency (www.reduxpictures.com), and print all of the work I have been making over the last 6 months. It was an incredibly productive 10 days. I worked in the darkroom for about 10 hours a day, then spent quality time with people in the evenings. The time in NYC was so great, I have to dedicate a special blog entry to these people.

One of the first things I did when I got to New York was head upstate to the Bard area. My friend Nicole, Melissa and I rented a car and headed to Tivoli to visit my old friend and roommate, Sam. Sam is a chef and cooked a huge, amazing meal of swordfish, polenta, and an array of spanish cheeses. It was divine. We ate, drank, laughed and danced around the living room, just like old times.

Sam..early on in the night.

Melissa

Taun, such a wonderful person.

Rachel, on the Trapeeze.

The next day, we were mostly hung over. I cut Sam's hair, we did a fashion shoot, swam in the Hudson..

Sam..man of many identities (above and below)






cutting Sam's hair..


Our Jaunt to the Hudson.. It was a perfect Indian Summer day..











-Bryn and Tim in Fort Green Brooklyn-









I know Tim from studying abroad in Ecuador. We hit it off, then I met his amazing girlfriend Bryn. We became neighbors and fast friends.. now they are two people I know I will be close with for the rest of my life.

CLARISSE LABRO.. famous french architect in the making
Clarisse and I lived together during our time at Bard..Many wonderful memories with her. And she's moving back to Paris!





Love to my peoples in Nueva York!!

Malibu Longboarding Contest

On Sunday morning at 6am, I got in my car with a nice full mug of coffee and drove up to Malibu. Sunday was the finals for the Malibu Surfing Association longboarding contest. This was my first surf contest, so I was anxious to see what it would be like.

When I arrived at 8:30 am, the heats had already begun. The best surfers were left on Sunday- after winning all of their heats the day before. There were men and women of all ages, the youngest being about 4 and the oldest, 85. Sitting on the beach, it felt like a family. Many of the spectators and surfers have grown up surfing together and competing against each other. It was a beautiful day. The waves were small, but everyone made the best of it.