Digital Portraits

I’ve been resistant lately to digital photography. My focus has been solely on film, and even that has slowed down in recent months. Part of this is because I recently moved and have been busy with other things. Another part of this is the lack of adventures and day-trips. But I always have a camera on me, whether it’s a regular day of going to work or I’m traveling to a new city.

My recent indifference to digital photography was born out of this idea that film is so much better. But one is not better than the other. They are both creative endeavors. There is so much about digital photography that I have yet to learn, as well as with film. I’m learning to appreciate both mediums and to challenge myself and enjoy myself with both.

Self Portraits

Just a couple recent 35mm self portraits I’m diggin.

Four Wheels

Over the last couple months I’ve watched several coming-of-age movies about skaters. The first was Skate Kitchen, which follows Camille, an 18 year old skater from Long Island as she navigates adolescence and finds new friends and connections through an all-girls skateboard collective in the city.

Most recently I watched The Land and the story of a group of boys from Cleveland as they struggle to make ends meet, to break into the sponsored skateboarding world, and find themselves way in over their heads in the end.

What I love about these movies is learning about a new culture. The skateboarding culture feels gritty, loose, and free. From the way they dress to the way they move on their boards, I’m mesmerized by it all. I regularly find myself jealous of people who pour themselves into their craft. Musicians who practice their instruments for hours every day, the teens from these two movies practicing tricks and skills for hours a day. The dedication to their craft and focus is beyond anything I can see myself doing.

Last month I was out for a walk in my new neighborhood when I saw a young man practicing tricks on his board in a parking lot. I’ve been working on building up the courage and confidence to ask strangers I feel drawn to if I can take their portrait. And this guy was gracious enough to let me practice. Thanks, Tony.

Montmartre

I Left My Heart in Paris

Paris was my last stop in my November 2018 travels. It was the only city I was truly nervous about. I had tried learning a little bit of French through an app, or watching a couple French films. But it definitely felt the most foreign to me of places I’d visited. That language barrier was the main source of nerves. I remember thinking on the train from London to Paris that perhaps I had made a mistake in adding on Paris to my trip. I was tired and worn out. My body felt off from the change in my usual diet.

From the moment I stepped out of Gare du Nord and saw the streets of Paris I knew I was in love. The nerves were still there, but even more powerful were the butterflies of excitement. Upon my return from my trip friends and family asked which city was the best, and I truly couldn’t pick one. But I have decided that Paris was the most mesmerizing. Because it is so different than anywhere else I’d traveled, I marveled the most at everything from the architecture to the brasseries to the people moving about around me. I loved it all.

xxo

The Scottish Highlands

The second stop of my November 2018 travels was in the Scottish Highlands. Inverness is such a beautiful place. I was both surprised and not surprised that it was as green as I had imagined it to be. The land was expansive, full of sheep and other wildlife. The history in architecture was so quaint and impressive.

We stayed at Culloden House so that my friend Sarah and the rest of her team could shoot content for Culloden House’s social media and website. It was truly magical. The house was practically empty as we were there during their slow season. I’m not sure how we got so lucky with the weather, but it only barely drizzled the first night we got there, and then it was clear skies for the remainder of the trip. We explored Inverness, Urquhart Castle, the Viaducts, and so much more.

A Quick Trip To Windsor, Stonehenge, & Bath

When I was in London this past November I took the advice of a sweet friend and booked a day trip tour of Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath. I booked it through Viator and had a wonderful experience with them from start to finish. This day trip was the perfect way to travel with a group while also having time to myself.

Our tour guide was fantastic. She must be from the same town as Geri Halliwell because I truly thought it was Ginger Spice leading the tour at first. And I don’t think I can adequately describe how happy that made me feel. We started out at Windsor Castle, then it was on to Stonehenge, and finally Bath.

I had a very sacred experience at Windsor in the chapel. I shot one of my favorite double exposures I’ve ever taken. And in Bath I experienced such an iconic Christmas moment standing in front of a giant tree lit up, listening to a young man play smooth jazz on his trumpet. I hope you enjoy these images as much as I do.

xxo

Windsor

Stonehenge

Bath

London Calling

It’s been almost three months since my first trip outside of the United States! The first stop of my trip was London. I’ve put together a hardcopy book of prints through my favorite printer, Artifact Uprising. I’ll share below a sampling of some of the images. If you’re interested in purchasing one for your coffee table (or single prints of your favorite), hit me up!

With Gratitude
xxo

Pink & Green

A few favorites from a recent trip to Pt. Reyes.

xxo

Let's Take A Walk

One of the things I’m enjoying the most about my recent move is the walkability of my new neighborhood. My favorite cities all have that in common - you can walk outside your door and find shops, restaurants, cafes, and coffee all within a couple blocks.

Some of my favorite spots in Midtown include The Mill, The Federalist, The Rind, South, and Beast & Bounty (and there’s a West Elm across the street? Yes, please!). I’m exploring new spots like small clothing boutiques, and always love shopping local. Now if we could just revamp our public transportation in Sacramento!

xxo