Every once in a while (ok, a lot more than that) I see something that immediately inspires me - it could be a color, a flower, a structure or mural, or the way the light flows through a field of grass at a certain time of day... it could be a myriad of things that inspire in me the need to create a photograph or see about bringing that vision to life.
Most often it happens when I make a wrong turn or get a little lost looking for something else - there it is in front of me: a scene that likely not many others could even see but in my mind's eye I see something beautiful as I begin to piece together all the elements that make up my vision and how to put it together.
When it happens I just HAVE to get it out of my system. I have to tell that story of the colors I see and how they speak to me! You will often catch me saying at every photoshoot...."THIS session is my favorite!" And I mean that from my very soul because I am in the element and moment of the greatest gift of inspiration!
On this particular scene, I had made a wrong turn looking for a taco shop in Santa Ana, CA. While making my way back to the street with the correct location I could see in the distance these beautiful purple trees peaking above the rooftops. After eating my tacos, I ventured back to that neighborhood and drove all the way down the street looking at how the light played on the petals and the direction from which it came.
It was just a local city street of neighboring families, flanked with parked with bumper to bumper parked cars, but I loved how the street was lined with mature purple flowering trees all the way down both sides.
Being new to Southern California, I had seen trees in my neighborhood beginning to flower but not like this - not from top to bottom - like the these tall majestic beauties!Back at the office, in our style closet, I had a yet-to-be chosen ruffled purple crop-top that looked just like these flowers. A little spark was planted!
Once home, that evening, I posted a model call with my idea, for local high school seniors that followed me on instagram, to see who else thought this was a pretty idea! And that was that. A personal project was underway!
My favorite thing about my personal projects is how I don't have to worry about making sure I'm getting specifics for the client - I am totally in my own personal zone of creativity and adventure. Some of it is planned meticulously - like the outfits and location - but a lot of it is totally whimsical - like the wonderful Woodbridge High School seniors who answered the model call and were just as excited as I was, to make this vision come to life!
Most of my model calls don't involve the style closet, as they are reserved for Gold or Platinum sessions, but because this was more of a personal project, it was a go and we had a blast going through clothes and piecing together fun outfits and accessories (including the ruffle purple top modeled by Shiphalika) to go with each location.
The ease at which creativity flows and how fast my ideas come is incredible when in this zone! We shot with back light, we shot through stuff, we shot with prisms and mirrors. We got incredibly artsy and just had fun with it. All the while my seniors were killing it with their fashion model vibe and having a blast!
Next stop was the Santa Ana Art District (just for fun) to finish off our afternoon of creativity.
I absolutely love this area! It's full of gourmet food, craft beverages, festivity, live music, and best of all: lots and lots of colorful murals and architecture!
We changed our look from purple and whimsical, to street chic and showgirl, and used the gorgeous backdrop of these art district murals and shops as our on-location set to set the vibe for these colorful scenes.
I'm so glad Sylvia and Shiphalika answered the model call because they were perfect for both of these locations and outfits. Anytime you shoot with me you are welcome to bring a friend! BFF sessions are the BEST! Not only that...Having a friend along means having someone who gets the inside jokes, more laughter, more at ease in front of the camera, and even better is having that bestie there to cheer you on while you slay the scene!
Don't miss out on our current special: Book now for anytime this year and get a $100 or $200 print credit toward any collection! Both of our regular sessions include personal styling and planning consultation, access to our style rack and accessories, personalized location scouting, and professional hair and makeup artist, along with your session and gallery premiere video session! There is no other experience quite like ours in this area!
Complimentary consultations are always available by appointment, to see if we are all a fit for each other and we have room for 50 Gold or Platinum spots up for grabs each school year!
Our session-end shenanigans included more dancing in the streets and Shiphalika's cartwheels! Until next time!
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