Exploring Double and Triple Exposures

I have been fascinated with double exposures since the moment I discovered I could do them in camera. I started experimenting with them early on in my photography career and the obsession with them have just grown! The first time I tried ,I hated the results I was getting! I had this idea in my mind of what they were supposed to look like (comparison the death of art folks!) and I set those images aside for over a year!  After a year of creating, growing, and evolving as an artist I decided to take another look at those first ever double exposure attempts and wow, they blew me away! They were so creative and fresh and truly shot without limitations. They are now some of my favorite images ever.

Im glad I decided to revist these images but I am sad at all the missed images I could have taken over the year but didnt becuase of my fear! I didnt really start shooting double exposures much after that first attempt because I was so disappointed that it wasnt your standard "florals in face portraits" that we are use to seeing. It wasnt until I took Mark Maya's workshop (who is the bomb at double exposures btw), that I started playing around with them again. Mark taught me so much and now I know how to do the floral portraits haha! 

After a while I started experimenting with triple exposures and then went on to triple long exposures and variations of that. Recently, I had two series picked up by Dark Beauty Magazine featuring my triple long exposures (see blog post Not a Soul Around)

Here are a few of my favorites that  got published 

My advice for those interested in getting into double exposures is just experiment! Play around with your environment, look at the object and landscapes around you and see what would look cool if it was layered together.  Happy creating! 

Not a Soul Around: Broken Down in the Desert

2018 started off with not one, but two broken down cars in the middle of the desert as model Megan Carlos and I got stranded in Joshua Tree . There was not a soul around, no homes or businesses, no roads or cars. Luckily we had cell service and was able to call a tow truck ($300 later and that was with a $300 discount!) . In the meantime, Megan and I scraped our original fashion shoot and just got creative. That art that we made in the desert was so inspiring and such a release of the frustrations from the situation. I submitted this series to Dark Beauty magazine and was so pleased to hear that they picked up all 6 images that I submitted and they were featured on their website and social media accounts. The images will also be released in a print edition as well! Here are the images from that session

Saying Goodbye to Toys R Us: The End of a Generation

Looking back on my childhood there are moments of time that are frozen and preserved and cherished. Summer lemonade stands, trading Halloween candy with my sisters (give me all the Kit Kat bars!), Lisa Frank, riding my bike to the park, and going to 'Toys R Us' with my dad. I can recall the excitement I would feel as my dad and I would walk up to the store together, how he would release my hand at the door and how I could just run free down the aisles of this magical place! The wonder and awe of seeing all the magnificent, colorful toys was such a monumental part of my childhood. From before my son was born, he was already a 'Toys R Us' kid! His baby registry was through 'Babies R Us', and it became a fun place for us to visit on rainy days, or boring days, or days we just felt like having fun!

Chasing my soon to be three year old up and down the aisle of the toy story was such a full circle moment for me as I flashed back on all the trips my father and I would take to this store so many many years ago. I can still recall how excited my dad would get as he would throw toy after toy into the cart, as I stood by telling him thats too many! Still, he would grab more until he found EVERY. SINGLE. CHARACTER. from a film or show ( at the time it was Toy Story and Lion King) and then he would buy the whole lot! He said, 'you cant have just one character!' Those are the moments that made childhood special. 

Fast forward 20 years, and getting to share that same excitement with my own child felt like a right of passage!. Seeing his eyes in wonder as his feet flew past the swirling lights and sounds of rows and rows of toys was one of the greatest joys as a parent. What was even better was being able to witness my son with his best friend, my dad, exploring 'Toys R Us' together.  It truly saddens me to know my son wont remember these moments, and that a little more of the childhood I grew up in, is dying. Ill be forever grateful for the memories my family and I have made over the years, in the aisles of 'Toys R Us' stores across the country. We will miss you!

Forever a 'Toys R Us' kid !!!!!

My Journey To The Pit: Concert Photography

Four years ago, I gave up working concert security when my son was born. I loved my job and was proud of the work I was doing, unfortunately it just became an unmanageable job for a single mother. Soon after, I ended up moving to California, I was this only-parent to this small amazing little boy, his entire life was dependant on me and I had no choice but to start over. I left most of my belongings behind in my apartment and fit what I could in my jeep and off we drove to California  It was one of the hardest decisions Ive ever made, but it was also one of the best things I could have done for my son and I.

Fast forward a few months later, and Im struggling with all the changes in my life,  a new home, in a new state, playing this new role of 'mommy'. I ended up living in FB world, it was my only connection to my old life, and to just people in general. Being a stay at home mom was much more isolating than I ever could have imagined. I would feel envy and bitterness anytime I saw a  friend going out or a co- worker, working shows I would have been at.

Theres one that stands out in particular and that was when the X Ambassadors where performing at Red Rocks in 2016 and I was just so devastated to be missing out on that show. I sat in my living room just desperate to get back some of what I had lost in myself. I really didnt even know what to do, where to begin or how to start, I just felt so stuck in this transitional period of my life. It wasn't until months later, after my sons first birthday that I decided to finally pursue my dreams of becoming a photographer. I bought a used Nikon D5200 DSLR on Offer Up for $120 bucks and just learned everything I could. I spent all my free time learning my camera, watching you tube tutorials, shooting, and editing for fun. I joined tons of groups online and started meeting other photographers and studying their images. 

Shooting my first show JAN 2017

I met Cheri, through one of these groups and she told me how she did concert photography exclusively. Seeing her images, hearing her stories, I just knew that this was my calling. Cheri encouraged my passion and gave me some advice on how to request getting approval to shoot a show. I put in for my very first show in January of 2017, Chevelle at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium. I had no publication to back me, and no experience whatsoever but to my surprise, I got approval. It was one of the best feelings in the entire world. I had been given this amazing opportunity, this amazing band was taking a chance on me to photography their show. I was elated! 

Chevelle- OMG Look at that watermark, excuse me while I go and hide lol

Shooting this show was the most exhilarating rush. I couldnt sleep all night because I was on such a high from the show and I stayed up all night working on the images! I knew I belonged in that pit!

The night of the Chevelle show I met a fellow photographer in the pit. Joshua Weesner, he's seriously so talented (check him out at @standalonepro), this man has been vital to my success in this industry. He really took me under his wing so to speak, and gave me unlimited amounts of insight, tips, and advice. He helped get amazing opportunities such as shooting Vans Warped Tour 2017 and Cal Jam 17 and now I shoot for the same publication he does. He is truly an amazing, selfless dude and I am so blessed having him in my life. 

Cage the Elephant performing at CalJAM 17

I have been shooting concerts for a little over a year now and have photographed some amazing bands: Foo Fighters, Cage the Elephant, Rob Zombie, Deftones, Queens of the Stone Age, and just recently...the X Ambassadors! Getting the approval to shoot their show, standing in the pit, at the base of their stage was such a full circle moment for me. It was such a validation, that you can start over. You can transform your life, you can change your situation, your past does not define you, and the only limitations are the ones you put on yourself.

X Ambassadors at The Belasco

Ive lived so many different lives to get to this one, and I am finally after all these struggles and sacrifices,  living my best life. 

Here are a few of my favorite shots over the past year

Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters at Cal Jam 17

Cage the Elephant at Cal JAM 17

Rob Zombie at Knotfest 2017

Corey Taylor of Stone Sour at Knotfest 2017

Deftones at Ozzfest 2017

Tom Morello with Prophets of Rage at Ozzfest 2017 

X Ambassadors 2018

Bert McCracken of The Used at the OC Observatory 2017

Senses Fail at OC Observatory 2018

True Violet: On The Lawn

When Arielle Salsa, owner of The Pretty Cult ( www.prettycult.com) messaged me one evening to see if I could shoot an in-home recording session of an all female indie-folk trio band, True Violet, I said yes, with no questions asked. I mean, if Arielle says they're good, then they're good.  A week later, I found myself battling the morning Los Angeles traffic to meet up with these badass females for a day of creating. 

When I arrived, Arielle and the women of True Violet, Jessie Covets and Kayla and Alyana Miller greeted me with mimosas, laughter and hugs. As I got settled in, Arielle with her clothing line and fancy racks (which Jessie was particularly excited about btw), started getting the girls dressed for their individual and group portraits.

Afterwards, Arielle and I were able to get a behind the scenes look oh how the trio got into their creative process and was given the privilege of witnessing a live recording and jam session.

After the session, we ordered a pizza, took a few Jameson shots and went out in to the backyard and just vibed.

Make sure to check out the band at https://www.facebook./truevioletband/com and on instagram at @truevioletband

Also make sure to check out Arielle's designs at https://www.facebook.com/theprettycult/ and on instagram @theprettycult

Baby Curls and Gray Skies

Its rare that I get a photo of my wild, rambunctious and ever curious 2 year old, Atticus looking at the camera. From the moment he wakes up, to the second he falls asleep he is a tornado of toys, snacks and giggles. I have given up on trying to get that perfect photo of him and as a result I have learned to embrace and love the authenticity of lifestyle photography.  I love that Ill have these images of my son, to remember him as he is, at this age, forever. I have grown so much as an artist, as I document his development and our day to day life. 

Last week, California had some unexpected and very welcome cooler weather resulting in some amazing cloud patterns. Its rare that we get these amazing clouds so I had to take Atticus out to explore in our favorite little field behind our house. I put him in a vintage Sears Winnie the Pooh edition blazer that I found at a thrift store for $3.99 and his trusted and worn out Vans and we hit the dirt running. 

Wild.Carefree.Unleashed.Childhood

AAaaaaand with any photo series I do with Atticus, there are tears...always tears lol. We gotta remember all the moments

Sun Kissed Baby

I met Audrey 4 years ago, in Denver CO when I use to nanny her younger siblings. She moved out to Southern California with her boyfriend Victor, shortly after I did. One day in early May, I randomly messaged her because I had a dream that she was pregnant, four months later she messaged me to tell me that she was in fact pregnant! 

Audrey and Victor are moving back to Colorado this week to be near family and so their son can be a Colorado Native. Something Coloradans say with pride (my own son is a Colorado Native!) But before I could let them leave,  I had to get them in front of my camera and do a California style maternity shoot. 

The Pretty Cult

I teamed up with Arielle Salsa, the badass founder and genius of The Pretty Cult, a fashion line inspired by powerful women and rock and roll culture, to showcase some of her newest creations.

'The Pretty Cult blurs the line between fashion and the Rock & Roll lifestyle.' 

What is the The Pretty Cult? 

The Pretty Cult is more than a clothing brand, it’s a way of life. 

What did you do before starting The Pretty Cult and what inspired you to start your own business?

My background is in music, I worked at a big agency for a few years straight out of college and gained a lot of knowledge about the music industry. I was always working on The Pretty Cult on nights and weekends, finally I had enough of working for the man and decided to work try and do this thing on my own.

 A BTS of Arielle Salsa styling model Destinee Nicholson during our downtown Los Angeles shoot

 

What are some of your recent accomplishments or best moments since starting The Pretty Cult?

The first line ever designed of capes was published in Volition magazine last year which was pretty amazing!

 The small things and partnerships I have made are more exciting to me, getting to work with Goldenvoice on some national touring acts and presenting shows has been really exciting to me!

Whats in the future for The Pretty Cult?

In the near future TPC will be opening a brick and mortar which will be located at the Allright Collective. I’ll also be popping up at Musink and Coachella this year, so if you are at any of these festivals do come say hi! I also plan to be doing many more monthly nights, presenting shows, and putting on rock shows!

To see more of Arielle's designs visit www.theprettycult.com

And make sure to follow The Pretty Cult on social media at  https://www.facebook.com/theprettycult/  instagram @theprettycult

BTS of these babes in action! 

Model and MUA : Destinee Nicholson @destinee_nicholson @sfxbydest

Mother(Nature)

When this momma to be came driving up the mountain in huge 4X4 pickup I knew it was going to be a good session, and when she stepped out in this dress I knew it was going to be an AMAZING session! Jaime was so easy and FUN to work with, she admitted to feeling silly at first but she was a natural in front of the camera and ended up owning 'The Princess Walk'. 

This momma has 3 more weeks to go before her baby boy is her in arms. Wishing you a safe delivery Jaime! 

'10 Years' w/'From Ashes to new' at the roxy

In the wake of ‘10 Years’ recently released album, ‘(How to Live) As Ghosts’, the band kickstarted 2018 with a two-month headlining tour alongside up and coming rap/alternative rock band ‘From Ashes to New’. The tours 10th stop, was held at the Roxy Theater in West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip on Monday night.

With an early door time, the die-hard fans were ushered into the venue at 6:00pm and were immediately greeted with the first of three opening acts, ‘Spirit in the Room’. A Los Angeles based band, fronted by Dennis Sanders drew the growing crowds interest with their eclectic music, a sound in which they call ‘Lizard Rock’.

The following band, also home to southern California, Painted Wives, hit the stage with their beach waves and guitars and played a solid 30 minute set before giving way to the third band of the evening, ‘From Ashes to New’.

The alternative rock band from Lancaster, PA had a solid fan base in the crowd who were just as eager for ‘From Ashes to New’ performance as they were for the headliner. The band did not disappoint as they played a fast paced, high energy 45-minute set that left the crowd wanting more.

After a short intermission, lead singer Jesse Hasek and fellow ‘10 Years’ band members were revealed as the curtain rose. Cloaked in red lighting and dense fog, the band opened their set with fan favorite, ‘Fix Me’ which immediately had the audience dancing and singing along. Hasek, at one point during his performance, jumped off stage mid song and embraced fans on the floor.  

The band went on to play 12 additional songs, including their rendition of Nirvana’s ‘Heart Shaped Box’ and closed out the evening with ‘Actions and Motives’. Not a bad way to spend a Monday if I do say so myself.

WRITTEN FOR MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE 

golden organic

I met this stunning momma soon after I moved to California,  a little over 2 years ago now. I hosted a picnic and invited a ton of people, and cooked a ton of food and only one person showed up haha and that person was Dorothy. She and I instantly became friends and attempted to keep in touch, but life gets so busy sometimes and when you throw in motherhood and being an entrepreneur well, the social life really goes out the window.

It had been a year since we had spoken, so I was beyond delighted when she reached out to ask if I could do a maternity session for twins!  When she told me she was making her own dress I almost died with delight! We really had the best time capturing these images and I am so excited to meet the newest additions to their family!