Los Angeles
Photography for Fun!
I forgot how freeing it is to take photos for fun! It’s easy to forget in the day-to-day grind of creating for work or money. I decided to buy a new point-and-shoot camera (FUJIFILM X70) since I was so sick of taking iPhone photos. It’s small so I can bring it anywhere and I love the fixed lens.
I took these photos of a model in an alleyway with natural light. They have a carefree and relaxed quality to them. Exactly how I felt shooting them.
And how beautiful is that red bougainvillea? It erupts on almost every street corner in the spring and summer and brightens my day every time I see it.
Darling Brunch
I attended Darling Magazine’s first ever “morning of conversation.” The “Darling Brunch,”, was hosted by the talented Kara of Willow and Niche, assisted by Stephanie of Five by Five Catering.
Around 30 woman, mostly strangers, spent the morning enjoying great food (like the cinnamon streusel biscuits with cinnamon honey butter pictured above) and conversation around a theme of oasis, with these questions:
What practices allow you create your own oasis and find your space in the desert?
How do we release the guilt of not having a packed schedule to allow yourself the time for restoration?
We went around the table sharing our opinions and individual stories. The topic struck a cord with me. This summer has definitely felt like a desert for me, where I’ve been struggling to find creative inspiration, where in the past it has come so easily. I feel like I’ve been bombarding myself with so much information (like too much social media) that instead of inspiring me, it has left me feeling drained. I’m excited for the fall. To stop and be still. To find inspiration in myself and the simple things in life, like a long hike or by creating things with my own hands.
Thank you to Darling Magazine for creating a beautiful space for us to open and honest with each other, as woman.
Interested in attending a Darling event? Check them out here.
Also, below is a fun video from the day.
Video by Willow + Niche
Endless Summer
Summer seems to be slipping by. It’s been pretty hot here in LA and I’ve been stuck inside working a lot! I plan to take it easy in August and play out the rest of the summer on the beach in Michigan and planning new day adventures in Los Angeles. Since I’m a Michigander at heart, summer always feels like it won’t last forever and I must take full advantage of every single sunny day. Even though that’s not the case here in California, I still try to spend as much time as possible outside soaking up the sun!
So, keep working on that tan! HAGS!
*And Happy Birthday to that crazy guy riding the bike, Sean! Cheers to 8 summers in LA and 32 years of life! You truly are the raddest!
#DreamTeam
I love how a long, successful day on set makes me feel so fulfilled. Work is not work when you love what you do! It also helps when you have a hard working and insanely talented crew to create with! Can’t wait to share my collaboration with the oh-so creative Aaron Shinn & the incredible new technology from Matterport! This is a shot from our beautiful location today in Silver Lake. As you can see, it was horrible.
Life on the road…
We just wrapped principal photography for ‘The White Orchid‘ Movie in beautiful Morro Bay, California. This is the second production from Santana Films, which is a collaboration between the Humphrey Bogart Estate and filmmaker Steve Anderson.
I had the pleasure of working as an Associate Producer on the film. This title means a lot of things when you are working on an Indie Feature. My position allowed me to “float” and help different departments when they needed me, while simultaneously keeping a sharp eye on our Director/Fearless Leader Steve Anderson, making sure he had everything he needed. Working so close to Steve Anderson was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only did he write an amazing one-of-a-kind script, he brought great energy, positivity and patience every day, which created a productive and peaceful working environment on set.
We traveled for 4 out of the 6 weeks of production to Morro Bay, Big Sur, San Francisco and back to Los Angeles (where most of the crew call home). Four weeks was the longest I had ever been on the road, let alone away from my home and the comfort of my own bed. While I was away, I learned a lot about what I actually need to be happy and feel content. The cast & crew were lucky enough to stay in comfortable, small, homey hotels that made us feel like we were attending summer camp. In the comfort of my cozy hotel room, with my dog Rocky by my side, enough clothes to last 2 weeks, a job that inspired me and made me want to jump out of bed in the morning, I realized I didn’t need much more than that, especially at this point in my life.
Sometimes are lives are filled with so much more “want” than “need” that we lose our bearings on what that “need” actually is. I am so grateful for my experience on The White Orchid. I can honestly say I have gained 30 new friends and an endless amount of priceless filmmaking & life lessons. I can’t wait to see how this story ends. Making the movie was just the beginning.
Check out The Hollywood Reporter Article that came out today about The White Orchid!
Also, “like” The White Orchid Facebook page and show your support by staying connected to what is happening with the film’s journey to its premier!
