Salton Sea

The very talented designer, Kirstin Fox (of Castle Bride Couture) and I collaborated a photoshoot, using her one-of-a-kind headpieces.

During our photoshoot, we all cheated death that day...of course making the experience all the more exciting. The Salton Sea is a very odd and mysterious place, filled with characters that most of us couldn't even dream up. Because of our near death experience, we were forced to shoot at a less desirable location down the street from our location of choice. We ended up having 20 minutes to shoot the whole thing. Needless to say, while I am happy to be alive (along with the other girls), I am furious that we had next to no time to shoot. Having said that, I am pleased with the results, under the circumstances.

A note to other photographer's that wish to shoot at the Salton Sea...please bring a crowd of people with you for protection...preferably Men.

Make-Up Artist: Tessa Stull
Hair Stylist: Mandi Bevando

Jennifer Models

While visiting WPPI's trade show in Las Vegas this year, my friend Ray Soemarsono (of Apertura Photo) and I were itching for a shoot. We payed a visit to Red Rock Canyon to photograph my lovely associate photographer, Jennifer Daigle. She was so kind as to model for us in freezing cold weather. I'm sure you'll agree that she is a natural born model. These are some of my top favorites.


This first pic is hilarious, as Ray shows Jennifer how to strike a pose. I couldn't resist. I think Ray has another career ahead of him...perhaps the next Miss Jay of America's Next Top Model. HAHA!

Empire Destructive

Empire Destructive provides gear and clothing to extreme sports enthusiasts. They hired me to take some photos for their new websites home page. Eat your heart out guys! Imagine the many male photographer's out there that would have loved to have been in my position that day.

There was a lot of testosterone on the set that day, but I managed to hold my own. HA! Truth be told, the Empire Destructive crew were all in attendance, and I must say that they were amazing to work with. The guys were all so helpful and accommodating. We had a few jokesters (Mike Hildebrand, owner of E.D.) on the set too, which kept us all laughing. And the models were fantastic...what great attitudes. It was very cold that day, and they never once complained. Mike treated us all to a great dinner afterwards...good times. I am looking forward to working with E.D. again, anytime, anywhere! Bring it on!

Jossara Jinaro

Nothing like a friend helping out a friend....Jossara so kindly modeled for me so I can practice using light in a completely different way than I am use to or even comfortable with. Isn't she gorgeous??!! It was quite challenging and took much time to set up, but I think the results were well worth it. Thanks Joss for being so patient!

Danielle

Model Danielle was a major trooper being photographed in an abandoned lot with GOD knows what type of creatures lurking around. People have the impression that being a model is easy, but quite honestly it is really hard work. Danielle stayed in-character despite the red ants crawling at her feet, and other undisclosed insects that at one time I had to flick off of her (still have no idea what that was), not to mention the little prickly plants that held on to every particle of clothing we had. Keep in mind that I was fully clothed with jeans and combat boots while Danielle wore just a slip from the 1940's, sometimes in heels and at other times completely barefoot. Please also notice that in some of the images, Danielle wears original (never been worn) cotton stockings from the 1920's. We were both very thrilled while peeling off the original label together...so cool.

Upon leaving the abandoned lot, we realized that we had been either bitten several times by some sort of insect, or had a bad allergic reaction from one of the many plants that filled the lot. We did have a short panic that it might be poison ivy, but I'm happy to report that it was not. All-in-all it was a wonderful and adventurous experience and the outcome was...well, take a look...GORGEOUS!!!

Special thanks to make-up artist/hairstylist Tessa Stull, and Danielle's friend Roxanne for helping with the shoot.