Few things make me more grateful to live in Northern California than an ocean-side hike in January
New Year's Day hike
Michelle for Tennessee Gray
My cousin-in-law stayed with us over Thanksgiving, and so, unbeknownst to her, signed up to be photographed for a Tennessee Gray portrait session. An amazing makeup artist, Michelle is much more inclined to be just off-camera on a shoot, so I'm grateful that she agreed to agreed to sit for me and in the end, made it very hard to choose just one final shot for the project.
MATES shoot in Oakland
Ok! New year, new resolve to share more of my work around the time of shooting, rather just delivering it to the client or posting a few shots on Instagram. I've been working on a personal project for the past few years that focuses on portraits of housemates, together and in their own individual rooms. You can see the entire body of work here.
It's not an easy thing to schedule a bunch of people to be in the same place at the same time, and it can be tough for me to carve out time between paying jobs, but I absolutely love these shoots. They satisfy so many of my personal and photographic interests- learning more about people and how they've come together, seeing spaces that a stranger isn't normally invited into, and taking on the challenge of creating a compelling image with just the people, lighting, and environment in front of me (no stylists, no extra lighting). Julie, Anisa and Laura were such wonderful subjects and I'm so grateful that they opened up their home and lives to me.
Beautiful blue pantry
Let's make a mess
At the old Dogpatch location of 3 Fish Studios
May the long weekend bring great views
Playing with dad
Grandma's scissors
I've long been working on a project photographing people with objects and recently took this one of my grandmother's hands with sewing scissors that my cousin gave her at least 25 years ago.
Goorin Bros.
My husband has been in the market for a good hat recently, so we decided to check out the ultimate store for one in San Francisco: Goorin Bros.
Beach fun
Make a wish
Dark waters
Twirling with mom
Lea by the lake
I've had the good fortune to work with Lea Stafford as a planner on private events and she is one of the best- smart, kind, hard-working, and on. top. of. it. When she asked to shoot some portraits to accompany her new venture into the food world, I was more than happy to oblige and had the best time strolling around Lake Merritt on a sunny Sunday. Check out her new Instagram account @staffordeats for some serious food inspiration!