Spring Box Trail Hike

Yesterday, Padraic and I checked out a spot I've been meaning to explore for a while: the Spring Box Trail in Santa Cruz. It runs adjacent to the UCSC campus and rambles in and out of redwood forest and open trails surrounded by oak trees. I don't know what the history is behind these spring boxes, but rumor is that locals set koi and goldfish free in these concrete boxes, and the fish some how manage to avoid getting eaten by raccoons. There are also lime kilns from the 1850s nearby! Needless to say, I left with inspiration for another photoshoot. :)

Ariella & Elliot

Santa Barbara Photographer | Ocean People Project

These two. This day was one of the coldest in Santa Barbara, but I am lucky enough to have friends that indulge my somewhat insane impulses. The Ocean People Project is something I've been working on for a while now. It's simple: people run into the ocean with their clothes on (the more formal or outlandish, the better). This is the first one I've published on my site because I'm trying to come up with a more complete collection before posting. More to come...

A Parakeet Named Sue

Campbell, California Photographer | Portraits of a Parakeet

Meet Sue, the androgynously named plum-headed parakeet who is male and whose real name is Sunshine. A long time ago, he flew into a window at my uncle's office, and my uncle brought him home to us. He's as old as I am and is expected to live past 30, much to my parents' dismay. (Sorry, Sue.) He only says two things – "Hi, Sweetie, whatcha doin'?" and "Want a treat" – but he occasionally imitates sounds on TV. He flirts with food-offerers with a slow two-step and a click of the tongue, his pupils spiraling in and out like a hypnotist's disk. He thrives on seedcakes, pellets, and the occasional carrot, and sleeps one-footed on a mini swing.

This shoot was challenging for many reasons. Bird models are harder to work with than you'd think. I didn't even intend to be in these photos, but he wouldn't perch on anything I wanted him to sit on, so naturally the best alternative was my head. Self-portraits are hard enough to begin with! I've worked with wind, harsh light, and tricky people, but Sue was by far the most difficult model I've run into. (I haven't had anyone fly away from me before.)

Trina + Boys

Campbell, California Photographer | Sunflower Mini-Sessions | Summer 2015

Jessica | Sunflower Mini-Sessions

Campbell, California Photographer | Sunflower Mini-Sessions | Summer 2015

Vickie, Marina, & John | Sunflower Mini Sessions

Campbell, California Photographer | Sunflower Mini-Sessions | Summer 2015

Gilberto

Nicole

Classic California | UCSB Class of 2015 Senior Portraits | Santa Barbara County

This senior shoot was definitely one of a kind. I would simply describe Nicole as "fabulous." She is funny, energetic, and probably the most adventurous person I've had the pleasure of working with so far; this is evident in her train trestle and ocean photos. She spent a semester at sea traveling the world and used some scarves from her travels for part of the shoot. During our consultation she recited a disturbing-yet-wonderful poem she had written off the top of her head. I think that says it all – she is an interesting, fabulous human being. And I hope these photos reflect that! Thanks again, Nicole!

Joré

El Capitan Canyon & Gaviota State Park

I don't think either of us knew what we were getting into for this shoot. This was the first time I had been to both of these places (the train trestle and the wind caves), and based on some vague research into each, I had certain expectations. One thing I didn't expect was a 60-foot section of nearly vertical climbing to get to the caves. Needless to say, Joré was definitely more in shape than I was. She is involved in theater at UCSB (I love theater people!), and I had a great time working with her.

Cacti Self-Portraits

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA 

I was inspired by a senior session the night before (photos to come) to return to this spot and take some self-portraits with these cacti. Aren't they cool? It's all around a great spot because there aren't many people around (the most awkward part about taking self-portraits), and it's right by the UCSB lagoon – you don't have to go far around here to find a variety of biomes.

Also, I'm not a fashion blogger, but I just have to say that this whole outfit was purchased at Crossroads (at different points in time) for less than $20. That's a Lucky Brand shirt and a J. Crew sweater right there. Boom.

Julia K.

Goleta, California Photographer | UCSB Senior Portraits | Class of 2015

I just love working with seniors! For the first (and last) time, I am also a college senior, and it's so fun to be surrounded by so much enthusiasm for UCSB and graduation. Julia and I were able to get some great shots over at the Butterfly Preserve – isn't her smile contagious?

Sydney

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

A sailboat washed ashore near the UC Santa Barbara campus recently, and Sydney (also a UCSB student) was nice enough to come explore it with me before it's gone. It was a beautifully overcast day, so I couldn't resist getting some shots along the way. We gathered a "bouquet" of dead brush and had fun incorporating it into some shots (and discussing the fact that it belongs in a mason jar at a hipster wedding). Thanks again, Sydney!

Alex & Mike

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

Alex & Mike recently got engaged, and we had a great time wandering around the Funk Zone and beach area of Downtown Santa Barbara. They moved here from New Jersey not too long ago, and I'm glad because it meant I got to work with them! I love the industrial feel of the beginning shots, followed by the soft, romantic tones of the ending after the sun had set. Such a sweet, attractive couple. :-)

Krissy & Erik

Goleta, California

The day of this shoot was the 3-year anniversary of when Erik first proposed to Krissy, so I thought it was sweet that we got to incorporate their wedding attire into some of the shots. They are an amazing couple with awesome style. Thanks again, Krissy & Erik!

Pyracantha Self-Portraits

I wanted to plant succulents to take to my apartment at school, and I had to trim the burro tail one to transport it. Since there were these pretty long strands of succulent, I couldn't let them go to waste. I also didn't have a model handy, so I decided to wear a succulent crown myself. However, the self-portraits were much easier said than done. I haven't taken outdoor self-portraits for a long time, and when I last did so, I was shooting on automatic, which was way easier. But shooting manual to get the exact effect you want requires you to be constantly adjusting settings, so even with a flip-screen and a remote trigger, it was a struggle. I even decided the crown looked kind of dumb, but here are the few surviving images.

Zoe

Presidio - San Francisco, California

I was chasing fog for this shoot, hoping to catch what was left of the summer's morning gloom. I even left my house at six in the morning. Unfortunately, I chose the one day the fog decided not to show up. But Zoe and I had a great time nonetheless.

dio