Luma // Los Angeles Studio Portrait Shoot

I know I say this a lot but, I LOVE MY JOB! Luma hired me for a just-for-fun photoshoot and fun is exactly what we had. I believe in creating an environment that diminishes the nerves a big camera in your face can bring. I play music you can vibe too and show you images as we go. My biggest goal is to make you feel confident, sexy and like you don’t want the shoot to end - next to taking bomb ass pics of course. Check out the gorgeousness that is Luma here:

Danielle + Tristin // San Clemente Yoga Portrait Session

If you search “yoga poses on the beach” on Pinterest hundreds of gorgeous shots with women doing intricate poses will pop up. What you won’t see is how hard is is for them to get INTO the poses ON THE BEACH! Yoga instructors Danielle and Tristin hired me to photograph them doing yoga during golden-hour at San Clemente State Beach….and when I tell you it was tough (for them, I can’t even touch my toes so i was not about to try!!) I mean it haha. The sand was uneven, soft, and wet in most places lol. Despite the sand providing some challenges, the girls absolutely crushed their shoot and the images came out so beautiful.

Check out their full golden-hour session here:

Class of Corona // 2020 Grad Season Highlights

Miss Rona (aka COVID-19) really came in to ruin EVERYONES plans for 2020. It really hit hard that the Class of 2020 would be robbed of anything that resembled a celebration for their years of hard work and dedication. Aside from taking some bomb photos, it became my top priority to make this photo shoot feel like a celebration. Take a look at some of the shot’s from this season’s grads here :)

Oh and, CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020 YOU DID IT!

Sweater Puppy // Los Angeles, Ca // Brand Photoshoot

This shoot right here is hands down one of my favorite shoots to date. I can’t even explain why. It’s just the feelings these images give me. Every part of this shoot - the models, makeup, styling, creative direction, and of course the amazing pieces for Sweater Puppy - worked so well together. This was an all female set and let me say, when women link and work together we are unstoppable.

The incredible team:

Crochet Pieces - Sweater Puppy

Styling - Andrea McInnes

Makeup - Kali Mann

Models: Keara

Marley

Indigo

Take a look at the branding images for Sweater Puppy below:

Crust // Temecula, Ca Portrait Session

AHHHHH IT’S HERE Y’ALL! One of my favorite portrait sessions with this Cutie Crust. I had originally asked Crystal if she wanted to style a shoot or two for me, and eventually talked her into booking a portrait photoshoot with me ;)

Here’s exactly how I did lol:

Me: “I see it as an investment. These are the types of photos you’re going to be sure to keep and show off forever! You’ll have these when you’re old and wrinkly showing the little ones how hot ya once were.”

Crystal: “Wow I never looked at it that way, that makes so much sense. My mom would love them too haha. Damn look at you miss girl boss, you sold me.”

Me: * sheds a tear and flips my hair *

Face beat by Natalie Payne MUA

NOW TAKE A LOOKSY!!!! ONE HOUR 4 LOOKS. $300.

Breanna + Trevor // Irvine, Ca Wedding

Every wedding is a pleasure and honor to be apart of. Breanna and Trevor’s was extra special because I photographed Breanna’s sister’s wedding in July 2018. Check out Kaitlin and Hector’s big day here. Not long after Trevor proposed to Breanna, we got to chatting and they asked me to be apart of their big day. I’m not lying when I said I shed a SINGLE tear (picture Johnny Depp in Crybaby). Obviously, I accepted.

Breanna and Trevor got married on a beautiful, warm May day at their church, Harvest Christian. The day was filled with absolute pure love. A love that expanded beyond the two. Everyone in attendance, especially their amazing families, were excited and cheerful for the soon-to-be husband and wife. After saying, “I do,” and taking their cute-as-heck bridals, we ate our Habit Grill burgers and danced the night away. Oh. And ice cream sandwiches. We ate some bomb ice cream sandwiches. As I finished up my night on the dance floor, because yes no matter where, I get the dance floor poppin’, Breanna’s angel of a mother told me I was like apart of their family now. I may or may not (definitely the former) have cried. Thank you so much Breanna and Trevor for having me! Check out highlights from their big day here:

Wells Siblings // Southern California Family Photoshoot

Ahhh, I LOVE sibling photoshoots, especially when the “kids” are all grown up. Not only is it an amazing gift for mom, it is a gift for yourself. You get bomb pictures of yourself, as well as with your built-in best friends / pain-in-the-asses.

I’ve known Taylor, the only sister and eldest Wells sibling, since 2014. I took her grad photos earlier this year with her mom, so when Taylor asked to do this as a gift for her mom I was honored. We met up at Irvine Regional Park on a misty Saturday afternoon. To my pleasant surprise, Taylor’s brothers, Brett and Connor, were comfortable in front of the camera, didn’t complain and actually enjoyed themselves. This made for a very easy and fun photoshoot. Within 45 minutes I had hundreds of photos to choose from. Check out their poppin’ sibling photoshoot here:

Alexa // Orange County Fashion and Portrait Photoshoot

I love taking portraits. To be blunt, they’re my shit. Don’t get me wrong, I love fashion and pretty clothes, but I’m much more interested in capturing the people in them. As cheesy as it sounds, we all have something unique about us (major eye roll, I know) and I love capturing it. Whether its the way you smile when you laugh, or the way your eyes light up when I prompt you to think of Rihanna baking you cookies, we all got something. I highly recommend doing a solo portrait session at least once in your young adult life. When you look back on them 5, 10, 15, 30 years from now, you’ll never be upset you did them. You’ll smile at how amazing you looked and get to enjoy how much you’ve grown since.

Alexa and I had our first shoot together in June of 2018. Since then we’ve shot countless times, but these photos blow every other of ours out of the water. We shot at OC’s only natural light studio, Sparks Studio, and let me just say, I could have shot there ALL DAY. Thank you, Jennifer, for having us! Check out the perfect mix of portraiture and fashion here!

Dominique and Ryan // San Clemente Engagement Session

OHHHHH I’M SO BEHIND ON BLOGGING LMAOOO. Dominique and I met when I started working at Fullerton Photographics, a print shop and photo studio in Fullerton. She had just left to work as a substitute, but came back on occasion to lend a helping hand or to just say hi to Leasha, the best boss ever. We became friends through our quick meetings and infamous twitter interactions, so it was only natural that the next step was influencing her to hire me for her engagement photos (read WEDDING lol).

Dom and Ryan met me in San Clemente on a beautiful June day. We laughed, we danced, we took some amazing photos. Check them out here!

Elii - Black Boy Joy // Los Angeles, Ca // Styled Shoot

This shoot marks a pivotal milestone for myself and my photography career, because it was my first shoot where MY images were published on Vogue Italia! I legit cried when I found out. After submitting multiple times with other shoots and not getting published, I went into this shoot with Elii ready to make some MAGIC. This was the first shoot, in what felt like forever, where I stepped out of my comfort zone and really saw my vision come to life! When I look at these images I can see the progress of my work and the continuing evolution of who I am as an artist.

Elii and I met via IG almost a year before this shoot took place. When we originally “met,” Elii was living still in High School and lived in Cleveland, Ohio. After he finally made his way to Los Angeles, Ca, we wasted no time planning this shoot. Within a week-and-a-half of him touching down, we got together and took these pics. Scroll down to see my faves!

Check out my Vogue Italia portfolio here: https://www.vogue.it/en/photovogue/portfolio/?id=205493

Julius and Mo // Central Park Boat Fashion Photoshoot

It’s a short and sweet one. I met Julius (in the blue) in October 2018 when he was visiting LA from New York. We did an amazing shoot at Venice Beach, which I need to share. When I planned to come to New York for the summer we knew we had to work together again. He brought his friend Mo and we met at the boat rentals in Central Park. It was definitely a challenge, I’m not going to lie. I was so scared of falling into the damn water. As much as I like these images, this won’t be my last boat-ride type shoot. Knowing what I do now, I could do a lot more. But that’s just me being a critical creative LOL. After our boat ride was up, we walked around the upper-east side for a few more shots. Check out these beautiful men here:

Baby Girl // Domino Park // Williamsburg, Brooklyn Family Photographer

This summer I spent 6 weeks in New York City. More specifically Brooklyn. I made a new friend who wanted some quick photos of his daughter while she was in town. Most of these are unedited but I love them so much because they speak truth to this little girl’s personality. In April 2020 I will officially be a Brooklyn base portrait and fashion photographer. Lemme take your pics.

Take a look at our mini session here:

The Young Heiress // The Plaza Hotel, Central Park, Warehouse // New York City Fashion Photoshoot

When I announced my 6 week trip to New York City, Yoonhye, aka The Young Heiress, being the loyal angel she is, immediately booked two shoots. One during my first week and one during my last - both were fun as heck. The first set of images are from my second-to-last day in Brooklyn at a random warehouse Yoonhye found. We had less than an hour to shoot because I had to leave to attend The Greatest Day Ever, a music festival at Coney Island. The second set of images start outside the Plaza Hotel and move to Central Park area.

You can check out our first ever shoot here.

Take a look at our recent work here:

Katie + Matt // Anaheim Hills, Ca Wedding

Katie and Matt’s wedding was a long time coming. Unfortunately, one of the tragic California fires burnt down Katie’s old home, prolonging the wedding process. But, once they get the ball rolling they didn’t stop! This wedding was planned in just a few short months, with the help of some amazing family and friends. We began their day at a friend’s home in Anaheim Hills - can you believe those first look photos are in someone’s backyard?! Me either - and ended it at their reception in Whittier. It was a tad gloomy and the church was EXTREMELY strict on where myself and my second photographer could stand, but that didn’t stop us from capturing the magic that was their big day! Scroll down and check it out.

Michelle + Joel // Temecula Engagement Session

Ugh, I’m the worst at blogging sessions! Moving forward through 2019 I will make sure I blog more. I will start with this beautiful engagement session from October 2018.

Michelle and Joel have been together since they were teenagers and this coming September they are becoming Mr. and Mrs. and they chose little ole’ me to capture it. (S/O to my sorority sister Marissa for recommending me - you’re a real one ;) ! )

After debating all the beautiful places to shoot at in Southern California, we decided on the most special one - Mount Palomar Winery - where the two became engaged. (And a cute little coffee shop just for fun.) The day was filled with laughter, love, and beautiful photos. Michelle had the cutest jean jacket made that said “Mrs. Ortiz” on the back and brought the sweetest Mr. and Mrs. mugs. We also had to include their fur child Gigi, the cutest little pup around. Their engagement session only made me that much more excited for their big day. Thank you Michelle and Joel for trusting me to capture this next chapter of your lives!

Take a look at our day below:

Pelin + Jake // Hilton Bay Front Hotel // San Diego, Ca Wedding

This is a long one folks. Pelin, Jake and I met on their first engagement shoot with me. Instantly we hit it off, as if we had known each other as friends for years. Their love is radiating, which makes my job easier and much more fun. After their second engagement shoot, I become more excited for their wedding as a friend, than just a photographer.

I cried along with Jake as she walked down the aisle…and during the rest of their ceremony. However, the sappy emotions aside, I was actually highly anxious because it was cloudy and the sun was going down fast. When the ceremony was over I still had to do family shots, group photos and their bridals, all with about 30 minutes of light left. If you scroll down far enough you’ll see I accomplished all that and then some.

Once the reception came the stress was pretty much over. In fact, I finally got to let loose. I’ve been to a lot of weddings - most which have been genuinely fun. But until Pelin and Jake’s, I had never been to one where 98% of the people were dancing and having fun the entire time. I stayed two hours after my day was over just to party with them and their friends (even though I had a wedding the next day). Take a look at their day here!

Elle // Downtown Los Angeles Birthday Photoshoot

Elle celebrated her golden birthday - 25 on the 25th - with a portrait/fashion photoshoot, and she asked lil ole me to capture it. I love love love that Elle decided to treat herself to this. I truly believe that there is nothing more empowering than having your own photoshoot at least once in your life. When you’re older you won’t look back on these photos and regret taking them. Look how badass, strong and beautiful she looks. I promise, this could be you too.

Anyway, Elle and I met up in Downtown Los Angeles and roamed around with no serious sense of direction. She styled it herself and Olya Tizer beat that face. If you’re interested in your own Birthday Photoshoot email me through my contact form and let’s get planning!

The Young Heiress // The New York Public Library and Canal Street Fashion Photoshoot

Yoonhye, aka The Young Heiress, found me on IG when I posted about visiting New York City and booked two mini sessions (different days due to schedule conflicts). Yoonhye is a South Korean immigrant, fashion blogger, and actual angel. She is so sweet and so comfortable in front of the camera. It was an absolute pleasure to take her photos.

Our first shoot took place on Canal Street and our second at The New York Public Library. The final shot was at the Brooklyn Bridge - we were there for a microsecond because we both had to leave but I’m still stoked we got it! Check it out here:

Pelin + Jake // Newport Beach, Ca Engagement Session

On July 4, 2016 Pelin laid eyes on the man of her dreams at Stag Bar in Newport Beach. Thanks to a friend for forcing her to "bump" into him, they began talking and the rest is history - a history I selfishly get to celebrate being apart of. This was my second engagement shoot with Pelin and Jake. While we loved the first round of photos, they both recently got super fit and wanted to show off their hard work. AND I MEAN, LOOK AT THEM!! They are as beautiful outside as they are in. Their love truly radiates on and off the camera and I feel so grateful to be trusted with this big chapter in their lives. October 6th can't come soon enough! Take a look at the fun we had here! 

Amanda + Ricky // San Juan Capistrano Couples Session

I love LOVE. And I love my couples for allowing me to capture theirs. Amanda found me via instagram, shout out social media, and asked me to take pictures for her and Ricky's FIVE year anniversary! Naturally I said yes. We met at the Northwest Open Space in San Juan Capistrano and shot till the park closed. In about an hour I already had over 700 pictures to choose from. These two are so clearly in love and are naturals in front of my camera. They made my job SO easy. Take a little look at their session here! 

Kaitlin + Hector // San Juan Capistrano Wedding

I have to thank Instagram for bringing Kaitlin and Hector to me. The moment the three of us got together it was clear that I was made to shoot their wedding. After our first meeting, which lasted almost three hours, I felt like I had just made two friends for life. In addition to shooting their wedding, I also captured their engagement photos and Kaitlin’s bridal shower - and man, did I know she was a real one after that event (let’s just say I was very sick).

Kaitlin and Hector got married on the day after my birthday, which also might have been the hottest day of summer. It was 112 degrees in San Juan Capistrano and it really felt like it certainly felt like it. After taking their bridals I looked as though I’d just run a marathon. I was drenched in sweat and my face was beat red, yet, somehow Kaitlin stilled looked perfect.

The heat aside, their day was amazing. I had so much fun and I definitely cried more than once. I feel so lucky and am deeply grateful to have clients that turn into friends. It makes me love this “job” more than I thought I could! Here’s to you, Mr. and Mrs. Arroyo.

Alanna // Brooklyn, New York Summer Sunrise Shoot

This is probably photoshoot 289 with Alanna and one my most exciting ones because it was my first photoshoot in New York, ever. I wasn’t visiting for long, just enough for us to celebrate Alanna’s bday, get Friday the 13th tattoos, and go to a music festival in the Bronx. Yet, we still managed to sneak in a quick - maybe 45 minute - shoot at sunrise one of the mornings. We began on her rooftop in Brooklyn, then walked around her streets and called it a day. Take a look at our fun here:

Melissa + Chad // Mount Palomar Winery Wedding

I've known Chad since before Melissa, and let me just say, we definitely love him more with her. Melissa and Chad are definition of opposites attract. Melissa is quiet and shy, while Chad is typically the center of attention. However, they are both incredibly kind, funny and caring individuals. When Chad reached out to ask about doing their wedding photos I almost cried I was so excited. The two tied-the-knot on April 28, 2018 at the Mount Palomar Winery in Temecula. The day was overwhelmingly beautiful and couldn't have gone better. Take a short glance at their big day here. 

Alexa // Real House Wife of Orange County Themed Photoshoot

Story time. The setting of these photos was in the front room of a house I lived in for a month, before I had to move-out quickly because the landlord was off her rocker. She had been a family-friend of my parents and offered me a room for only $300, and let me just say, if it sounds too good to be true, it is! I moved in all my clothes and gave away my bedroom furniture to God Will (where I bought it in the first place) because the room was furnished. Within the month she told me she needed my room for a week for her family that was coming to visit and that she wouldn’t be refunding me the money for the week. This turned into a whole ordeal. I had to get out bc STRESSED.

BUT, before all that happened I got to take pictures in the front room. A room that definitely didn’t match the rest of the house. The idea behind this shoot that Alexa was a rich, bored housewife. I had to be careful to make sure this shoot was badass and playful and not borderline porno. Check out some of the photos here: