It makes me so frustrated when you’re trying to do a fashion shoot and you see the security guard running towards you. I already know what he’s going to say. It’s the dreaded deja vu. We don’t have much time. Now it’s a rush rush and hurry hurry type of shoot. I was only able to snap three photos near this red structure. The security guard gets close enough and shouts, “This is private property and you can’t take any photos.” I’ve heard this so many times. How can a building in the middle of downtown Los Angeles be private property? They don’t care if you walk around or sit down or even eat your lunch but has soon as the camera comes out, 9-1-1! 9-1-1! Dang rent-o-cops.
After a long day, sometimes you just want to eat pizza. It’s simple. It’s easy. And it’s take out. How can you beat that? And as far as I know, I’m not allergic to gluten. The main reason why I order gluten-free is for the chewy dough. I have no idea if all gluten-free pizza taste like this but I’m enjoying it. The crust is chewy and the pepperoni is so crispy. The red sauce isn’t too thick either. If you’re interested in trying something different, give Spin Pizza a try.
For being such a small beach town, Laguna Beach has many things to offer with great locations to shoot. I love this place and the fresh ocean breeze. It’s now mid-day and getting hot here. The last thing I want is for the Belarus model, Katya Katie Kutz, sweating in her black leather BCBGMAXAZRIA dress and belt. So let’s knock out a few shots and call it a day.
One of my fav fashion shoots. I love combining completely different elements and creating art from it. When was the last time you saw a model, Jeffrey Campbell high heels, and a surf board against some murals in downtown Los Angeles? Exactly my point. When I collaborate with models and hear some of their ideas, it helps spark new visions in my mind. And then we create something like this.
I love taking out the Benz for a photo shoot. You can place this car anywhere and end up with amazing shots. I’m literally driving to one of my fav coffee shops located in The Lab, Cafecito Organico, when I see this colorful wall. I’m definitely going to give it a shot after I get some coffee.
I’m a nostalgic kind of guy and when I find a place that was built back in 1895, I start to drool. And Old Town Irvine is one of those places. I’ve done a few street fashion shoots here and it feels new every time I visit. The ancient wood, that appears to be original, keeps my mind wondering about the history of this place. I love old stuff.
Today, I’m on a mission to find new locations to shoot. I’m cruising north on PCH towards Seal Beach and see this cool mural by Derick Montez. It’s located in the back of an ominous pink motel but thank goodness it’s during daylight hours so I should be safe. Creepy motel for real.
Today, is different. Most mornings, I wake up to the idea of where to shoot and as of now, nothing comes to mind. Maybe coffee will help. I jump on the 405 and stop at some random place on the east side of Long Beach for a cup of organic coffee, which by the way, was made incorrectly. Not that I’m a pour-over-coffee-snob, I just want my coffee to be made correctly.
I met up with pro snowboarder, Alyona Elena Alekhina to do a fashion shoot for one of her sponsors, Roxy. She was kind enough to share her story with me while we headed over to Sunset Beach. I’m clueless about the snowboarding industry and hearing about her accident almost brought tears to my eyes. Seriously. I don’t know what I would do in the same situation. After listening to her story, I immediately felt a sense of complete inspiration. I have to admit, she’s a true warrior and an inspiration for a lot of people. Kudos to her. This photo shoot really hit home for me and I started thinking about what it takes to never give up.
Ideas started popping in my head the day I decided to use my Carlsson Mercedes as a prop. It’s a pretty cool prop to have and definitely brings a certain element to each photo shoot. There’s something about seeing a beautiful car next to some amazing architecture. And I didn’t have to drive far to find 611 Anton, it’s right next to South Coast Plaza, also known as the other Rodeo Drive. I honestly didn’t realize how many awesome buildings are here until I started looking for places to have a photo shoot. I’m happy that security didn’t rush out and kick me off the property, they tend to do that. It’s a good day.