Little Women

This post was inspired by my two lovely nieces Aerial and Jacqueline. I recently spent a wonderful Sunday afternoon with them, and was once again reminded, inspired and touched by their youth and heart (and their humor and sauciness!). I have had the utmost pleasure in watching them grow from tiny infants mesmerizing and commanding the attention of the soul of our family, and blossoming into little women of substance slowly finding their way. I have watched them endure challenges that will inevitably mark their journey, but take little from the character they have been blessed with.  Here's to the Aunties who are so lucky to have blessed little girl creatures in their lives to inspire us, and remind us to be better women.

I included photos of some of my dearest friend's nieces that I had the pleasure of shooting: Katy, getting ready to graduate from High school. The world is hers. Skyler celebrating her 16th Birthday surrounded by friends and family - and an Auntie who pulled out all the stops and threw her the kind of party that only a stellar event planner can do! www.hullabalooeventdesign.com

Baking 101

So, maybe it's the season (Spring!), or maybe some other far reaching phenomenon as to why I have been on a baking rampage! I must say that I love it. I have been baking cupcakes for the kids at my school, my Veterinarian and his staff, my family, my neighbors, friends (or "guinea princess," as I like to call those who serve as my taste testers). Who, and what's next?!!

Pasadena Playhouse

The Pasadena Playhouse has seen its share of ups and downs, which is often times the journey of a non-profit organization. The Playhouse was scheduled to be shut down not too long ago due to dwindling donations, and outstanding financial burden. 90 years of California theater history to be locked away, and  stored into mere memories for the ages. However, as happy endings do exist The powers that be were able to turn the tide for the Playhouse, and it was able to remain on its feet.


During this time I was taking a photography class and our assignment was to photograph a place with significant meaning to us; a place that evoked a spiritual connection.  Since I still consider acting my longest standing passion, the mistress to all others, my mind immediately raced to Theater! I thought of the Playhouse knowing that it had just revived itself. I contacted Sheldon Epps, the artistic director of the Playhouse and humbly made my request to photograph its interior. He allowed me to do so. I walked in one afternoon and was let into the theater by an elderly female volunteer (most likely one of the foot soldiers who helped with the Playhouse's rally). I was in awe, as I was in there all alone. The theater was warm, inviting and calling to me my whole shoot. Here are some shots from that awesome day.

The Theater is the only institution in the world which has been dying for four thousand years and has never succumbed. It requires tough and devoted people to keep it alive - John Steinbeck

Action!

 With Oscars right around the corner, I thought it would be apropos to share my photos of my dear friend Neil Lewis. Neil is an old friend from my thespian days. He called me up one day and asked if I could shoot some shots of him a'la Jackie Robinson....as always, Neil the consummate professional jumped into character, and I just shot away.  Easy day at the office!

Gaelle Secretin

I have a lot of hair. It's long, unruly sometimes, but always a trooper despite the torment I've put it through over the years. I had the same hair dresser for umpteen years, and although I loved him, and his cuts, he never could quite join me into new and exciting eras like the 90's, or the 21st century. A blow out from him was a sight to behold...feathers that were not quite feathers, more like big, puffy S.O.S. pads floating on each side of my head. I say ALLL this to say, ladies and gentleman please meet Gaelle Secretin http://www.kittycut.com/, my wonderful, beautiful, fire-crackin, take-no-jive-talkin, wizard with the scissors AND blow dry Goddess! An old friend I used to work with referred me to her, and I am forever grateful (Thanks Bri!).


Gaelle had recently got her own studio salon, and by chance I was her first customer that day. Knowing this I asked if I could bring my camera. She accepted my request. I felt inclined to document if you will, her success as I am always so impressed, and inspired with folks who follow their dreams.  Merci Gaelle! Vous estes le meilleur!

Sweet 15

Ahh, to be 15 again! Bitter or sweet as the  memories may be, one thing is for certain you can never go back. I had the pleasure of shooting this sweet 15 year old, Adriana Pantoja,  who had the great idea of including her love of softball into her Quinceanera shoot. I said, "Let's do it!" I'm all about charisma!  We had a fun time, for the mere fact that we had to sneak into the South Pasadena girl's softball field (always carry a screw driver with you), and that her pops was there with his Harley, which we managed to include in some shots as well. Whoo hoo!