Everything Ellie

{ These guys are legit crazy awesome }

{ Ellie herself in all her glory plus Superman undies }

You love who you love....

"As long as we're together, the rest will fall in place"― Rick Riordan, The Mark of Athena

{ click here to read a post from last year, to the day }

Party for a Cause

Betty's Foundation, a family-run, grassroots non-profit organization that raises money to eradicate Alzheimer's disease, is hosting their annual music benefit concert called Remember the Music. Last year, even though I could not attend, I was honored to donate two Love Bullet necklaces for the silent auction to raise money for this amazing cause. As an artist myself, I truly believe in the healing properties of music and art. Music has power! Especially for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It can spark compelling outcomes even in the very late stages of the disease. When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function and coordinate motor movements. This year's event will be held at the Federal Bar in Long Beach, CA on Sunday, October 19th so get your tickets soon! And look out for the Love Bullet necklaces at the silent auction...just a little hint, I'm not only donating a traditional Bullet necklace, but also a beaded vintage coin necklace that I've been creating lately! When you get there, get your bidding on! 

I have shared this video on the Love Bullet blog and I'd like to share it again here because it's so moving and inspirational. Music can help people with a myriad of illnesses and struggles...so please support this event and never stop believing in the power of art therapy!

Looking Within

As a photographer, it seems strange the concept of closing your eyes and looking WITHIN to see and connect with the world. Of course mucking around in nature, on hikes and adventures, makes one appreciate and SEE all the magic and wonder this Earth has to offer. But recently, I've discovered something that has helped me and I'd like to share it with as many people as I can. I have been a believer in yoga since college. One of my favorite mottos is "No yoga, no peace. Know yoga, know peace" which I believe to be very true. I personally love hot yoga ( I go to Sumit's yoga in Scottsdale ) as well as Bikrahm yoga. But besides my savasana at the end of every class, where I can let my body relax and my mind focus inward, I've never tried any kind of formal meditation. You can see where this is going now, right? I'm talking about transcendental meditation. The reason I decided to share my new practice on this forum, a photography blog, is because I've found that it positively affects every aspect in my life...especially professionally. I am an anxious person by nature, it's something I struggle with daily. And I'm sure any photographer you ask will tell you that your nerves can get the best of you when, let's say, you are shooting someone's wedding. The biggest day of their life! No pressure! I have had to teach myself to harness this nervous energy and turn it into creative energy on any photo shoot. And I'm very excited now that TM is in my daily routine because I think that will become much easier for me to do. How I got introduced to TM is very odd. Lately, I've been watching all things Russell Brand. Get Him to the Greek, a classic! Most of his stand up can be found on youtube, including the most recent show The Messiah Complex which is hilarious! He speaks very honestly about his struggles with addiction and how TM and yoga has changed his life. So take a watch of this video montage a fan put together brilliantly... watch it with an open mind and always remember, one writes his own destiny...maktub.

The Cool Crew

Here are some senior portraits I took over the weekend of my sisters and her best friends. I wish I was THAT cool when I was in high school. I mean, how chic do they look?

Fighting Fires

Pick up August's issue of Images AZ magazine to check out a photo story I shot about the brave Anthem fire fighters! 

ballet & le bullet

Follow @thelovebullet on Instagram to see pics like this one! 

I collaborated with my friend Jessica of the fashion blog Chic & Disheveled and the results are here and here!

I'm in a Monday kind of Mood

Here are some out takes of a photo shoot I did a while back styled by shopstephanies.com in Isabel Marant. I love the moodiness of the photos and basically just dig the entire vibe. 

But of course I do, I'm French. 

the hidden Spanish castle!

I love love love shooting photos at the Montelucia hotel! Over the past week, I've shot Peri's senior portraits and had drinks with a friend in the lovely air conditioned bar {pictured above} I highly recommend the honeydew mule. Yummy! The staff is so gracious at this hotel and it's full of nooks and crannies perfect for portrait backgrounds!

Warning to all Seniors...it's beginning!

Senioritis: noun. A crippling disease that strikes high school seniors. Symptoms include: laziness, an over-excessive wearing of track pants, old athletic shirts, sweatpants, athletic shorts, and sweatshirts. Also features a lack of studying, repeated absences, and a generally dismissive attitude. The only known cure is a phenomenon known as Graduation.

Contact loveandphoto@gmail.com to schedule your senior portrait session!