What it felt like.

“Don't shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like.”

Before the world turned upside down, I had the incredible experience of attending Photo Native in Santa Barbara.  It was three days full of inspiration and education.  A time for me to put all distractions aside and focus on PHOTOGRAPHY.   I learned a ton, made some great new photographer-friends, and most importantly, I was INSPIRED.

Our first keynote speaker was the world-renowned photographer, John Dolan.  The stories of his days working in print with magazines like "Martha Stewart Living" and other well-known publications were fascinating.  It was when he started talking about shooting weddings that he shared the above quote.  The room fell silent and the energy shifted.  I felt like everything just stopped.  Ever since I started my photography business, my goal has been AUTHENTICITY.  I want to create images that are authentic to the people and the moment in time.  I went into Photo Native expecting to improve my technical skills.  I came out with the confidence that I am doing things right.  At every shoot, I will get the "photo for Grandma" of everyone looking at the camera.  Then, I quickly move on to prompts and games that will create memories for my clients.

Shortly after the conference, I was privileged to shoot the National Charity League Senior Presentation Ball at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.  Before the presentation, we shot hundreds of family portraits.  Everyone in formal attire, full of excitement.  When we moved into the ballroom for the presentation, Dolan and Harvey's words rang in my ears.  WHAT DOES THIS FEEL LIKE?  I am sharing the results of that approach here.  Did I succeed?

Take out your phones and get some photos of what this pandemic feels like in your home.  Some day you will look back and actually want to remember what this experience was like.  I can't wait until we can be together and shoot the joy of coming out the other side.

Warmest,

Lisa