California

It's hard to describe a trip to others. You're in a totally different world, new things to see, new people, new place, new food. I fell in love with California. It was amazing to have 6 whole days alone with B. Despite the jet-lag and waking at 5:00 in the morning the first few days, we both felt very relaxed and came home feeling rested. It was so nice to just be able to have conversations without being interrupted. One morning we walked down the beach about a mile and conveniently ended up at a Starbucks, we went to Santa Monica, ate tons of Mexican, swam in the ocean, B took a surf lesson, shopped, ate far to many Pinkberry's - it was lovely. Laguna Beach is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. I think I left part of my heart there. I hope we can go back again sometime with Liam.

I also met Sheye while I was there. The opportunity to meet her was why we choose to go to Laguna rather than somewhere else. Her photography and writing inspired me since I first came across it a few years ago. She is one of the main reasons I started taking photos and also why I have kept at it. She's been such a encouragement to me. The night before I was supposed to meet her I got terribly nervous and even wanted to back out. B wouldn't let me. I was worried that who she was over e-mail and the internet may not be who she was in person. I couldn't imagine spending the whole day with someone I didn't enjoy and mostly how disappointed I would be. I was definitely wrong. She was even more lovely in person than on the internet. We spent the morning talking about photography, kids, family, life and in the afternoon she did a bit of shooting with me (despite my nervousness to shoot in front of her and her friend). She truly is a beautiful soul and one who I hope I will have the opportunity to see again.

Here are some photos of Sheye's stunning friend and our subject that we practiced on.




These two were taken and edited by Sheye