I hope you're all staying hydrated and are applying the proper level of SPF. Here is a short list of recent activity in my work life. I really appreciate all of you that follow along. Muchisimas Gracias.
~ rafa
Festival goers flying their flag at the Made in America concert held on the steps of city hall and Grand Park.
Shooting for Marketplace
I've been approached to shoot for Marketplace.org, a public radio show that airs across the country. They're doing a series of stories in Highland Park. The series will span two months of reporting and will include my photography. I'll be on assignment throughout the process.
Meet me at Chico's for cafe de holla!
Music Makers
I had the privilege of having Irene Diaz and Carolyn Cardoza in my studio for a session. We listened to Lana Del Rey and slowly got into a good groove for shooting. These photos are still in the cooker being edited. You should see more photos from this series as they release them on their site and social media. Visit IreneDiaz.com.
This inspired an internal conversation about shooting more musicians all of 2015 to compile a book.
All of these photos were shot using natural light and an aluminum reflector. Only a few had a home depot light rig that I put an umbrella on. I'm really looking forward to releasing these.
Making Waves
Giovanni Douresseau at Dockweiler Beach
The California Community Foundation was looking for someone to capture this young man for their annual report. I was up to the task of getting wet a little and might have damaged a lens while doing my best to avoid sea spray.
The CCF funds The Youth Mentoring Connection. The YMC has a surf program that brings inner city kids to the beach and teaches them to ride the waves. I saw it as a metaphor for learning to stand up strong no matter what direction life may carry you in.
Giovanni Douresseau, above, is the focus of a short documentary that will be released soon. He loved surfing from the first day he tried it. Because of this program he decided to lose a substantial amount of weight to make surfing his life. He now competes and continues with the YMC, now as a mentor -- all while working on his college degree.
Express Yourself
LA Commons continues to put on very cool workshops for people to express themselves. I'm always glad to be called to document these events for them. Take a look at the work they do by visiting their website at www.lacommons.org.
New Flame Video Shoot Stills
Chris Brown just released his album "X." A month back I got to shoot behind the scenes and stills. This shoot was out in the desert around Palmdale. This was pretty cool because I was also able to shoot Usher, Rick Ross and Tyga. Here's a couple pics. The label owns these photos so I can't share the rest. You can see the video here. http://youtu.be/fhdP5Irrl1I