I met Jessica in 2017 when she performed (violin) as a duet with a friend of mine who played Piano. And ever since, she has asked me to come film the SoCal Philharmonic concerts since she is first chair. This holiday season, Jessica had me come over one afternoon to her house in Laguna Beach to photograph her family for their Holiday card. They do the same photo every year, full family with an instrument. I was honored to photograph this year’s photo.
It was a pleasure to photograph The Gromble last night at Orange County DIY in Lake Forest, CA. This little venue is quickly becoming a favorite of mine to shoot at. They keep booking fantastic bands and it's a rad little spot in south Orange County. Upstairs there's a studio owned by The Gromble where artists are recorded and produced by the drummer, Stefan Mac.
Hope you enjoy these photos and be sure to check out the band's music.
Venue: Orange County DIY located at North Dwarf Records in Lake Forest, CA.
Check out our instagram page for daily updates and give our Facebook page a "like".
- Sarah
Last night I attended a small show for local bands in Lake Forest, CA. The opener was The Shakes. They were a fun alternative indie rock band that moved people to dance which I really enjoyed. And next up was Dear Kora. I loved their emotional vibe and hint of Flyleaf tone. They really captured the audience and even had a mosh pit going at the end.
In the past when I have done concert photography I have solely focused on the band but now with the documentary mindset, I found myself focusing on the fans and getting the raw emotion of the show.
I shot in RAW but I put my settings to Monochrome (Black & White) in camera, knowing that I could see them in color later when editing. While editing, I decided I liked how the majority of photos looked in Black & White and stuck with that.
Hope you enjoy :)
Venue: Orange County DIY located at North Dwarf Records in Lake Forest, CA.
Check out our instagram page for daily updates and give our Facebook page a "like".
- Sarah
It is with a heavy heart that I write this post.
Michael Powell was a fellow photographer, an avid hiker, healthy Paleo eater, musician, and most importantly, my friend. On Oct 19th news broke out on Facebook that Michael had died on Oct. 18th after submitting Mt. Whitney late Oct 17th. Michael was young (36), and so full of life. I still feel hurt and angry knowing he was taken from this world far too early. He wasn't able to climb all the mountains he wanted to, or create all the music he planned to, and he and I will never be able to work together again. But I take comfort in the fact that he was doing what he loved and he was in a good place in life. As his mother put it, "he had no unfinished business."
Michael let me interview him for a documentary I made earlier this year in which he talked about his struggles with weight, and how he had found a healthy lifestyle he really enjoyed: Paleo diet and hiking for exercise.
As a "Thank You" for his time, we set up a photoshoot this summer for new headshots/promo photos for his photography business. He was such a kind and supportive soul. There was so much promise in his photography work and music. I'm glad I got to spend time with him while he graced the earth with his wonderful spirit.
On Sunday November 6th, over 300 people gathered at Irvine Park in Orange, CA to Celebrate the life of Michael Powell. It was a beautiful event filled with potluck style food, friends of Michael from different times in his life, photographs that people brought to share, and of course, stories upon stories honoring this great man. I wish I knew him longer and knew him more. You will be missed my friend.
So honored to have my photo displayed.
Michael with his mom Linda and her husband Don
Over 300 beautiful souls who came to celebrate Michael Powell
Thank you for checking out these photos. It means a lot to me to be able to share something personal with the world and be able to express my grief through photographs.
