Small wooden birdhouse with rectangular and narrow windows, mounted on a wooden post in a garden with greenery and trees in the background.

About six months ago, I came across a micro gallery online and was instantly inspired. The idea stuck with me. Like most things in my life, I moved slowly at first—feeling it out, seeing if it was meant to be. But once I started moving on it, things came together surprisingly quickly, as if the idea had been waiting for me to say yes.

From design to build to installation, this has been such a special project. I wanted the structure to reflect my own aesthetic (inspired by Sea Ranch architecture), but more importantly, I wanted it to feel approachable. Galleries can sometimes feel… well, a little too precious. I wanted OMG to feel like the opposite. A place of curiosity and joy, right there on the street.

Since the beginning, I’ve pictured kids on their tippy toes, peeking in the windows, pointing at the art, or maybe even showing their own work here one day. If I had seen something like this as a kid, I know it would’ve lit a spark in me. Art is a form of freedom, and I want everyone to feel that.

At its heart, OMG is about community. I love this town and the people in it. My hope is that this tiny gallery creates a small but meaningful moment of connection for anyone who passes by.

The plan is to feature a new exhibition every couple of months. To kick things off, the first show is my own fine art photography. If you’d like to follow along and see what’s next, give us a follow over at @ojaimicrogallery—all the info is there.

A huge thank you to Johnny for building this incredible space, to Max and Charlotte for offering a central location where everyone can enjoy the work, and to Michelle for her constant encouragement and support throughout the entire process. Couldn’t have done it without you.

Studio Visit: Cheryl Humphreys

I’ve been a fan of Cheryl Humphreys’ work for years. There’s something about her process and her use of color that’s always stuck with me—quiet, intentional, and full of feeling. So when I finally saw her work in person at a local gallery, it hit even harder. I knew I had to reach out.

After months of back and forth, we found a day that worked. I got to spend a few hours with Cheryl in her studio, which felt like walking into a calm, focused world. It’s always such an honor to be invited into an artist’s creative space, where so much unseen energy goes into making the work we admire from the outside.

I also brought my friend and DP Graham Walzer along to shoot some video. There was a natural rhythm to the day—no big production, just a gentle collaboration. Cheryl was so open and grounded. These are the moments I love most—when everything slows down and you’re just present with someone, witnessing their process.

Some images from that day are below as well as the video. Enjoy :)

A smiling woman with long wavy hair leaning on a work table with a brick wall background, in a black and white photo.

A woodworking workbench with three tall glass jars containing dark wood stain, with stain and brushes spilled across the surface, surrounded by tools, saws, sandpaper, tape, and other woodworking supplies.

Multiple small packages containing watercolor paints in various colors, each wrapped in plastic and secured with rubber bands, scattered on a wooden surface.

Scissors, a ruler, a roll of tape, and a strip of blue paper on a white surface, with a brownish graphic or poster in the background.

A vintage paper cutting machine on a wooden table in a room with a brick wall background.

Woman with long blonde hair, wearing a black t-shirt, smiling while working with various materials on a table in front of a white brick wall.

Close-up of hands pointing at color swatches or sample sheets on a lightbox or light table.

A glass display case filled with scattered, crumpled documents or colored paper sheets.

Person holding a framed artwork while standing behind a printing or framing machine in a studio with a white brick wall.

A woman with long, wavy blonde hair stands in front of a white wall looking at four colorful geometric art pieces with concentric squares in yellow, blue, red, and purple.

Woman using a washboard to hand wash laundry in a large plastic basin in a creative studio or workspace with artwork on the wall.

Hayley

Ojai is a small town, and eventually, everyone’s paths cross. A few months back, I was planning a test shoot with a stylist friend when she randomly asked, “Do you know Hayley?” I didn’t—but funny enough, I had just seen her at a concert and immediately noticed her. She had such a cool presence, effortless style, and this grounded energy that stood out.

Turns out, she’s also in the industry, a talented hair and makeup artist. We got introduced not long after, and I asked if she’d be open to me photographing her. Thankfully, she said yes.

The images below are some of my favorites. A mix of film (35mm and 120) and digital. I had wanted to shoot some video too, but juggling four cameras was already enough for one day.

What I love most about this shoot—and what I’m leaning into more these days is the looseness of it all. No pressure, no big production. Just a conversation, some laughter, some quiet, and seeing where the light takes us. Thanks Hayley, for saying yes.

A woman with long wavy hair outdoors, holding onto a tree branch with her arms raised.

A woman with wavy blonde hair standing outdoors among trees, looking down at the camera with the sunlight behind her, captured in black and white.

A woman with curly blonde hair smiling and sitting on a hammock in a wooded outdoor setting, holding a book in her hand.

Woman with long wavy hair taking a photo outdoors at what appears to be a rocky river or stream, wearing an orange swimsuit, with tattoos on her arm and shoulder, and sunlight illuminating her face.

Person with tattoos on hands holding pink flowers in a kitchen with hanging utensils and pink flowers in the background.

A woman with wavy blonde hair sitting at a glass table outdoors, smoking a cigarette, with a serious expression, surrounded by greenery.

A woman with tattoos on her arms and foot wearing a gray button-up shirt and white pants, sitting on a shaggy rug, writing in a notebook at a wooden table with a mug nearby.

A woman with long, wavy hair leaning against a tree, looking upwards with sunlight filtering through the leaves.

A woman with wavy blonde hair, wearing a light-colored top, sitting at a wooden table in a cozy room with corrugated metal walls, looking down at her phone with a peaceful expression. There is a mug on the table and some food in a bowl nearby.

Lauren

Lauren and I were introduced through a mutual friend on IG. We had been trying to shoot together for what felt like years—maybe it actually was. Last month, we finally made it happen. I showed up at her place with a few pieces of clothing I’d picked up and three film cameras. No shot list, no agenda—just shoot and have fun.

We wandered through her neighborhood, talking about everything from parenthood to music, fashion, and the state of the industry. It was an easy, inspiring afternoon with a fellow creative. Below are some of my favorite images. I hadn’t realized I was shooting on expired black-and-white film, but in the end, I love how it turned out.

Images shot on a Mamiya 6, Contax T2, and a Nikon F4

A woman with long blonde hair wearing a blue sweatshirt, striped shirt, and navy pants stands on a brick porch, holding onto a metal railing with both hands, in front of a brick building with green foliage in the background.

A woman with long blonde hair wearing a blue sweatshirt and a black-and-white striped collared shirt standing outdoors on a sidewalk in front of houses with green lawns.

Black and white photo of a woman in a bra and underwear, standing in front of a window with sunlight coming through.

A black-and-white photo of a woman with long, wavy hair, smiling softly, outdoors.

A woman with long blonde hair, sitting on a bed in a pink lingerie set, looking at the camera in a softly lit bedroom with beige walls, an abstract painting of an elephant above her, and a white modern lamp on a nightstand.

A young woman with long blonde hair, wearing a blue sweatshirt, smiling with her eyes closed, sitting on a tree log outdoors.

A woman sitting naked on a toilet in a bathroom, watering a plant. Sunlight is coming through the window, illuminating the room.

A black and white photo of a woman with long, wavy hair walking outdoors, smiling with her hands in her pockets, with trees and parked cars in the background.

Woman with wet hair resting her arms on the edge of a bathtub in a bathroom.

At home with Gen Z & Gen Alpha

Tasked with capturing a moment in the life of Gen Z/ Gen Alpha, I had the opportunity to witness the sweet, messy and occasionally awkward life of tween and teenage girls…. Within these shots, you can see the brief and seminal experience of transforming from a child to young adult, that fleeting moment where little becomes big. Sisters, staring at their phones, practicing beauty routines on themselves, each other, or on a doll that is a relic from a very recent past. Playing with slime, but engrossed in TikTok, adorning themselves with fake nails during lunch with their mom…. Ordinary moments caught as a homage to childhood, innocence and cringe worthy memories.

A cluttered kitchen table with a CVS shopping bag, a green water bottle, a pink bowl, a clear container of salad, various sauces, a water bottle, and other food items.

A young woman with dark hair sits on a teal bean bag grooming a small blonde doll with a brush in a cluttered, colorful bedroom. The room features various toys, a shelf with vinyl records, a window with white curtains decorated with purple tassels, and a plush dog and a smiling ceramic pot. Natural light fills the space, creating a cozy and lively atmosphere.

Messy bed with scattered clothes and an empty CVS shopping bag on top. A phone is placed on the bed displaying the time 2:07. The wall behind has a photo collage and a red paper sign.

A young woman lounging on her bed, wearing a pink t-shirt and black shorts, looking at a sex toy while holding a tablet, in a bright room with large windows and houseplants.

Young woman brushing her teeth in a small bathroom, standing on a towel on the floor, with a pink rolling cart filled with toiletries beside her.

A person at a kitchen table with CVS pharmacy paper bag, used food container, and scattered pills. There is a laptop, a yellow cup, a green water bottle, and medication packaging on the table. Another person is in the background holding a phone.

A woman with long, wavy blonde hair standing in a messy bedroom, facing a decorated wall. The bed is unmade with pillows and a CVS shopping bag on top. The wall has various posters and photos, including a red foam hand, a portrait of a rapper, and a postcard of the city at sunset.

A woman sitting on a fluffy rug, petting a large brown dog inside a room with a mirror reflecting another dog and a woman. The room has photos on the wall and various items scattered around.

A young woman sitting on a beige shaggy rug, using her phone, with a CVS shopping bag nearby. She is wearing a light gray long-sleeve shirt and gray sweatpants. There are various items around her, including a black purse, pink JBL speaker, a purple spray bottle, and some toiletries. The woman has her hair partially pinned up with a black clip, and there is a white bed with hanging cords behind her.

Mexico City, Mexico

As I reflected on my accomplishments and experiences over the past year, and set the groundwork for a fulfilling year ahead, I realized the things that stayed with me and brought me joy were the moments, not the things. My time with my son, spending time laughing with friends, weekend escapes to new places, and renewed interest in viewing art in all its’ forms; these are the moments that inspired me and helped me through every challenge the year brought. With that in mind I determined the year ahead would be driven by the intent to create more of those moments. To travel, to look at art, to shoot more film and make more videos, buy less, enjoy more, and create beautiful experiences with the people I love. To cook meals from scratch, with care, and share food and wine and laughter. To be present, to be curious and to really expand my horizons both literally and figuratively. I was lucky enough to start this year doing all of that, in Mexico City. I was so truly inspired by the color and the craft, the flavors and the pace of this incredible city. The beauty of the surroundings and the innate sense of vibrancy and history present everywhere reinforced my goal to slow down and appreciate the moment. I wish the same for you in the new year, despite the challenges we have already faced, despite disheartening moments or an uncertain future. Let’s look at art, make beautiful things, and enjoy every moment of it. Cheers to what’s next.

View of a bakery window with pastries on display inside. Outdoor wooden chairs and a table are visible in the foreground, and the ground mat reads 'DON DE CAFE'.

A wooden outdoor table with a person holding a cup of coffee, two more coffee cups, a magazine, and a sugar packet holder with sugar, sweetener, and napkins.

A display table with glass vials containing dried flowers and herbs, decorative dried botanical pieces, glass bowls and containers, and ornamental flowers in small vases, with a window showing greenery outside in the background.

A lit white candle on an orange decorative plate against a textured gold wall.

A vintage blue Volkswagen Beetle parked on a city street at night with a red building and shadowed trees in the background.

Interior of a room with a window view of greenery, displaying various shells and natural objects arranged on black display stands.

Second-story balcony with potted plants, a wicker chair, and wooden doors with glass panes, against an aged, weathered brick and stucco wall.

A person taking a photo in a mirror within a doorway at an old, weathered, brick and concrete building.

Display of various colorful traditional masks hanging against a blue wall, with some masks featuring intricate designs and three-dimensional facial features.

A modern outdoor courtyard with a white wall featuring yellow vertical slits, casting shadows on the wall, stone spherical sculptures on a tiled floor, and trees visible in the background.

Modern minimalist room with bright blue walls, geometric neon blue lighting, a red column, and a glossy reflective floor.

A geometric design featuring a pink wall, a wooden door with diagonal planks, and a tiled sidewalk.

A yellow textured wall with sunlight casting a triangular shadow, a wooden bench, and a white wall with window bars and an indoor light fixture.

Colorful modern art installation with geometric shapes, shadows, and colored walls.

View of an indoor skylight through a staircase ceiling with textured white walls and dark wooden stair railing.

A cozy dining area with wooden tables and chairs, set with plates, glasses, and napkins, decorated with candles. The space features high ceilings, hanging plants, and warm lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere.

A small abstract sculpture of a person on a wooden stair ledge next to a textured wall, with a large rounded stone in the foreground.

Trees and bushes along a city street curb, with a building featuring glass windows in the background.

Reflections & Gratitude

As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on everything it’s brought—the good, the challenging, and the in-between. Looking through my photos from this year, I’m struck by how the dark, moody images feel especially meaningful right now. They remind me of the quiet moments, the struggles, and how light always finds its way in, even when it’s subtle.

This year wasn’t perfect, but honestly, that’s what made it so real. There were ups and downs, lessons learned, and unexpected joys. Through it all, I’m so grateful—for the people I’ve connected with, the projects that pushed me, and the small moments that caught me off guard in the best way.

As we step into a new year, I’m holding onto that feeling of possibility. Anything can happen, and that’s such a beautiful thing. Here’s to what’s ahead—more light, more growth, and more stories waiting to unfold.

A photograph of the moon through a blurry, dark, abstract frame.

A black SUV driving on a dirt mountain trail at dusk, kicking up dust, with silhouetted mountain ridges in the background and a colorful sky.

A kitchen table with bananas, a potato, and an onion in a wire basket, a vase with dried purple and brown flowers, and small candles, with a window showing an outdoor scene in the background.

Close-up of a surfboard with a sharp nose, mostly white with a pinkish hue and a brown stringer, on a paved surface with a shadow cast over part of it.

Bush with red berries in front of a glass window reflecting trees and a wooden structure.

Mountain landscape seen through metal mesh fencing, with layers of mountains fading into the distance under a clear sky.

A dark sky with a crescent moon and some purple and pink clouds.

A dried red flower with a long stem lying on a large gray rock surface.

Hanging glass wind chimes with a red and green semi-sphere and a small silver ball, set outdoors amidst trees and rocks.

Summer Days :)

From solo surf camp trips to San Onofre to lake life in Michigan, we had an epic summer of fun and new experiences. Time spent alone reflecting, journaling, and setting goals was a great way to fill my tank and take on the rest of the year. My son and I took a trip to Michigan to visit several families, two of which live here in Ojai and have lake cabins. If you’ve never been to Michigan in the summer, I highly recommend it. Our days were filled with playing in warm crystal clear water and evenings with S’mores, bonfires, and lightning bugs! I'm incredibly grateful for all of it and will treasure the memories we created for the rest of my life.

Sunset or sunrise over a dense forest with tall trees and purple-hued sky.

A woman in a white dress walking through a field of wildflowers with trees in the background.

Child with blonde hair leaning over the side of a boat, looking down at the water as the boat moves through the ocean.

Child in yellow and white striped shorts lifting a yellow and white striped towel in a rocky outdoor landscape with mountains in the background and a blue sky.

A child standing in shallow water at sunset, holding a stick with a small flame.

A black Land Rover SUV parked in an outdoor lot with a surfboard on its roof, surrounded by wooden posts, with trees and hills in the background under a clear sky.

An open lined notebook with a pen placed vertically in the middle, a pair of tortoiseshell glasses on the upper left, and another pen on the right side. Sunlight casts shadows on the notebook and glasses, and the setup is on a white fabric surface.

A young girl lying on a blanket surrounded by numerous stuffed animals, pillows, and plush toys.

A reflection of a beach scene with people under umbrellas and the ocean in the background, overlaid with tree branches and leaves.

A hand holding a cookie shaped like a crescent moon with a bite taken out of it, in front of the ocean at the beach on a sunny day.

Children on a paddleboard, with one child falling into the water, clinging to the side of the board while other children sit on the board, enjoying a sunny day on the water.

Children playing and splashing in the ocean on a sunny day, smiling and having fun.

FAMILY TIME

I got to spend a little time with this beautiful family capturing loving family moments. That includes the beautiful and the messy :)

Two young girls holding hands while standing on a trampoline outdoors, with an adult partially visible. The background features trees and sunlight.

A family of four enjoying a walk outdoors on a sunny day, with the father carrying a young child on his shoulders, as the mother and another child walk together, all smiling and happy.

A young girl with curly hair and freckles smiling while playing on a swing outdoors, with a boy blurred in the background.

Close-up of a child's feet in striped yellow and white pants, raised in the air while sitting in a green swing, with trees and sky in the background.

Family of four, including a man, woman, and two children, enjoying time on a backyard swing set surrounded by trees. One child with curly hair is sitting on a swing, and another with blonde hair is being pushed on a swing by the man. The woman is smiling and talking to the man, all enjoying a sunny day outdoors.

A woman and three children sitting on a trampoline outdoors during autumn, with trees and a wooden fence in the background.

A young girl sitting in a red wagon eating a popsicle, with part of an adult visible in the foreground outdoors with sunlight, trees, and bushes in the background.

A young girl is hanging upside down on a playground swing, with sunlight shining behind her and trees in the background.

A young girl with curly hair wearing a purple dress over a floral long sleeve shirt, standing outdoors among green leafy plants, holding a small object in her hands and looking down at it, with sunlight filtering through the trees.

Desert Bubble

Creative experimentations in Joshua Tree, CA.

A soap bubble floating in a desert landscape with bushes and distant mountains, under a cloudy sky.

Living room with large landscape painting of desert and mountains, minimalist furniture, potted plant on windowsill, modern hanging light fixtures.

A bedroom with a bed made of wooden pallets on the floor, a large window with white trim, a potted monstera plant, and a large framed picture of a bubble on a beach. A black cat is lying on the floor near a woven basket.

Ryan & Marissa

Shot on location in Los Angeles on 35mm film.

A woman with curly dark hair lying on her side on a light-colored surface, looking directly at the camera.

A man and woman sitting on a striped sofa, smiling and looking at a phone together in a cozy living room.

A woman with curly hair arranging sunflowers in a vase indoors beside a window.

A shirtless man with tattoos embraces a woman wearing a white shirt and blue jeans, inside a home with framed pictures on the wall.

A woman with curly dark hair sitting on a couch dressed in a white shirt, looking toward camera. A man with tattoos on his shoulder and chest, wearing jeans, sits next to her as he looks down. The room has a lamp, a bookshelf, and a window in the background.

Collab: Lou Mora X Taryn Kealani

(please turn sound on and enjoy)

Collab: Lou Mora X Fernando Pino

A large photo of a girl with blonde hair in a field of yellow flowers, with a blue sky above and an orange vehicle resembling a camper van parked on the street below.

House with a sand driveway, woman walking with a dog, parked vehicle, large white flowers in the sky.

A paper bag with a handwritten sign that says 'Please Help Yourself' in front of an orange, surrounded by pink flowers, a toy car, and a small structure resembling a miniature camper or house. The setting appears to be outdoors with a building and greenery in the background.

Collab: Lou Mora X Fiona Clark

A photograph of a snowy mountain, likely a volcano, with a colorful digital illustration of abstract symbols and shapes emanating from its peak, resembling smoke or ash.

Digital illustration of a tree made with colorful, abstract symbols and shapes on a desert landscape background, with a blue sky.

Collab: Lou Mora X Justin Krietmeyer

We see something in nature :)

Sunlit lavender flowers with cartoon eyes against a bright blue sky, small rainbow in the background.

Sunlight shining through a tree with colorful autumn leaves, and cartoon eyes overlaid on the image.

A house with a sloped roof and a single window, next to a large pink flowering shrub, with cartoon eyes added to the shrub, and a chain-link fence in front.

Pink flowering bushes with added cartoon eyes on some of the flowers, set against a blue sky with a rainbow lens flare.

The Seabrookes Family

Have you ever come across a person, or in this case a family that you find striking and/or inspiring? Enter the Seabrookes family. They somehow came across my radar via IG and I immediately wanted to reach out and see if they would be open to letting me shoot some pictures of them. Below is a selection of those images (film & digital).

A family of three, including a woman, a man, and a young girl, is gathered around a small wooden table. The woman is kneeling and smiling at the table, the man is sitting on a white sofa wearing a straw hat and a red plaid shirt, and the girl, with her hair styled in two buns and wearing a white dress, is standing at the table looking at a wooden scroll or paper. The room has wooden flooring, a large bookshelf in the background, and warm lighting.

A young girl with braided hair and a white shirt, sitting indoors, is peering through a window with sunlight casting shadows on her face.

A man wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat and a red plaid shirt stands in a kitchen with wooden cabinets, preparing food on a stove. There are jars, a jar of water, and a towel on the tiled counter.

A woman and a young girl are lying on a bed under a canopy, reading a book together. The woman is pointing at the book, and the girl is leaning close, focused on the pages. The bed has beige sheets, and there is a lamp in the background.

A young girl in a white dress standing at an art station, painting on a small easel in a brightly lit room. An adult wearing a yellow floral dress is partially visible in the foreground, holding a stick.

A shirtless man with a tattoo on his arm wearing a straw hat, standing outdoors with palm trees and a blue sky in the background.

A man with tattoos wearing a white shirt and a straw hat, standing in a room with bookshelves, a large plant, and colorful artwork, leaning over a table.

Ian Collings

Over the years here in Ojai I have been lucky enough to become friends with some really amazing humans. Ian is one of those people, and recently I went to his outdoor studio space to watch him working on his new collection of sculptures.

A man with a beard is sketching on a large paper outdoors, with a texture of corrugated metal and a bright blue sky in the background.

A man in protective gear is working on a large marble sculpture outdoors, leaning over to use a tool on the sculpture positioned on a wheeled cart.

A worker wearing protective gear, including a mask and ear protection, shaping large stone or marble on a portable workstation at an outdoor workshop with scattered stone pieces and statues around.

Man bending over with hands on face in a workshop with stone sculptures and tools.

A shovel resting against a large, light-colored stone block outdoors, with gravel and small stones on the ground.

A man with a beard and short hair standing beside several large stones and marble slabs in a construction site or stone yard, with an unfinished metal wall and construction equipment visible in the background.

Stapelstein - Play any way, all day.

I have to say this might be one of my all time favorite shoots. The product is amazing and made ethically, it inspires creativity and imagination through open play, and they are absolutely beautiful to look at and have in your home. We’ve had a set in our home for some time now and not only does my son and all his friends love them, but I also use them for all sorts of things.

Below are some of my favorites but if you’d like to see more, click here!

A person sitting at a table with their back to the camera, wearing a white t-shirt and denim shorts, with a stack of colorful cushions or foam blocks arranged vertically behind them on the floor.

Stacked rainbow-colored towels or cushions next to a rustic wooden wall and a door made of light wood, with a mirror on the side, and a string of white shells hanging down the wall.

Two children are standing on colorful foam stepping stones indoors, with one child on the left and the other on the right, positioned on a light-colored floor near a blue upholstered chair and a wooden wall.

Children playing with colorful cushions and toy animals on a checkered bedspread.

Person swimming in a pool with a red pool float, holding a yellow inflatable ring, and wearing a bracelet and a red cap.

Two children, a girl and a boy, are standing at the doorway of a wooden house, carrying a cardboard box together.

A child sitting on a bed with striped red and white sheets, playing with two yellow balance pods, one under each hand, wearing a gray shirt and ripped jeans.

Studio Visit: Kevin Appel

I recently caught up with Kevin Appel at his home studio in Los Angeles. It had been too many years since I last saw Kevin and it was a real treat to catch up and spend some time in his world.

Man with glasses, beard, and curly hair sitting in a black chair, holding a white cup, in a room with yellow and abstract wall art.

View of four abstract paintings on a white gallery wall with art supplies and brushes in the foreground.

An artist working on a large abstract artwork in a spacious studio, surrounded by art supplies and paintings on the walls.

An artist working on a large abstract mural on a wall, using a level tool for precision.

Blue and black paint spilled on a white surface with a yellow palette knife.

Gallery wall with colorful abstract art paintings and small wooden stools lined up along the white wall.

An artist's studio with paintings, art supplies, and tools on tables and shelves, including large abstract artworks on the wall.

A father & son trip into the desert.

When I was growing up, all I wanted was to spend time with my dad. He was often gone, working during the week. On the weekends he would come home and shower me with anything and everything I wanted. At the time I loved it, sort of, but as I grow older, and now with a son of my own, I realize all I wanted was time with my dad. I wanted his attention, his love, his touch. I wanted him to want to hear me, listen and help me. Now, I’m a father and I am here for my son - listening, helping, teaching, and most importantly, loving him.

We’ve been on a father/son road trip to the desert since Sunday, it’s now Wed. and we go home tomorrow. It’s just been the two of us, together, laughing, hiking, swimming, dancing, and eating together. I asked him his favorite part of the trip so far, he said, “ spending time with you papa.” That’s it, so simple! I love you Teo ❤️

A train with cargo containers runs parallel to a highway in a desert area, with mountains and an artistic billboard featuring a pair of eyes in the background, and wind turbines on the mountains.

A person standing in front of a white wall with shadows cast from a wooden structure overhead, creating a striped pattern on the ground and wall, during a sunny day.

A picnic table with attached benches in a natural setting, surrounded by large rocks and shaded by overhanging tree branches.

A young girl sitting on a stone wall outdoors, wearing a green jacket, striped pants, a gray hat, and white sandals, writing or drawing in a notebook with a pen.

A desert landscape with numerous Joshua trees and mountain ranges in the background under a clear blue sky.

The word "THE MAGIC" written in colorful paint on a glass window. The reflection of a person taking a selfie, making a peace sign, with trees and a building visible in the background.

Child climbing on large rocks in a rocky outdoor area.

A cactus with a pink sign that reads 'com BUM EEZ' on it, in a desert-like environment with sand and dried plants in the background.

A modern building with curved, white metallic panels and a small bush in front, under a clear blue sky.

A young girl in a yin-yang patterned sweatshirt, striped shorts, and a bucket hat stands inside a dilapidated, weathered shed with old computer monitors and vintage electronics. She holds a green object in her left hand and is facing the cluttered interior.

Sunset behind a silhouette of a Joshua tree with the sun's rays visible through the branches.

Wall-mounted art piece resembling a human face with eyes made from light bulbs and a hat, set against a pinkish wall.

Sunlit dining table with craft supplies, drawings, and a soda can, in front of a window showing desert landscape with cacti.

Person holding a bouquet of various wildflowers and grasses with a dirt trail in the background.

Celebrating 420 with Aster Farms

“Hotboxing” is a term used to describe the act of smoking inside an enclosed space to increase the concentration of smoke in the air and thus, it is believed, intensify the effect of the drug. Hotboxing refers to the act of enclosing a space, such as a car or room and smoking cannabis to increase the concentration of smoke in the air. The idea is that the additional smoke inhaled by everyone present will make the effects of the drug more intense. Thank you Aster Farms!

Enjoy :)

Close-up of a person’s hand playing a piano, with sunlight shining on the hand and smoke rising from a cigarette.

A green Subaru Outback station wagon with smoke coming from the hood, parked on a street near a beige building with plant bushes in front.

A person smoking a cigarette in a dark setting, with smoke swirling around.

A woman with short hair and earrings is sleeping in a car seat, leaning back with her eyes closed, with sunlight casting shadows on her face and neck.

Land Rover LR4

I have a special place in my heart for LR4’s, and my buddy Matt has a 2012 that we took off roading into the mountains during a winter storm. It was an epic adventure with great conversation about cars, family life, and work.

Get outside, explore, and fill your tanks with whatever brings you joy. Cheers!

A white SUV driving on a rugged dirt trail at dusk or night with its headlights on, surrounded by dry bushes and tree branches, with a dark mountainous landscape in the background.

Jive Surfboards

I asked my friend Jacob Ells of Jive Surf if I could film him shaping a board he’s making for me and he was kind enough to open up his workspace for me last week. I love his words about shaping boards: “It's about the relationship, the interaction, the creation formed between the shaper and the surfer. It's the expression of one's inner person that spreads love and deepens the connection. The closer you are to that moment and the more you are involved with that creation the more love and joy are experienced and shared.”

Thanks Jacob!

Close-up of a dog with black and white fur sniffing or licking a wooden surface.

An indoor room with a collection of surfboards on shelves, a bicycle, a vintage storage rack, a potted plant, and wall art including a poster and framed artwork.

A cluttered indoor space with surfboards stacked vertically and horizontally against the wall. There is a small table with various objects, an orange armchair with clothes, and a beige couch with pillows. A painting and a framed picture are on the wall, and an overhead light fixture hangs from the ceiling.

Studio Visit: Ren Von Hasseln

I’m consistently amazed by how many prolific creatives live in our small town. Some would say it’s the vortex that calls them into our valley, others that it’s the proximity to LA. Either way it brings me so much happiness and inspiration to be surrounded by such a variety of incredible talent

I recently met and visited with Ren Von Hasseln of Ren Ceramics in her beautiful home studio, just down the street from my own home. I’m drawn to much of what she creates but the massive hand built vessels and planters are particularly stunning. It was so inspiring to hear about her process and intent to start making her own glazes in the near future. I’m excited to see where her work evolves and what the future brings for her. Thanks for having me Ren!

Title card with the words "ren ceramics" over a background of curved, wooden textured lines.

A pottery or ceramic piece being shaped on a rotating wheel inside a pottery studio, with shelves of colorful glazes visible in the background.

A woman with curly red hair, wearing a gray sweatshirt, standing behind a wooden counter and using a spatula at a pottery or ceramics studio.

Woman with curly red hair sitting on a stool in a pottery studio, smiling and touching her hair, with shelves of clay pots in the background.

A white cactus with dark vertical markings in front of green bushy plants with long, thin leaves.

A woman with curly, reddish-brown hair, wearing a light gray sweatshirt, sitting by a window. Through the window, blurred greenery and a ceramic pot are visible.

Dark⚡️Stormy

My buddy Mark has a beautiful 1982 Porsche 911 SC Targa that I’ve wanted to photograph for a bit now. The foggy Fall mornings we’re having here in Ojai seemed like the perfect opportunity and Mark was kind enough to get up early with me and head up into the hills to shoot… and I’m so thankful because I love the moody vibe and stories these photos tell. Thanks Mark, appreciate your efforts and support of me doing what I love most.

A classic Porsche convertible driving on a winding mountain road at dusk with its headlights on.

A car with headlights on driving on a winding mountain road at dusk or dawn, with trees and cloudy sky in the background.

A man wearing a brown jacket, blue jeans, white shoes, and a black beanie checks under the open hood of a silver vintage Porsche parked on the side of a foggy road in a mountainous area.

A classic silver Porsche 911 convertible with its headlights on, parked on a foggy, winding mountain road, with a person in a brown jacket and blue jeans standing nearby.

A silver or gray sports car, possibly a Porsche, in motion with blurred background and headlights on during dusk or dawn.

Close-up of a person's hand gripping a steering wheel inside a vehicle, with a rain-covered windshield in view.

A car driving on a winding, wet road surrounded by dark, cloudy skies and trees, during stormy or foggy weather.

Gear Patrol X Blundstone

This was a super fun project shooting for some of my favorites, Gear Patrol and Blundstone. What a combo, right? On top of that. I got to meet Daniel Dooreck of Danny D’s Mud Shop. Daniel was more than welcoming and we got to hang out and chat about his start in ceramics and where he wants to go. I also got to peek at his beautiful collection of Toyotas.

Thanks Joe and Daniel for a fun day!

A man sitting on a vintage sofa in front of a red Toyota Land Cruiser, smiling and holding a ceramic mug. There are small potted cacti on the ground next to him, and a wooden signboard with handwritten words 'Danny D's Mud Shop Ceramics' stands nearby.

A man sitting on the open tailgate of a red SUV outdoors, smiling while looking at his phone, with a coffee cup and a gray mat beside him.

A red SUV driving at high speed on a road, with blurred green foliage in the foreground and background.

A man standing on a small porch, leaning against the doorframe, drinking from a cup. He is wearing a green jacket, beige cargo pants, and black shoes, with greenery in the background.

Reflection of workbench with brown work boots, plant in a pot, watch, gloves, and tools. Outside view through glass with outdoor setting.

A man shaping a clay pot on a pottery wheel in a workshop.

Studio Visit: Ian Collings

I’m always so grateful for the interesting people and places photography leads me to, the friendships that are forged and the experiences I would never otherwise have.

I recently visited the studio of the prolific sculpture Ian Collings to photograph his freshly completed collection REFIGURED before it shipped off to exhibit. I don’t have the words for how beautiful his works are in person. If you’re in NY I highly recommend you make the time to see it- you have until October.

Ian it was a great pleasure and I look forward to the next time! Let’s grab a beer soon.

A man with a beard and short hair, wearing a brown T-shirt and beige pants, is standing in an indoor art installation. The installation includes various sculptures made to look like orange and white marble or stone, with a wooden backdrop and some fabric art pieces on the wall.

Unfinished large, oval-shaped sculpture with smooth surfaces and flowing lines, supported on a wooden frame.

A man sitting on a large cut log inside a wooden-paneled room with a transparent roof, looking upward.

An artist shaping a large, white, ribbed sculpture in a woodworking studio, with wooden partitions and furniture, and a stool covered with a giraffe print fabric.

Man bending over a table working on a craft or baking in a well-lit room, with sunlight creating rainbow-like lens flares.

A man in a workshop shaping a large white surfboard paddle.

Close-up of a dog with fluffy cream-colored fur, a small portion visible, next to a knife with a wooden handle, all on a cracked wooden surface along with a chunk of shiny silver and brown rock.

A man in casual clothing standing in a wooden room, looking down with a hand on his head, holding a cup in his other hand, with a contemporary white sculpture on the left side.

At home with Serena Mitnik-Miller

Serena is the owner of General Store, a loving mother, surfer, incredible artist and friend to a very wide community. We spent an afternoon together at her soulful home and here’s what we came up with. Serena, it was truly a pleasure. Thank you.

Person slicing ripe cantaloupe on a wooden cutting board in natural light.

A woman with light-colored hair in a white outfit stands barefoot in a kitchen with natural light. She is near a window with multiple potted plants on the sill, surrounded by wooden cabinets and kitchen appliances. There is a bowl of fruit on the table in front of her, and various kitchen items on the counters and shelves.

A woman lying on her back in a dry, grassy field with her eyes closed, wearing a white sleeveless shirt and light-colored pants.

A person with tanned skin wearing a white garment and a gold bracelet on their arm, submerging their hand into pink-colored water with flower petals and foam.

A modern bathroom with a freestanding bathtub near a large window covered with bamboo blinds, decorated with candles on the edge of the tub, a potted plant to the right, and hanging towels on the left wall.

Woman in a striped button-up shirt, large sun hat, and sunglasses walks out of an old, rusted pickup truck in a desert landscape with cactus and rocky hills in the background.

Woman sitting inside a vintage airplane, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, holding a bowl of oranges.

Gio of Gato Heroi

I dragged my friend/art director of Gato Heroi on a four wheel drive adventure into the mountains for some photos. Beers, film, friendship, and here we are. Thanks for the good times Gio. Let’s do it again soon!

A shirtless man with long hair, wearing red shorts, walking on sandy terrain while carrying a surfboard on his shoulder during sunset.

A person with a surfboard walking up a rugged dirt trail on a hillside with sparse bushes and trees.

Person standing on rocky hillside overlooking green mountain range with distant valleys and hazy sky.

A man dressed in beige shorts, t-shirt, and a safari hat, crouching on a large rock in a desert landscape with sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky.

Ali Chanel

Ali is a muse turned friend, and we recently got together to record her second pregnancy on film. Since then she welcomed sweet little Given Rhodes into the world and I couldn’t be happier for her family. Congrats Ali, and thank you for everything!

A woman with blonde hair posing outdoors in sunlight, wearing a colorful, abstract-patterned dress with her hand on her belly and the other resting on her head, surrounded by greenery.

A woman wearing a large hat and sunglasses sitting outdoors beneath a tree with leafy branches overhead, in a black and white photograph.

A woman with wavy brown hair and blue eyes outdoors, holding a blue pool noodle, wearing a pink bikini top and dark shorts. She is wearing a white cap with race information on it, standing in front of pink flowering bushes and a chain-link fence.

A woman sitting poolside in a pink bra top and gray shorts, with her legs in the pool.

A woman walking barefoot on a sidewalk surrounded by trees and bushes, holding a baby wrapped in a blanket, with the sun shining through the trees.

FORD

This was a really fun three day shoot (2 days alongside TV & 1 day stills only) for Ford Maverick via Wieden + Kennedy. It’s always amazing to witness the creativity that happens on the motion side and then have the opportunity to capture stills in my own style. My producer Emilie Mueller worked her magic for location, crew, talent, food, and the always important crafty :) Thanks E!