One of the things I love about living in Malibu is being just a few minutes from the ocean. So that means that pretty much the only thing that could make me jealous is a room right on the beach, just a couple meters above the salt spray and the crashing waves.
Dusty and I had an overnight here last week and were pampered by the staff, dazzled by the sunset, and energized by the delicious coffee in the morning. It's little wonder Malibu Beach Inn is on the roster of Leading Hotels of the World. 
Click over to Malibu Beach Inn's or Carbon Beach Club's instagrams for the latest story on this golden stretch of Southern California coastline. 

With miles of beaches, canyons, and grassy meadows, Malibu is known for its natural beauty, but what most people don't realize is that the developed parts of Malibu are also full of fun and funky corners that make for beautiful photo ops. You just have to time it right!

​The Collins family wanted some snaps that represent favorite memories and hang outs that are part of their daily life—trips to the playground, visits to the hardware store, acai bowls at the local juice bar. Usually these locations are packed with people, but we decided to visit first thing in on a weekday morning, when we would have it all to ourselves. It's amazing how a commercial storefront can transform into a beautiful photography setting when you have it all to yourself! Mama Kristy also requested some fun, funky, serious, etc. portraits of her kiddos. Well throw all that together into one sun-drenched morning and you get the magic that ensues below. See if you can recognize some of these favorite Malibu hangs. 

In summer 2018, I had the privilege of working for Pepperdine as the assistant director for an international program in which 25 students spent a month living and serving with the Mission at Natuvu Creek in Fiji. If you scroll through the photos below, if it looks like we played a lot of volleyball, it's because we did. If it looks like everywhere you looked was an idyllic island scene, that's because it was. But you'll also see images of work, human connection, learning, studying, worship, beauty, laughter, and helping out any way we could. Check out Pepperdine's international program website for more information about Pepperdine's summer international programs, including Fiji >> 

I tend to shoot mostly people, so when I got the chance to snap photos of objects in a home, it was totally different and a little harder but also a little easier! Kristen O'Malley is a space designer. She does homes, sets (check out her Emmy in the gallery!) and more. Her taste is incredible and every piece has meaning as well as beauty and a great story. What a treat to photograph the work of a fellow creative! 

So you've got this amazing team. Beautiful location. World class wine, food, hospitality, view, décor, the list goes on. Now you just need some great images to communicate that reality. New head shots, stock images for the website, print and digital promo, the works. Photos that will represent your identity well. 

​That's what Malibu Beach Inn needed when they reached out to me for some not-your-average head shots of their team. Read more to meet the Malibu Beach Inn team, shining bright in their natural habitat. 

Every month, just in time for the full moon, MoonBox subscribers receive a package on their doorstep that's packed with essential oils, crystals, a special tea blend, and a guided meditation, all grounded in what's happening with the moon and stars this month. "It's a full moon ritual in a box!" the website says. 

Imagine Fest is a yoga and music festival that occurs in Malibu, CA, every year. The vibe is natural, youthful, and artistic, sprinkled with a generous helping of palo santo smoke. This photo shoot provided the foundation for their promotional efforts this year: from poster backgrounds to social media posts and website banners. 

Malibu Wines is a popular summertime hangout where locals can pack a picnic, sip some great local wine, and kick their shoes off as the hot summer days turn into perfect summer evenings. Sometimes Malibu Wines brings in comedians or plays classic films on the lawn. Can life get any better? 

Malibu Wines reached out in need of some quality lifestyle photography to power their visuals on social media (particularly Instagram) and their web presence. 

I love staycations as much as the next girl, so when the stunningly beautiful luxury beach front hotel, Malibu Beach Inn, reached out for photography in exchange for a free stay on a weeknight, it took me about 0.3 seconds to say heck yeah and offer a date. ​

When the Honey & Oak team reached out to me with a concept for an online boutique that changes product & theme every month, I was hooked. Their concept is simple and elegant: a limited selection of one-of-a-kind handmade or found (curated) items. Each collection is cohesive and fits the overall theme, which changes seasonally. Take a look at Honey & Oak's home page now... you never know what you might find!