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You know the feeling? // Creative portrait session in Topanga Canyon

by Erin in adventure, creative portrait, film

I still remember how I felt the first time I met Sulai. Like I just HAD to know her & like maybe I’ve already known her for lifetimes. You know the feeling? I am forever grateful to her for inspiring me to live outside of the lines & for being one of my favorite subject to photograph year after year.

She has recently moved back to the canyon so we decided to shoot in and around her new pad – sweetly named, the Sugar shack.

Make sure to hop on over and check out all Sulai’s creations, including naturally dyed fiber art, experimental films, & paintings here! —> http://sulailopez.com/

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Just down the road // Topanga Canyon family session

by Erin in adventure, family, film

Photographing fellow Topanga canyon dwellers is always extra special for me. Perhaps it’s because they are just as in love with this place as I am or maybe it’s just that they are usually extra down for an adventure!

On this day, I met up with this lovely trio as the sun was getting low in the sky & walked just down the road from their home to snap these photos. We took the same route that they walk so often to get to this magical location. Here are some of my faves!

Film developed & scanned by The Find Lab

Welcome, Baby Rose // Topanga Canyon newborn session

by Erin in at home, family, film, newborn

Today is super rainy & cold here in LA (yaay for warm eggnog & fluffy socks!) and I thought it would be the perfect time to blog this cozy at-home newborn session!

I’ll start off by saying that meeting and snuggling this perfect little babe sent my ovaries into hyper drive. (I mean, how can newborns smell SO good?) Also, seeing one of my favorite kids as a big sister was possibly the cutest thing I have ever witnesses. The way she says “baby Rose” in that tiny voice could melt even the hardest of hearts.

I absolutely adore this family and becoming friends with and documenting their milestones over the years has been such a joy for me. It all started with their wedding a few years ago and the rest is history! Here are some favorites from our time together.

West Coast, Best Coast // Roadtrip adventure

by Erin in adventure, film, personal

In celebration of my man’s big 4-0, we packed up Rusty (our 83′ VW bus) and embarked on an almost 3 week roadtrip up through California and southern Oregon in July.  It was what every summer dreams to be – sunshine, rivers, rainbows, exploring, hanging with old friends, & stunning views every. single. day. To say I love this coast is an understatement. Here are some faves, all shot of film.

Kodak Portra 400 developled & scanned by The Find Lab

Wild indeed // Creative portait session in Topanga Canyon

by Erin in adventure, at home, film, outdoors, portrait

I first met Meghan when I came across Wild Mesa, the space that hosts maker & wellness workshops here in Topanga Canyon. She is not only the founder of this magical space, but she is also an art director, singer, designer, world traveler, activist, and student currently getting her masters in Public Policy. #Badass

Photograph this inspiring woman in her element, as we laughed and listening to Bob Dylan on vinyl was a total dream. Here are some of my favorites.

shot on Kodak Portra 400 & 800 // developed & scanned by

White dress by the amazing MoonaStar

Summer of love // Topanga Canyon family session

by Erin in adventure, family, film

When I heard from Lydia saying she wanted to schedule an all film sesh for her family, I jumped for joy! Anyone who knows me personally or follows me on IG, knows that I am pretty crazy about shooting film – the colors, the nostalgic grain, and the intention that goes into it make my heart go wild. I had a feeling I would fall in love with her and her family pretty quickly, especially since the friend that referred her is one of my favorite clients . And, of course, I did.

On a side not, this lovely mama is also an accomplished writer and has a novel coming out in 2019 called “Lights All Night Long”. I will definitely be snaggin’ myself a copy!

Film (Kodak Portra 400) developed and scanned by The “super awesome” Find Lab

Shiny happy people // Topanga Canyon family session

by Erin in adventure, family, film

Gosh, I don’t think I could possibly love this session more than I do.

Nothing beats Topanga Canyon in the spring with the green lush grass, wildflowers, and perfect 70 degree weather and I am so grateful that this sweet gang was down to adventure to get to one of my favorite spots in the canyon! It warmed my heart to see how much these 4 genuinely enjoy being together.  Also, that evening light was so glorious that I may have actually drooled.

All images shot of Kodak film & developed and scanned by The Find Lab

Mountain Muse // Creative Portrait session in Topanga Canyon

by Erin in creative portrait, outdoors

You know how a cartoon characters eyes will pop out of their heads when they see something they think is gorgeous? Heart eyes, little cupids flying around the head, etc. Well this is the effect that Ashley, the creative director, co-owner, and sous chef of Fig and Forage LA has on yours truly. Total girl crush.

The wild thing is that she is not only physically stunning but she is equally lovely & creative & so fun to be around. Here are some of my favorite shots of our time together, all shot on film and processed and scanned by The Find Lab.

I am hoping to start incorporating these experimental elements into more, or maybe all, of my shoots. So if you book a sesh with me and are into the light leaks and double exposures you see going on here, make sure to let me know that you are down to get little WEIRD and we can make some magic together!