What an Old Fashion Gallery Taught Me About Collaboration and Creativity

Every once in a while I go back through older work not to judge it, but to remember where I was, what I was learning, and how far I’ve grown. Recently I revisited a collaboration from September 2021 with San Francisco designer Jesse, and it brought back so many lessons I didn’t realize I had absorbed at the time.

There were over twenty models, several outfit changes, and harsh midday light that left no room for hesitation. We captured portraits before the runway, improvising with whatever pockets of shade we could find. This session wasn’t about perfect light it was about honoring Jesse’s designs while being resourceful.

One of my favorite creative choices was using a playground as a backdrop. At the time, it felt like necessity the light was harsh everywhere else. But now I see the magic vivid colors, geometric shapes, and playful structures contrasted beautifully with the clothing, creating energy and movement. The environment became part of the story.

We also used the side of a building for clean, editorial portraits. The simplicity of the wall allowed the designs to take center stage while providing softer, directional light. These images balanced the playful energy of the playground portraits with a more structured look.

This gallery isn’t perfect. It’s a snapshot of who I was then intuitive, resourceful, and still shaping my eye. But it also shows something I’m proud of I didn’t force the day into my vision. I let the environment and the designer’s work shape the images.

This collaboration reminded me that art isn’t about control it’s about co-creation. Bringing your strengths, honoring someone else’s, and finding that sweet spot where creativity happens is the real magic.

One of the most surreal moments was seeing a few of these portraits later displayed on the massive screens in Times Square. Knowing that images captured in playground shade and midday heat in Vacaville made it all the way to such an iconic location was humbling. It reminded me that collaboration and creativity can carry energy far beyond the day you create it that even imperfect moments can have a big impact when the work is true and intentional.

What years of experience has taught me is this life doesn’t always go as planned.

No photoshoot, no wedding ever does and that’s where the magic happens. I've learned the best moments are created by simply going with the flow, lean into the unexpected, and trust the process. The result? Portraits and memories that feel real, meaningful, and completely aligned with who you are. If you want to dream up something creative or go to a magical location and want to trust your photographer can handle anything the day throws your way? I've got you!