January 21, 2026

When I decided to launch a new collection, I knew I needed to photograph it in order to sell it. At first, I considered simply photographing the product without using models — to keep things simple. In my past experience with shoots for former brands, things had become big productions: full teams, professional models, large budgets. They were expensive and complex to manage. I didn’t have the resources to recreate that level of production — nor did I want to.

What I did want was authenticity. Real people. A natural sense to it all.

On location with Kaia and Xyla getting them ready for their looks

In the early stages — before the samples were even ready — I was set up at a local pop-up. Two young women came in and bought a vintage indigo jacket from me. They casually mentioned, “If you need any models, we both like modeling.” Perfect. The models came to me: two locals, not “professional,” but embodied, grounded, warm, and beautiful in a way that felt real.

Next, I needed a photographer and a space. I made a few inquiries through local friends and was led to Patricia. We had never met or worked together before, but I immediately liked her through our correspondence and her portfolio. I trusted she was the one.

I knew I wanted an indoor, light-filled space with white walls — a clean canvas to let the clothing and people come through. I looked into local rentals, but nothing matched what I had in mind. Then I remembered my friend — longtime model and yoga teacher Hannah Muse — had an in-home yoga studio. Bright, white, calm. When I asked her, she graciously said yes. I was able to shoot in her Victorian home studio in Santa Cruz, and asked her to model for me as well. She agreed.

Anna giving some healing facial touch in addition to lovely hair and makeup

To round out the team, I tapped Anna Wu — a hair and makeup artist I’ve worked with many times and deeply trust. She brought just the right touch to enhance the models without overpowering their natural look.

I also consulted with local stylist and former employee Brittney of Britt Mariana Style. She helped confirm outfit and shoe selections and came on set day of for a couple of hours that added another layer of thoughtfulness to the shoot.

We all had a great time — laughing, playing, and making art and images. Each of us doing our work, expressing ourselves through our gifts. A true collaboration.

The shoot with models spanned two days: the first with Xyla and Kaia, the second a rainy afternoon with Hannah in her space.

On location making a studio in Patricia’s barn to shoot accessories

We wrapped the shoot with the accessory pieces, photographed in Patricia’s barn. It felt organic and down-to-earth in the best way — exactly the kind of setting that aligned with the collection. Between setups, she made us quesadillas and served lemongrass tea with lilac-infused honey — all homemade. It reminded me that good work doesn’t need to feel distant or formal. It can be collaborative, nourishing, and rooted in care.

Delicious snacks and home made and grown lemongrass tea made by Patricia.

It felt good to again align the vision with all the elements that make a shoot: location, lighting, models, clothing, hair, makeup, styling, and mood. I wanted it to feel natural and authentic — but also clean and clear.

The entire shoot was done at about 15% of the budget I used to work with in my former brands. And I love the results.

Here’s to authenticity. To working with real people and friends. To natural light. And to what happens when each person brings their best — and it all comes together.

How The First Shoot Came Together