Paris

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Of the couple of times that I have been to Paris, I have been reluctant to leave.  As a New Yorker, Paris has a feeling of familiarity, although a much more beautiful and put-together version of the city life that I am used to.  It's architecture manages to fall under the same aesthetic and it's open spaces are incomparable.  Thank you for that, Haussmann. 

During our time there, we explored the city the best way we know how: wandering.  In the midst of our wanderings, we did a self led chocolate tour in the 6th arrondissement which resulted in a food coma that was so worth it.  Starting at Pierre Herme where we tried their Plaisir Sucre (incredible), we meandered around the corner to Pierre Marcolini for chocolates and macaroons, and finished up at Maison Georges Larnicol where we filled bags with chocolate goodies to hold us over through the rest of our trip. 

The Claremont, By Lo & Sons

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A couple weeks ago, Lo & Sons sent me to explore Charleston with their new Claremont camera bag on my shoulder.  To anyone ever looking for a good quality camera bag, I could not recommend this one enough.  It’s the perfect size and color, the shoulder straps are adjustable, and it’s got plenty of room for more than just a camera - it completely simplified the way that I normally travel.

For the release of Claremont's new color, I wrote a piece about my Charleston experience.  And for more on the trip, check out their Pinterest page.  

Having lived in the south for 11 years, when I explain it to people, I almost always unintentionally think about Charleston. It’s simple but in every way charming, it’s welcoming, the food is remarkable, and the people are polite. So on a recent trip to this beloved city, I went with a list of new places to visit, a good pair walking shoes (because as I’ve learned, Charleston should only be seen by foot or bike), my camera, and my new Claremont bag, which seemed a lot like Charleston: simple and beautiful (and not to mention, practical!)

The daily-curated menu and beautiful, welcoming space at Chez Nous was the perfect way to start the trip. It resonated southern hospitality. Lunch was followed by iced coffees from Black Tap, a stroll around the nearby streets, and the decision that flower boxes and shutters are my new dream home addition. I window shopped on King Street, paid The Preservation Society a visit, and eventually found myself eating a pre-dinner snack: a local-honey cupcake from Sugar Bakeshop. The day ended with a remarkable ’Shellfish Tower' at The Ordinary. Hundreds of pictures were taken and the Claremont never left my side.

After a restful night at the Francis Marion Hotel, a breakfast of shrimp and grits at Husk fueled me for another day of adventure. I strolled from east to west and north to south, leisurely meandering through the quiet streets, taking photos along the way, and falling in love with the colorful homes, the mix of palm trees with live oaks, and the abundance of vines. From the waterfront at the City Marina, to enjoying a highly talked about sandwich from Butcher and Bee, and browsing The Daily, the city began to feel familiar.

Two days full of adventure, and a slew of photos later, my trip came to an end… which is actually just the beginning of many adventures to come with my Claremont in tow.

Terrimae Lookbook

Photographing this look book in May was not only an experience that pushed me to new limits in photography but one that opened my eyes to the beauty of collaboration.  Last December, Haley, Terrimae's creator, approached me about working together on this.  I immediately said yes.  What began as a few emails back-and-forth about location and styling evolved into an incredible collaboration.  Inspirational images and ideas were constantly flowing in my inbox and outbox and soon, a concept was born.  In May, I flew to San Francisco and three other women and myself worked tirelessly in Haley's San Francisco apartment to bring this concept to life.  Simplistic, comfortable, and with a touch of elegance, these photos were born.

As a freelance photographer, moments like this are everything.  There are some difficult and frustrating times I encounter working for myself.  But then these moments happen, where everyone comes together, it makes it all worth it.  

See the full Terrimae line here and read the story behind the brand here. 

Martha's Vineyard

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In June, I took my first trip to Martha's Vineyard.  Coming off a busy May, I didn't have a chance to research or really look into the Vineyard at all.  A peak out the window of the airplane was my first glance at what I would quickly come to deem one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been.  And not beautiful because of views, but because of the quaintness, the charm, the simplicity, and those always eye-catching shaker shingle houses (that I apparently can't stop talking about this summer - see: hamptons getaway).  And seeing the men bringing in the fish off their boats gives a whole new meaning to fresh seafood.  The trip concluded in a joint decision to come back every year. 

Adventures In Film: The Met

Regardless of film turning out right or wrong in terms of grain/brightness/color, it's a special experience developing a "mystery" roll - flipping through the scans always brings back memories of moments I had completely forgotten were captured.  Last month, I pulled out my beloved Nikon FM2 for a trip to the Met.  And as you will see, we not only enjoyed the light inside, but discovered that amazing rooftop of theirs as well.