Reflections & Gratitude
As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on everything it’s brought—the good, the challenging, and the in-between. Looking through my photos from this year, I’m struck by how the dark, moody images feel especially meaningful right now. They remind me of the quiet moments, the struggles, and how light always finds its way in, even when it’s subtle.
This year wasn’t perfect, but honestly, that’s what made it so real. There were ups and downs, lessons learned, and unexpected joys. Through it all, I’m so grateful—for the people I’ve connected with, the projects that pushed me, and the small moments that caught me off guard in the best way.
As we step into a new year, I’m holding onto that feeling of possibility. Anything can happen, and that’s such a beautiful thing. Here’s to what’s ahead—more light, more growth, and more stories waiting to unfold.
Summer Days :)
From solo surf camp trips to San Onofre to lake life in Michigan, we had an epic summer of fun and new experiences. Time spent alone reflecting, journaling, and setting goals was a great way to fill my tank and take on the rest of the year. My son and I took a trip to Michigan to visit several families, two of which live here in Ojai and have lake cabins. If you’ve never been to Michigan in the summer, I highly recommend it. Our days were filled with playing in warm crystal clear water and evenings with S’mores, bonfires, and lightning bugs! I'm incredibly grateful for all of it and will treasure the memories we created for the rest of my life.
FAMILY TIME
I got to spend a little time with this beautiful family capturing loving family moments. That includes the beautiful and the messy :)
Desert Bubble
Creative experimentations in Joshua Tree, CA.
Ryan & Marissa
Shot on location in Los Angeles on 35mm film.
Collab: Lou Mora X Taryn Kealani
(please turn sound on and enjoy)
Collab: Lou Mora X Fernando Pino
Collab: Lou Mora X Fiona Clark
Collab: Lou Mora X Justin Krietmeyer
We see something in nature :)
The Seabrookes Family
Have you ever come across a person, or in this case a family that you find striking and/or inspiring? Enter the Seabrookes family. They somehow came across my radar via IG and I immediately wanted to reach out and see if they would be open to letting me shoot some pictures of them. Below is a selection of those images (film & digital).
Ian Collings
Over the years here in Ojai I have been lucky enough to become friends with some really amazing humans. Ian is one of those people, and recently I went to his outdoor studio space to watch him working on his new collection of sculptures.
Stapelstein - Play any way, all day.
I have to say this might be one of my all time favorite shoots. The product is amazing and made ethically, it inspires creativity and imagination through open play, and they are absolutely beautiful to look at and have in your home. We’ve had a set in our home for some time now and not only does my son and all his friends love them, but I also use them for all sorts of things.
Below are some of my favorites but if you’d like to see more, click here!
Studio Visit: Kevin Appel
I recently caught up with Kevin Appel at his home studio in Los Angeles. It had been too many years since I last saw Kevin and it was a real treat to catch up and spend some time in his world.
A father & son trip into the desert.
When I was growing up, all I wanted was to spend time with my dad. He was often gone, working during the week. On the weekends he would come home and shower me with anything and everything I wanted. At the time I loved it, sort of, but as I grow older, and now with a son of my own, I realize all I wanted was time with my dad. I wanted his attention, his love, his touch. I wanted him to want to hear me, listen and help me. Now, I’m a father and I am here for my son - listening, helping, teaching, and most importantly, loving him.
We’ve been on a father/son road trip to the desert since Sunday, it’s now Wed. and we go home tomorrow. It’s just been the two of us, together, laughing, hiking, swimming, dancing, and eating together. I asked him his favorite part of the trip so far, he said, “ spending time with you papa.” That’s it, so simple! I love you Teo ❤️
Celebrating 420 with Aster Farms
“Hotboxing” is a term used to describe the act of smoking inside an enclosed space to increase the concentration of smoke in the air and thus, it is believed, intensify the effect of the drug. Hotboxing refers to the act of enclosing a space, such as a car or room and smoking cannabis to increase the concentration of smoke in the air. The idea is that the additional smoke inhaled by everyone present will make the effects of the drug more intense. Thank you Aster Farms!
Enjoy :)
Land Rover LR4
I have a special place in my heart for LR4’s, and my buddy Matt has a 2012 that we took off roading into the mountains during a winter storm. It was an epic adventure with great conversation about cars, family life, and work.
Get outside, explore, and fill your tanks with whatever brings you joy. Cheers!
Jive Surfboards
I asked my friend Jacob Ells of Jive Surf if I could film him shaping a board he’s making for me and he was kind enough to open up his workspace for me last week. I love his words about shaping boards: “It's about the relationship, the interaction, the creation formed between the shaper and the surfer. It's the expression of one's inner person that spreads love and deepens the connection. The closer you are to that moment and the more you are involved with that creation the more love and joy are experienced and shared.”
Thanks Jacob!
Ren Von Hasseln
I’m consistently amazed by how many prolific creatives live in our small town. Some would say it’s the vortex that calls them into our valley, others that it’s the proximity to LA. Either way it brings me so much happiness and inspiration to be surrounded by such a variety of incredible talent
I recently met and visited with Ren Von Hasseln of Ren Ceramics in her beautiful home studio, just down the street from my own home. I’m drawn to much of what she creates but the massive hand built vessels and planters are particularly stunning. It was so inspiring to hear about her process and intent to start making her own glazes in the near future. I’m excited to see where her work evolves and what the future brings for her. Thanks for having me Ren!
Dark⚡️Stormy
My buddy Mark has a beautiful 1982 Porsche 911 SC Targa that I’ve wanted to photograph for a bit now. The foggy Fall mornings we’re having here in Ojai seemed like the perfect opportunity and Mark was kind enough to get up early with me and head up into the hills to shoot… and I’m so thankful because I love the moody vibe and stories these photos tell. Thanks Mark, appreciate your efforts and support of me doing what I love most.
Gear Patrol X Blundstone
This was a super fun project shooting for some of my favorites, Gear Patrol and Blundstone. What a combo, right? On top of that. I got to meet Daniel Dooreck of Danny D’s Mud Shop. Daniel was more than welcoming and we got to hang out and chat about his start in ceramics and where he wants to go. I also got to peek at his beautiful collection of Toyotas.
Thanks Joe and Daniel for a fun day!
Ian Collings
I’m always so grateful for the interesting people and places photography leads me to, the friendships that are forged and the experiences I would never otherwise have.
I recently visited the studio of the prolific sculpture Ian Collings to photograph his freshly completed collection REFIGURED before it shipped off to exhibit. I don’t have the words for how beautiful his works are in person. If you’re in NY I highly recommend you make the time to see it- you have until October.
Ian it was a great pleasure and I look forward to the next time! Let’s grab a beer soon.
At home with Serena Mitnik-Miller
Serena is the owner of General Store, a loving mother, surfer, incredible artist and friend to a very wide community. We spent an afternoon together at her soulful home and here’s what we came up with. Serena, it was truly a pleasure. Thank you.
Gio of Gato Heroi
I dragged my friend/art director of Gato Heroi on a four wheel drive adventure into the mountains for some photos. Beers, film, friendship, and here we are. Thanks for the good times Gio. Let’s do it again soon!
Ali Chanel
Ali is a muse turned friend, and we recently got together to record her second pregnancy on film. Since then she welcomed sweet little Given Rhodes into the world and I couldn’t be happier for her family. Congrats Ali, and thank you for everything!
FORD
This was a really fun three day shoot (2 days alongside TV & 1 day stills only) for Ford Maverick via Wieden + Kennedy. It’s always amazing to witness the creativity that happens on the motion side and then have the opportunity to capture stills in my own style. My producer Emilie Mueller worked her magic for location, crew, talent, food, and the always important crafty :) Thanks E!
