Jared, Cortez, Eric, and Chris have come a long way since last time we shot portraits of their band. Swivel Tactic, formerly known as The Good Kids have a new look… and a new sound. They’re in the process of cutting a new album they’re pretty proud of… one that is a showcase of the band’s soul and spirit. I have to say, I love meeting artists and journeying with them as they evolve into better and better versions of themselves. It’s inspiring, and  I’m proud to know you guys.

This shoot was done in Santa Ana, in some back alley…. in the early EARLY  morning… but it was so fun getting to hang with these guys. Here’s my favorites from the shoot….

I recently got to hang out with the Good Kids at House of Blues in Anaheim while they played for a Benefit Concert. I’ve loved watching the evolution of the band and I’ve been encouraged by their deep desire to live their dreams in real life. Music is what Cortez, Jared, Eric, and Chris love… and this concert really showed that love. You guys rocked it…. Hard. And as I was finishing up your images this morning, I remembered this really cool quote I read a few nights ago from The Vision and The Vow, by Pete Grieg. This book, as well as the Good Kids passion for music, is totally inspiring me right now…. be inspired today.

“We are the music-makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams, Wandering by lone sea-breakers, And sitting by desolate streams. World-losers and world-forsakers, Upon whom the pale moon gleams; Yet we are the movers and shakers, Of the world forever, it seems.” -Arthur O’Shaughnessy

As I’m finally getting myself in some sort of order, I wanted to share some sneak peeks from a bunch of really cool shoots I’ve done lately. I’ll be posting the full posts soon, but for now, just for you…

David and Chelsea’s Newport Beach Engagement Shoot…

The Good Kids launched their album with an awesome concert in Santa Ana….

I did a bunch of 2nd shooting and took some “best ever” ring shots….

The Garrod Family Portraits….

Some shots my friends Betsy Lackey and Amanda Patrice took of me shooting a wedding in September…

Stay tuned for more Portraits, Weddings, Engagements, Designs, and updates on the life, work, and adventures I’ve had lately. Can’t Wait!

Change can be terrifying sometimes…. especially change that requires growth. I know, for me, sometimes the thought of growing as a person… or in my photography… makes me want to pull the covers back over my head and go back to sleep. But change and growth are both parts of the adventure and life is only exciting when it includes both. The Good Kids are pushing hard for growth, and definitely seeing change because of it…. good change. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again… I’m proud of these guys. Here’s some shots from the rest of our morning… continuing the Odyssey of the Good Kids theme…

After the sun had fully risen, we headed back down the mountain to Redlands where we spent some time at the old abandoned train station. It was such a peaceful morning…. at 6am.

One of my favorites from the morning…

That guy…

Thanks so much you guys…. you rock and I look forward to the release of your new album!