Norma’s Beverly Hills Era
Some portrait sessions are about a place. This one was about a chapter of life that was still settling in.
They had just moved from New York to Los Angeles. Which, honestly, I could have called – they’re LA people, they just needed a little time to figure that out. I work a lot in New York, but I’m from LA. People in NYC call that out. I have LA written all over me. That’s where my people are, and perhaps more importantly, I have absolutely no chill about LA.
Honestly, think twice before you tell me about your stop (or move) to California. You need a guide, and frankly, I’m happy to serve.
A and A were in the everything-is-new phase. New light, new pace, new sidewalks, new routines. Portraits that reflected that shift? Yes. But not in a flashy way – in a way that felt true to how life actually looked right then. The three of them are figuring it out together, including Norma.
Who is Norma? Norma is their rescue pup, originally from Fresno, and she is very clearly thriving in her Beverly Hills life. The kind of dog who knows she’s safe now and moves through the world like she belongs wherever she is. And by belongs, I do mean has ownership in. Rodeo Drive was the perfect place to show that iconic Beverly Hills vibe, and it was only a few minutes down the road from where they live, so perfect for new home portraits.
Norma Was Always in Charge
From the moment we started, Norma set the tone. She trotted confidently down the street, stopping when something caught her attention, moving again when she was ready. A and A didn’t rush her. They followed along, laughing when she decided a break was needed, letting moments unfold instead of trying to manage them.
We photographed on both 35 mm film and digital. You have to move a little slower with film, so this was the perfect moment. I will admit that I mistakenly thought we were focusing on the couple, and in their defense, they’d warned me that wasn’t going to be the case. It turns out you can’t look at this puppy without falling in love with her. She was the heartbeat of the session.
Marking a Move Without Making It a Production
Moving across the country is a big shift. New York to Los Angeles is a huge difference. Everything you know is different, even down to how you get to work. Public transportation, anyone? For me, it was so much fun to be with the three of them (four if you count A’s sister – Norma’s handler, which I definitely do).
The backdrop was undeniably graphic and iconic, and the California light will make a grown photographer cry. But what I loved most was how natural everything felt against it. The two of them are magic together, and the way the city moves around them – the most Los Angeles thing.
A Glam Version of Real Life
Both of them have jobs that genuinely make the world a better place. They work long hours and fight hard for people who should have a voice. Seeing them step out for a moment to spend time in this new place felt special. A little glimpse into what home looks like now. Not fully settled yet, but already familiar.
For A and A, home right now looks like Beverly Hills sidewalks, California light, and a rescue dog who knows she’s exactly where she belongs. These portraits aren’t about Rodeo Drive, or even about a Beverly Hills portrait session. They’re about remembering what this season felt like. And obviously, how photogenic Norma is.
