This story begins a few months ago when I was driving to the grocery store and listening to KUSP, Santa Cruz’s Public Radio station. The commentator was interviewing a local musician and I found myself enthralled by what she had to say. I don’t remember specifics, just that she sounded so incredibly bright, thoughtful, and astute. She talked about her decision to take a risk and try to devote herself entirely to her music as opposed to the hobby or side job that it had always been. She sounded so young to be talking of these things. I admired her courage and immediately felt a warm wave of appreciation wash over me. I appreciated the place that she was in because I have just been (or possibly still am) there. Going for what I really wanted in life was such a huge step for me. It continues to challenge and scare me daily. I’m constantly second-guessing myself, wondering if I should have just accepted an office job somewhere and kept my love of photography as a mere hobby. Hearing about others, especially other women who are on similar journeys always tugs at my heartstrings, gently reminding me that I’m doing the right thing. Despite the late nights, missed workouts, and endless hours of laboring over tiny details, I’m following my heart and doing what I truly love.
And then, she sang.
Her voice sent me walking somewhere else. Far away from the car that I was in and the road that I was driving on. I ended up sitting in the grocery store parking lot for the interview’s duration, completely mesmerized. I wrote her name down on a piece of scratch paper and promised myself that I would get her CD someday.
Fast forward a few months and I’m exchanging e-mails with a local venue and the tone of the e-mails becomes a bit more personal. The woman whom I’m in communication with mentions that she is a singer/songwriter and is looking for portraits for her upcoming tour. She sends me her website, I check it out….and guess what? It’s her! The woman who’s every word I hung onto that day in my car listening to KUSP! Coincidence?
Her name is Amanda West and she is unbelievable. Here are a few shots from her portrait session.
We had originally planned on a session close to the beach, but the fog was pushing us inland. As per Amanda’s suggestion, we headed to Pogonip, which turned out to be the most amazing location. We waited around for the light to get really good while played her guitar and sang. Not a bad deal, huh?
Of course I had to experiment a little because that’s just what I do…
One of my favorites of the day:
Amanda goes on tour soon and she needed some head shots for the press.
Another favorite of mine:
I love working with artists as there is always this amazing balance of their own vision and complete trust in my artistic process behind the camera. This shot was her idea . 
And then something really cool happened. After an hour or so of shooting, the sun was finally in the perfect spot, sitting on the top of the hills and offering the most delicious light. I turned to Amanda and told her to play. As she played her magnificent music, the sun slowly slipped behind the mountain, a photographer’s dream come true. I didn’t say a word, but just trusted her to do her thing while I did mine. After it was over, I said:”That was the magic moment. Did you feel it?” She smiled and replied “yes”.
Here’s that magic moment:
Amanda, thank you for this amazing opportunity. I loved everything about your portrait session. You are an amazing talent who’s radiance shines through, be it music or imagery. All the best and many blessings to you on your tour and in your travels, my friend.
Do yourself a favor and check out Amanda’s website. Here you may purchase her gorgeous CD entitled A Way to the Water see her tour schedule, and learn more about this up-and-coming young talent.
Oh yes, one more thing…I’d like to dedicate this blog post to my amazing friend Katie who is getting ready to soar, I can just feel it!
