It all starts somewhere.
I had a photo shoot scheduled in Santa Monica that day with the founder of Roaming Hunger. I wanted to make the most of the grueling commute to the west side by taking a class at YogaGlo, and it just so happened that one of my favorite yoga teachers (second to Kathryn Budig, of course) was in town teaching at YogaGlo. Score! After 2 phenomenal classes with this wonderful teacher I realized more people need to know about the goodness that is Taylor Harkness. In a gutsy move, I approached him after class about interviewing him for MiLLENNiAL. Being the sweet soul he is, he agreed. I had no questions prepared, but I knew the story would unfold. He had so much to share, his energy is infectious. I had written quadruple what what published, I must have edited the piece down at least 7 times, with the guidance of my helpful and honest roomie.
We were limited to shooting in the parking lot of the yoga studio. (Respectfully, we couldn't shoot inside the space.) Usually my photos tell the story and invoke the mood. That was not the case in this experience. It was refreshing. I look forward to writing more in the future. As a photographer it was a nice change to let the photos be secondary to the story I wanted to share. I always feel there is a barrier between me and my subject, a certain lens I am seeing them through. When I'm able to sit down, communicate directly, look into their eyes and truly get a feel for their experience through their words, it opens up a whole new view on life.
I am incredibly grateful for this.