Three shoots, three locations—blending ethereal light, storytelling, and the golden warmth of California wine country
Martha Stoumen Wines / Branding and Product photography
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Over the span of three shoots, I worked with Martha Stoumen Wines to craft imagery that felt cinematic and transportive. They were drawn to the ethereal qualities in my fine art work, and we used that as a foundation—blending light, texture, and storytelling to bring their world to life.
We shot in a mix of locations: a beautifully designed mid-century home, a studio, and a quiet park where the light felt like something only California can create—warm, golden, and full of that magical, fleeting glow that makes wine country feel timeless. Across still life, lifestyle, and portraiture, the goal was the same—to create images that felt rich, intentional, and true to the essence of the brand.
Some of my favorite moments happened in the studio—like when the light hit the set in a way that was almost too perfect to plan, creating an image that became a standout from the series. It was a reminder that great images don’t come from big productions alone—they come from vision, collaboration, and knowing how to chase the light when it finds you.
I had the opportunity to photograph a pivotal Sunday service at Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, led by Reverend Amos C. Brown—a towering figure in the civil rights movement and mentor to leaders like Kamala Harris. This service marked the launch of the church’s “100 Days of Prayer,” a powerful initiative inspired by Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, to encourage reflection and unity in the lead-up to the election.
Before stepping into the church, I prepared myself to honor the significance of the space. Third Baptist is filled with what I can only describe as “God light”—gentle, radiant beams that pour in from above, creating a sense of grace and connection. I leaned into that light to highlight the emotion in the room, from the congregation’s shared energy to Reverend Brown’s commanding presence.
My goal was to document not only the history and faith embedded in the church but also its vital role as a community hub for justice and action. It was a privilege to capture a moment where the past, present, and future of activism converge in a space that continues to inspire hope and purpose.
