When I was a sailor in the US Navy it always brought great pride and delight to see my state of California referenced and mentioned in so many ways in so many countries. I cherish and celebrate the level of freedom we are so luck to have, unfortunately there are many places in this world that can't live an unrestrained existence. The gift of freedom is such a precious thing, I am thankful and grateful to be a California girl.  I want more then anything to live this and express my love of freedom...I'll never take this for granted.  

Framed in California is a fine art portraiture project exploring and celebrating the diversity and inclusion that the culture of California represents. These black and white environmental portraits tell the story of freedom and individuality that is so precious and unique to the California way of life.  

Subjects are placed in front of a cloth backdrop where their portrait is captured within a California landscape. The use of black and white gives the viewer an opportunity to observe the location, textures, shapes, clothing, emotion, and personal styling of each of the people. In every part of each photograph are rich visual descriptive clues that provide a unique storytelling experience.  California is home to many different cultures and has one of the most diverse landscapes in the country. This project aims to inform and celebrate the inclusion and diversity that is ingrained into west coast culture  

These portraits offer a glimpse into the lifestyle and heart of the people that proudly call themselves Californians. Representing the vastly different ways of life, these portraits are captured in the urban neighborhoods, forests, hillsides, cities, deserts, and beaches of the iconic American West.  

Two images from "Framed in California" were selected as 2022 International Portrait Photographer of the Year, Top 101.