Cami + Wind, El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, California, 2019

This image reminds me of a windy session at El Mirage with @camimccullough years ago. It was so windy that we couldn't hear each other speak, and had to watch out for any items we put aside. She was as professional as anyone could have been, dealing with the wind and including it in her movements. Since then we have collaborated again and at the same place, reliving that session and making new memories.

Etsy 

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Cami and the Dry Lake, El Mirage, Los Angeles, California, 2019

Over the past two weeks, and two weeks before my summer in Lebanon, five incredible women allowed me to document their immeasurable talents. This Friday, the film will be taken to Dodge-Chrome, Inc. for processing.

What amazes me most about these young women is their kindness. Each accepted the distance involved in such a trip to the El Mirage area, and the time each session demanded. All did so without asking for anything in return, and all are considered by me as sisters to the young women in my portfolio. 

It is an honor to be considered your friend, and photographer.

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Note: This image was made with a Fuji X-T3.

Cami + Abandoned Structure, Near Los Angeles, California, 2017

This past year was a truly remarkable one thanks in part to this exquisite dancer, and her incredible heart. She responded to my casting call for dancers two years ago, and never let the communication go as we went back and forth. She was totally engaged in the concept, giving her 100% throughout the process.

Even before we met she shared the clothing options, all dark and timeless according to my preferences. This was our second session outside of Los Angeles, and was just as exciting as the first. The night before was a sleepless one for me.

Watching Cami move from one expression to another was like sitting down for a performance. There were times when it was necessary to remind myself that my job was to document the performance, while still enjoying it. To have been granted the opportunity was both an honor and a privilege; and my hope is that the images are a testament to her physical talents and spiritual kindness. 

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Note: This image was made with a Hasselblad 555 ELD/100mm combination onto Ilford Delta 100 film.

Jaedon + Dry Lake Bed, El Mirage, California, 2017

Here she was at the end of our session, as she sat ever so gently on the cracked surface of the dry lake. The sun had almost set and her shadow was long. This is our spot and to where we have gone for the past three years. Every time plans are made for California Jaedon is included... and every time she is asked she responds without hesitation.

Just like our first year, when we began our drive out to El Mirage we did so with snacks provided by Jaedon. She has always done so and has always thought of both of us, rather than just herself. She of course brought a variety of clothing for our afternoon, one which started at least an hour early so that we could find the perfect locations. This is the kind of acceptance necessary to create timeless images.

Our collaboration on this afternoon lasted until the last ray of sunlight disappeared into the desert landscape. It took us at least twenty minutes to gather ourselves, to allow our energy to calm down enough for the ride back into Los Angeles. It was yet another memorable chapter, one for which I am eternally grateful.

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Note: This image was made with a Hasselblad 503 CW/100 mm combination onto Ilford 100 Delta film.

Taylor + El Mirage, Los Angeles, California, 2016

A little over a year ago El Mirage was the scene for a most incredible collaboration. Thanks to Cami's selfless spirit we were blessed to have Taylor on our team for the afternoon. From a photographer's perspective, it is deeply moving to watch two creatives want the other to succeed even more so than themselves.

Regardless of what many may presume, the photographer is the least important aspect of the equation. We may have the most perfect location, the latest gear and the best weather. All would fall flat without two such beautiful beings in front of the lens. A point-and-shoot camera with Cami and Taylor would be better than a Hasselblad and those without vision.

Suffice it to say we had that Hasselblad for the session, and thankfully so. The session started with a great drive out, as it was refreshing to have two other people in the car. The conversation was wonderful, and we arrived at El Mirage with the most beautiful sky as our backdrop. They exchanged ideas, as well as outfits, and took their turns in front of the lens. The images from that session are as beautiful as any in my work, and these two sublime women have my deepest gratitude for sharing their talents on that afternoon.

Hopefully 2018 gives us another chance to collaborate!

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Note: This image was made with a Hasselblad 555 ELD/180 mm combination.

Jaedon + Abandoned Home, Los Angeles County, California, 2017

Five days ago was my third session with the incomparable Jaedon. Every time I reach out, she accepts without reservation. Nothing needs to be stated regarding the wardrobe, and she is willing to drive out much earlier so that we could find the best spots. On top of it all, she always brings the tastiest snacks along, and of course healthy!

The abandoned home in this image was found first, to the side of the road on our way to El Mirage. She spotted a group of homes, and we turned off of the main road to explore. This one was just perfect, and we set up our cameras immediately.

Her jacket was more than beautiful, for it had meaning beyond its esthetic. She shared the story behind it, making the images that much more memorable for us. Our dear friend Ian came along for the ride, and through his support we were able to make images and have fun along the way.

From here we drove to a Joshua Tree, found a TV tossed to the side of the road, and then made it to the dry lake bed at El Mirage... our favorite place by far. We stopped at the entrance to the lake so that Ian can get behind the wheel... to see his excitement as he raced along the cracked surface. On our way back, Jaedon took the wheel and guided us slowly as the sun set for the evening.

These are the moments for which I am deeply thankful, and these are the kind of people for whom my photography is dedicated. It is my intention to return next year, and to document Jaedon's priceless spirit for the fourth time.

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3, mounted alongside a Hasselblad V system for an immediate, digital image.

Cami + Joshua Tree, Los Angeles County, California, 2017

This past week was spent out West with some of the most precious women in my life. All have taken part in my photography in the past and continue to honor me with their participation. They ask for nothing in return, and find being sisters to the girls in my work truly heartening. 

Immediately after landing at LAX my first objective was to drive over to Cami's home. She was gracious enough to meet me earlier than planned so that we could explore some new spots. On our way to the dry lake bed, we ran across this scene and stopped immediately.

Southern California is incredibly beautiful, and in this location alone we found a variety of scenes. This tree was the last one photographed before driving away. Rather than standing in front of the tree, Cami was brave enough to try something new and made the difficult climb.

This allowed us to make images from a further distance, and expanded the perspective of our collaboration. Her open mind, and willingness to try something new continues to inspire me. Should she be willing to collaborate next year, and every year after, she can count on me to be at her service as a photographer.

On our way back home, Cami was gracious enough to invite me for a meal at the amazing Krimsey's Cajun Kitchen, "the world's first cajun vegan restaurant." We were treated like royalty by our dear friend Gino, and ended our collaboration for the evening with a delicious meal. This is the kind of person she is, and for whom I am truly grateful.

When in Los Angeles, you will love the food of this spot and can get an idea of it through their website.

www.krimseys.com

Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3.

Jadha + El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, California, November 6, 2015

This past week was spent in Los Angeles making images of ballerinas and models. The idea was to create an inclusive body of work, to make images of the well known along with the less than known… to display the similarities rather than the differences.

All of the women photographed offered themselves selflessly to the work, fully understood the idea behind the project and saw the girls in my work as their sisters. This was the case with Jadha, and our session this past Friday.

While it was pretty damn cold for such a session even near Los Angeles, she was more than enthusiastic to meet up two hours before sunrisey. Leading up to this meeting, she shared images of her wardrobe and communicated consistently, always showing true enthusiasm.

We met this past Friday two hours before sunrise and drove out to our location, talked about the sequence of our session and began a few minutes after we arrived. She ignored the coolness of the desert air, and performed flawlessly for the lens. She changed from one outfit to another quickly, and rarely presented the same pose twice.

We had a great time for two hours, and headed back to Los Angeles with the most beautifully clear skies above. I admire this young woman, and look forward to seeing the processed film this week!

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3 mounted next to a Hasselblad V System, triggered simultaneously to make a digital file alongside the analog.

Jaedon + Joshua Tree, Near Los Angeles, California, November 6, 2015

Yesterday I had the privilege of photographing this most exquisite spirit, and witnessed talent of the highest degree along with a heart as open as the spaces in which we photographed. We entered our collaboration as strangers and exited as collaborators for life.

My initial impression of Jaedon was that of a very enthusiastic communicator, responding to my casting call. As she responded to my requests with precision and always on time, my admiration of her grew even more. Here was a woman certainly busy with her life, yet taking the time out of her busy days to check her eyes' sensitivity to sunlight, to send pictures of her wardrobe for me to review.

She accepted a morning session even though that meant heading out to the dry lake bed two hours before sunrise. So when the time came for our session and the afternoon slot became available, she accepted with humility and we made our way to El Mirage Dry Lake Bed the next day.

When I arrived at her home, she was standing outside perfectly ready, and with care kits especially prepared for us. She had once again taken the time to put together bags of nutritious snacks for our afternoon out of the city, a very touching gesture indeed.

We had a great conversation on our way and, since we were early, we decided to stop at a few places to make images with more variety. Her willingness to check her eyes' sensitivity to sunlight paid off immediately, as she was able to work perfectly while the sun was quite strong.

In this image she stands at our third location prior to the dry lake bed, a location we chose spontaneously as we were about to leave the second spot. She was and is magnificent, and I will be proud to introduce her to our dancers in Cuba very soon!

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3.

Mariel + Dry Lake Bed, Los Angeles, California, Fall of 2012

Soon the girls on the island will see that there are those on this side of the water who care about them deeply and are willing to give of their time to join them in this movement. This young woman offered her time for the sake of those in my portfolio even thought this is her full-time profession. This is her form of giving and with such images a larger circle of people will visit this portfolio, thus taking the message even further.

These images were made at El Mirage Dry Lake Bed two years ago, just the two of us and this wonderful space. The camera system used was a Hasselblad 555 ELD/180mm combination, and exposures were made to Fuji Neopan Acros 100 ISO film. We spent two glorious hours working, and at least twice that in our time to and from the lake bed. She was as marvelous in front of the lens as she was next to me in the car, a joy to be with indeed.

www.halimina.org

Another Side of Mariel, El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, Los Angeles, November 18, 2012

Just when I thought we were finished for the afternoon Mariel decides to produce an array of expressions with her face, in very much the same way she had produced so with her body for the first part of the session. She moved from one expression into another with such power, and dignity.

She is a professional, acknowledged my reactions and incorporated them into her next gestures. Her light eyes stood strong against the sun even though most would fold under such intensity. We had worked for over two hours by the time of this portrait yet she was unyielding in her output. When offered rest, she kindly insisted to continue with our work.

In comparison to the digital platform, moving at such a pace in the analog equivalent required reloading the film back over and over again. Rather than losing momentum Mariel would continue to move while I reloaded the film back. When I returned to the viewfinder she would be ready to show me much more and with an exuberance that made working with her the equivalent of working overseas.

Here is a woman, photographed literally hundreds of times by dozens of photographers. Rather than placing herself above those in my portfolio from around the world because of her experience, she embraces them by approaching this project with humility and respect. She never once asked me for a hair stylist, but rather let her hair flow freely in the wind. She had every right to do so, and such a team is an incredible asset to a photographic collaboration. However she recognized the meaning of my work and wanted to be one with the women and girls in my book.

On this day she achieved this most successfully and has earned my sincerest respect. We shall collaborate for years to come, and have plans next year to initiate a workshop in the Los Angeles area to raise funds for schools in India. On her support the girls of Rajasthan can depend, and have found a sister across the oceans.

As her essence passed through the glass elements of my lenses, she joined those in my portfolio in their struggles, in their joys. To learn more regarding my work, and the projects represented through these images, you may visit the website listed below.

halim.ina@gmail.com

Halim Ina Photography

Dreaming Mariel, El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, Los Angeles, California, November 18, 2012

While most would think twice about driving over two hours to a location, this young woman accepted the drive initially for our morning session. This meant leaving by four in the morning and returning well after two in the afternoon. She accepted without hesitation, always helping me feel comfortable in my attempts to make our arrangements ideal.

Perhaps by chance or perhaps by fate, the afternoon cleared for us to work and Mariel once again accepted without hesitation. We met by her apartment early in the morning nonetheless and began our three hour drive to El Mirage Dry Lake Bed just outside of Los Angeles. We stopped for coffee and hot chocolate, and chatted like old friends along the way.

When we arrived I was worried that maybe the lake bed would be closed due to the recent storms in the area. To my pleasant surprise the lake bed was open to the public, unlike my last visit to the area. We drove onto the lake bed, always to the side in order to preserve the integrity of the surface. We headed to the end of the bed where few would be around, and set up for our session soon after.

Mariel took a few minutes to prepare herself and was ready quickly. The angle of the sun was low and allowed us to work immediately, and throughout the afternoon. We began with an elegant black dress, and I soon learned that Mariel shed her inhibitions during her sessions. She began the session standing up and then laid down on the surface for a different presentation. Rather than worrying about the dust on the fabric, she embraced the dust and gave me yet another dimension to the images.

Then, for the image above, she returned to the car in order to gather an incredible piece that she had recently acquired. The wind, while ideal in most instances, made it quite difficult for Mariel to manage. Like a professional she managed beautifully, at times using her hands to stabilize the piece while adding lines, volume to the exposures.

She never complained, never once told me that we needed to finish early. We worked for almost three hours and then decided to end our session with peace in our hearts. We packed up our gear and headed back home, also chatting along the way. Some find it awkward after a session, since so much output is needed leaving one with little energy to talk. This exquisite woman understood the essence of my work and therefore quenched my need to learn about her. 

I very much look forward to printing more of her work, and to collaborating once again early next year.

halim.ina@gmail.com

Halim Ina Photography