This was the session that flipped the script for me. Not because of Victoria, who showed up to the session looking adorable in her fall-inspired outfit, but because of an overzealous park ranger who took his role a bit too seriously. After months of keeping quiet about it, I finally need to share what went down.
We kicked things off at La Purisima Mission, which was gearing up for autumn in full force, with colors bursting everywhere. I was pumped to soak up the scenery and highlight it during Victoria's senior session. We made it all the way to the garden when that familiar figure appeared, clad in a bulletproof vest and sporting a body cam. I had seen this guy before; he usually warned me about poison oak or the importance of not interrupting others enjoying the mission. I thought that’s what he was going to do again. But no, he had other plans.
Right in front of my clients, he pulls me aside—loud enough for them to hear—and demands I have a permit to continue photographing. Mind you, I've been photographing there for 15 years without anyone ever mentioning a permit. When I confessed I didn't have one, he told me to leave the premises. Yep, I got kicked out for taking senior portraits. What a nightmare, huh?
Thankfully, Victoria and her family were incredibly understanding while I stood there, flabbergasted and shaking. I had to gather myself to continue the session at Ken Adam Park, and Victoria? She was the most gracious and patient client amid the chaos.
Thank you, Victoria, for trusting me to capture this special time.
