INSPIRATIONS FROM RAFAEL

When I moved to San Diego years ago one of my first jobs was for a Producer by the name of Michelle Boucher. Little did I know answering her craigslist ad would forever change my life. Keep in mind I had only been in San Diego a few months at this point, knowing very little about the town. If you work in production that could very well be your downfall, not knowing the surrounding areas. Fake it till you make it, right?  Well I made sure I had every form of navigation-maps,thomas guide,friends waiting for my call to ask,hey can you google the closest Starbucks for me. I even had to make a few calls to my mother in Maryland for google results. 

 I showed up for my first day having no Idea what to expect. That is the rule of the game...EXPECT ANYTHING  AND EVERYTHING. I walked into a lunch meeting between Michelle(producer),Naomi(Art Buyer), and Rafael(photographer).  I was a bit intimidated. I sat down and observed. Quietly,that is how I go in. I take it all in and run with it. It is important to know your surroundings and how people interact. At this point I had met Michelle only via email. What I expected was to get a tall list of orders and I would make it happen for Michelle. That is what I do,what I am good at. Making peoples lives easier. 

By the end of the lunch Rafael had taken me in, made me part of the family. You see this crew has worked together many times before,and still continue to, to this day. By the end of the shoot Raf, in so many words, told me I was going to make it out here. I was going to accomplish great things. Yea right I thought. Im just Heather. Newbie. How do you know I am going to make it in this crazy world of production. 

Years later, I am here. Why? Maybe it was my lil birdy Rafael Astorga believing in me. To have someone of his artistic caliber and caring nature believing in you is something you could never gain from motivational book, Harvard Education, or 100's of training seminars. 

To this day I see my Portland Family about twice a year when I am fortunate enough to have them shoot in san Diego. Anytime I need anything, I know I have a place to go. Rafael you are an amazing person who always cared. Your crew became family. Thanks H

Above are a few of the productions I was fortunate enough to be a  part of.

To view more of Rafael's Work please visit www.rafaelastorga.com

Project for Big Sis

I asked my brother to do a personal project for me. I asked him to fill these three frames I had on my livingroom wall. These frames came with pictures already that meant nothing to me. I would look at this artwork and I would wonder "Why am I hanging this on my wall?Do I have any emotional attachment to this artwork?" The answer was simple. I needed to fill a space so I grabbed the quickest alternative. Store bought art. 

My brother quickly latched onto the idea and started his project. First he ran around brainstorming on what would be appropriate for these frames. The only vision I gave him was I wanted something that reminded me of why I am here. This is what he came up with....from the heart. Thanks Bradley...Big Sis

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that ritualizes movement from Martial Arts, Games, and Dance. While the participants form a roda, or circle, A Ladainha, is sung solo by the master. Wether this song is improvised or previously written by the master it is followed by a call and response pattern by all the members of the roda. The circle is formed to maintain focus on the players and the musicians and keep the energy up within the circle. 

This was an amazing experience to watch from the warm-up to the actual dance. Each member had a unique ability to contribute to this Brazilian Art Form.  While one was playing an instrument another was doing backflips or flying kicks throughout the air. Coming so close one would think there was contact.