I often say, "by the end of each session I have become friends with my client".  This holds true when I had the pleasure of photographing Elana.  As our session began I immediately began asking a zillion questions, not just to hear her speak with her beautiful Italian accent, but also because I was so curious.  I wanted to know what she thought about Americans, has she been treated nicely while here, what made her want to move here, how does the US compare to Italy, is the cost of living different, etc, etc, etc.  She happily answered all of my questions and I began to realize more than ever that it doesn't matter where we're all from, we really are all the same.  We all want to dream, to be happy, we want love, we want life experience.  

Elena moved here for 16 months to take a break from her career and gain some more education.  I admired her for taking such a bold leap.  As we talked I learned that she had taken full advantage of her time here.  She had soaked up the Santa Monica culture, made trips to Maui, surfed, shopped, studied, and made new friends.  It's beautiful to witness someone who is taking a moment to soak up life and enjoy it!  

Now, Elena's time in Los Angeles is drawing to an end.  She is packing her things and moving back to Italy to return to her job.  I feel so fortunate to have documented her time here.  I hope that Elena looks back at her pictures and looks back at this time in her life with beautiful memories.  I am sad to see her go, but feel blessed that she left me with the reminder to enjoy life and soak it up.