And The Warm Wind Was Perfect in Point Dume, Malibu, California
This photograph pretty much sums up my favorite place in LA area. When I have the time, I pack up some goodies [cameras, coffee, journals, etc.] and head to the beach to get away from the “vibrations” in the city. I am so thankful to have this place to go to, as it helps balance out the intense city life of LA. I go out here and am instantly recharged to come back and throw myself in to all the activity and stimulation of the city.
Place you live: Los Angeles, Cali
Place your photo was taken: I shot this photograph on a portrait session with my girl Kristen in Point Dume, Malibu, CA.
Can you sum up Los Angeles? LA is extremely diverse and extremely friendly. You really can’t step out of your house without striking up a conversation with a awesome stranger. What is there not to love about LA? I mean, you can get in your car and in about an hour in either direction, you could be swimming in the beautiful waves of the Pacific or climbing up a mountain that overlooks the city. The art community here is vibrant and exciting; there is always something fun to get in to. I was just in NYC and the difference between the two is vast. While I was scrambling around on underground subways, I longed to be home where people are slower paced, laid back and smiling.
Occupation: Portrait & Landscape photographer with an M.A. in conflict transformation who also likes to design and sell jewelry.
Preoccupation: Good espresso, analog & instant cameras [I mainly shoot film], laughing & getting rowdy, engaging in elevated, meaningful dialogue, learning about other’s creative processes.
What is a perfect day in LA? Grab some tacos, then a coffee, pack up your car and hit the beach with your cameras and buds.
If someone was visiting, what must they do? Go to all the food spots I mention below, and if you want, head up to Brand Library & Park in Glendale for a sweet visit to their art library and you can even go for a hike up the mountain right behind it or chill out in their Japanese garden. And go to Malibu beaches: Point Dume & el Matador.
A perfect meal in LA? Best coffee is at PROOF Bakery [Atwater Village] & Handsome Coffee Roasters [Downtown LA]
Best tacos are LA ESTRELLA & KOGI [both taco trucks]
Best Vietnamese is PHO CAFE [Silverlake]
A must try — Best Persian Kabob is RAFFI’S [Glendale]
What is the best thing about your spot? The sunshine [duh] & the smiles.
What is the worst? The endless traffic [duh] and the fact that we have very limited public transpo.
A little known fact about where you live? Growing up in the rainforests of SE Alaska, I shared a largely common sentiment about LA – that is polluted, fake, plastic and ugly. This is not true, in fact it’s one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen with some of the most awesome people.
Where is your favorite place in the world? The Venetian Port in Xania, Crete; The Baha’i Holy Places in Akko & Haifa, Israel; Boy Scout Beach in Juneau, Alaska.
You can follow Layli on her website, blog Samimi-Extremie, Facebook page and don’t miss her jewelry line Lish.