Had an opportunity to photograph a talented up-and-coming group who call themselves, Loaded Chambers. The first session shot in a dry lake bed went great with the exception of almost freezing to death and the band’s car getting stuck in the mud.

Band members Patrick, Josh and Arturo are busy putting together their first EP. I’ve had the good fortune of getting some rough cuts. You can take a listen here:

http://www.myspace.com/loadedchambersmusic

I’d been itching for this shoot since Brianna (the model) contacted via email several months prior. She wanted a portrait of herself in her Native American attire alongside a real wolf. She sent me photos of the location: The Wolf Mountain Sanctuary, which was home to several wolves we could work with.

The Wolf Mountain Sanctuary (www.wolfmountain.com) is a short trip down an unpaved road off the 18 highway in Lucerne Valley, California. It was founded in 1976 by Native American, Tonya Littlewolf who is dedicated and devoted to the rescue of wolves in the wild and in captivity.

Although it was one of my more challenging shoots, everything fell into place. The biggest challenge was getting our wolf model, Wayland to cooperate as he was more interested in exploring the desert than sitting still to get his picture made.

Escape to Wolf Mountain Photography Shoot from Luis Aguirre on Vimeo.

The sanctuary is run purely on sponsorship and donations so if you’d like to donate, adopt, visit or become a member, make sure to check out their website at www.wolfmountain.com

I’d like to thank the staff of the sanctuary for their warm hospitality and all their invaluable help. This would not have been possible without it.

Driving into Hesperia the Sunday of this shoot, I was a little bit nervous. As my car kicked from side to side from heavy winds I couldn’t help worry that it might make this shoot too difficult. Luckily when we finally arrived at the Mirage Dry Lake Bed, the wind had subsided.

The lake bed is a popular recreation area for off roaders. ATVs, dirt bikes, go carts, trucks, etc. were racing by us in all directions. I’d felt like I’d stumbled onto the set of a Mad Max movie. All those vehicles turned the landscape into a giant dust bowl. By the time the shoot was done, me and my equipment were covered in a fine white veil of dust.

Angel, (the model) was a trooper. She braved the dust, the cold and my constant requests for her to jump or hold a pose. She stands no taller than 5′4″ but when she takes off, she literally flies. I was amazed at how much air she could get and how gracefully she looked doing it. She was amazing. Truly a desert angel.

Marco Grob is a brilliant photographer. From portraits, editorials to advertising campaigns he creates immaculate, masterfully lit images. Occasionally I come across a photographer whose work is so good (and intimidating), it makes me want to sell my camera and take up a new career. Marco Grob is definitely one of them. I wonder if Burger King is hiring?

You can see more of his amazing images here:

http://www.marcogrob.com

Wendy's date. Photograph by Susana Raab. © Susana Raab

In the midst of my own struggle, the quote below via MIAD-FA382 came across my screen at a serendipitous time.

What is the best advice you can give to a photographer who is struggling to find their voice?

Well if it wasn’t a struggle to find one’s own voice, what would be the point? Struggle is good! I think it helps to be an independent thinker. Be sure of yourself and your intention. Read and read more. The struggle is what makes it worth doing—what gives your voice meaning.

—Susana Raab

Change the word, “Photographer” to any creative field and it still applies.

Check out more of Susana Raab’s work here: www.susanaraab.com