My photo shoot got off to a challenging start, but turned out great. Minutes after I got off the train in downtown Los Angeles, I witnessed a fist fight. Shaken, I exited stage left and stood outside next to a young brother while waiting for my friends to collect me. As we chatted, the man shared that on October 1, 2016, LAPD shot his cousin in the back (killing him) while he was running away from them. I extended my condolences.
Passing homeless people and their rows of tents on sidewalks, made it difficult for me to focus on anything other than injustice. The photographer gave money to one disabled man and I began singing my song: “Just Say No (no hunger no homelessness.”) Nearing our destination, we searched for a parking garage that was not full while our driver avoided the sea of people darting out in front of us. (Warning: pedestrians in California have the right of way. Unlike the east coast where I’m from, in LA the speed limit on surface streets can be 45 or 50 mph and people will step right in front of cars oblivious to the fact that some folks have bad brakes and you can be “dead right;” but I digress…)
When we finally arrived at the studio, it looked nothing like their website and there were hidden fees. It was dirty, no dressing room or air conditioning. After getting a refund, we drove all the way across town to a fabulous studio and enjoyed a fun, wonderful photo shoot. I will be sharing pics soon.
One Love…
Aria