"Influence 3"

Thanks for takin' the time to check out Bsombin'! Back in November, I found out about a photography event that was being held at the Compton airport. The airport is home to Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum. A museum and learning center owned and operated by Robin Petgrave (@robin.at.tam on Instagram). The museum houses a variety of helicopters and airplanes, from military aircraft to small single engine propeller planes. Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum is also a learning center that provides inner city youth with an opportunity to learn about aviation and engineering. The kids are literally learning to be rocket scientists, at the museum! The museum even has it's own gourmet food truck, built out of an old DC-10 airplane, and a beautifully lit dinning area. I didn't get to try the food. But it smelled amazing!

On November 10th, the museum opened up its doors to co-host a pop-up art gallery / photography meet, along with @influenceartists ( a nonprofit pop-up gallery that showcases talented artists and influencers) and @losangelesgrammers (an Instagram feature account showcasing Los Angeles photography). It's a long drive to Compton, from where I live. But, when I heard that Robin would be giving $75 helicopter tours over DTLA through out the day, I was set on going. Despite my fear of heights, I wanted to shoot DTLA from a helicopter as much as I wanted to breath! It was also the day after my 41st Bday, so I took the opportunity as a gift from the Universe. It was a mission getting there. But, when I pulled up and saw all the old military aircraft and the DC-10 food truck all lit up, I couldn't help but smile. When I walked in there were about a dozen photographers showing and selling their work. Since the helicopter ride was what sold me on the event, I headed straight to the ticket line to get my ticket. I wasn't the only one excited about the heli rides and there was an hour wait before I could get my turn. After getting my ticket for the helicopter, I checked out the show. I picked up a print from Kristen Bautista (@killakristennn), and headed to the bar to prepare myself for what I thought would be the scariest photo mission of my life... Although I got there late and missed the photo meet, there were still a few models and a handful of lowriders there. So I got to work shooting, while I worked on my beers. By the time my turn on the helicopter came around, I was starting to freak out. But, sweaty palms and all, I jumped in and buckled up as soon as they said I was up! The funny thing is, I was so excited (and in disbelief about actually being in a helicopter) that I wasn't scared at all. The flight lasted about 30 minutes. But it felt like 5. It was one of the most amazing experiences I've had the good fortune of living. It even helped me with my fear of heights. Still afraid of heights. But I feel more in control of that fear now.

I'm extremely grateful to Robin Petgrave, Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum, Influence Artists, & Los Angeles Grammers (and everyone else who was involved and took part in the event) for giving me and the other photographers the opportunity to come together to shoot, network, and even fly in a helicopter! Here are some of my favorite shots from the night...

@raquelitalamasbonita_

@kelseyroseketting

@kelseyroseketting

@raquelitalamasbonita_

Influencers 4 is being held at Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum this Saturday (01/19/19) and more amazing photographers will be showcasing their work there, in case anyone is interested in checkin' it out. 

Thanks for checkin' out Bsombin'. Check back soon for more stories, adventures, and art!