When did you first start getting into photography? What inspired this interest?

Growing up, I was captivated by old family photos. I would spend hours on the laundry room floor, going through a dresser drawer filled with both new and old pictures. My mom would get frustrated because I’d mix them up and even pull the negatives out of their sleeves (sorry, Mom!). Many of the photos were from her Rolex film camera, which she always took on trips, and there were also black-and-white images from my dad’s childhood in 1950s-60s Los Angeles. Some of those photos were taken by my grandfather Bill and my uncle Gilbert, who later became a professional photographer. Looking at those pictures felt like stepping into a magical time portal, and even now, the distinct, acidic smell of old film rolls brings back a wave of nostalgia

It took me a long time to shift from, "Wow, I really love looking at photos," to "I really love taking photos," and eventually, "I should buy a real camera." The turning point came in 2021 when I reflected on my purpose, my hobbies and my sense of self. While Covid lockdown had a lot to do with this internal process, witnessing a friend go into a life-altering coma was an additionally stark reminder that motivated me to not wait any longer to do something I love. From there on I gave myself full permission to start developing my photography skills. Starting a new craft in my mid-30s was humbling. Initially, I felt embarrassed for waiting so long, but that quickly faded when I realized: a) no one cares, and b) you figure it out by just going for it. Today, I’m excited to see where photography takes me and how it continues to evolve as a form of creative expression that grounds me.

These photos all include water as a large part of the depicted scene. What do you most enjoy about photographing water? What about water as a subject do you find most fascinating? 

I’m drawn to water as a subject for several reasons. I feel most at home around it—perhaps because I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, close to the Pacific Ocean, or maybe because I’m a Pisces. Water is an element I have a deep physical and emotional connection with. When I lived in a landlocked part of Germany, I experienced a visceral longing for the ocean. Nothing quite compares to that open-ended view of the horizon, which reminds me of the vastness of the earth and the smallness of my own being.

What I enjoy most about photographing water is its dynamic, ever-changing nature. Its fluidity, both literal and visual, captivates me. Water constantly shifts—from one moment to the next, depending on the light, the tides, the weather, and the seasons—making it the perfect, endless muse. I also like the challenge of photographing a subject that is completely uncontrollable. Unlike a model or inanimate object, you can't place water how and where you think it looks best, you have to move yourself around it, and you have to be patient and ok with taking a lot of mediocre shots for that one good one.

Some of these photos are black and white, and some are in color. Can you speak to the intention behind using black and white versus color?

Certain photographs convey their story differently in black and white compared to color. To me, black-and-white photography has a unique sense of honesty, drama, and timelessness, as it relies more on lighting, shadows, and contrast. When I edit, it often feels like I’m asking the image what story it wants to tell. Sometimes, the image becomes more powerful when I strip away details like color. Other times, it’s the presence of those details that gives the photograph its voice. It all depends on the story the image is meant to tell.

What subject do you feel most moved by when taking photos?  

Nature brings me a sense of peace and clarity. When I take my camera out on a dewy morning walk or during an ocean sunset, I feel like I’m honoring that beauty by witnessing and capturing it. Photography allows me to share that experience with others, expanding that appreciation even further.

What is your favorite aspect of photography? How, if applicable, might this be reflected in these photos?

One of the things I love most about photography is that it makes me a more patient observer. I can sit with a subject and explore it from multiple angles without losing interest. In fact, I often become more curious, more aware of the subject’s intricacies, and I find myself in a flow state of observation. In a time when our attention is constantly pulled in different directions—thanks in part to information overload and social media—photography is a meditative practice that helps me reflect my reverence for the moment and grounds me in the present. I hope it has the same effect on those who view my photos in this collection.

What do you hope viewers of your photography take away from your photos? What is your intention when photographing? 

I regularly go on what I call "Wonder Walks," casual neighborhood strolls with my camera—or sometimes just my phone if I’m feeling extra lazy. The sole purpose of these walks is to observe my surroundings with a sense of appreciation. During these moments, I’m reminded of the abundance of everyday visual poetry—a palm tree leaning toward a crescent moon, the flash of crimson on a chipped city wall. My photography practice is about bearing witness to these small but meaningful scenes, and I hope my photos encourage viewers to pause and rediscover a sense of attentiveness in their own lives. 

See Larena’s Photo collection, “Linger” in dulcet Literary magazine, vol. One, Issue NO. 1.