December – “Christmas Tree Farm”

PageLines- DLMFeature1.jpg Happy Holidays Everyone!

This lovely December day reminded me why I love Southern California! This shoot was such a blast and all our models were so gracious and brave to navigate through all the dirt paths! Enjoy!

MEET THE MODELS
Cassandra Tang – Paraplegic T2

My younger sister and I were in college with a bright future ahead of us. Until June 11, 1993 we were both victims of gunshots which left me a T2 paraplegic and my younger sister Anh lost her life. Just when I thought life was over for me, I found it had only just begun. I went back to college and completed my bachelors degree in accounting where I graduated with honors at California State University, Los Angeles. I enjoy volunteer work, embroidery, painting, making clay flowers, fishing, snorkeling, surfing, and new activities. I am so grateful for my youngest sister Josephine and for her unconditional love and support. Having gone through the experiences that I’ve had, I’ve learned that life is a gift and is fragile. I live each day to the fullest and make it as meaningful as it can be. Through me, my sister Anh Tang is still live in my heart.

Leah Ortiz – Paraplegic T-11

If it weren’t for the events in my life, I would not be the person that I am today by: anonymous “
A new chapter of my life began on August of 1997 after an automobile accident and forever changed my life. Another chapter began on June 25, 1999 when I had my son. I was given another challenge as a single mom which made me the strong person I am today. I was so new to my disability and my chair but things turns out well because my son naturally adapted to my chair and met me half way to make things easier for the both of us. I am independent as well as very active and I don’t let my chair stop me for doing the things that I want to do. I like to volunteer as much as I can and get involved with spinal cord injury activities.There’s no easy way in living life so live it as it is. Cry. Laugh. Be crazy and don’t miss the chances that life is giving you because the most important things are not things at all, most of the time they are people making your life worth living

Cynthia Ramirez – Paraplegic T12On June 1st 2008, shortly before my 30th birthday, I was involved in a car accident that change my life forever. I suffered a spinal cord injury leaving me paralyzed from the waist down. Life as I once knew, was over…or so I thought. Because of my disability, I have a deeper appreciation for the simple things in life and I have learned to live life “In the Moment”. I have an 11 year old daughter and it is such a wonderful blessing to be her mother. I am physically active and I enjoy all outdoor activities, but one of my biggest passions is photography. Through my triumphs and tribulations, I hope to help and inspire other women with disabilities to live confident, happy, productive lives. “Be You. Be Beautiful. Be Bold.”MAKEUP

Bobbie Eller – Freelance Makeup Artist

Bobbie has been creatively painting faces for more than 5 years. She enjoys what she does and is ever so fulfilled when a subject is turned into a work of visionary art.

Contact Bobbie: Mozla1@aol.com
Alyssa J. Moreno

Alyssa is an aspiring makeup artist and stylist professional and DLM wants to extend a big thank you for her participation for this shoot.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Tiffany Mather – www.mather-photography.com

Tiffany has a wonderful passion for photography. Her life has been affected by tragedy when her husband was struck by a car, while cycling, that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Since then, she realized the importance of capturing every one of life’s precious and priceless moments. Tiffany left her corporate job and stepped behind the camera lens.
Andrew Angulo – DLM

I love it all and I am thankful for every moment I have to enjoy my loved ones and all the wonderful people that have blessed me with their friendship.