Harvest of the Heart
Not long after arriving in Los Angeles, I found myself standing at the entrance of my friend Cyndi Finkle’s Hollywood loft welcoming guests for an evening called Harvest of the Heart.
Cyndi hosted the dinner in her loft and co-hosted the evening with our friend Lori Dyan, who was visiting for the week. Together they gathered women from their circles — artists, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers — and generously made introductions so that everyone in the room felt connected. It was a beautiful act of friendship and support, and a meaningful way for me to begin meeting people as I settle back into Los Angeles.
As guests arrived, I photographed each woman just outside the loft against a simple temporary backdrop we set up at the entrance. It created a quiet moment to pause and be seen before stepping into the evening. Inside the loft, I also offered quick headshots throughout the night for anyone who wanted them.
“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive.”
— Anaïs Nin
The loft was warm and candlelit. Cyndi prepared a beautiful fall dinner while Lori offered tarot readings throughout the evening. Conversations moved easily from table to sofa to kitchen as women met one another, shared their work, and discovered surprising overlaps and possibilities.
What stood out most was the generosity in the room. Cyndi and Lori had thoughtfully brought together women they believed should know one another. Introductions were made with intention — one person’s friend quickly becoming another person’s collaborator, supporter, or future connection.
It was a reminder of how powerful it can be when women actively support one another in this way. The evening carried the same spirit that has been guiding my recent photographic work, Wild Abundance — a celebration of the Divine Feminine and the vitality that emerges when women step fully into their creativity, wisdom, and leadership.
These are the environments I love to photograph. Not just the portrait itself, but the atmosphere around it — the energy of gathering, conversation, and shared encouragement.
Harvest of the Heart was more than a dinner. It was a beautiful welcome to Los Angeles and a reminder that community is often built one table, one introduction, and one evening at a time.
Sometimes all it takes is good food, thoughtful hosts, and a room full of remarkable women.
Thank you Cyndi and Lori and all who joined us for this special gathering.