A friend of mine asked me “What’s the most magical place you’ve ever been?” The only place that really came to mind was Los Angeles. What’s funny is that I live in LA. I’ve been in love with LA ever since I first visited here in 2008. My love for LA has only increased since that first time. I returned to LA in February of 2013, then again in June of that year. Each time I would come to LA I would learn the city more and get to know people and what’s possible out here. I stayed out in LA for most of the summer of 2014, then booked some last minute jobs and returned in late August of that year. In August of 2015 I moved out here for a semester of school, then in January of this year I moved with some friends into the place I currently live at in Hollywood. 

The view from my balcony in Hollywood

Chris and Stephen at Griffith Observatory

I think the reason I love LA is less about the actual place and more about the opportunities, the possibilities. LA is a place where I’ve had days on photography sets, followed by film jobs, followed by an evening at the beach all within 20 miles of where I live. It truly feels like anything is possible here. I had to track down an old battery for a VHS camcorder at one point, which I figured I would only be able to find online, turns out there’s multiple battery stores in LA that carry such items. It’s all here, everything I could want really. 

Now I am pretty new to LA, so maybe my feelings will wear off. The nostalgia might fade.  It’s always crazy for my friends and I to be hanging at the beach or Griffith park and see everyone there on vacation. I live somewhere that people come for vacation. It’s cool and I don’t take it for granted. I’m not sure how long I’ll be in LA, but I’m going to enjoy every bit of it while I am here. 

- Matt