Laura Csortan, my camera & me

Have you ever been sat next to a complete stranger at a dinner or event only to become instant pals within the first 30 seconds of meeting?

This is how I met Laura.

Bizarrely, I found myself invited to a rather formal awards event in Los Angeles. As standard practice, I hobbled around uncomfortably in my sky high heels, tugging at my too tight dress and avoided making small talk with industry folk. It was another classic fish out of water moment. (I can’t even remember why I was there in the first place).

Before I could make my escape I was ushered through the dining hall and into my seat. A waiter theatrically threw a napkin across my lap. Like a seatbelt, I was strapped in for the night. (Insert anxious emoji here).

“I love your dress! It’s gorgeous. Where’s it from?”.

These enthusiastic words spilled from the lips of the blonde and leggy babe next to me. It was Laura. She greeted me like such an old friend, I had to speed scan my memory to check we hadn’t met before. Turns out we hadn’t. She was just supremely friendly. What a breath of fresh air I thought!

We gossiped and giggled our way through the event and poked fun at the formalities like two naughty school children at the back of the bus. Needless to say she saved me that night.

If Laura and I were lesbians on a dating website our profiles would be matched. Fact. We share a deep love for fashion, the great outdoors, adventure, epic views and hiking trails. And guess what!? She is a fellow travel blogger too! Check out her adventures HERE.

So of course I was naturally inclined to want to photograph Laura and where better than out and about in nature’s glory to capture her wanderlust spirit. We spent a late winter’s afternoon (Yup! It was bloody freezing and she faced the cold like a boss) shooting at a beautiful Vaucluse lookout bathed in warm honey light.

Her gorgeous pooch Abbey tagged along for the ride and insisted on being snapped. I, of course, was more than happy to oblige.

Happy scrolling!

Love Peanut xo