Anastasia Malliaras

Opera Singer

They say the best things are unexpected, and this shoot was definitely that. The backstory of how it all came together is a tale for another time, but what matters most are the incredible results.

I had originally booked a gothic mansion in West Hollywood for a different shoot, but when that fell through, the Universe (and my friend Yael) intervened and introduced me to Anastasia. On a whim, I asked if she’d be up for a photoshoot after just meeting, and to my delight, she paused for a moment before responding, “Sure! Let's do it!"

Given that we had just met and I had never set foot in the mansion, I was starting from scratch with no clear ideas. Which hasn't stopped me before. Ha!

We arrived with our mutual friends Yael and her husband, who generously brought along some delicious pizza and beer from a nearby spot as well as a friend of theirs, Tana, who quickly became a production assistant (who I even asked to assist me with shoots the following day). With that, we were ready to go!

As it turns out, you don’t need a lot of ideas when your subject is as easygoing, fun, (and not to be cliche or state the obvious here), but as gorgeous as Anastasia. I was amazed at how we made a set that wasn’t exactly “on brand” for her come to life, and I can confidently say that some of these photos are among the best I’ve ever taken. It's amazing what fun little pockets in a space combined with someone with a fun sense of adventure can do.



Who’s ready for round two?