This day I was freelancing in a coffee house with my friend and photographer Francis Delapena.

We met in a graphic design class in college, I was 20 and he was 18. I sat right next to him. At first glance, Francis looked like all the boys I had honor classes with in high school: bowl-cut hair, baggy white t-shirt and jeans, and small wire-framed glasses. I had long, bright red hair and was wearing low-rise, tan corduroy pants, sea-green tank top, scarf, and mauve leg warmers on my arms. After a few class times, Francis learned I was taking photos for the Alibi (a weekly paper that survived maybe 5 months). He was just barely getting into photography and decided to share photos he had taken of BMX bike tricks. Soon we started taking photos together when I invited him to attend a Sir Mix-a-Lot concert I was assigned to photograph.

A few photographs of butts and 10 years later, Francis is one of my most cherished friends. Life to him is play and he brings the kid out in me and occasionally the girl who stands on a table.

Pose: Awkward  Dress: Urban Outfitters (1 year ago) Sweater: GAP (6 years ago from the Audrey Hepburn season)

Silver ethnic necklace: gift

Vintage silver Afghanistan bracelet: Armor Bijoux  (Next week this will be available to purchase. Oct. 31 – Nov. 4 there is a 10% discount on entire shop if you enter code: FrivUniv)
Shoes: Nordstroms (thrift store find: $2.50) Tights: Urban Outfitters (2 years ag0)
I had to show a closeup of my dress. I choose a lot of what I buy based on the pattern and unusual color palette.

Francis. The photographer.