El Cambio Trading Co

Recently I was asked to collaborate with the cool sustainable tank top company El Cambio Trading Company, which was co-founded by a friend of mine here at school. She had seen my Instagram and asked if I would take some photos for their fall look book. I love taking photos and sharing my work any way I can, so I was psyched by this offer and of course said yes right away!

I easily convinced my best friend Natalia and my twin brother Tyler into being my models for the day, and we set off around my hometown of Ithaca, NY to explore, take photos, and have lots of fun along the way.

The thing that I find most unique and most inspiring about El Cambio is that each shirt design (there are five in total) represents a different social cause around the world, and in turn when that tank top is bought, $3 of that purchase goes to a specific organization to help that cause.

The day we took these photos was the epitome of a perfect October day in upstate New York. With clear blue skies, bright sunshine, and crisp autumn air, I could not have asked for a better day to adventure around my favorite town with some of my favorite humans.

Natalia, Tyler and I went to a few of our favorite places in Ithaca; one was an old railroad track bridge that we like to climb on, called Lickbrook, and the second location was above the parking garage on Green Street downtown. The two have completely different aesthetics and we had a great time feeling the vibe of each and choosing the outfits accordingly. The best thing about using my friends/siblings as models was that the entire day was just a blast. We always are down for an adventure, so when we added some cool shirts, a camera, and a picturesque fall day, it was a hella good time.

I feel lucky to live in a place that is so beautiful and so inspiring. I am obsessed with my home town and in reality I know Ithaca has had a huge impact on who I am and who I have become as I grew up in such a grounded community. I am also extremely blessed by the people I have in my life, and the opportunities that keep presenting themselves when I am open and accepting. Like this one! I had an incredible time with this shoot and I hope to do more things like this in the future.

In the meantime, check out El Cambio Trading Company at www.elcambiotradingco.com and buy yourself or a friend a rad tank top, knowing exactly where the money goes to! Supporting sustainable clothing and local businesses are extremely important in today's world, so spread the love. :)