Kristen Swain - Editorial-Style Portrait Photography in Long Beach, CA Looking for bold, fashion-inspired portraits that break the mold? At nanigrossphoto, we specialize in edgy, editorial-style portrait photography that blends high fashion energy with raw, authentic expression. Based in Long Beach, California, we create striking portraits that go beyond the basics—perfect for artists, creatives, performers, and anyone who wants to look iconic. Our portrait sessions are designed for people who want more than just a pretty picture. Whether you need model portfolio shots, dancer headshots, or stylized portraits for personal branding, we shoot with intention, style, and attitude. Every session is a collaborative experience between you, Nani behind the camera, and Misty assisting on set—ensuring your photos come out confident, elevated, and completely unique. Located in Long Beach and serving surrounding areas including Los Angeles and Orange County, we offer indoor studio sessions and creative on-location shoots tailored to your aesthetic. Book your portrait session today and let’s create something that belongs in a magazine

5/30/2025

Sunlight, Swimwear, and a Little Sin in Escondido: A Birthday Shoot with @CupcakeKissies

What do you do when your birthday lands on a weekend, you're itching to shoot, and your model is down for something fun, bold, and a little wild? You pack your gear, grab your girl, and hit the road for Escondido.

For my 37th birthday, Misty and I headed south to meet up with the incredible Kristen—aka @CupcakeKissies—at her space, Vixen Studios (also called Fusion Studios) in Escondido. It’s not just a studio; it's also an Airbnb, which made it the perfect place to post up, create, and... well, let’s just say enjoy the amenities in more ways than one.

The Shoot: Color, Confidence & CupcakeKissies

Kristen came ready to slay in a two-tone bikini, and from the first shot, it was clear this session was going to be 🔥. Her energy was effortless, playful, and totally locked in. We worked with bright colors, funky lighting, and a ton of bold poses—exactly the kind of vibe that makes my lens happy. It wasn’t just a shoot; it was a full-blown celebration of summer, self-love, and that hot girl energy that can't be faked.

I’ll be sharing a few of those final shots below, but let’s just say: this is the kind of content Instagram’s algorithm pretends to hate but everyone secretly saves.

Studio Crawl & San Diego Love

While we were in town, we linked up with a dope photographer couple, @CapturedByWeinchez, who invited us to tour their studio and just hang out. The vibe was immaculate—deep convo, shared inspiration, and the kind of community that makes this weird little world of photography feel way more connected.

And since this was technically a birthday trip, we made time to explore San Diego. One place that blew me away? Kindred. Hands down the best vegan food I’ve ever had in my life. Like, if you’re reading this and you eat plants, GO. The place is punk as hell and the food is next-level.

A Bit of Business, A Bit of Pleasure

When we weren’t shooting or linking up with other creatives, Misty and I made sure to take some, uh... personal time. It’s not every day you get a studio that doubles as a sexy Airbnb, and we definitely made the most of it. (Hey, it was my birthday.)

Final Thoughts

This trip reminded me why I do what I do. It’s not just about the photos—it’s the people, the places, the stories that get embedded in each image. Working with Kristen was a dream, meeting new creatives sparked something fresh, and getting a little weird in the desert sun? 10/10, no regrets.

If you're looking for a photographer who brings the energy, loves a bit of chaos, and can make magic out of a weekend, hit me up. And in the meantime, keep an eye on @nanigrossphoto for more from this shoot.