An Unplanned Masterpiece: Editorial Shoot at Griffith Observatory with Priya Pappu

Priya Pappu leans casually against the curved railing of the Griffith Observatory, overlooking the sprawling cityscape of Los Angeles below

Sometimes, the stars align in the most unexpected ways. It all started with a phone call from Priya Pappu, an actress and model who also happens to be an old friend of my fiancé, Christopher. Priya wanted some new photos and had a last-minute idea: how about an impromptu editorial shoot at the iconic Griffith Observatory?

The timing was perfect. The summer sun was casting that quintessential golden glow over Los Angeles, and the idea of capturing that light with Priya’s vibrant energy sounded too good to pass up. We quickly coordinated the details, deciding to meet the next afternoon.

As I headed towards Griffith Park, I realized that I had underestimated the crowd. Parking was a nightmare. I ended up finding a spot a mile away, and with the clock ticking, we made a quick decision to hop into a cab for the final stretch. It was a bit of a scramble, but we managed to arrive at the observatory just in time to catch the best light.

Priya met us at the entrance, looking every bit the star that she is. She had brought along five different looks, each one a reflection of her impeccable style and bubbly personality. From flowing dresses to chic jumpsuits, every outfit was perfectly curated, adding a dynamic range to the shoot.

Effortless Elegance - Priya Pappu Radiates Timeless Beauty in a Delicate Floral Ensemble

We started right away, capturing shots at the observatory balcony overlooking the concrete jungle of Los Angeles, CA.. The combination of Priya’s effortless grace and the striking architecture made for some stunning compositions. Her wardrobe choices allowed us to experiment with different moods and vibes—one minute, she was the picture of classic Hollywood glam; the next, she was playful and carefree, laughing against the backdrop of the city skyline.

The observatory’s grand dome, the art deco details, and the sweeping views of Los Angeles provided the perfect setting for our session. With each look, Priya brought a new energy to the shoot, her expressions shifting seamlessly from soft and introspective to bold and fierce. It was clear that she knew how to work the camera, but there was also a relaxed, almost playful atmosphere that made the whole experience feel less like work and more like two old friends catching up—albeit with a camera in hand.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows and a warm glow over everything, we moved around the observatory grounds, taking advantage of the different angles and perspectives. The light was perfect, the location iconic, and Priya was an absolute dream to photograph.

Looking back on that day, it’s clear that everything fell into place in the most unexpected way. What started as a last-minute idea turned into a memorable editorial shoot that perfectly captured Priya’s spirit. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best moments in photography—and in life—are the ones that aren’t meticulously planned. They’re the spontaneous adventures that leave you with more than just beautiful photos, but a story to tell.