Page 39 of The Beach Shack Artists 3
“She does,” Tyler agreed.
“The creative process would make fascinating photographs. Feel free to capture whatever interests you!”
Tyler started to respond, but Stella was already shooting—Carmen’s hands as she moved a shell, the concentration on her face, the way she stepped back to see how it looked. The same process Stella had watched at the Beach Shack, but here it felt more... intentional.
“Like this?” Stella showed Carmen the shots.
“Exactly like that. You captured the decision-making process.”
They spent another hour walking around, shooting, talking to artists. Stella felt her initial nervousness disappear as she got caught up in everything. These people were intense about theirwork, but not in a stressed way. In an excited way. Like they couldn’t wait to see what they’d make next.
Very different from the usual family creativity she was used to.
“This is actually fun,” she said as they headed back toward the truck.
“Told you.”
“The artists are all completely absorbed in what they’re doing. It’s like they’ve forgotten everything else exists.”
“That’s what good art does. Makes you forget about everything except what you’re creating.”
“I can see the appeal.” Stella paused. “Think I could come back sometime? Maybe for the judging?”
Tyler looked at her with surprise and pleasure. “I’d love to have you along,” Tyler said. “There’s judging in a couple of weeks, ceremony after that. Plus more setup sessions before then. I’d love for you to come along when you can.”
Stella felt something click into place. Not a job or obligation, but something that was actually hers. Something she was good at and wanted to learn more about.
“I’d really like that,” she said, and was surprised by how much she meant it.
“Good. Because you’re seeing things I miss.”
As they drove home, Stella looked through her shots while Tyler talked about the Festival process. The judging, ceremony, the artist interviews in between. Real photography opportunities, not just grabbing pictures when she had spare time.
For the first time since arriving in California, she had something that was just hers. Something she was good at and genuinely enjoyed.
“Thanks for bringing me,” she said as they pulled into the driveway.
“Thanks for coming.” Tyler grabbed his camera bag. “This was more fun with you along.”
“Can’t wait to see what the next time brings.”
“Fair warning—judging day is when the real artistic drama happens.”
“Sounds perfect.”
Stella smiled as she headed inside. Having something to look forward to was a nice change of pace. Especially something that was actually about what she wanted to do rather than what needed to be done.
She was definitely ready for some real artistic drama.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Meg found Luke at Salt Creek, crouched over a tide pool with his coffee balanced precariously on a rock and what looked like research notes getting splashed by the waves.
“Working or playing marine biologist?” she asked, stepping carefully around the slippery rocks to join him.
“Both. Check this out.” He pointed to a cluster of bright orange sea stars clinging to the rocks. “Perfect specimen of Pisaster ochraceus. Haven’t seen a group this healthy in months.”
“They’re beautiful.” Meg settled beside him, grateful for the quiet. She’d escaped the Beach Shack as soon as the lunch rush ended, needing space to decompress from the morning’s chaos.
