Capturing Milestones in the Lives of Pathways to Independence Women

Here at Spark Studios in Orange County, we’re more than just a pretty space to rent, we’re a community. Our In-house photography team often travels on-location to capture our community’s biggest milestones, being a part of events that makes a real impact on people’s lives. Pathways to Independence is not only part of the Spark community, but a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of single, disadvantaged women through therapy, housing, and healthcare. By helping these women break the cycle of abuse and poverty, Pathways to Independence provides them with the tools and support they need to build a better future.

Photographing the “Totally Rad 80’s” event was an honor for Spark Studios. This event wasn’t just a party, but a celebration of milestones and achievements in the lives of these women. From the moment we arrived at CSU Long Beach, we knew this was going to be a night filled with joy, laughter, and the totally tubular energy of the 80s!

Our goal was to capture every special moment—from the heartfelt speeches and emotional hugs to the dance floor moves and of course, 80s-inspired outfits! These photos would not only serve as memories of a fun night but also as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the women supported by Pathways to Independence.

Connecting with the Orange County Community

Events like these offer Spark Studios a unique opportunity to connect with the local community, and this was no exception! Pathways to Independence is a true community effort, and that sense of togetherness was evident in every aspect of the event. It was inspiring to see how many local businesses came together to support this worthy cause. The event was not just a celebration of the women in the program, but also a showcase of the strength and generosity of the OC community!

Supporting Local Vendors and Businesses

No event is complete without great food, drinks, and entertainment, and the “Totally Rad 80’s” event had it all thanks to a lineup of incredible local vendors!

We’re excited to share some of the vendors that helped make this event a success:

• Green Cheek Beer Co.: Their craft beers were a hit, adding a local flavor to the event that guests loved.
• Panxa Cocina: With their unique take on Latin-inspired cuisine, they provided delicious food that had everyone coming back for seconds!
• Legends Sports Bar: Their laid-back vibe and tasty bar food added to the fun, relaxed atmosphere of the event.
• Mobile Bird Rotisserie: Serving up mouthwatering rotisserie chicken, they were like, totally gnarly!
• The Attic: Known for their creative Southern comfort food, they brought flavors that perfectly matched the 80s theme.
• Aroma De Roma: Providing fresh coffee and desserts, they kept the energy high and the sweet tooth satisfied!
• Colossus Bakery: Their artisanal breads and pastries were the perfect complement to the evening’s culinary offerings.

Totally Rad, Totally Professional

The 80’s theme was in full swing at this event, and our job was to make sure that every neon outfit, big hairdo, and MTV prop was captured in all its glory! We specialize in on-location photography coverage, and the “Totally Rad 80’s” event gave us the perfect opportunity to showcase our skills.

With themed decorations and the lively energy of the guests, we had everything we needed to create a vibrant photo collection that truly captured the essence of the 80s. The challenge was to not just document the event, but to tell the story of the evening through our lenses.

We focused on capturing the candid moments—the laughter, the dance moves as live music played, the moments of connection between guests—as well as the larger group shots and posed photos that brought out the best of the 80’s theme. Whether it was a shot of friends laughing over a shared memory or a group of women cheering each other on during a dance-off, every image was a testament to the spirit of the night.

A Night to Remember!

The “Totally Rad 80’s” event was more than just a themed party; it was a celebration of the progress and achievements of the women supported by Pathways to Independence. We’re proud to be part of this milestone in their journey and to help capture the memories of this special evening. Thank you to Pathways to Independence for not only being a Spark Partner, but allowing us to be a part of this incredible event, and to all the local vendors who made the night unforgettable!