The idea for the book project “A City of Angels - The History of Los Angeles, its Landmarks and Fashions” originated in 2012. On May 15, 2016, the concept was developed and an image was created to promote the project. This began on location at the Santa Fe Arroyo Seco Railroad Bridge in Highland Park, the northeast part of Los Angeles near South Pasadena. It was an overcast sky for the photo shoot, which provided softer sunlight to work with. A single strobe with a softbox and a white reflector were added for more detailed lighting on the model. Samantha Smith-Ortiz was the model and Denise Castro was the hair & makeup artist for this session. Several contributors have funded this project.

The history of Los Angeles is informative for learning the City's beginnings which includes the Portolá Expedition in 1769, founding of Mission San Gabriel Arcángel in 1771, establishing El Pueblo de Los Angeles in 1781, and the Mexican-American War in 1846 to the development of the second largest metropolitan city in the United States.