Car packed with my lighting kit, camera batteries charged, and shotlist in mind, I head off to the East Bay to document another brave individual who has chosen a career path less traveled. This time, I had the honor of photographing Maxton Kennedy, the bar manager of Boo Loo Lounge—a quaint, speakeasy-esque tiki bar attached to the historic Orinda Theatre.
This shoot is part of my personal endeavor to document those who resist the traditional 9-to-5 office grind. Being in the service industry myself, I understand the effort it takes to provide an excellent customer experience, the reliance on oneself for income, and the courage required to pursue an unconventional career path. While I respect other career choices, I feel there’s a special camaraderie among service providers. There’s a grey area, vulnerable to subjectivity, that only a few are willing to embrace—and thrive within.
As I make my way up the Oakland Hills along Highway 24, the cityscape fades behind me, replaced by lush greenery. I pass through the Caldecott Tunnel and emerge into one of the Bay Area’s most sought-after regions. Nestled in this beautiful valley is Orinda, California, a small town of just under 20,000 residents, surrounded by regional preserves. Originally acquired from the Mexican government in the late 19th century, Orinda transitioned from a ranching area to a highly desirable suburb for the Bay Area elite.
The town’s only exit, as far as I know, appears quickly after leaving the tunnel. Exiting the highway, I descend into the valley and am greeted by the downtown shopping center and the iconic Orinda Theatre marquee towering above. Beneath the marquee’s bright lights and bold movie titles lies a subtle, blacked-out storefront adorned with patio furniture, a grass skirt, and a string of market lights hanging from an unassuming overhang. Blink, and you’d miss it.
This understated exterior adds to the mystery and charm of Boo Loo Lounge. Step inside, and you’re transported to a nautical-themed bar straight out of a movie set. A row of seats, a bar top, and a grass hut illuminated by pufferfish lights casting a warm, inviting glow greet you.
Behind the bar, you’ll find Maxton Kennedy prepping fresh garnishes, crafting both classic and experimental tiki cocktails, and warmly welcoming customers while a meticulously curated playlist hums in the background. It’s this blend of hospitality, tiki culture, and ambiance keeps locals coming back for more.
The details of Boo Loo Lounge reveal themselves gradually, like artifacts in a museum: vintage movie posters from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s (a nod to the neighboring movie theater), a “Creature from the Black Lagoon” figure emerging from a wall, wooden planks with a porthole surrounded by pinned dollar bills, and bamboo-lined walls. It’s the perfect marriage of tiki charm and dive bar intimacy.
While Maxton prepped the bar for opening, I set up my lights and clipped a mic to him to ask a few questions about his journey to running Boo Loo. For the lifestyle images of Maxton making cocktails, I went with a 3 light setup. The key being Godox 600 with a small umbrella, diffusion, and CTO to add some warmth. For the fill, I went with two more Godox 600’s with 7 inch reflectors. One gel’d with green and one gel’d with red to match the decorative accent lights found throughout the bar.
I learned his career began in New Orleans, where, as a 21-year-old struggling musician, he found himself working at one of Paul Prudhomme’s restaurants. He quickly rose through the ranks to become a sommelier. From there, his career took him across the U.S. in various roles within the alcohol and service industries. Eventually, he landed at Forbidden Island in Alameda, where he managed the bar program. It was there that a regular patron, Reed Pirkle, approached him with the opportunity to help open Boo Loo Lounge. Today, you’ll find Maxton either traveling the world as a guest bartender advocating all things tiki or creating new cocktails behind the bar at Boo Loo.
When speaking with anyone about their career path, I’m always curious about their drive and what they love about their role. For Maxton, it’s the opportunity to elevate his patrons’ evenings. He takes pride in not only the enjoyment his cocktails bring but also the transformation of a customer’s mood over the course of the night. It’s these moments that inspire Maxton to return to the bar every evening.
Below is the rest of gallery I captured during my time with Maxton as he shared his background in the industry. Thank you, Maxton, and the Boo Loo crew for welcoming me. The cocktails were incredible, and I truly enjoyed my time at Boo Loo taking your portrait and capturing essence of the bar.
