glamour portraits
Red is always a good idea.
Always.
And I absolutely love it when women want to rock a special outfit just because for their photoshoot.
What outfit do you want to glam up and be photographed in? Let’s do it - there’s no time better than the present!
Image by Heartbox Photography
Hair/makeup by Katie Pheneger
“Share your sparkle wherever you are.”
-Dodinsky
It’s official.
The class of 2019 is well under way to completing their final year of high school, a chapter of life that once seemed so far away and now is just around the corner.
This is Malia. She’s a beautiful young lady who is part of that soon to be graduating class of 2019. And if I could write a long ol’ post on what I wish and hope for her in this next season of life, it might be a list that looks just a little like this:
I hope you life a crazy and adventurous dream of life. Full of the ups and downs but even more than that, a sense of richness that can only come from LIVING.
I hope you get to not only see parts of the world that you’ve never seen before, but also remember that simply enjoying a moment in the sunshine right where you’re at is just as valuable, is just as worthy of your attention and awe. Especially when it’s shared with loved ones and friends that make the moment worth it.
I hope you grow in confidence as a woman and fully see the unique advantage and opportunity you have in this world to make changes, big and small, within your circle of influence and beyond it.
I hope you never stop being open to learn, to try, and to understand. In books, through people, through life experiences, both in the classroom and outside of it. It’s incredible and it’s available to you - take hold of that chance to learn, always.
I hope you don’t settle for just making a living but instead always grasp how much more fun it is to LIVING LIFE.
I hope you love and laugh hard. And that people can see that love and laugh in your eyes before you even say a word.
I hope you take great care of your skin, drink a ton of water, and sleep well. Trust me, coming from a woman about twice your age, you’ll wanna remember this. :)
…and the list goes on, but I’ll save that for the graduation ceremony, kiddo.
Below are just some of my favorite shots from Malia’s senior photoshoot as well as the a video of all her images. Be sure to check it out.
You are almost there, class of 2019. GO GET ‘EM!
Happy Thursday!
Part of why I chose to be a photographer of women is because I believe that it is a unique way to not only bring out the beauty that I believe every woman possesses, but also because sharing their stories is a way to empower, inspire, and encourage other women and young girls.
I was so inspired to get to know Vicky and learn more about her journey as a young, single mom to now a soon-to-be graduating DrPHC of UC Berkeley. And to learn that it was also another woman who inspired and mentored her many years ago to embark on this journey makes her story even more empowering.
I am so proud to share with you all a few of Vicky's images and a behind the scenes look from her photoshoot with Heartbox Photography as well as the story of her journey through her own voice.
Here's to celebrating the beauty, strength, and stories of all women.
Photography: Heartbox Photography
Hair/makeup: Kalani Brown
"Choosing to do be photographed is not something that comes naturally to me - usually I am the person who wants to hide in the shadows. For the past five years, I have been a doctoral student at UC Berkeley and I have had many challenges getting to where I am today. I haven't always had the confidence in myself that I should. The year of 2017 was about self-love and all I had to offer exactly as I am now. This new year in 2018 is about confidence and growing into the woman I know I have worked hard to become."
"As a young, single mother at 19, I knew that I could not provide the life my son deserved if I did not receive an education. My sister was one of the first in our immediate family to attend and graduate college and I was lucky to follow in her footsteps. I went back to school when my son was a few months old and fell in love with learning again. I started at the community college level and made my way to a four year university. While at San Francisco State University, I met Dr. Velia Garcia and she told me that I would be Dr. Gomez one day. I laughed at her and said I wasn't even sure if I could graduate with my bachelor's degree. "
"It turned out that Velia saw something in me that I did not see in myself. She taught me the importance of mentoring others and helping them reach their goals in a way that honored themselves. In 2012, Velia lost her battle with cancer and it was the sign I needed to apply to obtain my doctorate degree. Over the past five years, I have mentored many students, particularly underrepresented students like myself to pursue their academic and professional goals in a new way that honors who they are."
"So many have sacrificed so much so that I could walk through these doors and accomplish my dreams and I want to continue opening the doors for others to reach theirs. This degree is not just for me but for those that came before me and for those that will come long after I am gone. I wanted to demonstrate to others that anything is possible even when you feel the deck is stacked against you."
"My life's work is to continue mentoring others while teaching undergraduate and graduate students. My goal for this year is to take risks and be the best me I can be. Deciding to participate in this photoshoot with Maria was a vital step in my journey. I knew after seeing photos she did of a friend that she would bring out my natural beauty and confidence. "
"And the beauty of a woman
With passing years only grows."
-Audrey Hepburn
So many things make up this beautiful woman named Faliha - her love for adventure, for travel, for memories made that involve beautiful views of beaches and water around the world, just to name a few.
To anyone who meets her, you will see that her smile and enthusiastic personality radiates towards the camera and towards the fullness of life itself. It was on a lovely and sunshine-filled day that I had the privilege to celebrate this remarkable woman through a photo session.
It is with great excitement that I share with you all a sneak peak image of Faliha's photo shoot with Heartbox Photography. There is more to come, so stay tuned!
Shoutout to the awesome Kalani Brown of Kalani Style for Faliha's gorgeous makeup!
#existinphotographs
What is it and why?
It's a movement that says you are good enough today to celebrate who you are in beautiful portraits.
It is a statement that says the faster that life moves, the more intentional we need to be to slow them down and to have something to hold 30, 40, 50 years from now that remind you where you were and just how far you've come - every year of your life.
It is a proclamation that regardless of how you feel about your age, your body type, even the season of life you are in, you are always beautiful enough to be captured in timeless photographs that reflect back to you a woman who looks like she stepped out of a magazine.
And that woman is YOU.
It is the reminder that says those moments are also meant to be experienced with your best girlfriends, your sisters, your daughter, your mother, your grandmother - so why not bring them along to capture a beautiful images together that celebrates generations of the women in your family?
Exist in photographs.
To remember yesterday...
to celebrate today....
...and to look forward with joy for what is yet to come.
As soon as you walk in, the shelves and walls of her home tell a beautiful story and make evident a love of history, art, travel, and culture. The morning sun shone brightly through the windows and onto the many photographs of smiling family and friends that lined the mantel, giving me a glimpse into the world of those she holds near and dear to her. The sound of Sade's timeless voice streamed easily through the speakers, adding a melody to the air that blended seamlessly into the already beautiful morning.
This sunshine-filled day in Oakland was the perfect setting for an outdoor photoshoot to capture images of this lovely woman named Rainia.
I am thrilled to share with you all a sneak peak preview below - be sure to stay tuned because there is more to come!
Many thanks to Keziah Dauz for her collaboration on Rainia's hair/makeup!
I had the recent honor of photographing and getting to know a lovely woman named Beatrice ....or, as she's more known to her nearest and dearest, "Bea". This beautiful woman is not only a mommy, wife, daughter, sister, and friend but a yoga instructor, speech and language pathologist, home health therapist and Netflix marathoner.
And when I found out that she loves avocados as well, let's just say I knew we were going to get along just fine. =)
Her smile and sense of humor was an absolute joy to be around, making the hours just fly by during the fun we had during her makeover and photoshoot. Below are a few of my favorites that I am proud to share with you all along with a full on video of our time together with the lovely Bea.
Bea, it was an honor getting to know you and to have you become a part of the message that all women are indeed beautiful as they are today. May you look back at your own smile in each of these photographs and continue to remember that for yourself as well.
Many thanks to the talented Kat Tinney for Bea's hair/makeup!
"A beautiful woman is comfortable in her own skin and in her perfect imperfection. She does not take herself too seriously and knows how to enjoy life to its fullest. Someone who, despite what life hands them, is overflowing with joie de vivre."
"A beautiful woman doesn't rely on what's in her make-up bag."
What do you wish you could tell yourself back when you were 18 years old?
"Wear your SPF! Hahaha! Wise words from my mom. I would tell myself "Babyguuurl, accept yourself as God made you because he does not make mistakes!"
"Look up (from your screen), life is going on around you! Explore the world around you, go for a hike, hydrate!"
"Speak up for yourself, and do not be afraid to make decisions because nobody really knows where they are trying to reach. Breathe, really BREATHE, and enjoy just being because you will be ok."
Even in this digital age, I am still a huge advocate and fan of having pictures printed out, whether it's treasured in a special folio box, an album you can touch, or a beautiful frame to display. And in this era of blinding speed and fleeting moments, I am still a huge advocate for stopping time in a special way for a woman through a timeless portrait of just herself.
Yes, I know it seems odd to take some time out of an incredibly hectic and busy life to have your portrait taken. I know it seems odd to have your hair done, to go beyond just the two second application of eyeliner and instead have a professional do your makeup in a way that makes you feel your best, polished self. However, many years down the road, it won't seem so odd anymore. Because that portrait of you that you hold in your hands is now part of the legacy of your family. Your children will treasure it, your grandchildren will have a glimpse into generations before them. It will serve as a reminder to you, that every year of your life is important and that there is something wonderful about reflecting back on a photograph of yourself from years ago. It will bring a smile to your face as you recall just where you were at in life when it was captured. And as a woman, I hope it resonates something deep inside you and reminds you that you are valued and wonderfully made.
Exist in photographs for yourself. Exist in photographs for your loved ones.
Exist in photographs.
I am incredibly excited and honored share with you all the latest celebration of women who have chosen to exist in photographs, a lovely mother and wife named Bea.
Bea not only a mother and wife, but a daughter, a sister, a friend, yoga instructor, speech and language pathologist, a homehealth therapist, a Netflix marathoner. Having spent an afternoon with her in the studio was more like hanging out with a familiar friend as her easygoing personality and laughter filled our conversations.
As always, this is just a sneak peak, so stay tuned for more!
Happy Thursday!
Many thanks to Kat Tinney of A List Makeup for Bea's hair and makeup!
