Doggy Day Care

Whooo-hoooo! Justin comes home tonight after being away for a few days for work. It was a little sad to watch Kona Bean wander around the house aimlessly with one of her toys in her mouth and a look on her furry face that said it all: "Not funny, Mom. Where's Papa hiding and when are we gonna go out for a walk?"

Call me a crazy dog-owner, but because Justin was away and couldn't watch her while he worked from home, I made it a point to drop Kona off at doggy daycare (a.k.a. my parents' house) each morning on my way to work. Each morning, I packed a Ziploc of enough kibble to cover her for breakfast and dinner and yes, please don't forget her favorite yellow and red tennis ball for playtime. You know. For during recess. Duh.

I'm sure Kona Bean enjoyed her time with her momma, but I know that deep down inside her little canine heart, she's a daddy's girl. We pick him up from the airport in a few hours and I sure hope she doesn't give him the silent treatment for too long.

Happy Wednesday!

Peter Tapao. 2012.

Ask me to lift several pounds of camera gear, lens cases, and light reflectors and for the sheer love of portraits and weddings and all things photography, you can bet I will do it. With an abundance of smiles and enthusiasm to boot.

Ask me to do pull-ups, run around the basketball court 50 times for fun with weights on my back and I will pretend I didn't hear a word you said as I continue to munch a chocolate bar. With a side of pizza.

Or.... I'll direct you to Peter Tapao.

Peter is a personal trainer that not only has a heart for all things working out, but more importantly a heart for helping people get healthy, get fit, and appreicate the occasional push up. He's a good friend of both my husband's and mine and it was an honor to be asked to help him capture a few photos of him in his element.

Oh, and Pete, if you're reading this, you'll be proud to know that in honor of your photo shoot and staying healthy, fit, and Rocky Balboa-like, I made sure to attend a kickboxing class after eating that one (er, three) slices of pizza yesterday. Woo-hoo, go me! 

Here's to staying healthy and people like Pete who encourage us each step of the way.

Happy Tuesday!
    

Monday Cartwheels

I can barely do a pull up, have long since been able to tumble with just the right amount of "tumble" and less klutz in it, and seriously, SERIOUSLY can't remember the last time I executed the perfect cartwheel.

So when I see photos like this from the Olympic games, I can't help but wanna high-five and chest bump these incredibly gifted athletes who are giving their all to fulfill big dreams of their own.

Gabby Douglas...you go, girl!

Happy Monday, everyone!

"I give all the glory to God. It's kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him & all the blessings fall down on me." - Gabby Douglas after winning the all-around gymnastics gold for Team USA and Team GOD (photo by Wally Skalij of LA Times/MCT)

Zion Lutheran Church Wedding Piedmont: Stacey & Shawn

I had recently been given the opportunity to assist in photographing the wedding of a lovely bride named Stacey and her fiance Shawn at Zion Lutheran Church in Piedmont. This church had special meaning to them as this was the same location Stacey's own parents were married years ago.   

Shawn is a proud fighter pilot for the United States Air Force and truly, when you're around folks who serve in that capacity for our country, you can't help but want to stand up, salute them, and say thank you. For real.

There was no mistaking the joy and happiness everyone felt for Shawn and Stacey on their big day. To be surrounded by your best girlfriends with all things happy - too priceless.

I adore details and the intricate beading and buttons of the dress' bodice were an absolute perfect touch!

After my own wedding, Justin took the time out of his schedule to go to the local dry cleaners to have my wedding dress dry cleaned and preserved in this special box that will keep it in pristine condition. This service cost about $200 (whaaaaat?!) but means that my dress will last something like 300 years. Something like that. Why do I mention this? Simply because seeing Stacey's own beautiful wedding dress made me want to rip open that box and re-live that princess feeling every girl experiences on her wedding day.


See what I mean? Stacey rocked that gorgeous dress.

I'll end with this photo. It was one of my favorite ones fo the night as it so accurately and beautifully captures who Shawn and Stacey are. In love and proud to show it off to the world.

Happy Friday!

Random Throwback Thursday Thoughts

When we were teenagers, my dear younger sister thought it would be funny to lock herself in the bathroom and try out/experiment with the cool skincare products I used on her own face. All because she wanted to see what the big stinkin' deal was that her older (and waaaay cooler) sister got to use more than just soap and water to wash her face ever night? Did the Noxzema container hold the magic beans that led to adolescent super coolness? Did the Oxy Pads contain the secret on how to be the cool kid who no longer used a Super Mario Brothers lunchbox (complete with matching Thermus) BUT BOUGHT THEIR LUNCH AT SCHOOL INSTEAD?!

Only one way to find out, she thought.

Maybe it's the evil big sister in me, but oh, the hilarity of it all to find out that the minute she slapped that Oxy Pad on her cheek, she suddenly felt like a cow that had been branded USDA certified - I know you all remember how much that stuff stung like a bee! Why I even used it, I'll never know.

A random Throwback Thursday thought, but oh wow, when did I go from using Noxzema and Oxy Pads to face wash and skin products that now say "anti-aging" on the container?

Happy Thursday!



Pink Highlighted Goals

Goal setting notes complete with sub-goals (bulleted points, of course!), pink highlighter markings, and of course, 1 copy printed for my purse, 1 copy printed for display on desk, and 1 copy to keep in my car to look at while I drive myself around to Target, the grocery store, and the gym.

You haven't heard the news? I am one of the finalists in Olympic U.S. Team for the Type A Overachievers. Going for the gold, baby, going for the gold! (The crowd cheers all kinds of crazy as I triumphantly and swiftly pink-highlight another bullet point on my Goal Sheet.)

I recently had conversation with a long time friend about the fun and excitement as well as stress that comes with working towards the achievement of a goal or dream. And I don't know about you, but have you ever had one of those conversations in which you find the advice and encouragement you're giving someone else ends up being the reminders you need to hear yourself? Yep.

As I told my friend that she is more than just the things she does or accomplishes or sets out to do, the words seemed to have a boomerang effect on me. Like, they kept coming back and smacking me on the forehead, making me realize a few important things myself. Being a born overachiever a.k.a I just gotta-gotta-gotta-gotta-do this type of a person, I find that I, too, have to be reminded that I am more than the things I do, more than the accolades or even criticisms doled out to me and certainly more than my pink- highlighted, typed, and double spaced goal sheets.

Goals are great, and working towards dreams are fantabulously wonderful, but long before ALL of that I am simply a person first. A human with good and bad, highs and lows, regular smiles and OMG, re-do-that picture-again-please-smiles.

And I am thankful for the conversations with long-time girlfriends that prompt me to put down my pink highlighter and remember that important truth above everything else.

Happy Wednesday!

A Ruff Tuesday

I probably hug/squish my dog, Kona Bean, more times than I care to admit. I talk in a squeaky, funny-sounding baby voice to her because I just know she understands. I tell her that she's the "bestest puppy and the cutest thing ever - every day and approximately every 2 minutes, Monday through Sunday. The list of nick names for her is getting a bit too long - Beanie Burrito, Kona Girl, Nanny Girl, Beantoes, just to name a few.

Because, truly, I am a crazy dog lover and simply put, I think that dogs are the best gift to humans.

I came across this snippet from a story of a kid named Shane whose dog, Belker, passed away. While it was awfully sad, I couldn't help but whole heartedly agree with the message:

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.


Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.”

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”


The six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

Word.

Happy Tuesday!

Peter Tapao. Preview 2012.

I like to work out and even be a bit of a gym rat sometimes. (Isn't it weird to use the word "gym rat" for someone who works out often? My time on the treadmill would so improve with four feet instead of just two to help me hobble along. But dang, what would I do with the tail?!)

While it's tough enough taking myself off the couch to go to the gym on some days (instead of eating that bag of potato chips calling my name), I couldn't imagine motivating someone else to do it.  Which is why God makes people like Peter.

Peter Tapao is a friend of both my husband and mine whom we've known since our good ol' high school days. And while the rest of our class is probably starting to creak along and survive on Icy Hot and Bengay while dragging ourselves to the gym on a semi-regular basis, Pete is the person consistently running alongside you reminding you  to keep biking on that bike, to keep pushing on that push up, to bench one more set. To simply just. Keep. Going. And though on a few occasions of participating in his Charity Fitness workshops both my husband and I have wanted to kick Pete for making our arms and legs turn straight Jello status, we always end up thanking him for making us work just a bit harder out our comfort zone. Dang you, Pete!

I had the opportunity this weekend to do a mini photoshoot of Pete to capture his love for all things athletic and personal-training. Below is just a sneak preview, so stay tuned for the rest!

Happy Monday!

Practice

The beams of sunlight peeked it's way through the top of the dome-shaped church, happily illuminating the empty pews and beauty of the stain-glass windows. I wandered up and down the red carpeted aisle and quietly weaved my way through the various sand-colored columns that proudly upheld the tall stature of this building.

Many times before, I would take time to visit this old church just to relish in the quiet it provided from the rush of life outside it's doors. To sit in silence and take a breather. But this time around was very different. With my camera slung around my arm and my eyes searching out potential angle, I took this as an opportunity to practice.

It's just an empty, old building, after all. Practice what exactly?

To practice training my eyes to see exactly how the beaming sunlight reflects off the marble floors. To practice photographing from the back of the church, from the aisle view, from the up and front center-view. Because one day, those empty pews are going to be filled with happy and smiling guests. That quiet, red-carpeted aisle is going to bear the footsteps of a bride walking towards her future husband. That empty altar is going to have a groom waiting with a smile on his face for his future wife.

And on that day, I will be ready and waiting with my camera, happily documenting it all for them. I can't wait. =)

Happy Friday!

Eggs and Surprises

That dollar I found while folding laundry? Cool surprise.

An expected rebate check in the mail? Very cool surprise.

Discovering that the hard-boiled egg I was so excited to eat was really a soft boiled egg?!? Not cool, I tell you. So. Not. Cool.

Hope you're having a happy Wednesday so far!

Behind the Lens

Behind every great man, is a great woman.

Behind every great leader, are individuals with servant-led hearts.

Behind every great creation and discovery, was an even greater mind that pushed the limits and status quo.

And behind every day and every moment for the past 2 years since we brought her home, was a four-legged furball named Kona Bean who always reminded me to love life and have some fun.

Happy Wednesday!

Photo courtesy of my dear friend, Stephanie.

Zion Lutheran Church Wedding Piedmont: Stacey & Shawn

If a cowgirl hat and cowgirl boots were appropriate attire for a wedding photogrpher to wear as one of the vendors, I...AM...SO...THERE!!

At a recent wedding I helped photograph, I couldn't help but notice how much fun the lovely bride, groom, and all their famly and friends had while rocking out to the best of country music at the reception. And when I mean rocking out I mean ROCKING out like everybody and their momma was on that dance floor.

I don't know much about country music but oh, when the DJ turned up Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" over the speakers, it was on! I EVEN KNOW THE WORDS TO THE SONG! It was hard to refrain from setting my camera down and joining the crowd of happy guests as they gracefully swayed and twirled to the music around the bride and groom in celebration of their nuptials and all things love, home, and country.

Below is just a sneak preview of a truly lovely wedding...stay tuned for the rest!

Happy Tuesday!

She

She handles a full time job and plays the hard role of both mom and dad to her daughter, everyday, without fail. She is working towards a degree in criminal justice. Because she cares like that. As a kid, she was the generous and nice one and still to this day, her actions remind me to be a little more selfless.

She spends her days sharing her creativity with the world as a hair stylist She helps women see their beauty, inside and out. Because I'm a photographer and she's also a fellow creative she gets it when I sound a bit burbly trying to communicate what latest creative image or endeavor see in my head.- and she always thinks it's a great idea.

She became a nurse...while raising two kids. She is one of the most positive people I know, both in words and in her actions. I've decided that when I have kids, she's the nurse that I'm going to request to hold my hand through the delivery because no one in the medical field will be able to convince me that everything will be ok except for her.

She is fiercely loyal & straightforward, the kind of friend who will always challenge you to be honest with others and with yourself. This is why she's a great coach and great mentor for young girls in sports. If you have even one friend like her, keep them around, because in this world of masks and facades, we all need a reality check from someone who really cares.

She is like the female version of MacGyver. She can create something from nothing, ( f I give her a paperclip and a pen she'll create, like, a new pair of socks or something), can cook like no other, and is always willing to share. Watching her be a mom helps me to better understand my own. I'll be lucky if I have even have a fraction of her strength when I become a mom.

These are just some of the many, many faces of women in my family as well as friends I have been blessed to know. Some of them moms, some married, some single. Some students, some athletes, some artists, some office workers.

All of them, pillars of strength in their own way.
All of them, teaching me something about the best type of woman and person I want to be in this world.
All of them, living life fully with no excuses.

Happy Monday!

This Mermaid Fights Cancer

I am thankful for good health. I am thankful for the good health of my family and friends. In my opinion, the great difference, between being young and getting older, is the appreciation for health that allows you to move, breathe, and enjoy life without limitation. As much as I cringe to admit it, I recall vividly as a teenager behaving in ways that arrogantly showed the world I am fine taking my health for granted, because, hey, it sure feels like I'm gonna live foreverrrrr, whoo-hoo!
 
Ugh. If I could flag down a quick ride on a time machine, I absolutely would so I could shake myself out of that kind of immature thinking.
 
I had recently learned that co-worker's cancer had come back after a few years of remission, this time affecting her lungs. And at around the same time, I had learned of a family member who, miraculously, discovered her cancer had not come back after the doctors had done a thorough scan of her body. Though I've never gone through the experience as a cancer survivor, it would be foolish of me to ignore these stories that affect so many people around me, both close family and strangers alike.
 
My close friend, Celez, is doing her part in offering hope for leukemia and lymphoma warriors. I say warriors because in my mind, to be a warrior, implies strength and constant will to courageously fight. Celez's own mother is a breast cancer survivor and come October, she will be participating in a triathlon through Team in Training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help raise funds for this organization.
 
Celez has a knack for saying things that forever stand out in my mind, even from the time we were in 7th grade and I barely could pronounce her unusual name. In her latest blog post, she writes about her experience in swim training:
 
"I'm lucky enough to be healthy and living a life I chose for myself. I'm choosing to make my body swim, bike, and run. However, there are so many people living with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers who never choose to be sick. It's because I respect and admire all of those who are fighting through the toughest moments in their lives, do I just suck it up, get in the water and channel my inner mermaid."


I am proud of her and the so many others who willingly, actively, and unselfishly do their part for causes like this. If you feel led to donate or would like to follow along as my friend Celez channel's her inner mermaid for an awesome cause and trains for the triathalon in October, please visit Celez's Fundraising Page.

Happy Friday and thank you for your generous support. Go mermaids!!

The Blank Sign-In Sheet

Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale....inhale.

No wait, oops, I meant, exhale...Ok, just breathe. It'll be fine, right?

I sat in the parking lot of the beautiful Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, anxiously and excitedly waiting for a networking mixer I had been invited to by San Francisco-based event planner, Jane Hammond. As I'd mentioned in yesterday's post, I am extremely shy when it comes to meeting new people and it takes all the willpower I've got to not want to run the opposite direction and out the back door when it comes to these types of meetings.

I arrived 30 minutes early (can anyone say "super cool nerd status?!) and waited in my car for a few minutes before heading inside. I approached the sign-in sheet and tried not to look too nervous when I realized that I was not only the first one there but was also the first to sign in (Blank sign-in sheets are intimidating!), and pretty much had no one to talk to but the organizer, Erica Ota of EO Events and....the servers who were still busy preparing the hors d'oeuvres .  Eh, great. What do I do until everyone arrives? Eat all the appetizers?!? Wait are those brownie bites?

Fortunately for me, Erica was super friendly and welcoming and since I was tad early, I got a chance to explore the gorgeous venue which housed all things space and science. (Do you know how many layers are in an astronaut's space suit?? And they even have displays of vacummed packages of potatoes au gratin meant for dinner in space...who knew?!) Though I was nervous, I realized that if I was determined to just be friendly, smile, and just be my ol' self, the experience might just be worth it.

And. It. Was. Awesome.

I even ran into Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography, another talented photographer/industry peer who has helped me in so many ways. When I got the chance to meet Jane Hammond and her events manager, Naomi, their friendly and welcoming demeanor put me at immediate ease, and once again, I am so thankful for opportunities like this that encourage me to step out of my comfort zone, a place I sometimes get too stubborn to leave. Even more so, I am thankful to the industry peers at this event who extended a welcoming handshake and warm smile the newbie in the house.

Happy Thursday!

Oh, and this photo right here? It's an intricate display of just plain coolness that you can find at the Chabot Space and Science Center. If you ever happen to be in Oakland, I highly recommend stopping by. You won't be disappointed.

Lessons from Kona

Call me lame, but I hate leaving our four legged baby pup, Kona Bean, home alone for too long. I swear, her eyes communicate to me "No, please don't go, I'm scared, are you coming back, will I be ok!?!?"

And as I cuddle her before I leave, I always tell her not to be scared and that she'll be just fine.

Now, as I prepare to attend another networking meeting to meet talented event planners from all over the Bay Area, I find that I am telling myself, "Don't be scared, I'll be just fine..."

Sheesh. The things my dog can teaches me about courage and being brave and that yes -  I will be just fine.

Happy Wednesday!

Being You-nique

I think the hardest thing about being a photographer and making a successful business out of it isn't learning about all the buttons and functionalities of your camera. (Though it might be important to know which way the battery goes in.)

It isn't making a prettier picture than photographer A, B, C, he or she or they. And, I'll even venture to say, it isn't knowing all the Photoshop tools that somehow made your subject looked like they were relaxing on a pristine beach in Hawaii when in reality the photo was taken when the subject was hanging out near their backyard kiddie pool. Plastic rubber ducky in the background and all.

From my perspective, I think the hardest thing I've experienced so far about being a photographer and building a business out of it is being myself.

What do I mean by that?

I mean as in being comfortable enough to freely express to the world that my photography brand is built on a love for colors, fashion, and music. Being comfortable to openly showcase that the heart and soul of the photographer behind Heartbox Photography loves Italian and Japanese food, Toblerone chocolate, and at one time sported an embarrassing Bruce Lee-like haircut at 5 years old. That I continue to laugh a little too long (and, according to my husband, a little too loudly) long after the punch line has been told.

Being comfortable enough to say that I struggle as well as dream big. That I've failed, but I've also succeeded. That I love Canon prime lenses, natural lighting, and portrait photography. That I geek out at beautifully organized and color coded file folders.That deep down in my heart, I hope my call in life is to not only make a living from doing this, but that along the way my photography will also touch people and make a meaningful impact on this world. And that yes, indeed, I do struggle with a fear of failure.

I like to learn from others who have been in this business a long time and possess an immense amount of awesome talent. I like to try different things that will help move my photography business forward. And of course, I like learning different technical skills that will help improve how I use my photography tools. But even in the midst of all of this learning, I'm also being reminded to be unafraid to be "you-nique" in not only how I photograph, but also in the brand/image I establish, and the road I take to make it successfully.  I'm learning that this is tremendously, if not even more, important than trying to emulate how photographer A or B shoots, how they build their brand or how they market themselves or the paths they took to succeed.

I see the world differently. And I hope, that with every photoshoot and every decision I make that builds my brand and business, I showcase that "you-niqueness" in it's best light to the world.

If you're lucky enough to be different, don't ever change. - Taylor Swift


Happy Tuesday!

Ain't Love Grand?

This weekend, we had the privilege of witnessing two great friends tie the knot. And it never,ever fails - whether I'm attending a wedding as a guest or photographing one, I always have the urge to put down my camera, for just one second, and marvel, smile, and yes, even shed a tear of happiness witnessing two people celebrate the joining of their lives together.

Here's to new beginnings and eternal love. Ain't love grand?

Congratulations, Ray and Sarah! We love you guys.

Happy Monday!

Boxing, Photography, & Magic Pills

If there is one word that could sum up what I felt after attending the networking/class last night it would be challenged CHALLENGED. Like someone just told me to run to the top of the Empire State Building using the stairs-type challenged.

Did I mention I run at about 2 miles an hour?

I was scheduled to attend a networking/class meeting with other local photographers to hear Alexis Cuarezma speak about not only his experience, but also about different techniques he uses and philosophies he believes about the photography industry and business as a whole. As the sun slowly set on the building we all met in at 7 pm, I walked into the meeting room with a sense of anticipation, excitement, and my handy dandy notebook ready to take notes. (dang it, did I forget my highlighter?) The first thing that caught my eye were the displays of stunning photographs (can someone say, amazing?) displayed of various athletes - accomplished boxers to be more specific. 

Now, don't get me wrong. I am all about all things girly, artsy, and fashion, no doubt about it. But in addition to that, I also happen to really love boxing. As in, yes, I do indeed own all the Rocky DVDs and have watched them a million and 1 times - each. Yes, if I ever met Laila Ali person, I'd faint/high-five/ask her to autograph my arm and be my BFF. And oh, heck yes, I am absolutely proud of all that Manny Pacquiao has contributed to the sport as a person and as an athlete. But most of all I love boxing because it captures the fighting spirit mentality that I believe is important in a lot of things in life, not just sports.

Anyway, I took my seat, marveled at all the photos at the front of the room (I already mentally picked the photo I wanted to take home and hang up, if they did a giveaway!), and waited for the presentation to start. In the next hour and half, I found myself being challenged to learn more about lighting, technique, working with a subject, and pushing myself as a photographer overall. I got a chance to meet and speak to the organizers of the event, photographers Keith B. Dixon and Sheila Morgan Gibson as well as other local talented photographers and learn about their own experiences. Although doing all of this was scary and beyond my comfort zone, (almost snuck out the back door after the presentation was done...eh, chicken, much?!), I am thankful I chose to stick around and chat with others instead.

I'm slowly realizing that every photographer has their own school of thought, their own strengths and weaknesses, their own style that makes them unique and awesome at the art they create. I'm also realizing, now more than ever, that as a growing photographer I have a unique opportunity to translate what I create in my mind into a photo that might just touch the world forever. I won't lie, I'm afraid of the challenge, afraid of the possibility of failure, even afraid of the possible success, too, if that makes sense. There are days that I wish the journey was so much easier and that great results were as simple as swallowing a magic pill.

It's no coincidence I find this photo posted on Jasmine Star's Blog, today of all days.

But then again, I have a God whose hand steadies me in the midst of this hard journey, so, really, what do I have to be afraid of? Food for thought.

Happy Friday!

"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great."
- Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks) in "A League of Their Own"

100 Miles-a-Minute

Many times along this journey so far, I find I am constantly reminding myself that big accomplishments require big steps, huge leaps of faith, and just being unafraid to dream big. Big Bertha/Costco-sized-bags-of-Skittles-big.

And within the big dreams and the big steps, I'm finding that there are lots of just as important little steps to take in my dream of creating a successful wedding & portrait photography business. I get super excited with every contact made in the wedding and event planning industry and love turning over even more stones only to reveal yet another possibility to be explored. And in the midst of it all, I also have to remind myself to slow down and not scare folks off with my 100 mile-a-minute babble of all things photography, lenses, and ohhhhh, lookit-that-photo-of-her-wedding-dress-did-you-see-her-hair-who-did-her-make-up-hi, I'm with-Heartbox Photography-so-nice-to-meet-you!

Tonight, I will be attending another networking event with other local wedding photographers in hopes to meet other like-minded peers ready to take the wedding & portrait industry by storm. I am actually very shy at these types of networking meetings (the snack & refreshment table can be sooooo fascinating), but at the same time, am proud to be facing this fear anyway for the sake of growing and being challenged. 

Business cards in hand? Check.
Ready to meet other peers and learn? Check.
100-mile-a-minute-babble ready to be slowed down? Eh....we'll see. =)

Let's do this!

Happy Thursday!