Yeast and Sugar

It's a fun and scary thing to actively pursue a dream in hopes to capture it and morph it into reality. Fun because all you see is possibility with each step taken towards fulfillment of that dream that, up until now, only existed in your mind. Scary because, obviously, with every great thing comes great challenges, obstacles, and perseverance-building moments.

Tonight is a start of an 11-week workshop I've signed up for with a long-time professional photographer in the Bay Area. "Long-time professional photographer" is code for the teacher knows what he's doing and will not be afraid to tell his students where they need to step up their game/go all Mr. Miyagi on you. There will be homework and yes, it's mandatory we show our work to not only the teacher, but EVERYBODY in the class. *gulp*

It has been a very long time since I have sat in the "student's seat" much less had an audience critique my photographs. And as scary as this is to me, something inside is also looking forward to the challenge - the opportunity to be vulnerable, take feedback that might not be all sugar coated and grow. You ever realize that the stuff that makes bread rise and grow like bread is yeast, not sugar? Well, I like to think of this class as yeast to my dream of being a photographer. Sugar-coated words and compliments to photos I've produced in the past are always nice and appreciated, but it's the hard questions, challenges and critiques that push me to be a better photographer and to grow.

High-five for yeast, you know what I mean?



Happy Tuesday!

Heartbox Photography FALL 2012 Special

Heartbox Photography FALL 2012 SPECIAL

In celebration of the new fall season and women everywhere, Heartbox Photography is now offering contemporary portrait and glamour makeover photo shoots. 

Whether for maternity, mothers and daughters, grandmothers, sisters or just a girls day out with your best friends, celebrate her today.

Check out the latest specials on photo sessions that include hair and make up, plus $50 off your photo session if booked by October 31st. 

Contact me at maria@heartbox-photography.com for further details.To see a sample photoshoot, click here or feel free to view the video below.

Happy Monday!


Heartbox Photography
Because her beauty is timeless.





Ten Commandments of Owning a Pet

I saw this on the Internet and thought...wow. This should be required reading before 
anyone gets a pet.
Excuse me while I go and give my dog a big hug for being one of the best reasons I look forward to coming home everyday. Besides the hubby, of course! =)
Happy Friday!

"The Ten Commandments of Owning a Pet"


1. My life is likely to last ten to fifteen years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you acquire me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
3. Place your trust in me. Remember that before you acquire me.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, and your entertainment. I only have you.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.
6. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that can easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
7. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I don’t understand what you ask of me or perhaps I am not feeling well, not getting the right food, been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
8. Take care of me when I get old, you too will grow old.
9. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say " I can’t bear to watch," or "let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier if you are there.
10. Remember, no matter what, that I love you. Unconditionally.

Vogue For Puppies

I love photography. And judging from this picture, Kona Bean does, too. If there were a Vogue magazine for puppies, this would be her cover girl shot.

My dog is pretty fantabulous.

Happy Thursday!


Change and Challenge

Challenge and change are good thing. I can't speak for anyone else, but I know that if I don't feel the stretch of challenge and accountability for my goals as a photographer, I get a little too comfortable. Comfortable with stagnancy, that is. As my old mentor once told me, "comfort is the a satin lined coffin". And she's right.

For the next 11 weeks I am signed up for a workshop with a long time photographer from the Bay Area and I am excited to not only learn more technically, but to also challenge myself on the areas I've always wanted to become better at as a photographer, such as looking at light in different ways and how I can make sure to capture my clients at their absolute best and oooh, even the opportunity to receive helpful critique and feedback from other long time professionals in the industry.

Challenge and change...bring it on!

Oh, and because every post waaay more fun with a photo...times have certainly changed, that's for sure!



Happy Wednesday!

Because Her Beauty is Timeless - Fall 2012 Specials

Her beauty is timeless.

It doesn't matter what age she is, what color her skin is, or the if she is short or tall.

Her beauty is timeless.

She could be single or a wife, a girlfriend, a daughter, a sister, a mother, a grandmother or great grandmother, somebody's best friend. Like you or I, she may have even wished at one point in her life that she was older or younger, thinner or curvier. 

Regardless of what she thinks about herself, her beauty is timeless.

She could be 8 or 80 years old. With the smooth face of innocent youth or the laugh lines on her face from a life filled with moments of growth and wisdom.
The age, it doesn't matter...her beauty is timeless.

A photographer that I admire and respect once said:

"My mission is to photograph any woman out there who has ever looked in the mirror and not felt good enough about herself at any time in her life."

As a woman myself, this statement resonated with me and now I've made it the mission of Heartbox Photography.

In celebration of the new fall season and for girls and women everywhere, Heartbox Photography is now offering contemporary and glamour portrait sessions. Sessions include professional hair and make-up and if you book your session with me by October 31st you will receive $50 off your selected package.

Whether for a best girlfriends day out, sisters, maternity, mother/daughter, high-school seniors photo shoot or as a gift for someone you think should celebrate all that she is. Or even as a styled photo shoot you have always wanted to do to celebrate you as a woman. Whatever the reasonis , contact me for details today on how to book your session!

Happy Tuesday!

Heartbox PhotographyBecause her beauty is timeles.






Those Mondays

It was one of those Mondays.

You know the ones I'm talking about. The one filled with traffic jams, nothing good to listen to on the radio (no Cyndi Lauper ??!?) while you sat in the traffic jam, slept less than the ideal of 8 hours, endless calculating on spreadsheets, new shoes you thought looked cute but at the end of the day had your big toe screaming for mercy and a hug...yes, those Mondays.

Yet as I type this this evening, even after one of those Mondays, I am also filled with an anticipation for the new possibilities of tomorrow. I am slowly moving towards the type of photography I want to do and even more importantly than that, am moving towards it with less and less fear. I guess action does that for you...it lessens the fear of the unknown, makes you want to take a few chances and be a little nuts for the sake of your dreams. It is very tempting to be the same photographer as everyone  else, a temptation that I constantly have to fight against both in my mind and when it comes to what type of photography I am passionate about in my heart.

A friend of mine once told me that she loved the fall season because it meant a change, a shedding of the old so that room could be made room for the new. It took me a while to really agree with this as I wasn't much of a fan for the fall season (I'm more of a summer gal and believes it should be 80 degrees year round), so this analogy didn't mean too much to me until now. Now that I am exploring new things in my photography, now that I am learning more about contemporary portrait photography, now that I am seeing how it can possibly tie into my love for fashion and for encouraging women, I am suddenly excited for the fall season and am moving towards making room for the new. More to come on the details for a few Fall Specials on portrait sessions being offered by Heartbox Photography, so stay tuned!

And even if it was one of THOSE Mondays....happy Monday, anyway!




Heart and Mind Stuff

I absolutely love, love, LOVE to laugh. And even more than laughter, I love thought provoking insight and wisdom from individuals who also make people laugh for a living through their talents.

I am a huge fan of Tyler Perry because of his ability to combine laughter, life, and love into the things he writes, produces, and shares with the world. (Big ups to Madea. She is my superhero.)

As a fan of Tyler Perry's, I came across a very interesting post of his recently and tried to share this post on my Facebook page, but technical errors kept coming up. (Darn you, error windows!) This post written by Tyler Perry is too good not to share, so here it is! I hope it makes you go "hmmm", the way it did for me.

But most of all, I hope it encourages you the way it encouraged me.

Happy Friday!

GUARD YOUR HEART AND MIND
by Tyler Perry

If you can get this, this will change your life… I was out taking my morning run. I love how still it is when I’m running. I can hear clearly and really commune with God. I wanted to share this with you. It’s a lesson I had to learn.

One of the keys to success is to be able to guard your heart. Now, usually when someone says guard your heart they are talking about keeping yourself from heartbreak. Although that is important (as long as you don’t go overboard... but that’s another conversation) that isn’t what I’m talking about. When we are born into this world we enter with such a pure heart but as we grow older situations, circumstances and people tend to make us change. Now I know it is nearly impossible to keep a childlike innocence in our hearts all of our lives, especially after people have betrayed, lied, mistreated and downright been the devil. Trust me when I tell you, I have seen it all. I have been there big ...time. If you’re like me you’ve been there too. But if this is your situation I want you to know two very important things about those moments of heartbreak.

Number one, learn the lesson in it. See how it will work together for your good, because it will. Once you do, it’s easier to forgive and move on. Secondly, and this is just as important as the first one, you must not let that person or people change your heart. What do I mean by that? Well, if you are a giver and someone you have given to misuses your gift, don’t stop giving… just give to someone else. If you are a person that loves people and someone you love hates you, don’t stop loving… love someone else. Eventually, you will find people who appreciate your kindness and your love. Remember this, lots of people have been conditioned to not be able to accept purity of heart. They can’t take it in. Most times it’s not even their fault. It’s just what has happened to them on their journey in life. But don’t let them turn you into one of them. There will be a lot of people in your life who will not appreciate your pureness of heart. If they hurt you don’t stop being you… just be you with someone else.

Why is this so important? Because God blesses you according to what is in your heart. If you are being kind, giving, loving and sharing because it is in your heart and you are not looking for anything in return, then that is a heart that God wants to bless. If you change who you are because you’ve been hurt, then you’ve changed the thing that God wants to bless you according to, and that is your heart. The people who hurt you are not worth that. You can lose everything that you have, but don’t let anybody change your heart.

Labor Day With The Sisterhood

As I'd mentioned in an earlier post, my sister Vanessa and I decided to take a little trip to Arizona during the Labor Day weekend.

What's in Arizona, you ask? The youngest sibling and some rare sistertime together. And of course, you know I had to bring my camera along for the adventure...

 While most people read to pass the waiting time before take off, my sister insist she must detangle her hair. 

Stepping outside an air-conditioned plane onto the tarmac of an Arizona airport can be a a bit of a shock to your system.

 Like someone blasted a hair dryer in your face unexpectedly. Right? Vanessa definitely thought so.


Kristina is a hair stylist with Salon Ethos and Redken certified haircolorist. Your hair or your Barbie Doll's hair, she can do it all.  


Vanessa and I had never seen the beauty that is Sedona, Arizona, so the three of us along with Kristina's boyfriend Mike, took a little drive over there to check it out. (Well, ok really, Mike drove while the three of us did our best not to drive him nuts during the car ride. Have you ever experienced what it's like to have 3 birds squawking in your ear for a whole 2 hours...with traffic? Mike does.)

Gorgeous, right?
Arizona heat is a great excuse to have ice cream...for breakfast, lunch, dinner and any time in between.  =)
From left to right: the youngest child, the middle child, and our patient chauffeur.





Vanessa shows off her natural modeling skills - I think I've found my next photoshoot subject. However, it will be a miracle if I can get her to pose with a little less Jim Carey action going on.


 The middle child. She reminds us all the time to see the humor in life.




 Growing up, there was never a dull moment in my life when it involved the 3 of us. This is us trying to organize ourselves for a normal photo. 

 I now know why my poor dad has grey hair. 
I heart my sisters.

But I do not heart snakes. Fortunately, this creature wasn't alive as we just happened to stroll past it on the path. Blech. 


The proud Arizona State student. 

While Vanessa happily explores the campus, the youngest one on the left stops to melt in the 100 something degree weather. 

 You can't see it, but there's a thought bubble hovering over her that says: "Dear God, why, why, why am I outside right now in this weather? WHY?"

Our Arizona adventures come to an end...with plans to do it again soon. 

 Because really, you can never have to much love and laughter when it comes to sibling time. 


Happy Thursday! 











Going Big

While my big dreams involve a successful photography business, my sister's big dreams involve hair. And not just the occasional trim kind of hair. More like designing hairstyles that look runway-ready kind of hair. The more hairspray, the better.

Because of the creative nature of both of our businesses, her being a hair stylist and me as a photographer, it's not unusual for us to exchange a phone call or two each week to bounce around and discuss new ideas on how to expand and become better at each of our respective crafts. A recent conversation over investing in marketing went something like this:

Sister: So option A is way cheaper and option B is more expensive, but I think I might have a bigger a return on my investment if I go with option B. I don't know...I should just go big or go home, right?"

Me: "Yes, I totally think you should go with the go big or go home option."
Sister: "Option B?"
Me: "Yeah, option B. Whatever choice is the go big or go home option. Go with that one."

While the above dialogue probably is not MBA worthy to an Ivy League school it touches upon an important point that I know both she and I strive for in the process of seeking success in our work, our goals and our dreams.

Go big or go home. As in, it's not just a photo, it's a new way to see the world or a new way you can show a person that they are beautiful. To her, it's not just a haircut, it's a way to give someone a confident stride in their walk. And to us, it's not just a pair of scissors or a camera - it's a love for all things creative, it's a chance to share a talent with the world, it's a possibility of being able to achieve a lifetime dream.

So yes,  whatever is the "go big or go home" option, I'll choose that one.

Happy Wednesday!

Slowing Down the Hamster Wheel

I like to think that I take the time to appreciate the beauty around me in nature.  But just like a lot of people, I too can get caught up/sucked in/turn into a hamster on a wheel overnight when presented with the busyness of working, pursuing dream endeavors, paying bills, running errands, laundry, and trying to remember to feed the dog. 

This weekend, however, I got the chance to see first hand the beauty of Sedona, Arizona. With the way the gold of the sunlight hit the red and auburn colors of these majestic rocks, I had no choice but to slow down and let myself be amazed at something that didn't involve a to-do list or personal busyness.

And, for this little hamster on a to-do-list wheel, it was awesome and worth it.  

Hope you, too, had a great Labor Day Weekend...happy Tuesday!

Cheese and Dreams

Rodents are an absolute no bueno in my book. Then again...is it possible to have cute, gross, and encouraging all rolled into one picture?

This photo sent to me by my husband is proof that yes...believe it or not,  it is possible.

I now have a sudden urge to keep pursuing my dreams in photography...as well nibble a bit of cheese while I'm at it.

Happy Thursday!




Road Forks and Asking for Help

It never fails.

Every so often, I'll hit a lull. A creative pothole, a little stumble on the path, a fork in the road with no map that directs which way to go. Things suddenly seem repetitive and in need of a fresh perspective and new ideas.

And that's when I know that the only remedy to this is to seek out the support from others and brainstorm with industry peers and photographers. Even though photography is seen by a lot of people as a solo type of career, I actually believe it's not. The growth I've experienced thus far in my technical skills and marketing skills in the photography business have come from the generosity of other photographers who were simply willing to help.

And after receiving some help, come feedback, critique, and suggestions, suddenly the lull is gone, the creative juices are flowing again, and that fork is moving further and further behind me as I make a decision on which way to go and proceed down that path. I am excited that the days of this upcoming September is full of workshops and networking opportunities with other peers and most of all the chance to grow even more. I've often observed that individuals who are the best at their craft or the expert at their occupation is due to their willingness to always be willing to learn.  And to never be ashamed to ask for help.

Happy Wednesday!



Black and Brown: Mission Accomplished

The game plan was this:

I'd pull the car up to driveway and into the garage. Smooth, calm, and cool. (as Mission Impossible theme song plays quietly in the background)

My sister and I would then gather the bags from the trunk and in one fell swoop, with Olympic-like speed and skill, haul the shopping bags through the side door of the garage and into the house, half-running/half-stumbling through so as not to run into our mother who would surely zero in on the shopping bags and ask us how much we just spent at the mall.

Those were the good ol' days and I still smile to remember that we were never a good influence on each other (or each other's wallets for that matter!) when it came to shopping. Why? Because our conversations in a mall usually sounded like this: "Which one should I get? Oh, what the heck I'll get 'em BOTH!" And with the happy grin that most youngsters have when they have no bills or obligations -  yes, we'd sure as heck get them both. Sometimes, with earrings.

Since my sister was in town for a visit these past few days, she went to check out a little gem hidden in San Jose called Black and Brown. This little vintage and modern clothing boutique for both men and women was recommended to me by Kalani Germono of Kalani Style and both my husband and I had visited this store as well not too long ago.


I just love this store.

Nothing but glee overcomes me as I sift through the unique finds housed on the clothing racks of this establishment. If you are in the mood to score some great finds in shopping and find yourself along The Alameda in San Jose, be sure to check out Black and Brown. As for hauling all your great finds back? Well...call me up and I'll see what I can do. I think I may still have a map or two on how to Mission Impossible those shopping bags into the hhouse and past the inquiring eyes of your family. You know...just in case.

Happy Tuesday!



Being Outside of The Zone

How do I describe it?

It's a weird, far away look when your eyes aren't exactly crossed from effort, but instead seem to be staring off at something in the distance with extreme focus. Almost as if they were using, for lack of a better term for you Star Wars fans out there, "the Force" to try and move an inanimate object. Sometimes, there's even a slight hint of their brow furrowing in concentration.

Have you ever seen a painter deftly take their paintbrush and million colors to a canvas? Have you ever seen a basketball player suddenly focus in with a burst of superhuman speed and almost break that basketball hoop as they slammed in the winning point? Or even a guitarist's intense facial expression when just the right strum of a string on their guitar produces the right pitch of a note they heard in their mind?

They are all in "The Zone" - that moment where all is right in their world and they are riding a wave of enjoyment where their talents & skills align in perfection and as a result, produces something magnificent to share to the world. Whether it's a perfect parenting day or a great performance you put on as a musician.

It's an awesome place, "The Zone."  I've been there a few times myself as a photographer and it truly is all sunshine and perfection and chocolate - kinda like Disneyland happy, sans the overpriced lemonade. But on the flip side, because The Zone is so awesome, the times I am outside of it feels beyond frustrating. Like I'm flailing for a shred of encouragement that will serve as the creative oxygen my "photographer" lungs need. It sounds kind of nuts, but these are the times I feel creatively stuck and upset that all the practice and envisioning I did prior to a shoot is lost because something in me just froze.

It is in these areas outside of the Zone, I am left with the choice to grow and learn...or not. One of my closest friends is a basketball coach and it was a good thing I called her right when I was about to bring out the appetizers and balloons for my pity party - being held, where else? Outside The Zone.

She helped shift my thinking from: "sob-hiccup-sob-sob-SOB-hiccup-OMG-I failed at a photo shoot that was supposed to be nothing short of perfection, what's wrong with me?!"  into "Take baby steps next time and don't expect perfection for everything so soon / you are growing / you are learning / all of us have been there and yes we all have our challenging days, even coaches who coach others/ you can do this/ no, there's nothing wrong with you."

And she's right. *hiccup*

I say all of this because it sheds light on how I want to grow as a photographer. That the photo shoots I fumbled through are just as important as the ones that went perfectly and were carried out in The Zone of my creative world. Both experiences keep me pushing to learn, keep a hat of humility on, and ultimately grow and improve my craft. I would even reckon to say that this applies to you out there who are aspiring to be a better musician, a more effective coach, a better friend or even a better mother. That while being in The Zone is wonderful and everything you're doing is right and going perfect, being outside of it and having those rough days are equally as important because it helps you truly be the better coach/mother/friend/musician/athlete you aspire to be.

Whew. Kinda serious for a Monday, I know. =) On a lighter note, since blog posts are so much more fun with a photo, here's a sneak peak into the this weekend's photo shoot. As always, there's more to come, so stay tuned!


Butterfly Class

As a kid and even later on as a adult, I always thought a I had a higher dosage than most of the "insecure/I think everyone is looking at me" factor.  Like, if the the color green in an x-ray of my body somehow indicated the levels of how insecure I felt at that moment, I could easily pass as a stem of broccoli - with hoop earrings.

I could blame it on a lot of things - my own hangs ups, my upbringing, or maybe just the fact that I had a crooked haircut in elementary school. Or even that I had Dad's bushy eyebrows as a kid (they looked like caterpillars that never moved on to butterfly class)  instead of neat little pigtails and the more girly features of my mother.  As a result of all of this, the tendency to want to blend into the crowd and hide instead of pulling away from the crowd to stand out was a force present in most of my growing up.

It took a lot to grow out of that place of feeling like I wasn't enough. Though I still have those slightly scary moments when I wonder about how straight my bangs are and if new people I meet actually like me for who I am, I am so grateful that it's not what it used to be. Now in my life there's more (much more) laughing off the weirdness of crooked haircuts instead of hiding from it. There's now more time celebrating unique factors of who I became and what makes me different from the rest of the crowd. And above all, I'm so grateful I get to express that in my photography. To help make a person feel over- the-top-fantabulous in their photos, helping them to see that the things they worried about as a kid in how they looked are exactly what make them unique and absolutely worth showing off to the rest of the world. 

Happy Friday!

To Be Cool

I can only hope I look this cool when taking a photo next to a random and thought provoking signs like this.


Happy Thursday!

Perfect Paintings

Before I even wanted to do photography professionally, before I was thinking about logos and marketing, ISO, aperture, Canon or Nikon, I was just a chic with little point and shoot camera taking pictures of anything and everything. I used to tuck my 3.0 megapixel Olympus into my purse and it went practically everywhere with me, becoming an almost permanent fixture in my hands during both international and domestic adventures.

The photo below was captured on a trip I took to the Mayan ruins in Mexico with my family. There was no editing done to this photograph at all - the water really was really that blue, the greens really that green. I remember standing there, inhaling the ocean air with a smile. The view atop the ruins was like a perfect painting in itself - a painting that an editing program would rob of scene's natural beauty.
I love photography for a million, bazillion reasons - but mostly for the simple reason that it helps me remember moments in life when I was surrounded by paintings of nature. Nature that is fully-colored with sheer perfection, beckoning even the most rushed "passerby" to slow down and enjoy it's grandeur.

Happy Wednesday!

A New Bike

I can go on and on about how much I think chocolate is the cure for everything from a sad mood to a case of Monday-nitis to even the I-need-a-desert-after-breakfast-heck-no-I-don't-care-that-it's-only-7:00 AM predicament.

Toblerone has a Facebook fan page and yes, you can bet I clicked "like" on that page faster than my dog snatches a piece of bacon crumb on our kitchen floor. Seeing this photo come through their news feed made me even more proud to be a one of the thousands of fans of Toblerone.


Oh, the wonderful, wonderful joys of chocolate.  Here's to high-fivin' the makers of Toblerone!

Happy Tuesday!

Marizette Paperie

The best memories I had as a kid in kindergarten were definitely the ones associated with arts and crafts time. My love for color as well as my Type A personality revealed itself early on as revealed by the way I would carefully glue, stick & cut out every piece of detail required for the Christmas card I was making for my parents.  No really - macaroni shells, glitter, buttons, multi-colored pieces of construction paper, you name it, I was bent on adding every detail I could to make it the best card ever, worthy of the even Hallmark's attention. (Don't mind the glue drippings!)

Though my card-making career lasted only up until about 2nd grade (I moved on to science projects, The Baby-Sitters Club and Ramona Quimby), I still find myself drawn to the beautiful details of invitations, greeting cards, hand-crafted stationary and the like. Everytime I receive a wedding or baby shower invitation my fingers still graze the surface of the thick cardstock paper, marveling at the details that speak of the event's uniqueness and personality that make the event special in the first place.  

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to meet Marivic and Zuesette, the owners of Marizette Paperie, an invitation boutique based in San Jose, California. Their display of carefully crafted card and invitation work in their office was beyond beautiful and a teensy part of me wanted to ask if I can take the display home. You know. Just so I could stare at it in awe.

These ladies have garnered much attention for their work with customized wedding invitations, stationary creations, baby shower invites, etc. And if truth be told, had they been sitting next to me in  my kindergarten arts & crafts class, they both would have easily schooled me on the proper use of that macaroni and glitter to make the card a true work of art.

I love details and companies like Marizette Paperie who love the details, too.

Happy Monday!