A Million Friend Defnitions

There are probably a bajillian, gazillion and one definitions out there as to what constitutes a true friend.

Google will keep your head spinning with all the information you can pull up on the characteristics of a BFF and Hallmark will make you cross-eyed with all the funny, laugh out loud reasons lining the shelves of the card aisle at your local Target. (ooooh, Target!!)

Case in point: I chatted with my good friend Stephanie the other night in the midst of my routine battle through California highway traffic. Catching up, how's work, the usual. It wasn't a very long conversation and I didn't really want to delve into the details of how I was just not happy with life at the moment. I was not in the mood to burden my woes onto someone else at the moment and had simply made the decision to sport a mask as it seemed like the better choice for this traffic-filled evening. We said our good byes and hung up. 

A minute later, my phone rings, only to have Stephanie on the other side again asking if everything was really ok, if there was anything she could pray for me about, and reminding me that I can talk to her about anything even if my day wasn't going well. I laughed a little, filled her in on the truth, and thanked her for caring enough to call back.

And that right there? That's my own definition of a true friend. 

Don't forget to take the time to not only ask your loved ones how life is, but to truly care enough to hear out their response. Believe me, even I'm reminded that it truly makes a huge difference.

Happy Wednesday!









Flawless Beauty

It's because of messages like this that I am reminded to cherish myself just the way I am today. My wide jaw or my straight eyebrows, my big ol' teeth, my less than tame hair, my sometimes awkward or unsure way of talking when I'm nervous.

It's because of messages like this that I am inspired and reminded that I can use my camera to do so much more than take a picture. That it can be used to help redefine beauty, real beauty, for women everywhere. I dream bigger and can push doubt away a lot easier because of messages like this.

It's because of messages like this that awaken and renew the passion I have to do glamour photography and use it as a tool for something so much bigger than me.

Happy Friday and enjoy!


To See Again

I used to think that being an artist somehow equated to sleek black outfits with equally sleek black rimmed glasses. And to top it off all my conversations had to have that vague/I...am...an....ahhhhtist vibe to it.

Eh. I don't look good in black-rimmed glasses.

I'm so glad that being an artist isn't at all about how you dress or speak, but more of the development of your eye. A teacher once said that photographer is all about learning how to see again. And when I first heard that I thought, "oh great I have to be artsy, sport black-rimmed glasses and  frequent museums every free moment I have? Museums are ok, but really, I can't stare at a painting too long before I just start to wonder where the snack bar is located."

 But no, it turns out what he meant by "seeing" differently was just to take the time to see the photographic opportunities all around you. That the ordinary things that I easily walk on past can be forms of art if I take the time to examine and eagerly seek out lines, textures, colors, shadows...oh my! Yep, they are all around and it's amazing. Even in the ordinary.


I am a portrait photographer and my favorite subjects are people, but even this portrait photographer needs to practice "seeing" the art around me in order to get better at the work that I do. Hence, the ol' camera and me are going to be spending some quality time together and I am very excited.

I'm learning to see again and it's pretty amazing.

Happy Thursday!

A Girl's Day to Celebrate Her

Valentine's Day is coming up, but who says it's a day just for those who have been struck by Cupid's arrow? 
Why not make it a fun day to celebrate love not only for the wives and girlfriends  but also for the single gals who want to make it a girls' day out with their best friends? 
Or just to celebrate the love you have for your sister, your mom, your grandmother? 

Heartbox Photography is pleased to announce it's launch into glamour photography, celebrating HER in every season. 

Curious about a session? Check out what you can expect in a photo session with Heartbox Photography.



Gift certificates are now available for purchase that include a pamper session of professional makeup, hairstyling, and photo shoot. To book your session or to gift a session for your best friend, sister, mother, grandmother, or YOU, contact me at maria@heartbox-photography.com or visit www.heartbox-photography.com for further details. 

Because her beauty is timeless.


Success Doesn't Fly Solo

As a woman, I struggle sometimes with feeling like I have to shoulder the burdens and challenges of life by myself. While there are some gals who are much quicker than I am to cry out as a damsel in distress, the stubborn I-am-my-father's-child syndrome prevails more times than I am willing to admit. While this level of stubbornness is good for some things in life, it can also backfire worse than a stone-filled slingshot, ultimately inflicting the negative consequences back onto yourself.

I am learning that in any of the goals I set out, be it building a successful photography business for women or just trying to get in better shape (ever try motivating yourself out of bed at 5:00 AM for a workout?!) - the journey is always more meaningful when the encouragement of supporters, teachers, friends, family, heck even your dog's is constantly flowing in your life. (I assured my pup, Kona Bean, that her faithful presence next to me every time I was on my laptop was not done in vain.)

While it's easier and at times a far more attractive option to just deal with everything yourself, hardly does it ever yield the same abundance and growth that comes from accepting help. We're human and eventually the "I-did-it-my-way" medal loses it's glamour and shine, your strength runs out, and before you know it you're just plain tired. Nine times out of ten, there was no one who said you had to go in on it alone, rather there were a ton of people offering hand from the very beginning. Yet, we turn the hand    As a veteran in this field, I am very much reminding myself of this, too.

While photography in and of itself is done by the photographer and camera, believe me, it's far from a solo/all-on-my-own endeavor. My husband helps lug all the gear to a shoot. My friends have held up the reflectors to bounce light. My tax accountant makes sure all my numbers are reported correctly. My dad, as an entrepreneur himself, has given me business advice. My sisters and mom have prayed for me, for the dreams I have, encouraging me when I doubted. And yes, even my dog, too, has nestled in next to her momma as I sat with my laptop on the living room couch to edit photographs for the evening.

See what I mean? Hardly is life, or success, a solo gig, so I encourage you to not go in on it by yourself.


Happy Tuesday!






Photography Update & Other Things

I love how the week flies by after a 3 day weekend! Each day this week I have been working on preparing for another glamour/makeover photo shoot. Drafting ideas for poses, make up/hairstyle ideas, you name it. It's a very exciting time for Heartbox Photography and each day that I get to prepare for another shoot, I can't help but feel an abundance of blessing and joy to be able to pursue a genre of photography that helps boost the self-esteem of women everywhere and is just so much fun. My model this past weekend was Rosemary and I can't wait to not only share her photos from the shoot but also her story. Stay tuned, folks!

In addition to all that, my husband and I are also getting more involved with folks from our church in learning how to be helpful to other married or soon-to-be married couples. As part of an upcoming marriage seminar we are attending that helps us learn to do that, we were required to separately fill out an online seminar of questions about our marriage, our upbringing, our views, etc. It was well over 100 questions long for each of us, but I have to admit, it was a pretty great reminder to us of how fortunate and blessed we are to have each other, especially in a world full of never ending challenges. 

These photos I found say it far better than I ever could. Enjoy and happy Thursday!














Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day is coming up, but who says it's a day just for those who have been struck by Cupid's arrow? 
Why not make it a fun day to celebrate love not only for the wives and girlfriends  but also for the single gals who want to make it a girls' day out with their best friends? 
Or just to celebrate the love you have for your sister, your mom, your grandmother? 

Heartbox Photography is pleased to announce it's launch into glamour photography, celebrating HER in every season. 

Curious about a session? Check out what you can expect in a photo session with Heartbox Photography.



Gift certificates are now available for purchase that include a pamper session of professional makeup, hairstyling, and photo shoot. To book your session or to gift a session for your best friend, sister, mother, grandmother, or YOU, contact me at maria@heartbox-photography.com or visit www.heartbox-photography.com for further details. 

Because her beauty is timeless.


Happy Tuesday!

You Gots Good Hair

I have never in my life colored my hair. No wait. I take that back...does Sun-In count?

Anyway, over the Christmas break, my sister was in town and as part of that visit we had already decided before hand that I was overdue for a little trimsky on the bangs and heck while we're at it, why don't we do some fun coloring, too?

FYI - A little sister who has just been given full permission from the big sister to color her hair is like giving a mouse free reign in a cheese factory. I didn't know whether to feel excited or nervous at the look of sheer glee on the kid's face as she mixed and poured and tin-foiled my hair with the fervor of a stylist gone cur-aay-zeee.

All's well that ends well - I like...nay, I LOVE my hair. Full on bangs with a panel of coloring on the front within the bangs as well as hidden throughout the strands of the new 'do in the back. It's enough of a color to be a super cool accessory and not make me feel like Rainbow Brite in public.

Ain't it amazing what a good cut and color will do for the mood of any woman? It's almost like you've been told that you can eat all the chocolate you want and it won't make you gain weight -  EVER.

That's my good hair day story. Someone here, on the other hand, doesn't look like they share the same sentiment.
Eh. 

Happy Thursday!



Random Schmandom Girl Post

I like to add accessories and dress things up a bit. Including words. So, how about instead of "random" we say "random schmandom"?  Yeah!!

In today's random schmandom blog post just for the gals:

- I am SUPER/five-year-old-just-ate-cotton-candy-excited about this weekend. After wrapping up a few details with the studio and make up artist, Heartbox Photography will officially be doing the first makeover/glamour photo shoot of the New Year. So ready to do this and do this BIG! Go big or go home, right? Right! Remember, ladies, if you're interested in booking your photo shoot today or want to give it as a gift to your best friend, your mom, your sister, or whoever, be sure to email me at maria@heartbox-photography.com.

Check out the sneak peak into the experience below!




-I specialize in nerd. Which means that yes, when I found an available post office box in my town for Heartbox Photography's mail, it made my Tuesday complete.



- MAC's Russian Red liptsick. Best red lipstick. Ever. Ladies, be sure to check it out here. It ranks pretty high on the Fun Meter. Right next to cute, red shoes, and a lifetime supply of chocolate.  

-The last honey walnut prawn from last night's Chinese dinner. My tummy done smiled at lunch.

-Friends who are graphic designers ROCK. Friends who are graphic designers that are patient with photographers like me AND know Photoshop with nina-like skill? SUPER. ROCK.

-Looking forward to some gal pal time with friends in the next few weeks. I'm making it a point this year to take more time with the ladies. More time than just a random text message or a Facebook holler. But real, let's-go-get-sushi-and-chat-for-hours-like-we-girls-do-kind of time. 

Happy Tuesday! 


Gift Ideas for February

Valentine's Day is coming up, but who says it's a day just for those who have been struck by Cupid's arrow? 
Why not make it a fun day to celebrate love not only for the wives and girlfriends  but also for the single gals who want to make it a girls' day out with their best friends? 
Or just to celebrate the love you have for your sister, your mom, your grandmother? 

Heartbox Photography is pleased to announce it's launch into glamour photography, celebrating HER in every season. 

Curious about a session? Check out what you can expect in a photo session with Heartbox Photography.



Gift certificates are now available for purchase that include a pamper session of professional makeup, hairstyling, and photo shoot. To book your session or to gift a session for your best friend, sister, mother, grandmother, or YOU, contact me at maria@heartbox-photography.com or visit www.heartbox-photography.com for further details. 

Because her beauty is timeless.


Happy Tuesday!

Simple Amazement

This kid had water, a dish, and the simple desire to make something huge and fun. 

And this photo, without words, describes exactly what I hope to achieve in the world of photography. To take something simple and do something unexpectedly huge and amazing with it.


Happy Wednesday!

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day is coming up, but who says it's a day just for those who have been struck by Cupid's arrow? 
Why not make it a fun day to celebrate love not only for the wives and girlfriends  but also for the single gals who want to make it a girls' day out with their best friends? 
Or just to celebrate the love you have for your sister, your mom, your grandmother? 

Heartbox Photography is pleased to announce it's launch into glamour photography, celebrating HER in every season. 

Curious about a session? Check out what you can expect in a photo session with Heartbox Photography.



Gift certificates are now available for purchase that include a pamper session of professional makeup, hairstyling, and photo shoot. To book your session or to gift a session for your best friend, sister, mother, grandmother, or YOU, contact me at maria@heartbox-photography.com or visit www.heartbox-photography.com for further details. 

Because her beauty is timeless.


Happy Tuesday!

Breakthrough

It could be this new haircut and color I'm sporting,  (big ups to Salon Ethos for knowing just the right style a girl needs to start the new year off right!), it could be the excitement still spilling over from the fun of the Christmas celebration and time with family.

Whatever it is, I am loving how 2013 is looking like a year of possibilities, hope, dreaming, planning, praying and most of all, doing. Not only for Heartbox Photography, but for a lot of things personal as well. Another chance to love more, forgive bigger, trust more, make healthier choices, and push harder against fear not only for myself but for family, friends, and yeah, even the strangers. Because we all know how we women generally want world peace, right?

I hope you push some limits this year.  I hope it's a breakthrough year for you just as much as I wish it for myself.  If you said you wanted to start walking, running, eating a bit healthier, then go on and do it. I don't know you, but I sure know a lot of people who have taken amazing steps in the name of life and health. If you have always wanted to take that dance class, then dance away.  I have two left feet when it comes to any type of structured dance routines, but my husband and I are going to take a ballroom dancing class anyway. (eeek!!)

If you have always wanted to stare down fear in the face and work up some courage, even if it means a tiny step at a time, then take that tiny step at a time. Did I ever tell you that I used to be a real estate agent and most of my business as a rookie came from knocking on doors in the neighborhood asking each homeowner if they were planning on selling their house? True story. My sneakers must have logged in quite a bit of walking time those years.

And believe me, I'm saying it to myself as much as I am saying it to you. Yes, I get the jitters sometimes whenever I dare to dream and actually take action on making dreams a reality. Yes, I wonder a little too much about what others think and sometimes it paralyzes me. Yes, I worry at times about what the future will bring. Yes, I sometimes have a hard time loving and forgiving just like anyone else does. But on the flip side, yes I believe in perseverance and hope. Yes, I believe in possibility and second chances. And heck yes, I believe in breakthrough.

I love this photograph. I still remember how foggy, cold, and grey it was the day I took it. Yet the Empire State Building's light made it noticeable, the illumination cutting through the mist, tall and an awesome sight to behold amidst the busyness of the city's concrete below. And to think of all that the city of New York has been through in the past 10 years alone, it's more than appropriate to say that NYC has definitely got some spirit, some special fight in it, and like this photo, a little bit of light in it that still cuts through all the temporary grey.


Here's to breakthrough, yours and mine.

Happy Monday!






Heartbox Photography - Promotional Video 2013

Yikes!! It really is 2013! Ok, be honest, how many of you have been doing this earlier this week?


Part of what makes a new year so exciting is the chance to not only start off on a clean slate, but to also make tweaks to a few goals and resolutions from the year before.

In addition to the new and exciting opportunities that come with gearing Heartbox Photography exclusively to glamour photography for women in 2013, I have also decided to share some fun videos to give you a peak into what exactly happens during a glamour photo shoot. A few before and after photos have also been added to the Heartbox Photography website, so be sure to check them out!

The latest video, which you can view below, would not have been possible without the awesome and creative help of both my awesome husband and Kristina Eugenio of Salon Ethos.

January is quickly passing by and yes, Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Dun, dun, DUN! If you are interested in giving the gift of a fun makeover and entire photo shoot or are simply interested in celebrating you, your best friend, mother, grandmother, cousin, or just that awesome woman you adore, be sure to email me at maria@heartbox-photography.com or visit the website at www.heartbox-photography.com for details on how to book a glamour shoot today!



Because her beauty is timeless.




Gift Certificates Now Available!

New beginnings, fresh starts - make 2013 a year to celebrate HER! 

Heartbox Photography is pleased to announce it's launch into glamour photography, celebrating HER in every season. 

Gift certificates are now available for purchase that include a pamper session of professional makeup, hairstyling and photo shoot. To book your session or to gift a session for your best friend, sister, mother, grandmother, or YOU, contact me at maria@heartbox-photography.com or visit www.heartbox-photography.com for further details. 

Happy 2013!

Heartbox Photography
Because her beauty is timeless.



Happy 2013!

This year, the New Year's festivities are going to be hosted at my cousin's house.

And in front of the television with food and board games (Cranium, baby...holla!!), family members around, my warm fuzzy socks, and a determined will not to start yawning before midnight, I am going to ring in 2013 with a cheer and a smile - thankful for all that 2012 has been and excitedly looking forward to the awesomeness in store for the future ahead.

Happy 2013 and many blessings to you and yours for the new year!

Heartbox Photography (and Kona Bean!)







The Olivia Act

When I first heard of The Olivia Act, I immediately thought, wow.

 In the wake of the recent tragedies in Connecticut,  my husband and I couldn't stop talking about the latest updates on the news and how awful everything was.  Each story and update released through the stream of newspapers and online news boards was just another reinforcement in our minds of what I could imagine was indescribable heartache for the victims' families.

 While we continued to pray and grieve for the families affected by the recent events, never did I imagine there would be a way a camera could be a part of something bigger to help bring forth an act of healing in the midst of such darkness, believe me.  I learned of The Olivia Act this morning, from a fellow photographer in Tennessee and am moved to participate. It's named after one of the children killed in Newtown, whose family had pictures taken a short time before she was killed on that horrible day. Upon hearing about this, a photographer named Leslie was moved to give away a 30 minute family photo shoot and has challenged other photographers to do the same. I know that not all families have the resources to have photos taken every year, but I'd love 2013 to be the year for one of them. 

I will be taking nominations for a family who you think would appreciate this gift of memories, for any reason! The free 30 minute session (which will include 10 digital images on DVD) will take place in 2013 - please email me your nominations at maria@heartbox-photography.com, including a brief message on who you're nominating and the reason you wish this for them. The family chosen will be contacted via email, so please include that as well! I will accept nominations until December 31st of this year.

Please SHARE this message so your friends and family will know, too!

And fellow photographers, please think about participating in the Olivia Act too. ♥

 Newtown, please know that you are not alone and continue to be in the prayers and hearts of the nation.

Toilet Paper Roll Santa

I'm not sure if it's the sparkle of the lights or the pine scent, but there sure is something magical about becoming mesmerized over the vision of a fully decorated Christmas tree. It takes me back to the days my sisters and I would sit around the Christmas tree with all the dining room lights off and nothing but the yellows, blues, greens, and reds of the tree's lights glowing in the darkness, the tunes of Alvin and the Chipmunks' Christmas cassette tape playing on the radio. With the occasional poke at the carefully wrapped presents under the tree (thank you, Santa/Dad), we'd sit for a long time staring at the tree, eagerly anticipating Christmas Day, presents, and fun with family. It was all very kid-like, a world of joy and innocence - made complete with Alvin wistfully singing how all he wanted for Christmas was his two front teeth.

Or, wait. Was it Theodore?

Anyway, this little reflection on Christmas trees got me a little curious about all the funny ways people decorate and create their own Christmas trees - and wow. This whole time I thought that a huge box of silver and gold tinsel and a Santa Claus made of an empty toilet paper roll (don't ask) made me the most creative when it came to Christmas trees. Once again, Google has proven me oh so wrong.

Check these out and Happy Tuesday!















Spam Can Christmas Ornaments

When my husband and I first got married, it used to drive me a little nuts that he was into souvenirs. I liked souvenirs, too, but it isn't critical to collect one at every roadstop...at least in my book. But the husband? Oh, totally different story - magnets that said we had a stopover at this airport in Texas, Mickey Mouse hands from Disneyland to help us height-challenged folks reach the chains that switched the ceiling fan off, coffee mugs with a Spam can smiling on it, a red candle with a Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus from Hawaii...you name it. I really, REALLY think that if there was such a thing as a Spam Christmas ornament he'd be the first to hit the "purchase" button on the Amazon check-out cart.

As time went on though, it didn't seem too weird, this love he has for souvenirs. Because it just means that he cares about keepsakes that remind us of the places we've visited together, the adventures we've shared, and the many Spam Christmas ornaments we've we are still destined to collect. Together.

Happy Monday!

Sibling Christmas Love

My sisters and I are very close. Cross my heart, I promise.

But...this photo pretty much summed up our many Christmas' growing up together and me having the advantage of older-sister-who-was-a-little-bigger-than-and-thought-she-was-She-Ra.

Siblings during Christmas. You gotta love them.


Happy Wednesday!