Glamour Makeover & Photo Shoot - Vanessa. 2013

Us women. We've all been there.

You know- there. At the checkout line at the grocery store or Target, letting our eyes wander over to the magazine racks as the cashier scans our paper towel, shampoo, and dog food. Wondering for a millisecond. Comparing yourself to her on the cover. And though I can't speak for every woman, I know that has been me on more than one occasion. And I like Target, so maybe it's been me on more like a zillion occasions. 

So...I get it. 

And now, I have the privilege to show women that yes, she (who stands in a grocery line with stuff to haul to the car, with kids to calm down and carry) is just as every ounce of fabulous as whomever graces the cover of Vogue or Elle magazine on the stands. It's not a look reserved exclusively for a certain type of woman, but rather a look that is achievable because she already has fabulous woven into her very soul. How? Simply because she is a woman. 

Vanessa, thank you for giving me the opportunity to capture your fabulous self on my camera. Hope your kids know how beautiful their mommy is. 

Happy Friday!

Hair and make up courtesy of Julieta Camacho

The Before and After

Life Quotes

There's something about growing pains in a relationship, any kind, that I love and hate. Hate because, well, it just hurts and I don't have a high tolerance for pain (removable tatoos are awesome inventions wannabe toughies like me), and love because in the end looking back after the storm has passed, you realize that the growth in the end may have been worth it.

I love great life quotes. Hmm. Maybe a book full of quotes is what's next on the Amazon reading list. This quote below sums up what I am being currently challenged with at the moment. And ohhh, how hard it is be less selfish, I tell ya.

How painful it is to be challenged sometimes, isn't it? But also, I marvel at how peace and joy-filled the end result can be if it means growth.

Happy Wednesday!

PREVIEW: Glamour Makeover & Photo Shoot - Vanessa. 2013

I met Vanessa and her kids a while back, being introduced to her as the girlfriend of one of my old friends. As embarrassing as it is to admit, I can easily forget people's names if I don't interact with them on a regular basis, but not Vanessa. She shares the same name as my sister as well as the same tall height. Not to mention they are both are hard-working moms, a trait that is and of it's self unforgettable.

Before her photo shoot, Vanessa told me that was a bit hesitant about participating because she was very shy and insecure when it came to trying to look good. (A feeling that I believe is shared by young girls and women all over the world - myself included.)

When I heard this, it motivated me even more to not just have her experience a great photo shoot with me, but to do everything I could to help change her perspective and replace that insecurity with a new and overwhelming sense of confidence. It was just a matter of having a mirror held up in front of her to see it for herself.

Vanessa, I hope this preview below is how you see yourself from now on - radiant and beautiful simply because you are you. You rocked this shoot and I hope you know it!

Enjoy and stay tuned for more of the final edits to come!

Happy Monday!

Hair and make up courtesy of Julieta Camacho

Target Runs and Friday Dates

It's Friday.

He took me out for my requested sushi dinner.

He treated me to a gift of new shoes that I loooooved even if it would make him look like a midget holding hands with a walking and talking beanstalk. In fabulous shoes.

In a romantic stroll through Target he even remembered to purchase a package of paper towels for the kitchen because we ran out at home. And folks, take note here. They weren't just any kind of paper towels, oh no, they were the fancy kind where you can cut out just the right size you needed. All this because he knows he married a paper-towel-rationing girl who loved to stubbornly squeeze out the last of the toothpaste before investing the money to purchase a brand new minty tube of Colgate goodness.

What can I say? The husband still knows that new shoes, kitchen paper towels, and Friday night runs to Target make the best Friday dates.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Gangnam-Style Coolness

I have this odd fantasy of being able to dance as well as Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta did in Grease. All smooth and suave complete with a killer poodle skirt and perfect hair.

Even just be part of a flash mob sensation on YouTube. You've seen those, right? How cool would that be to be the one who starts off the iconic dance moves in the middle of a mall and then have a crowd bust a move with you. Chills up my spine, I tell you, chills up my spine. Like, I could be the girl in the front of the crowd in the video and the minute the video goes viral, everyone's talking about that short Asian chic in the flash mob video who can Moonwalk with genuine Gangnam-style and coolness. I can't tell you how many times I've watched the music-video moves of everyone from MC Hammer to Jennifer Lopez and secretly wish that I was cast as an extra dancer in the background, gettin' down with my bad self for all of MTV to see.

I consider my big claim to dancing fame as the the time I was six and with fighting determination, squeezed my baby fat (yes, all of it) into a ballerina leotard and tutu and aspired to pirouette my way straight to Broadway's stages. That dream lasted about 5 minutes when I experienced the trauma of a 6 year old horrifically trapped in ballerina leotard needing to go to the bathroom, like, NOW.

Either way, I am re-living these dancing dreams. My husband and I are going to be signing up for ballroom dancing classes this spring. Whooooo-hoooo!! We're signing up for the regular waltz/salsa type of class because Justin absolutely refused to sign up for the country western dance class. (My personal preference.)

It's too bad, too, because he has no idea that his wife has amazing doe-c-doe-ing/spin your partner 'round and 'round/square dancing skills. Like, complete with Gangnam-style grace and coolness. Minus the tutu.

Happy Thursday!

Glamour Makeover & Photo Shoot - Rosemary. 2013.

January 2013 marked an important start to a new chapter with Heartbox Photography. As most of you know, I have decided to focus my photography on glamour photography for women, offering not only the whole hair and make up/makeover, but with the services of a full photos shoot as well. I love to photograph makeovers and fashion and anything girly, but was too afraid to take the leap full on because it didn't fall into the traditional categories of weddings/babies/families that many photographers are known for.

And now here I am.

It's February and I've just finished the first glamour photo shoot of 2013. Looking through these photos, I couldn't be more happy with my decision. I truly believe it was a step in the right direction for reasons that go far beyond just taking fun photographs.

Rosemary is a friend of mine, one of the godmothers of my niece, and I am honored to have been able to have her in front of my camera. She's not only a beautiful woman, but also a talented artist herself, a lover of all things art and music.

I am a firm believer that every woman is worth the time of a camera, though we don't always think so and having Rose as the very first shoot of the year has encouraged me to keep pushing this message for women EVERYWHERE. Rose has grown up with psoriasis and what she did by courageously saying yes to a makeover and photo shoot for Heartbox Photography speaks volumes, not only for others who also suffer from psoriasis, but for women in general.

Like me, like her, and yes, like you, too.

Happy Tuesday!

Hair and make up by Betty Peaches

A Wendy's Valentine

It's Valentine's/love/stuff-your-face-with-lotsa-heart-shaped-pink-candy-from-CVS-day. And though I'm not into the whole red roses being held by a fluffy, white, stuffed bear heck, I'll still celebrate if it's an excuse to eat Toblerone in the middle of the day.

Because of a little mishap in scheduling today, the hubs and I are going to Wendy's tonight for Valentine's Day dinner.

Yep. You read that right. Wendy's as in the "fast food joint run by a little red-haired girl in pigtails" Wendys.

When we were dating and wanted a quick snack, my now-husband and I would sometimes run to the local Wendy's for a baked potato or some chicken strips. It was far from anything fancy, but we both didn't mind because it gave us an excuse to hang out the way best friends do, enjoying each other's company, laughing and talking, as we carried our tray of piping hot baked potatoes and cups of ice water to our chosen table. We both sometimes joke that when we're old, we'd still like to be doing things like this on a random afternoon and I sure hope we do because nothing beats baked potato and chicken strips with your best friend.

Celebrate love everyday, folks. Happy Heart Day!

Valentine's Day Gift Special

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. 

Heartbox Photography

Because her beauty is timeless.

Preview: First Glamour Photo Shoot of 2013

When I made the decision this year to focus Heartbox Photography primarily on women's glamour and makeover photography, my heart did a little flutter and my palms went a little sweaty.

Why the nervous heart flutter and sweaty palms? A variety of things, really. It's the flutter of being slightly nervous that I was now saying out loud to the world what I could offer through my photography. It's the flutter of being scared of failure and  yes, even a flutter of excitement  as I dared to  entertain the idea that this dream might just become a reality.

I am proud to introduce my friend, Rosemary. I had the honor of having her as my very first makeover and glamour photo shoot model of 2013. Little does she know that her courage to step forward and trust me as her photographer greatly influences the message of genuine beauty that I hope to communicate to every woman out there through my work.

What can I say except that Rosemary is beautiful and her courage to do this makes her even more of an awesome woman. Rose, if you're reading this, thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.

This is just a sneak peak of Rose's photo shoot with more images to come, so stay tuned!

Happy Monday!

Hair and make up by Betty Peaches

Valentine's Day Special

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. 

Heartbox Photography

Because her beauty is timeless.

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. 

Heartbox Photography

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. 

Heartbox Photography

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. 

Heartbox Photography

Because her beauty is timeless.

Happy Tuesday!