PREVIEW: Kalpana, 2015| Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Sunnyvale, CA

This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate on a special project with the up and coming designer, Jenn Van Gundy.

I first worked with Jenn awhile back after seeing her work featured in a local fashion show raising awareness for human trafficking. She was the designer of a beautiful, multi-colored dress made completely from....wait for it....scraps of t-shirts! It was nothing short of amazing and I soon discovered that the designer behind it all shared my same love for fashion and the desire to take our God-given creativity and make wonderful things to share with the world.

Photography has afforded me the wonderful chance to connect with other fabulous and warm-hearted women and I am so excited to share with you all a little sneak peak into our collaboration this weekend.

Many thanks to the talented Jenn for creating a beautiful dress to feature, Talitha, for your assistance in making sure every detail (and every bobby bin!) was in place, Kat Tinney for beautiful hair and makeup, and our gorgeous model, Kalpana, for being a part of this. You all rock!

There is more to come, so be sure to stay tuned!

Happy Thursday!

Danielle, 2015| Headshot Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Los Gatos, CA

The struggle is real when it comes to introverts and networking meetings. But what makes it easier and even enjoyable are when you meet individuals like Danielle.

As I'd blogged about here, I had the privilege to meet Danielle at a local networking function. Her friendly smile immediately put me at ease and as I sat chatting with Danielle as she got her hair and makeup done for her head shot photo session, I was reminded once again at how fortunate I was to meet such awesome and encouraging women who remind me how valuable it was to connect with others. Contrary to what I sometimes believe, she reminded me that no one at a networking meeting has it all figured out or never needs help or advice and encouragement. Everyone has something to contribute and is still very much learning something new all the time. 

Danielle, thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to create these photographs for you - it was truly a pleasure. But most of all, thank you for being among the first friendly smiles that make me more excited to continue connecting with others at Women in Consulting.

Happy Tuesday!

A special thanks to stylist,  Kat Tinney,  for her beautiful work on Danielle's hair and makeup!

Preview - Danielle, 2015 | Headshot Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Los Gatos, CA

Walking into any new situation that involves crowds of people and name tags has never been easy for me. Ever. It is almost a guarantee that as I maneuver my way through the crowds of confident chatter from women of various professional backgrounds, my focus and footsteps will always be zoned in on finding the snack/refreshment table quickly so I could hide my lack of confidence beneath the casual munching of cheese and crackers.

However, despite my innate ability to be terribly awkward and shy, I have been very fortunate to meet a ton of friendly and welcoming professionals who have been helpful and kind beyond what I can ever measure. 

Danielle is one such individual and I had the privilege of meeting her at a local networking event hosted by a wonderful organization called Women in Consulting. I had the opportunity to get to know this talented graphic artist and project manager as we spent a beautiful and sunny afternoon preparing for a photo shoot to update her headshots. 

Below is just a sneak peak into Danielle's photo session - there's definitely more so be sure to stay tuned! 

Happy Tuesday!

A special thanks to stylist,  Kat Tinney,  for her beautiful work on Danielle's hair and makeup!

Asmeret, 2015 | Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Bay Area, CA

The one thing I've always, always, always loved about the kind of portrait photography I chose to pursue is that it is not a one-way deal. It never gets tiring to be able to see a smile light up a person's face when they see themselves in a new light because of a photograph I can present to them.

It had been about 15 years since I last spoke with Asmeret and to be able to reconnect through photography has been nothing but fun and fabulous - much like Asmeret herself! We had last seen each other when were teenagers and I had the privilege to spend a sunny afternoon chatting, catching up and laughing with an old friend from long ago.

In our laughing and chatting, we each learned how life had grown us, what rough seasons it had taken us through since high-school, the victories we got to witness and experience as young adults growing into, well, older adults, how God's grace sustained us through it all, and what we still hope and dream for as 30-somethings now.

Azzy, I am excited to have reconnected with you after all these years and beyond honored that you have allowed me to capture your kind smile, your unique fierceness, in these photographs. I hope they serve as a lasting reminder of how awesome it is when you let your internal beauty shine through - brightly, unwavering and most of all, real.

Happy Wednesday, folks!

A special thank you to the talented Kathleen Tinney of A List Makeup for her beautiful work on Asmeret's hair and makeup!

Jessica | February Birthday Rewards | Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Bay Area, CA

I had the opportunity to meet Jessica a few years back at a networking meeting here in the Bay Area. Jessica's quiet demeanor and shy smile may be what you see on the outside, but after I got the opportunity get to know and work with her, I quickly learned that beneath that quiet demeanor was a woman of deep thought, an articulate speaker, a true leader and someone I admire and respect.

And needless to say, I am so very excited to announce that Jessica is the winner for February's Birthday Rewards drawing with Heartbox Photography!

Jessica, I hope you had a wonderful birthday celebration! Here's to more years of celebrating life!

Happy, happy birthday!

Hair and makeup by Ashlyn Taylor 

Special Announcement| Headshots by Heartbox Photography | Bay Area, CA

Along the way of this journey in photography, I've had the awesome privilege to meet other business owners, designers, actors, models and community leaders in the Bay Area. In addition to my love of providing contemporary portrait services to women, I also provide outdoor headshot sessions and am excited to continue to do so this year!

Prices for headshot sessions will officially be going up as of April 30, so if you or anyone you know of needs an updated, polished, and fresh headshot for Linked In, website use, or other profiles, please contact Heartbox Photography today!

Stephanie, 2015 | Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Santa Clara, CA

Whenever I finish a shoot, I often have moments of complete photographer's geek out. It's a bit like a happy euphoria for an artist and photographer, when something they envision comes to real life in a photograph before them on the screen.

That's how I felt when I photographed the lovely Stephanie. 

Stephanie is a wonderful friend of mine and being able to capture the very essence of her in these photographs was not only an honor but an incredible reminder of the joy I feel when I'm given the opportunity and trust to paint a picture for a woman. To paint a new perspective for her, to show her what she may not always see or remember everyday - that she is, indeed, a beautiful and unique creation in a class all her own.

A special thank you to the wonderful Kathleen Tinney of A List Makeup for her beautiful work on Stephanie's hair and makeup!

Preview | Asmeret, 2015. Portraits by Heartbox Photography, Bay Area, CA

The theme was movement, mystery, fierceness. Add a beautiful late afternoon light and it's enough to make the little artist in me geek out and smile all kinds of happy.

A little sneak peak into this weekend's shoot with the lovely Asmeret...

There's more, so be sure to stay tuned!

A special thank you to the wonderful Kathleen Tinney of A List Makeup for her beautiful work on Asmeret's hair and makeup!

Ezraly, 2015 | Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Santa Clara, CA

When I first chatted with Ez about a photo shoot and possible themes, I remember distinctly how she described herself. A mom, a wife, a career woman, a yoga instructor, just trying to do it all. And funny how that can describe a lot of us women - busy, striving for the people we love, for ourselves. 

At first I thought about how I can possibly convey in a photo session that she was a mom, a career woman, a wife, etc.? It was in that moment I realized that while all those characteristics are important and significant, the main theme I hoped to convey in Ez's photo shoot was that she is a beautiful woman who laughs, loves,  and is a person who has life in her to share. 

So, the theme of this shoot? Show off Ez's warm smile. Capture who she uniquely is. Have fun and dance around in a tulle skirt....just because. Paint a an elegant portrait of a woman whose children and husband will one day look back on these photographs and be reminded how truly special she is to them.

Ez, it was an honor to have you in front my camera. Really. Thank you for allowing me into your world, for being yourself, for sharing who you are and being a part of a bigger message that every woman is fabulous and beautiful just as she is today. 

Happy Thursday, all!

A special thanks to LilyAnn Nguyen of A-List Makeup for her 

beautiful work on Ez's hair and makeup!

"I consider people who have an ease about them beautiful. Those who don't take themselves too seriously and can make fun of themselves is very attractive. I'm drawn to authenticity, sincerity, and consistency."

"[The perception of] beauty has definitely changed for me as I got more comfortable in my own skin. Trying not to judge oneself will always be a struggle, but I'm getting better and better at its a I learn to simply "breathe" through it."

"There will always be features of ourselves that we aren't fond of, but once you learn to accept and love that feature, it all of a sudden sparkles in a different light. So come from a place and humility and gratitude..."

Future Glory | Headshot Portraits by Heartbox Photography | San Francisco, CA

It never fails. 

Whenever I meet women who are doing big things in this world through their work, I always feel inspired and reminded that my own work and aspirations can be a game changer, an avenue of hope for bigger causes. That a dream can break limits in remarkable ways.  

Theresa Lee and her business partner Jennie Chen are two such women I had the privilege of meeting and photographing in the beautiful city of San Francisco. They are the owners of San Francisco-based company, Future Glory. Not only does their company create beautiful accessories and handbags, but they also support and partner with Freedom House and Because Justice Matters, two organizations that take huge active strides towards combating human trafficking and violence against women.

The rain-free, afternoon light peeked through the windows of a studio in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco (where much of their products are made), making it an ideal day for a head shot photo session. Though the afternoon San Francisco air started to cool down as the time passed, both Theresa and Jennie remained upbeat and patient in our search for the best light and backgrounds for their shoot.

Theresa and Jennie - Thank you for not only being an inspiration as business owners, but for playing an active role in restoring hope back to women and victims of human trafficking. It was truly an honor to meet you both and I am excited to see more of what's in store for Future Glory. 

Happy Wednesday!

Many thanks to the talented Tammy Do from A-List Makeup for Theresa's beautiful hair and makeup!

"Why ya'll scared to be different?"

"Why ya'll scared to be different?"

Fear is a lot of things. It can be big, scary, disabling, rough, etc. You've heard it all. But one thing that I'm being reminded of lately that fear is the most? Fear is tiring.

I love the inspiration of other artists, especially musicians. One of my latest favorites is a song called "Say I Wont'" by Lecrae and Andy Mineo. In light of the new year, 2015 resolutions, goals and all, I found myself really thinking about not only how fear is tiring, but also asking myself why am I scared to be different? As an artist, as a person, as a friend, as a follower of Christ? I get that it's a little weird, even suspicious, when you not only say you're Christian but also an entrepreneur, an artist who loves photography, hair and makeup stuff? You can almost hear an audible "Eh......no."

But that's ok, I get it. And at the same time I also can't hide that it's my hopes and dreams integrated with a desire to want to to big things with God that drive me, that fill me with hope, that keep me from making wrong things my idols, that make me want to share with people I meet through photography that they are loved, valued, and forgiven by God. No matter what their past, present, or future tells them. No matter what this world tells them. More and more I hope and pray that 2015 grows this desire in my heart and leaves less room for tiring fear.

Because really, why are we scared to be different?

Be Light.....Be Hope

I think one of my favorite things about the art of photography is the fact that light plays such a huge part in each photo created. Beautiful light makes my heart squeal in joy and reminds me of the endless possible photos that surround me. 

Light also reminds me of hope. And hope, in my opinion, is a major game changer to just about everything in life. It shatters limits, replaces lies with truth, allows for big dreams, makes possibilities generously overflow beyond what the human mind can comprehend. 

Recently, I had the privilege to photograph the owners of San Francisco-based company, Future Glory. This company is doing huge things not only by providing their customers with gorgeous, locally hand-crafted bags and accessories, but also with their active support and partnership with Freedom House and Because Justice Matters. These phenomenal organizations combat human trafficking as well as exploitation and violence against women. 

The best part? Future Glory is a company owned by women. And women entrepreneurs who use their gifts, their talents, their business savvy to be light and hope to other women deserve nothing less than a high-five/fist bump in my book.

Below was just one snapshot from the photo shoot - stay tuned for more!

Happy Monday!

Preview | Ezraly, 2014. Portraits by Heartbox Photography, Santa Clara, CA

She teaches her class with patience, encouragement, and with a quiet reassurance. The quiet reassurance that make even the newest student feel comfortable and willing to try their very best.

To sit in a class set at an average temperature of 100 degrees for 90 minutes can be somebody-please-call my-mommy a little intimidating, the instructor makes all the difference in the world. Thankfully, I landed in a class taught by a very patient instructor named Ezraly.

I had the privilege to photograph the lovely Ez recently and am excited to share a little sneak below. As always, there's more, so be sure to stay tuned!

Happy Tuesday!

Many thanks to the talented Lily Ann from A-List Makeup for Ez's beautiful hair and makeup!

Because I Can Sing. Kinda. In my dreams....kinda.

I had a strange dream last night that I somehow entered a singing competition with my little sister and the moment it got closer to having my turn up on the stage, I think I told my sister she was on her own and found myself edging my way towards the Exit sign in sudden stage fright.

The song I was slated to sing? A Natural Woman by the great Aretha Franklin. Ooooh, that soulful tune still has a way of digging out something rich and deep from my wannabe musical soul.

I personally think that every woman - whether she's black, white, yellow, green, purple, a mother, a single, a wife, a girlfriend, a sister, 20 or 80 years old - should/absolutely must have, at least once, the experience of having that pretend microphone in her hand as she sings this Aretha classic from her heart and soul. Off-key, on-key, whatever. Rock it out, sing it out, girlfriend, in your kitchen, at that karaoke bar, when you have that moment at home mopping up the muddy footprints of your kids on living room floor, when you're getting ready to face the day again in the morning.

Anywhere.

I think that all women are a mix of kinda crazy, kinda strong, kinda weak, sometimes insecure, sometimes superwoman confident and all sorts of beautiful and complex, all human. And singing this song, this high-five/fist bump to Ms. Aretha, in the midst of traffic and rain, from the depths of my all-woman crazy heart and soul - well, it made me just wanna remind other women to do the same. To sing crazy and allow themselves to have those moments in the midst of whatever their day looks like right now.

To feel alive.

Happy Friday, girlfriend.

"Whoa, They Make Those?" - Christmas Gifts & The Internet

You start off with good intentions trying to research good Christmas gift ideas and before you know it, a little bit of curiosity mixed with the ability to be easily amused...and you get this:

I'm not going to lie - I kinda want these.

And this, too.

Just when I thought this bacon craze couldn't get any more weird, you get Bacon Strips for your boo boos. 

This is where my immaturity kicked in again.

For the life of me, I still, still, still, don't understand the craze over Star Wars. And even as I typed that, it's almost as if I can hear the collective gasp  of shock from my friends and husband whose first words as children weren't "mama" or "daddy" but were quotes from Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.

But this right here?? Sure, I'll give you a little high-five, Princess Leia. Star Wars fan or not, this is waaay too fun not to sport. Do they make ones for puppies, too????

Happy Thursday and happy shopping, folks.

Grace abounds...even at the airport.

The rain came down relentlessly on the highway as I sat in traffic, moved in traffic, stopped in traffic. Stop, move, go, stop...rinse and repeat!

I was on my way to the airport during the early evening hours of rush hour traffic to see a friend off before she moved back to London. The decision to relocate back  and all the packing and wrapping up had been quite an emotional one for her these past 6 months. Having worked together as colleagues, we'd gotten to know each other over the years and because I hate changes in general, I was sad to see her go knowing how much she loved her life here in California. Because really, you can't beat Cali weather when your other option is London grey skies. I'm just sayin'....

                       

I made my way through the parking lot and terminals of San Francisco International anticipating I was definitely at the right location, only to find out I wasn't and on top of that had taken the airport shuttle in the opposite direction of where I was supposed to be. Between traffic, the rain, and a sudden mis-step in directional accuracy, alas, I arrived just a tad too late to see her off. I frantically called and found out though she waited for as long as she could, it was just one of those things that couldn't be helped as the long security lines and boarding of a plane back to Europe beckoned her to be on her way. 

Ughhh, is an understatement.

It was as if I could hear the gloomy music in the background as I sat on the cold shuttle back to the parking lot, with a birthday/going away present rumpled sadly in a colorful bag I had hoped to surprise my friend with before she left.  

As I sat on that shuttle, all that ran through my head was "failure". I had failed to get there on time, failed to give one last hug to someone I knew could use it, failed to bring some cheer for someone that was leaving her California life behind for reasons she couldn't control. And it was right then and there on that slow moving shuttle and later drudging back to my car that I wanted to do what I never like doing in public - cry.

Though I'm still very bummed about how everything played out, I tell this story because in the midst of it, I was reminded of one important thing, one huge aspect that is so hard for me to grasp in negative situations like this.

Grace.

Like most folks, I hate knowing I came up short, hate knowing that I didn't quite get it, hate knowing I didn't do something quite right. This is tied deeply to much of my own personal struggles with the need to perfectly perform, the difficulty I have accepting that in both minor and major life stuff, grace abounds abundantly on me, covers me lavishly, even if I refuse to see it or believe it. 

I sometimes foolishly think that grace has to be earned or I have to at least feel worthy of it, but the truth in my life is that, nope, grace from God is immeasurable and given freely regardless of what I think or feel, even if the situation calls for gloom and missed opportunities. Over and over and over again I need these reminders of grace, even if the reminders come about from situations that involve traffic, rain, and airport farewell plans gone awry. 

Do I always like these reminders? Heck no. But like I said, in the end, looking at the big picture, the answer is always seems to remain the same - I still need them.

And the birthday present? *sigh* Well, there's always good ol' U.S. mail, right?

Happy Thursday!

Random Schmandom

Sometimes, I think I feel this odd obligation to say something deep and profound whilst desperately staring at a blank screen that seems to taunt me in my writer's block.

It's in these moments, that I realize that my random human thoughts of this past Thanksgiving week in general are probably the best route to go. Take THAT writer's block!

1. We traveled to Las Vegas to visit family and while the visit was fun, it took, oh, ONLY 12 HOURS TO GET HOME. I fell asleep in the car as my husband drove, woke up and realized that we moved about 3 feet from when I first knocked out. It was right about then that our dog barfed in the back seat and I had a strong urge to weep miserably into my pillow.

Yes. My roadtrip pillow.

2. One of my oldest friends came by to visit while we were in Las Vegas. She brought chicken wings to the Thanksgiving shindig. I am thankful for chicken wings and for friends that know you all too well.

3. I scored my first pair of Chuck Taylors during the Black Friday shopping madness. You are never too old for a classic pair of white Chuck Taylors. 

4. I re-discovered my love for journaling. Most of my best conversations with God involve a pen, a brightly colored journal, and freedom. 

5. My sister and brother in law are due to visit in December. I can't wait and am practically doing the happy dance in my Chuck Taylors. The happy dance, at my age, involves a little bit of Cabbage Patch with a touch of Running Man.

6. Sharing how broken and flawed I am with other people is hard. Like, ehhhhhhh, do I have to??!?!? But even harder than that is really believing that grace covers me. But I'm learning. Slowly.

7. My dog is suddenly getting picky with her food - all she wants to do is play. And my mommy paranoia is setting in. OH MY GOSH, SHE'LL STARVE!!!!!!!  I sometimes wish I could carry her around and feed her through a bottle. My husband won't let me, I'm sure. How do I know? I already asked about a stroller for her. Kinda half joking. Kinda.

8. I love crab. It's so good. I just don't know how to pick it out live crab at the market. So, what's a girl to do? Call her mommy and give her the money to buy it for me and cook it. =)

9. I'm reading a book by Tim Keller at the moment called Prayer. And daaaaang. It's good. Really good.

10. The Christmas season is upon us Oh, man my heart smiles just at the thought of it.

11. Why do old coffee grinds smell like cigarettes?

Happy Monday!

November Birthday Rewards - Happy Birthday!

Part of what makes my job as a photographer so much fun are the fabulous people I get to meet and know. They trust me into their life to not only photograph them but also tell their story and share their beauty with the world.

I am excited to announce that my lovely client for this month's November Birthday Rewards drawing, the lovely Susan is the winner!

Susan, I hope you had nothing but a memorable birthday celebration full of life and love with your nearest and dearest! Here's to nothing but fabulous in the years to come. 

Happy Birthday!

Hearts Apart Portrait Session | Pendle Family, Bay Area, CA | 2014

Over the weekend, I had the amazing volunteer opportunity to participate as a photographer for Hearts Apart. I had heard about this organization sometime back and upon learning that they work with professional photographers to provide photography services for soon to be deployed servicemen and women, I immediately signed up. If you are a photographer reading this, I highly recommend checking out Hearts Apart!

It was an awesome first assignment and the Pendle family made it even more fun and memorable. Lonny and Katie are the sweetest couple with a spunky and beautiful little girl named Addisyn - and the more I got to chat with them, it was obvious that love and a real sense of family was at the core of who they were.

Lonny, Katie, and Addisyn, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to photograph your beautiful family. Lonny, once again, thank you for your service to this country. You do what many of us can not do and I hope you remember that. 

And Katie? Thank you to you, too. I have no idea what it is like to be a military spouse, (so many of us don't) but the perseverance and support you provide for your family and husband during the many changes and transitions isn't an easy one, I'm sure, and for that you deserve a heartfelt salute as well. You rock.

Happy Wednesday!

Marie. 2014 | Fifty and Fabulous | Contemporary Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Santa Clara, CA

If there is one fast way to determine just how tough you are physically, how graceful you are as a dancer, I highly, HIGHLY recommend you take a Hot Hula class with Marie. I have two left feet, survived and it was still fun. =)

I had met the lovely Marie awhile back when I signed up for a Hot Hula class taught at a local community center - she was the instructor and I quickly learned how fun (and challenging!) it could be to take a beautiful Hawaiian traditional dance and turn it into a fabulous way for folks to have a great cardio workout. (My legs just about fell off after the workout and I have renewed respect for those who can dance hula for hours!)

Before the shoot, I got a chance to talk with Marie a few times and learned that she is not only a go-getter career woman, talented dancer, beloved daughter and friend, but a mother and grandmother as well. Chatting with Marie is like chatting it up with your best friend or sister - her genuine smile, cheery spirit, and sense of humor make it obvious to me why she is a great instructor and why many of her students enjoy her classes.

I have always believed that a woman should celebrate every season of her life and am proud to share Marie's photo shoot as part of the Fifty and Fabulous series offered by Heartbox Photography.

Marie, thank you for being so open and genuine from our very first conversation. It was an honor to photograph you, to learn more about you and your family, and just to be able to connect with such a lovely person. Here's to celebrating beauty that never goes out of style....

Happy Thursday!

Many thanks to the talented Vlada Fomenko-Haggerty for Marie's beautiful hair and makeup!