natural light photography
“Her soul is fierce, her heart is brave, her mind is strong.” -Unknown
Every year of life is a gift worth celebrating - happiest of birthdays to one of my awesome September birthday clients, the beautiful Julie!
Image by Heartbox Photography
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Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry
Mothers are different kind of hustler. And I love photographing them, especially when they do a mother and daughter photoshoot like Alora did with her daughter, Aleayah. It not only gives them an opportunity to get dolled up together, but to mark a moment in time that celebrates their relationship as well as the beauty that comes from recognizing women raising up the next generation of women.
Portraits can definitely be done with other loved ones, so why not bring in the other awesome people in your life to create new moments like this? These two beauties stepped out in front of my camera at my favorite time of the afternoon (love that softened natural light!) to capture a few shots and I am so proud to share them with you all.
Most mothers are often behind the camera and I want to invite mothers out to step out in front. Give yourself permission to exist in portraits, to celebrate exactly where you are at today. Your children will want to have those photos of you and with you to cherish for themselves. Do it for you, yes, but even more so for you and your loved ones.
Here’s to celebrating phenomenal mothers and daughters in our communities and around the world.
Alora and Aleayah, thank you for the honor of creating something just for you both to cherish for years to come. :)
Image | Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry
Image | Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup | Katie Pheneger
If there is one thing I firmly believe, it’s that when you are true artist, your inspiration is never just limited to your own medium or even your own abilities, . A lot of the time, my own inspiration as a photographer comes from dancers, the sounds and beats of all different kinds of music from all genres, even watching people knit together a complicated pattern that produces an incredible tapestry that tells a new and bigger story.
I had the privilege to photograph a local Bay Area artist/painter and graphic designer, Ruth-Anne Siegel. I can not paint anything artistic to save my life, which is probably why Ruth-Anne’s work is incredibly beautiful to me. Vibrant colors have always been something I absolutely love and her work embodies some of the most beautiful blends and bursts of color I have ever seen. My words don’t do her work justice, you need to see it for yourself here! When I see her latest creations on social media, it’s almost as if I can also experience and feel her focus, her smile, her joy, taking heed to an invitation into a piece of her world when she makes these these colors come to new life on canvas.
Ruth-Anne is an inspiration to me as photographer and I am so honored to have worked with her on her photoshoot with Heartbox Photography.
Happy Friday, everyone!
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte with Beautiful One Makeup
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Can you tell me a bit about you as a person (your own life journey thus far), what inspired you to start your business and what you find most rewarding about your work?
“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong.
It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”
I had the opportunity to opportunity to photograph the beautiful Tracie Root.
And her story? I was seriously blown away. I mean, really, we talk about women and being strong, surviving but to be honest I heard Tracie’s story and all I could think about was how I couldn’t fathom having to endure what she did. There’s something about a woman’s smile that becomes even more beautiful once you learn more about the life challenges they’ve endured that had the potential to wipe away that smile forever - and yet it’s still there, brighter than ever.
Tracie’s own personal story is the backbone to the work she does as an established certified health and wellness coach here in the Bay Area and as the owner of Gather in Santa Cruz and I am so proud to share with you all these images that capture the essence of this phenomenal woman.
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte
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A couple of years later I realized that this was how things were going to stay if I didn't make some changes, so I started with my health. I connected with a health coach who had a proven system that taught me how to make real changes. I got to a healthy weight and that trickled to all areas of my life.
I began coaching in 2012 and life has never been the same. Helping people with their healthy body, healthy mindset, healthy finances, whatever is most important to them (or all three and more!)...there's nothing better when you can guide another to transform their life!
What are some things that you would want women to know with regards to beauty, self-confidence, and growing up as a woman in today's world?
“I believe that all people have beauty within them if they focus on love and gratitude. Like in the movies - the "ugly witches" are ugly because they have ugliness within them.
The beautiful ones use their power for good and helping others. The movies didn't just make this up! If you have gratitude and love in your soul, beauty will radiate from within, and you will shine bright.”
What do you appreciate most about your life now?
I'm grateful that I get to pour into others every day. My family, friends, and the world at large, my mission is to show people what's possible and hold space for them while they work toward their transformation
- and I get to live that mission every day!
Mothers of daughters
are daughters of mothers
and have remained so in circles joined to circles,
since time began.
-Signe Hammer
Sarah is a wife, mother, and the founder/owner of Hey Presto!, a personal concierge services company based here in the Bay Area. It was my privilege to be able to not only have her come in for for updated headshots that represent her and her company, but also to capture a moment in time with her and her two beautiful daughters.
I love when women make the decision to not only step out in front of the camera for themselves, but also bring in their daughters with them for the photoshoot. A day of hair/makeup and pampering is always fun, but what makes this even more memorable is that these images are ones they will keep for a lifetime. It represents capturing a special moment in time with Sarah and her daughters, especially because time is so fleeting and children grow so fast. So why not add to the legacy and images of family memories for years to come with photos that celebrated a mother and her girls - the women of the family.
Here’s to mothers and daughters everywhere, to existing in photographs forever.
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair/makeup | Katie Pheneger
How has having daughters changed you as a woman?
It's a journey of course and I guess this is true of parenting in general but being a role model to any young person is both scary and a privilege. I’m learning that each time you think you solve an issue, or get through a ‘phase', a new one takes its place. I’ve become more patient, and have learnt to trust my instinct. Oh, and to appreciate the small moments!
What are some things that you would want your daughters and other young girls want to know with regards to beauty, self-confidence, and growing up as a woman in today's world?
If only all these girls knew how amazing they are, and what potential they have. I want them to know that if you believe in yourself anything is possible. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough. You will have to work hard for your opportunities, but when you see one, be fierce and bold and grab it with both hands! Don’t regret the things you’ve done, regret the ones you haven’t!
What are some things that you would want your daughters and other young girls want to know with regards to beauty, self-confidence, and growing up as a woman in today's world?
If only all these girls knew how amazing they are, and what potential they have. I want them to know that if you believe in yourself anything is possible.
Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough. You will have to work hard for your opportunities, but when you see one, be fierce and bold and grab it with both hands! Don’t regret the things you’ve done, regret the ones you haven’t!
Are there things you hope will change by the time your daughters are your age?
Besides world peace, a halt to climate change, and equality for all!?!
Actually, I find it difficult to imagine what their lives will be like in 30 years time. Technology will surely evolve and who knows what the world will look like then. It has made life easier in so many ways, and I love that our wider family is spread all over the world but that we are still in each others’ daily lives with the wonders of the internet, FaceTime and email.
But at the same time I hope technology won’t make the world too ’small’ and discourage them from having real-world adventures and travel. You can learn so much online but nothing can replace a real-life, in-person experience.
Can you tell me a bit about you and what inspired you to start Hey Presto!, what you find most rewarding about your work, as well as what you want others to know about your company?
I was looking to get back to work after a career break and quickly realized that I was surrounded by people constantly on the go, stressed and overwhelmed, running from one activity to the next, trying to stay on the Bay Area merry-go-round.
A lightbulb went on as I realized its a perfect fit for my skills and experience. I love to organize and I love to help people, and so Hey Presto was born!
I love that I can help people with their everyday struggles, such as running errands, or admin, but also the bigger projects like vacation planning, doing the legwork on remodeling projects and dealing with life’s events like coping with life when a baby joins the family, or moving house.
It's so rewarding to know that I can make a difference and help smooth the path.
Best advice you ever received?
To follow my own path. My own mom was a working single parent but I think her biggest lesson to my sister and I was to be fierce. By that I mean that she encouraged us to have a strong will, take pride in our work, and responsibility for our tasks. She taught me to be practical and encouraged me to speak out if I ever wanted anything to change.
What do you appreciate most about your life now?
I have an amazing, supportive husband, beautiful kids, and good health and exciting opportunities.
I love my life right now!
This past weekend a friend of mine celebrated the fourth year anniversary surviving a brain aneurysm. Back when it happened, I wasn’t as close to her as I am now and to put it bluntly, I am thankful to God for allowing her to miraculously survive and heal from that - to live today. I would not have known her had she gone home so to speak. :)
As part of celebrating her (and her brain!), she invited a group of us to join her for a hike that, truly had it not been for love for my friend, I would NOT have done. Give up chocolate for a day, yes. Climb up a hill for fun, no. But alas, friendship and love makes you do some weird things.
It was long, it was warm day, and there was an incline towards the end I wasn’t a huge fan of. BUT! We all made it! And yes, indeed it was beautiful and also so interesting to physically look back at the path and think “Seriously? We went and surivived ALL that way?!?”
I think that as much as being in the present and hoping for the future, it is equally important to look back. It makes the entire endeavor that much more meaningful, that much more sweet, that much more interesting, really.
I got to thinking about this as I looked at archives of past work. Below is one of the first photos I ever took when setting out to be a photographer of contemporary and glamour portraiture. I barely knew my camera, barely knew what I was aiming for, barely knew what it was like to create something without fear. I only knew that I wanted to create. That’s all.
And while it shows indications of a newbie just starting out, to me, it’s an image I am proud to share with you all and proud to say I created, even while still learning so many things.
Happy Wednesday!
Image | Heartbox Photography
Hair/makeup | Julieta Camacho
-Taylor Swift
Tara is a mother, an ambitious go-getter, a woman dedicated to continuously learning and meeting challenges head on. Her love for fitness, passion to help and serve others through her work is evident - I even had the opportunity to see her in action as she skillfully led the organization of a local fitness fair for the community here in the Bay Area.
As part of the continuing “Phenomenal Women” series that features women from all over the Bay Area, I am so proud to share with you all a glimpse into the life of this entrepreneur, mother, and resilient go-getter - the lovely Tara, owner of Infinite Health and Fitness.
Here’s to celebrating phenomenal women everywhere who hustle hard in their own life for the purpose of serving others.
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair/makeup | Kalani Brown
There is a sweet and calm demeanor that I immediately liked when I first approached Monique for the possibility of doing a photo shoot with Heartbox Photography.
As most of you know by now, I am a firm believer in finding ways to connect with other women who run local businesses and organizations simply for the fact that women who support women is nothing short of impactful and great. The best part is that I get to know them even beyond the work they do and learn about them as wives, mothers, daughters, and grandmothers - as the unique and beautiful person they are.
Being allowed to share in their world and learn about what inspires them, their family history, even their dreams for the future is a privilege that makes the story of each woman I photograph so fun and beautifully unique.
Monique is the founder and proud owner of Innate Sense. She is a wife, a loving mother, a daughter, and a big sister. (I even got to meet her little sister during the Image Reveal appointment and absolutely loved the sweet, sisterly dynamic of their relationship as she helped her choose her images!) During our photo session, I learned more about Monique’s Portugese ancestry and how having a desire to help people be whole and healthy are one of the factors that inspired her work.
One of my favorite things about her photo session is her love for color, beautiful patterns, and accessories in the outfits she thoughtfully selected for her day - this probably explains why we definitely took a little longer wanting to capture the gorgeous look and feel of each outfit combined with the natural surroundings at a local park!
The sunlight was bright, the skies were clear, beautiful, and perfect for the afternoon and needless to say, I am so proud to be able to share with you all the final images and behind the scenes video from this lovely woman’s photo session with Heartbox Photography.
Here’s to celebrating the phenomenal women everywhere around us!
Many thanks to Kalani Brown for Monique’s hair/makeup styling!
-author unknown
Eva is not only a wife and proud mother of 2, but she is a health advocate in the best ways. She is the owner of Eva’s Fitness here in the Bay Area and one of the things I think is especially awesome about her work is the obvious passion she has to especially help individuals who may be challenged in leading a fit lifestyle because of injuries. As I got the chance to learn more about her background, work, and family, it was clear to me that she is a woman using the education and experience she received to make a difference in people’s health and provide the best service for her clients. And perhaps that is why the quote that starts off this post is the one that I felt was most perfectly aligned with the work Eva dedicates her life to. In her own way, with the talents and abilities she uniquely possesses, Eva is helping to encourage people live the healthiest version of themselves and even more importantly, helping them see that it is indeed possible even through injuries or other ailments.
I always have been a firm believer that every woman has something to give, whether it’s in the daily grind of raising her children, to being that listening ear on the other end of a friend’s call, or being the head of a major corporation. And what every woman gives is not limited by her ethnicity, age, or size, but rather the unlimited grit and grace she possesses. Every woman is uniquely created, therefore has something unique to contribute to the table - that is what this series “Phenomenal Woman” celebrates.
It is my honor to share with you all these images and video that highlights Eva, one of the many phenomenal women out there I have been privileged to photograph.
Many thanks to Kalani Brown for the styling of Eva’s hair/makeup!
Minh and An are this really awesome and fun couple I had the honor of photographing not too long ago. Even after only a few minutes with them, I could see immediately that they were two people who thoroughly enjoyed laughter, love, and each other. I am so very excited to share with you all some of their images as well as a video of their session and time with Heartbox Photography. :)
Minh and An, thank you for allowing me this opportunity to get to know you both and to document your love. May these images serve as a treasured reminder to continue celebrating your journey together for years to come.
And of course, many thanks to Kat Tinney for styling Minh’s beautiful look for this photo session!
First impressions of one another?
I thought “tall, dark and handsome. An says he thought I was really bubbly (not sure if that’s true, I’m convinced I have RBF…) and smart (I think he meant I was a wise-ass.)
Who is more organized? I would argue that I am! I organize my things religiously. Everything has its place.
Who is the messy one?
An would say that it’s me, but I think we both think of the other person as super messy because we like our space a certain way. Haha, woes of living together.
Who is more forgetful?
An - he can’t leave the house without asking me where his phone and keys are. I have to invite him to events via calendar because he forgets what I say a second later when it comes to planning social events. Men can’t plan but they sure can draft their fantasy football team with great finesse, lol!
Who is most likely to be late? We both like to show up to things on time, if not fashionably late by 5 or 10 minutes.
Who is the night owl? I am - I stay up until 1 AM while An tucks in at 10PM.
Who is the better dancer? An can totally twerk. Watch out, he’s climbing on your tables!
Who is more likely to get sick? I am. :(
Who laughs louder?
We both seem really reserved in new settings, but we end up being the loud and rambunctious couple when we’re in a warm and welcoming space.
Who is the better cook? No comment. We both can’t cook and like getting takeout, but I’ve been trying to be a good dutiful wife and finding recipes for the Dutch oven. An is really brave for even trying to eat my cooking.
Who is more affectionate? We both are very affectionate people if we get to have our own time alone to recharge. Even after 8 years, I think we will have a lot of chemistry (read: really bad habit of PDA.)
What you do you appreciate and love most about each other? I really appreciate that he takes care of the little details of day to day life for me, like washing my car or bringing me my favorite food, especially whenI have my head in the clouds. An appreciates that I provide him with support, even when days are dark.
What are you both most excited for with regards to your new future together? We’re both excited to strengthen our long term relationship into a marriage full of friendship and laughter for the years to come.
“Share your sparkle wherever you are.”
-Dodinsky
It’s official.
The class of 2019 is well under way to completing their final year of high school, a chapter of life that once seemed so far away and now is just around the corner.
This is Malia. She’s a beautiful young lady who is part of that soon to be graduating class of 2019. And if I could write a long ol’ post on what I wish and hope for her in this next season of life, it might be a list that looks just a little like this:
I hope you life a crazy and adventurous dream of life. Full of the ups and downs but even more than that, a sense of richness that can only come from LIVING.
I hope you get to not only see parts of the world that you’ve never seen before, but also remember that simply enjoying a moment in the sunshine right where you’re at is just as valuable, is just as worthy of your attention and awe. Especially when it’s shared with loved ones and friends that make the moment worth it.
I hope you grow in confidence as a woman and fully see the unique advantage and opportunity you have in this world to make changes, big and small, within your circle of influence and beyond it.
I hope you never stop being open to learn, to try, and to understand. In books, through people, through life experiences, both in the classroom and outside of it. It’s incredible and it’s available to you - take hold of that chance to learn, always.
I hope you don’t settle for just making a living but instead always grasp how much more fun it is to LIVING LIFE.
I hope you love and laugh hard. And that people can see that love and laugh in your eyes before you even say a word.
I hope you take great care of your skin, drink a ton of water, and sleep well. Trust me, coming from a woman about twice your age, you’ll wanna remember this. :)
…and the list goes on, but I’ll save that for the graduation ceremony, kiddo.
Below are just some of my favorite shots from Malia’s senior photoshoot as well as the a video of all her images. Be sure to check it out.
You are almost there, class of 2019. GO GET ‘EM!
Happy Thursday!
"She's a strong cup of black coffee in a world that is drunk on the cheap wine of shallow love."
-JM Storm
She is a lot of things.
And if I'm honest - really honest - ALL of us women are a lot of things. We are NOT just one way, one mood, one level of depth, one way of thinking, one way of seeing, one way of feeling, one idea or one thought.
No.
We are a myriad of something far more complex and far more special.
But one thing I can absolutely attest to is this: out of the many character traits of my mom one of them is that when she loves, she loves hard.
Maybe it's because she had to figure out a majority of her adolescence without the help of a mom. Maybe it's because she was an immigrant to this country in her mid-twenties. Maybe it's because she hustled the raising of kids along with a full-time job, a commute, and an exhaustion level that only another mother could truly understand.
And throughout this, all she knew to do to was to give it all she could to those she cared about and throw all her heart in along with it. And if that's not loving hard, especially in a world where shallow love is more common and popular, I don't know what is.
Proud to share with you all the very first portrait of my momma.
Special thanks to Miranda Villanueva of Love and Artistry for lending her incredible talents to the styling of my mom's hair and makeup for this shoot!
"As you start your journey, the first thing you should do is throw away that store-bought map and begin to draw your own."
- Michael Dell
This year seems to be filled with just a smidge more risk-taking, newer adventures, and a fresh-er (is that a word) perspective. In addition to launching the very first magazine for Heartbox Photography (whoo-hoo!), which I'll talk about more about in a later post, I am excited to now launch into senior photography and get a head start on the class of 2019!
All stages of a young woman's life, including her transition from high school into the adult world of college and endless possibilities are more than enough reason to celebrate - and what better way to do that than through capturing this moment in a story told through timeless images? :)
And oooooooh, can I just say I LOVE this? As part of Malia's shoot, she wanted to integrate something that was a nod to her Polynesian background and to her faith - hence the haku headdress and the beautiful tattoo of Romans 8:38. Mix that with a bit of afternoon lighting and I swear even the camera smiled at the result.
This is just a sneak peak but stay tuned for more to come!
Azalia is a lovely wife, mother, and grandmother. I had met her some time ago through a mutual acquaintance and I'm so excited to share with you all these final images from her photo shoot with Heartbox Photography. And yes, that shade of purple on her dress was beyond AMAZING and I loved how it just brought out her elegance so well!
Many thanks to Kalani Brown for her lovely styling of Azalia's hair and makeup for this photo shoot!
You know that saying that says "dance like no one is watching" - well, it's Monday and I'm thinking, shoot, why not dance like EVERYONE is watching?
More and more I find that at the heart of this God-given life it is possible to have joy. Because the God who created this life has joy in His heart when He created us.
So yeah, dance like everyone and their mama is watching. Maybe they'll join in. :)
Happy Monday!
To see the final results out of a client's photo shoot with me is by far one my favorite parts of the process. I love finalizing edits on every image, be it the last touch of color or last bit of sharpening for printing at the lab. If I could describe the feeling, I'd say it's very similar to when a painter is putting the final brush strokes and touches to a masterpiece that's ready for the gallery. It's like the baker who is putting the final swirl of frosting and decor onto a sweet creation for others to not only enjoy the flavor but the aesthetics of it. It's even like the dancer who has practiced for hours and has finally, with an exhausted breath, perfected every move of the performance ready for the stage.
What makes it even more satisfying to see the images is to also look back on some of the behind the scenes images that capture the process of it all. And SOMETIMES, as in this photo below, I'm lucky enough to capture a behind the scenes shot that is just as exciting as the final portrait images.
A behind the scenes glimpse into the shoot I was was fortunate to do with owner and founder of San Francisco-based company Future Glory, Theresa Lee. On point for hair and makeup in this photo is stylist, Tammy Do.
This light? Oh man. #swoon
Happy Wednesday!
This woman is a proud mom, the founder of 923 Designs based here in the Silicon Valley, and a woman who exemplifies what it looks like to hustle and hustle hard.
Thuy is an old friend of mine from high school and as we took time to catch up on life as she prepared for her photo shoot (many thanks to Miranda from Love and Artistry for hair/makeup styling!), I couldn't help but feel proud. Proud to know another fellow woman entrepreneur, proud that she's a hard-working mom, proud that she is an example of a woman who doesn't give up. She talked about how she took that leap to start her own interior design company, how she's raising her son, and working with the challenges along the way. We laughed about the realities of growing up (suddenly, late night outings don't sound as fun as being home in your pajamas), the things we've learned along the way, and could not believe how much time had flown by in the blink of an eye since our high school years.
It is an honor to share with you all a sneak peak into Thuy's photo shoot with Heartbox Photography - there will be more to share to be be sure to stay tuned!
Part of why I chose to be a photographer of women is because I believe that it is a unique way to not only bring out the beauty that I believe every woman possesses, but also because sharing their stories is a way to empower, inspire, and encourage other women and young girls.
I was so inspired to get to know Vicky and learn more about her journey as a young, single mom to now a soon-to-be graduating DrPHC of UC Berkeley. And to learn that it was also another woman who inspired and mentored her many years ago to embark on this journey makes her story even more empowering.
I am so proud to share with you all a few of Vicky's images and a behind the scenes look from her photoshoot with Heartbox Photography as well as the story of her journey through her own voice.
Here's to celebrating the beauty, strength, and stories of all women.
Photography: Heartbox Photography
Hair/makeup: Kalani Brown
"Choosing to do be photographed is not something that comes naturally to me - usually I am the person who wants to hide in the shadows. For the past five years, I have been a doctoral student at UC Berkeley and I have had many challenges getting to where I am today. I haven't always had the confidence in myself that I should. The year of 2017 was about self-love and all I had to offer exactly as I am now. This new year in 2018 is about confidence and growing into the woman I know I have worked hard to become."
"As a young, single mother at 19, I knew that I could not provide the life my son deserved if I did not receive an education. My sister was one of the first in our immediate family to attend and graduate college and I was lucky to follow in her footsteps. I went back to school when my son was a few months old and fell in love with learning again. I started at the community college level and made my way to a four year university. While at San Francisco State University, I met Dr. Velia Garcia and she told me that I would be Dr. Gomez one day. I laughed at her and said I wasn't even sure if I could graduate with my bachelor's degree. "
"It turned out that Velia saw something in me that I did not see in myself. She taught me the importance of mentoring others and helping them reach their goals in a way that honored themselves. In 2012, Velia lost her battle with cancer and it was the sign I needed to apply to obtain my doctorate degree. Over the past five years, I have mentored many students, particularly underrepresented students like myself to pursue their academic and professional goals in a new way that honors who they are."
"So many have sacrificed so much so that I could walk through these doors and accomplish my dreams and I want to continue opening the doors for others to reach theirs. This degree is not just for me but for those that came before me and for those that will come long after I am gone. I wanted to demonstrate to others that anything is possible even when you feel the deck is stacked against you."
"My life's work is to continue mentoring others while teaching undergraduate and graduate students. My goal for this year is to take risks and be the best me I can be. Deciding to participate in this photoshoot with Maria was a vital step in my journey. I knew after seeing photos she did of a friend that she would bring out my natural beauty and confidence. "
