Erika, 2013, Bay Area. Glamour Photo Session.

A few weeks ago, I previewed a shoot from the owner of Take A Break Massage Therapy, Erika Denney. Born and raised in San Jose, Erika is not only a business owner and shaking things up in her own career, but also a loving mom to a beautiful little girl named Labella.  

What I remember most about my own first meeting with Erika is that you can immediately see that she is a no-nonsense go-getter, full of life and a passion to not only build a successful business doing what she loved but exerting that same passion and energy into being the best mother as well. 

Erika, I am thankful to have met you. It is refreshing to be around your energy and conviction as it challenges to me to grow, to think outside of the box, and most importantly, to be unafraid to just go out and get it! It was an honor to photograph you and also learn a little more about who you are as a business owner, a mother, and as a person. Keep it up, girl - the world needs more women like you who are unafraid to shake things up. 

"I believe that every child deserves the best when it comes to their education as it is the foundation of their future."

"I admire people who are decisive and - I think too much sometimes!"

"If I were ever on a deserted island, I would absolutely have to have a lifetime supply of Carmex, my family and maybe something practical like a hatchet!"

"Playing sports showed me discipline and leadership - two attributes that have helped me accomplish so much in life." 

The one thing I say the most is "If you're not early, you're late! If you're on time, you're late!"

"My family has always given me love and support in everything I do."

"Everyone deserves to live the life they want. Don't be afraid to make changes in our life to get it - sometimes it takes a little hard work, but it will be worth it!"

Happy Tuesday!

PREVIEW: Erika, 2013. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session & Makeover

As I walked around the studio setting up the reflector boards, checking camera gear, adjusting the blinds that shielded the afternoon daylight through the windows and preparing for a photo shoot this past weekend, bits of a casual conversation floated in the air between the stylist and model but it was this sentence that resonated the most with me:

 "I just want to be a role model for my daughter."

Meet Erika, owner of Take A Break Massage Therapy. When I first met Erika, I could immediately tell she was a no-nonsense go-getter, the type of person who wasn't just all talk about the things she wanted in life but rather the person who filled her days pursuing them without hesitation or excuses. Her love for her daughter is also very apparent and the bright smile that illuminates Erika's face at the mention of her little one was one of the things I remembered most from our first conversation over coffee.

Here is just a little sneak peak into Erika's recent photo shoot - as always, there is definitely more so stay tuned!

Happy Tuesday!

Holli, 2013. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

She walked into the studio for her makeover and glamour photo shoot and I remember asking her a bit apprehensively: "So, will your boys be ok with the baby sitter for the afternoon while we have your photo shoot and makeover?" (I was actually starting to wonder if I was going to be the reason the baby sitter was going to have a tough afternoon with two boys looking for their mom!) But thankfully my fears were quickly re-assured by Holli's friendly smile and an enthusiastic reply of: "Oh, they'll be just fine!"

Meet the lovely Holli. Wife, a busy mom to two very active little boys, writer, and entrepreneur. 

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of providing her with an afternoon filled with not only an in-studio glamour photo shoot and professional makeover and styling from the talented Angela LaFlamme, but a chance for her to take a break from her busy schedule.

It was a smile-filled afternoon being able to chat with Holli and learn more about her, her two young sons, being a wife, and yes, even chatting about some pretty awesome mineral-based mascara she brought along for the makeover! (Hey, we're women, when we chat, you can bet we chat about everything!) 

Holli, you were a joy to work with and absolutely rocked the photo shoot! Thank you for not only trusting me to photograph you, but for also just being a friendly face to connect with and get to know as a person. I hope that these photographs remind you every day that in the midst of being a busy mom, wife, and business woman, you are valued and awesome not because of the many hats you wear, not because of what was accomplished or missed on your to-do list, but simply because you are YOU.

And of course, here is a little more about Holli!

I am a freelance writer and I own a skincare business. I love helping people correct common skin conditions so they don’t have to feel self-conscience about their skin and can confidently put their best face forward! I truly love helping people, it makes my heart sing!

I am passionate about fitness and am an avid Crossfitter. I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking and golfing. I have always been a sports fanatic. I enjoy watching professional football, and baseball as well!

My advice to other mom entrepreneurs is to remember that you can’t do it all, and that is ok! It doesn’t mean you are failing! We put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect, but just remember that you are doing your best and that is all that matters! Just keep going and don’t quit! 

Happy Friday and have a fabulous weekend!

PREVIEW: Holli, 2013. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

It's a very, very tough thing to have to choose what your passion is versus what the majority of the crowd is doing. It sometimes feel equivalent to hiking uphill - in the wrong shoes, while everyone of your peers effortlessly jobs forward in not only the right shoes, but with all the fancy hiking gear to go along with it.  

Whenever I share with others that I am a photographer, a majority of them naturally think that I photograph weddings and families because, truth be told, a majority of photographers I am aware of are indeed wedding or family photographers. And though I am proud of the fact I have chosen to specialize in only glamour photography for the everyday woman, there are moments I get a bit shy about sharing this other people. In short, yes, I sometimes get insecure, wonder what they might think, and wonder to myself if I should be doing what the majority of the photography industry is doing. But, thankfully, that thinking only lasts for a split second and quickly fades away.

I specialize in makeovers and glamour photography for the everyday woman. The college gal, the busy mom with 3 kids who runs at 100 miles per hour daily, the grandmother who proudly bears bears the grey hairs and lines of years of wisdom, the girlfriends courageously conquering the world, the busy working woman. You get the picture. EVERY woman. No exceptions.

It might sound funny to some, but I dedicate my time to studying pages and pages of fashion magazines, learning various poses (and yes, even practicing them in front of the mirror) that is flattering for women of all shapes and sizes. This was the only way I could teach myself how to pose other women in their photographs. I coach women through the entire photo shoot. I study photos of styled hair, colors of eye shadow, the direction the wind is blowing a woman's hair in a magazine. I love the creative freedom that comes with styling a glamour photo session, a freedom that I don't feel when I used to photograph weddings.

You know what the best part is of glamour photography and working with women? Is seeing them smile at their photograph because you've just helped them see themselves in a way they maybe haven't in a long time. That right there? It makes the "uphill" all worth it in the end.

Here is a sneak peak in to the latest glamour photo session with an awesome woman named Holli. As always, there is more so stay tuned!

Happy Monday!

A special thanks to Angela LaFlamme of Flame Angel Design for her work on 

hair and make up!