Preview | Ana, 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

When I first started Heartbox Photography a few years back, Ana was one of the very first supporters of not only the work I got to create for women but the message behind it all. We were always wanting to schedule something, but the busyness of travel and life in general meant we needed to wait a bit. 

And the wait was definitely well worth it! I am so excited to have her finally in front of my camera and share with you all a sneak peak into Ana's own photo shoot! 

As always, there is more to come so be sure to stay tuned!

Many thanks to Kalani Brown of Kalani Style for Ana's hair and makeup styling on this shoot!

Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Bina | 2016 | Santa Clara, CA

"A beautiful woman is someone who is wise, kind, classy, and whose eyes light up when she smiles..."

These are words directly from a lovely wife, mother, and woman named Bina. Her eyes twinkle with a ready smile. Her love for her daughter, husband, and life itself is evident in the way she describes this season of her life and shares about who she is. We spent the afternoon in hair/makeup with the talented Kalani Brown Kalani Style and had a wonderful time capturing Bina's beautiful smile in these photographs.

It is my honor and privilege to share with you all the latest feature, story, and photoshoot along with a behind the scenes look into Bina's time with Heartbox Photography - check it out below!

Bina, thank you for trusting me to capturing that twinkling smile of yours and for sharing your story with me! Your daughter is fortunate to have a mother  and role model who embodies joy and pride in being who she is as a woman. Here's to continuing to empower your daughter, as well as future generations, of young girls that will shape this world. 

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"I was born and raised in Bombay, India. I'm a textile designer by profession, but have been a stay-at-home mom looking after my beautiful daughter for the last 10 years. I've loved every bit of being a hands-on parent. The bond we share is priceless."

"It's an interesting time for me. My daughter just finished elementary school and is getting to the point where she is more independent. I'm looking to get back to designing. I'm a foodie and love experimenting and cooking wholesome food for my family and friends. I've also been assisting with Ayurvedic cooking classes. "

What is one thing you wish you could tell yourself back when you were 18 years old?

"I wish I would have told myself to be fearless!"

"Over the years, my focus has been on simplifying my loving husband and daughter's life and on just being happy. Traveling is something we like doing as a family and we've been fortunate enough to travel to many places around the world, experiencing different cultures. No matter what my week looks like I always make time for hiking and reading, my two favorite activities."

What would you tell young girls with regards to beauty, self-confidence, and growing up?

"I would tell my daughter and other young girls to not let the world tell you what perfect is! Just be yourself.

Speak your mind, be uninhibited, be authentic and in the moment. And keep smiling!"

What you appreciate most about your life now?

"I am comfortable in my own skin, I'm following my heart and loving the journey!"

Sukhdeep | Glamour and Contemporary Portraiture | Alameda, CA

There is something so exciting and fun about discovering new places to photograph in the Bay Area.  Perfect and natural afternoon light along with the vastness of the Alameda Naval Base made for an awesome photoshoot with the lovely Sukhdeep.

As we chatted and got to know each other, I learned that Sukhdeep is an attorney, loves to dance, and has a close relationship with her family. Her joyous enthusiasm and zeal for life was immediately obvious in her laughter and that beautiful smile of hers. And.....can I just say that I absolutely LOVED her shoe collection? Let's be honest - there's always something so fun about women who get together and oooh and ahh over the endless variety of cute shoes from one's closet. =) #proudtobeawoman 

Sukhdeep is a beautiful person inside and out and I am so thrilled to share with you all just a few of my favorite images from her photo shoot with me. Be sure to check out the slideshow below as well!

Sukhdeep, thank you for being so fun to work with, for your contributions as a woman in the legal field, for having an enthusiasm for life that is so fun to be around. May these images be a forever reminder to celebrate each day and each year of your life.

Many thanks to Jessica Quintal for Sukhdeep's gorgeous hair and makeup!