Announcement | All-Inclusive Zoom Makeover & Headshot Packages Are Here!

Be honest.

Is your Linked-In headshot in desperate need of an update but you despise having your photo taken?

Or, do you wonder if it’s even possible to look polished (maybe even amazing!) on video conference calls when it’s hard enough trying to make it work in that dimly-lit corner of your room with barely enough space for your laptop?

Your company, your work, and YOU possess a high-level of skill and expertise.

So why not finally have headshots and a presence on your video conference calls that truly represent the very best of what you and your work bring to the world?

Whether you are in finance, work in medicine, create as an artist, author or small business owner, the strength of your brand and level of professionalism shows clearly through absolutely everything you share online - including your headshots and how you present yourself on business video conferencing calls through platforms like Zoom.

And I invite you to take the leap to finally get this done for yourself!

I am very excited to announce that Heartbox Photography is now offering an all-inclusive package available for business professionals looking to polish up or do a complete makeover on their online presence both through headshot images and video conferencing makeovers that include input on camera angles, lighting, and video-specific makeup tips.

To schedule a consultation and chat about what services are available for new headshots or conference call makeovers, click here and we can discuss what will work for you!

Let's finally create the power images and branding that represent the best of what you offer to the world.

Image | Heartbox Photography

Dr. Shea Lindsay | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“Your body hears everything your mind says.”

-Naomi Judd

I think one of my favorite things about Shea is that when we first connected over a Zoom conference call a few months ago, I learned she was just as passionate about all things involving holistic health as I was. When someone else can understand and get excited with you about the healing properties of vegetables, well, in my book, they deserve a high-five. =)

Dr. Shea Lindsey is founder primary practitioner of the Chiropractic and Functional Living Boutique here in Menlo Park.  Using the chiropractic technique, Network Spinal, she helps patients heal from past physical and emotional traumas, become more adaptable to stresses, as well as give them the tools and resources to replace old patterns with new more optimal life strategies. 

Joining us on the photoshoot was none other than her sweet son, Liam. It was a beautiful summer day and being able to create images that also captured the essence of Dr. Shea as a mother was a wonderful reminder of the joys that still very much continue to exist.

I am honored to share the latest profile on this incredible woman, wife, mother, and healer - Dr. Shea Lindsay.

Images | Heartbox Photography

***

Can you tell me a bit about you as a person (your own life journey thus far), what inspired you to start your company, and what you find most rewarding about your work?  

“Honestly, I’ve always been a super sensitive person, sensitive to other peoples energy, food, stress, chemicals…you name it.  I think because of that, I was extremely anxious  and experienced headaches for most of my life.  Thankfully, I had a mother who was very knowledgeable about holistic health and present in my life.  She really helped me shape a healthy perspective about my sensitivity. “ 

“New England born and raised, I found my way to California to make a change and to start my life.  After personal training and teaching fitness classes for about a year, I decided to start my doctorate in Chiropractic.  There I learned about an amazing gentle technique, Network Spinal that helped people liberate their bodies from trauma allowing them to live with more freedom.  It ended up changing my whole relationship to anxiety!”  

“I started my own practice after working for a doctor for a few years because I knew if I branched out on my own it would be scary, but worth it!  I have been practicing in Redwood City for 2 years helping to align peoples spines and help them liberate their own traumas and tension.  

I love what I do because I get to watch people transform everyday and become more aligned with their truest and most authentic self.”

Who or what 3 things have helped shape you to be the woman you are today and the woman you are becoming?

“Moving to California was a very important part of my journey.  That is where I began to truly grow into my own.

My soul sister Lindsay helped guide me towards chiropractic school and Network spinal.  I feel like this step was so important in my evolution to who I am today.

My daughter Sage was an unexpected pregnancy 3 years ago.  Being pregnant with her transformed me!  When she passed away, my whole life changed.  Her gift of life and death woke me up to my own purpose and passion in life.  Because of her, I am more on purposed and open than I have ever been.”

Best advice you ever received?

“Follow your knowing.  It is always there for you to access when you need it.”  

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

“My family.  We have the most amazing son who is 7 months old.  My husband and I have been able to be home a lot, so this last few months have been the sweetest time together. “

DJ Express | A Celebration of Black Excellence

“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul.”

-Plato

I have always thought there was a whole new level of cool whenever I hear a woman is in an occupation that is more commonly filled by men. The list is endless of these types of occupations, and no doubt, being a DJ is one of them.

Meet DJ Express.

Beneath this San Jose native’s quiet demeanor lies a deep love and passion for all kinds of music and for me, a Bay Area native who also believes that music truly does have a soul language all it’s own, you can just imagine how excited I was to have her and her work represented in this series.

In our time together, I got to learn a little more about her journey as a DJ, her inspirations as an artist, her hopes as a young professional, post collegiate years, and her family background as an Eritrean black woman.

An early morning photoshoot in some of my favorite areas of downtown San Jose getting to know this awesome individual was, needless to say, one of the best ways to spend a Saturday.

I am honored to share with you all today’s spotlight profile on this talented and incredible woman, DJ Express.

Images | Heartbox Photography

***

Tell us a bit more about your background - where are you from, what inspired you to be a DJ?

“[I was] born and raised in San Jose, CA – the daughter of two Eritrean immigrants. There are two DJs I met at events in the East Bay Area that inspired me to take this seriously: Eden Hagos – an Eritrean woman DJ that had one of the most versatile yet well-mixed sets I’ve listened to and another DJ that was able to read and vibe off his crowd in a way I haven’t seen DJs do in a long while.”

“[I am most proud of] being able to identify myself as an Eritrean black woman. I am proud of the bloodline I’m from and being able to live my purpose representing my people.”

 What is something most people might now know about you?

“Love musicals and Broadway. Going to performing arts schools growing up, I had a chance to participate and grew to love the production that goes behind these shows.”

***

 Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

“My dad and brothers play a huge influence my life. Each of them pursued goals that others would say are unthinkable, then achieved them, usually being the first in their specialties to do so. Their persistence, drive, humility, and faith in God have always reminded me to stay true to my vision.”

***

What is the best advice you've ever received?

“People have the right to hate you for no reason.” - my dad

“They say every man is defined by his reaction to any given situation. Well, who would you want to define you…someone else? Or yourself? Whatever you do homie, give your heart to it, and stay strong.” - The late, “Tha Great” Nipsey Hussle.”

Who/what inspires you and why?

“Jadav Payeng – who spent 37 years of his life planting trees to restore the oasis he grew up on in Majuli island which was destroyed due to human deforestation.

Every day (for about a total of 13,505 times) this man would walk to the destroyed barren and plant a tree. Mr. Payeng single handedly grew a forest twice the size of Central Park and brought back hundreds of animals to the oasis.”

“When I feel hopeless about the current climate, I think about him, and ways I can create daily habits that will lead to accomplishing a greater purpose.”

***

 If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

“Archbishop Desmund Tutu – to have a conversation with him regarding how his faith lead him during the apartheid in South Africa.”

***

What does "honoring and celebrating black excellence" mean to you?

“As a DJ , I  honor and celebrate black excellence by making sure I buy from/work with black businesses, support and promote black creatives on my radio show/sets, unapologetically work with venues that respect their black patrons and wear and accessorize items that I’ve bought from black business owners during my live sets. (I.E. glasses, makeup and earrings in this photoshoot were purchased from black women-owned businesses.)”

Dr. Mayen Udoetuk | A Celebration of Black Excellence

“Who you are surrounded by often determines who you become.” 

-Vicky Saunders

“Honored” doesn’t even come close to fully describing how I feel as I continue to be privileged to meet and learn more about women like Dr. Mayen Udoetuk.

My first connection with her was about a year ago at a panel discussion she organized here in the Silicon Valley addressing the topic of women in leadership and diversity and inclusion. I was one of the members in the audience and what I remembered walking away with was an even more solidified belief that women have much value to bring to the table and to the discussion. I think that having a willingness to learn is one of the greatest attributes in a true leader and Dr. Udoetuk, having led such an important discussion, is an example of that.

She is no doubt a role model in many respects for others and to have her included in this series that celebrates Black excellence inspires me deeply - to do work that is meaningful, to see the richness in people’s stories, and to be extremely thankful for the people who have helped me along my own path.

Without further ado, I am proud to share with you today’s spotlight on Dr. Mayen Udoetuk.

Images | Heartbox Photography

***

“I'm from Houston, Texas. I first fell in love with chemistry from listening to my mom explain the world around me, but also from watching countless episodes of "Bill Nye The Science Guy" and "The Magic School Bus". After years of undergraduate training, summers spent in various university research labs, and conducting on-campus research during each semester, I earned my BS in Chemistry.

Afterwards, I went directly into a Master degree program for Microelectronics-photonics (a type of engineering). Though I was initially intrigued by that field and the bioanalytical chemistry research I was conducting at the time, I became more interested in what was happening to me psychologically during such a strenuous learning process. That's when I found out about educational psychology. Since then, I've earned a Masters and a Doctorate in the field, and have crafted my career around it.

I'm most proud of my resilience, my humanity, and my creativity. Each one of these attributes has helped me thrive when I wanted to give up, to be humble enough to ask for and receive assistance when needed, and to exemplify creative problem solving in my personal and professional lives. “    

What is something most people might not know about you?

“There's a lot people don't know about me. One thing I don't mind sharing is that despite my extrovert tendencies, I'm an introvert through and through. Most people also don't know that I'm a creative regarding resin work, flower pressing, dancing, playing piano, and drawing. I've spent so much of my life being focused on my career that I never really shared those aspects of myself until recently.”

Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

“I've been blessed with so many people who have had huge, positive influences on my life. To name a few: Dr. Jim Hammons introduced me to the world of education and how to thrive in it; my mentors and good friends Dr. Carol Bunch Davis, Dr. Liz Borda, and Dr. Juan Sanchez taught me to lean into my strengths and be accounted for with each new professional milestone and challenge; my mom and good friend Dr. Kenyatta Dawson taught me to embrace my creative self wholeheartedly; my mom and dad taught me to be courageous when taking calculated risks; and my inner circle of "sista friends" taught me what it means to cultivate sisterhood.”

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

“I'd love to meet my maternal great -grandmother and grandmother, as well as my paternal grandmother. I can only imagine the warnings and wisdom they'd share.”

“The people who inspire me most are those that came from very little or nothing, yet still found a way to make something extraordinary with their lives while also blessing others in the process.

When you're raised in an environment that focuses on survival, it's extremely difficult to evolve your mindset and behavior. Those that find a way out of vicious cycles for themselves and for others through constructive means are the true MVPs.”

***

What does honoring and celebrating Black excellence mean to you personally?

“Honoring and celebrating Black excellence is alchemy exemplified. Alchemy is "a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination". Or, to put it plainly, taking nothing and making it something.

There's no doubt in my mind that is indeed Black excellence.

We honor and celebrate it by not letting the work of our ancestors be in vain as we build upon their legacies while creating our own.”  

Lisa Gaines | A Celebration of Black Excellence

It is no secret to anyone in the world today that we are certainly living in times where conversations on race are long overdue. Though I am only one person with a camera, I came to realize that everyone can contribute something to keep advocating for change - even a portrait photographer like me. Lisa was one of the first women I spoke with when I had the idea to do a series that celebrated and told the stories of Black women from the Bay Area - in short, to give honor to Black excellence that these women exemplify in both their personal and professional lives and share it with the world.

I am honored to share with you all today’s feature highlight on this phenomenal woman, Lisa Gaines.

“I  grew up in the true South, in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.  I am originally from North Carolina.  From a young age, I knew I had a passion for fashion.  I loved to play dress up and an invitation to attend any soiree that required a dress, tights and patent leather shoes was high on my list of favorite things.  I had the opportunity to model into my 20’s.  My path to California and to the field of image consulting and color analysis was somewhat circuitous.  I utilized my Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Georgia Tech while working for a commercial printing firm and, shortly after my marriage, my husband and I moved to California.  I began managing a multi-million dollar revenue retail store in the Bay Area."

After having my first child, I put a lot of focus on raising my family, but my heart always brought me back to fashion or fitness.  I was a successful Fashion Coordinator for a large clothing line.  A chance introduction to my image and color mentor by a mutual friend launched me into a passion for supporting women 40 and over who have a desire to step into a new season in their lives and need a fashion-infused confidence boost. I’ve been working with clients for 6 years helping them to express their true essence in their signature style. 

My clients feel a renewed sense of self and purpose and realize the confidence to pursue their passions.  I firmly believe age is just a number and I want to bring as many women as I can to “the sweeter side of life”, so they can be free to be who they are, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, fully aligned and shining brightly!

I am very proud of the time that I spent as a stay-at-home mom.  It was never something I envisioned for myself, but it was a season of my life that brought me a lot of joy...to be able to be there for my kids, every day, and to witness their development into amazing people.  And I have to say I am very proud of how my journey and all the things that I have done and experiences I’ve had and some of the most amazing people I have had the opportunity to meet have all brought me to where I am today. It’s fueled my passion for modeling for women being of “a certain age” doesn’t have to be a limitation for them and that tapping into their authentic self opens up opportunities they could never imagine.”

Besides fashion, my other passion is for dance.  I love all forms of dance and if I had had my druthers, I would have been a professional dancer.  My very pragmatic father convinced me that I wouldn’t make a lot of money in that sort of career, so I let it go and pursued another avenue. I find ways to dance anytime, though.  I do tap, jazz, have even taught Zumba and until about a year ago, danced professionally with an African Drum and Dance cultural group in the Bay Area.  I cannot hear good music and not move my body.  It’s in my blood!”

Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

“My mother is probably the biggest influence in my life. 

She has always been a go-getter and does everything she pursues with excellence. She taught me to believe in myself and never give up and even now that she lives with my family, she is still my biggest cheerleader!”

What is the best advice you've ever received?

“Before I got married, I was told, never to go to bed angry at my husband.  It’s something I have always followed and I believe it is big part of the reason my husband and I just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary this year.”

Who/what inspires you and why?

“I am always inspired by other women’s success.  What I have learned is that one woman’s success equates to the success of all women.  If a woman is doing the same thing as you, you’re not competitors,  you’re sisters.  When women collaborate and join their talents and creativity together, they are so much more powerful than they are alone.”

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

“I think I would love to meet Nina Simone.  She was a strong and beautiful black woman who used her powerful voice and artistic genius for social justice.  Her musical legacy is a testament to the struggle for equality and civil rights of  Black people and her message was a catalyst for social change in her time. I’d be curious to learn how she sees how much or little things have changed since she’s been gone.  I’d like to know her thoughts about the BLM movement and how she would be making her voice heard in 2020.”

What does "honoring and celebrating black excellence" mean to you personally? 

“It means shining a light on the achievements and contributions of black men and women who are continuing the legacy of excellence that has always been a part of our culture. 

So many things that we take for granted in this world were developed, designed, or patented by Black people but the history has been re-written, glossed over, or outright changed to diminish or delete their contributions. 

In order to preserve and protect that legacy, it is important to highlight and promote the achievements and contributions continuing to be made and to dispel the negative and erroneous stereotypes that are still prevalent in society.”

Patricia | 2020 | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong.

It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”

-G.D. Anderson

Beauty is an inside job.

As a woman AND a photographer, I get the privilege of being able to continue advocating this message in a special way with my camera through sharing the profiles, stories, and images of women here in the Bay Area.

One of the things I am often proud to share with others is that I do not work work with professional models. I work with real women that vary in their confidence level in front of the camera. These women are from various backgrounds, of all ages and are experiencing various seasons of womanhood, from being a teen to an empty nester to being grandmother.

I work with women who, like myself, are growing past the common misconception that beauty is purely surface-level based solely on what others think of your style of clothes or make-up. Women who, like me, are seeing what it means to truly walk in the confidence that unleashes when you see that indeed, beauty is an inside job that no amount of exterior styling can replicate.

I am honored to share with you all the latest profile of a woman whose beauty radiates from the inside out, the lovely and phenomenal, Patricia.

Images | Heartbox Photography

Hair & Makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte

Can you tell me a bit about you as a person (your own life journey thus far), what inspired you to do the work you do, and what you find most rewarding about your work?

“I have always loved the written word, from my early childhood days of putting pencil to paper as I wrote my first sentences, to my current project of crafting the narrative of my grandparents’ World War II romance. Helping people put words together to create a sensory experience, share information, or teach something useful, brings me a deep sense of satisfaction.”

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?

“Always be true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. That’s the compass you can always come back to, no matter how wildly the world is spinning. Regarding beauty — I believe you’re truly beautiful when you let your inner light shine.”

Best advice you ever received?

“After my mom died of breast cancer, a very wise and kind woman at work said to me, “Eat when you’re hungry; sleep when you’re tired; move when you want to move.” It sounds simplistic, but it’s about really tuning in to your basic needs so you can be grounded. From that foundation, you can successfully face whatever is happening in your life.”

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

“My wisdom, my internal strength, and my amazing community of women.”

“In one of the photos Maria took, I’m wearing my mom’s gold earrings and my paternal grandmother’s Spanish coin necklace. I didn’t realize the pairing until I was reviewing the images with Maria.

These women, who weren’t close to each other, shaped and inspired me in very different ways.

It’s a powerful image of my lineage and legacy. I’m so grateful to have it!”

What Would You Say to Your Younger Self?

Hey, ladies.

If you could face your younger self now, in the form of that teenaged girl growing up and learning life, what would you tell her? 

What would you say about self-confidence? About womanhood?

What would you say about outward and inward beauty? 

About love? About mistakes? 

What would you tell her about flying…and about the moments we fall down in life? 

I think that portraits are some of the best ways you can show your teenaged girls that life is already happening NOW. That it’s important, especially for young girls growing into womanhood, to see that it is more than ok, dare I even say, necessary, to see the value in existing in portraits, to capture where they are in life now. 

Not to wait until they feel “worthy”.

Not when they achieve society’s definition of what is “beautiful”. 

Not when they achieve x, y, or z. 

And certainly not when have earned the approval of other people. 

But now. Just as they are.

So that when it comes time for them to look back at those photographs of their younger selves, they can smile in remembering who they were becoming in that image. They can smile remembering that someone advocated for them and told them that they absolutely are worthy to capture in a photograph, even if they are still learning and trying to understand their life, awkwardness and all.

It is a joy to be able to capture young adults in photographs. 

**

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SUMMER!

Whether they are entering in as seniors in high school or have just begun their teenage years, we are now booking for outdoor photo sessions this summer!

I  invite you to book that appointment for the young adults in your life, whether they are your own children, your nieces, your god-children, whatever the case may be. 

Encourage them to exist in photographs. 

Because their life is worth capturing in images today and these images are a part of their unique story.

#existinphotographs #teenagers #seniorphotography #heartboxphotography #seniorportraits #sanjosephotographer

#classof2021 #seniorphotos 

Anya, Lydia, & Trisha | A Celebration of Friendship

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”

- author unknown

The beauty of friendships.

Though the current situation is not anything any of us would have ever chosen, I also see how it’s brought about a great depth of gratitude in a lot of people. Gratitude for the warmth of sunshine they get to feel on their skin as they take a walk. Gratitude for the clarity that comes with a life put on pause, unhurried from the busyness of life. Gratitude for the friendships and family we still have in our life, even though a Zoom or Facetime call might have to suffice for the time being.

The energy and friendship of Anya, Lydia, and Trisha is evident when you spend even five minutes with these ladies. Laughter and warmth is easily seen in their relationship and I am honored to be have created these special portraits for them before the shelter in place a few months back. If anything, especially now, I see these ladies as a beautiful reminder of what a blessing it is to live this life with true friends anchored firmly by your side.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Images | Heartbox Photography

Hair & makeup | Beautiful One Hair & Makeup

“It might be a tragedy to not be born with sisters, but it means you get to pick your own. Lydia, Anya, and I have been friends for over 10 years. We met at work and quickly became close. These two amazing women are sistas who I can tell anything to - my joys, rants, hopes, and sorrows.

And I'm honored to be that person for them.”

- Trisha

“I am an immigrant, a mother of 3 grown up (or almost grown up) children, I made my journey through corporate carrier ladder in high tech - to business consulting and mentoring - to recovering my healing identity and becoming a Chinese medicine practitioner.

I am a healer at heart and I was always meant to do the work I am doing now. “

- Anya

“I'm a California native, wife, kitty mama, and low-tech person working in a high-tech company. I've learned that my hobbies happen in cycles.

At different points in my life, I've been obsessed with dance, knitting, Zentangle, and searching for the perfect lemondrop (martini, not candy).

My most recent hobby is standup paddleboarding, but I don't get out on the water as much as I'd like.”

- Trisha

“We were brought together by laughter.

We traveled from Washington DC business trip and just couldn’t stop laughing. It would have been embarrassing if we were capable of being embarrassed at that moment.

That unabashed feeling of joy and appreciation of life was what made us friends, and it underscores our friendship through all these years. We first became sistas, then become running buddies (and run lots and lots of miles together), and in all that - we became friends for life.”

- Anya

“I feel that I am finally at a place in my life when I live out my vision and my purpose. It does not mean there is no room for growth and learning - actually, there is a lifetime of learning and growing ahead of me and I will never get bored or complacent in what I do, which makes it even more exciting for me.”

- Anya

“In college, I remember learning about The Beauty Myth: how images of beauty are used against women. I've avoided fashion magazines and beauty articles ever since.

Societal pressures are everywhere, and it can be hard to not beat yourself up or get depressed. We have to remember to be our own best allies and have our own back.

Be kind to yourself, you deserve it. And ask for help if your self-love isn't cutting it.”

-Trisha

“Best advice is the one that you are ready to hear.

As I went through life, at different twists and turns of my journey simple words came from sometimes most unexpected people and landed EXACTLY where and how I needed to hear them.

Best truths are always hidden in the plain site.”

- Anya

“Nobody can tell you that you are beautiful - the feeling truly comes from the inside, from knowing your self.

I teach my patients to find the sense of peace and acceptance within selves first, and answer the question Who am I? What do I want? What do I truly want?

Once they find it within themselves - it is all about setting the vision and going after it unapologetically. Then everything falls into place and beauty shines from within.”

- Anya

"Love yourself. No reservations necessary."

- Trisha

Best advice you’ve ever received?

“If I'm afraid of not liking something new, "Try it and see." This was said to me by my boss in my first job out of college, when most things were new and scary for me. It's served me well over the years.”

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

“I most appreciate knowing that I want for nothing. I have a serene home, a stable and nurturing relationship, good health, and enough resources to be comfortable. Sure, there are things I might think I need sometimes - vacations, sparkly things, a new handbag. And it's fun to indulge!

But when I remember to be present and focus on the moment, it's so beautiful to realize I have everything I need.”

Special Announcement | Mother's Day & Class of 2020 Photoshoots

I hope this finds you and your family all staying healthy, hopeful, and actively resisting the strong urge to eat the entire jar of Nutella or other snacks in your kitchen.

Clearly, you can see where my own personal struggles have been.  :)

As everyone knows, May traditionally holds the special celebration of Mother's Day coming up. 

May also marks the beginning of what would have been commencement ceremonies for many schools and universities across the country for the class of 2020 as well as much anticipated proms for high school seniors. 

While the circumstances are definitely not what we all anticipated, I am very excited to share with you all that it still absolutely possible to celebrate mothers and graduating seniors through portraits.

*Beginning this month, Heartbox Photography will now start taking on outdoor photoshoot appointments 

for individuals in order to be able to serve clients while doing our part in continuing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, keeping everyone safe and healthy. 

While hair and makeup styling cannot be offered at this time, clients can still enjoy a customized, individual, outdoor photoshoot, have the flexibility of donning several outfits (including cap and gowns, prom outfits high school seniors would have worn, etc.), and work directly with me in capturing timeless images to celebrate them, whether as a mother for Mother's Day or as a graduate in the class of 2020. 

Mother's Day and graduation ceremonies are unforgettable celebrations and milestones and I am excited to be able to create a way to commemorate them for my clients. 

Please join me in spreading the word to someone you know who would like to give their mother or their graduating high-school or college senior the gift of portraits that will last forever. 

Stay safe everyone and thank you for your continued support!

*please contact studio for details

Flash Back Fridays

#FlashBackFriday

A long, long time ago when trying to decide what style of photography I wanted to create, I did what most newbie photographers do - I practiced on friends with the promise that I wouldn’t make it too painful.

And then on the day of the shoot I remember feeling ridiculously terrified, hoping they’d cancel our hangout. 😬🤷🏽‍♀️
#ConfessionsOfAChickenWithACamera #ThatWillBeMyBookOneDay

And I am so glad they never cancelled. Their willingness gave me a chance to be brave and simply try. I got to see that couples’ portraits can absolutely have a contemporary and magazine feel to them, a look that I admired but was unsure I could even try to create.

This image still makes me so proud as it’s a reminder of something huge to me.

Take a chance.

Try.

And daaaang girl, go on and make ‘em look like a magazine ad for a cologne or something!💃🏽👏🏽🙌🏽📸

#workit #fashion

Sit. Stay. Heal.

"Sit. Stay. Heal."

I came across this photo taken awhile back on a trip to San Diego. (And yes, that is my beloved Kona Bean in her very own photoshoot.)

And while it was overloaded with cuteness - because puppies and all, obviously - it is more weighed with such great truth, especially in these times we all find ourselves in. 

It reminded me to sit. To stay. To heal. 

Yes, to heal. 

In circumstances that I don't think anyone ever expected, this time can actually be a time to heal. 

To have more clarity in a time where I am forced to pause. 

To hope that at the end of this, we as humans can come out changed and changed for even greater good. 

Wherever you find yourself in the moment you read this, I truly hope you and your loved ones are well. In all ways. Even more so, I hope you are finding an unexplainable and beautiful grace that comes from being still in the midst of circumstances that encourage the complete opposite. 

Much love and much hope to you and yours.

Tania | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“She remembered who she was…and the game changed.”

-author unknown

**

I have known Tania for awhile now, but it wasn’t until she came in for her own photoshoot that I got to really learn more about her own personal story - as a woman, a wife, and a mother.

I think as women, we can relate to one another on a unique level with regards to what it is like when hit hard with the coldest challenges of life, witness the bliss that comes from the peaks of victories, and shed tears of relief when God’s beautiful and constant feed of grace sustains us through it all.

Tania is not hesitant to share all about her faith and how she has seen God transform and strengthen her and her family.

It is beautiful and nothing short of a miracle.

Like every mother and every woman I have photographed, she is understandably hesitant and shy to step out in front of my camera - because she, like all of us as women if we’re honest, sometimes wonder about what the camera will show us about ourselves.

Will it be critical?

Will it be kind?

Or really…should it even matter to us?

One of my favorite things about seeing a client’s transformation is the look that changes in her eyes from when she first comes in for her shoot compared to the last image captured.

It’s almost as if you can see that smile from within that steps out, hesitantly at first, but later with a reassured confidence once it sees that it is more than safe to come out.

That smile, that strength, that unique creation of who Tania is as a person is exactly what I saw emerge in her eyes in these images and I am so very proud to share them with you all here.

Images | Heartbox Photography

Hair & makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry

Alora & Aleayah | A Celebration of Phenomenal Mothers & Daughters

“I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me.”

-author unknown

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

Jeannette | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women | 2020

Did I mention I get to work with awesome women who are doing awesome things in their field and community? :)

Jeannette Marsala is an estate planning attorney and owner of Marsala Law Firm here in San Jose. Prior to embarking on her journey as an attorney, she was a medical dispatcher and also worked with special needs adults with developmental disabilities. This San Jose native has a deep passion for helping families and it is evident by not only her work as an attorney but as a volunteer in her community.

It is always an honor to work with other women who are leading the way in serving others with the gifts and skills they have been given. Thank you, Jeannette, for allowing me to capture just a glimpse of who you are in these photos!

Images | Heartbox Photography

Hair/makeup | Becky Lau

Michelle | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women | 2020

She walks in beauty,

like the night…

Of cloudless climes

and starry skies

- Lord Byron

Image | Heartbox Photography

Hair & makeup | Katie Pheneger

Beautiful Stories, Beautiful Faces | International Women's Day 2020

How proud I am to serve and use my work to empower women. To remind them of their depth, their unique wiring, their voice, their possibilities.

March is when we celebrate International Women’s Day. And as I look at the faces of just some of the women I have been privileged to photograph over the years, I am in awe at the beauty of the various stories and diverse life paths that weave together a sweet reminder to me of how proud I am to be a woman.

#InternationalWomensDay2020

The Giving of Love

Happy February, everyone!

Traditionally, the month of February tends to bring to mind endless images of hearts, a chubby, flying baby who is reckless with his bow and arrow, shades of red overpowering every aisle at your local grocery store, and a sudden hike in the price of a regular dinner simply because it is February 14. 

And while there is nothing inherently wrong with any of this (I love any excuse to eat more chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, let's be real), it can dilute the real message behind the celebrations of this month that are much more important. 

And that celebration is rooted in the giving of love.

Giving of love to your friends. 

Giving of love to your family. 

Giving of love to your neighbors as you would want given to you.

Even in the giving of love to strangers you encounter daily. 

There is much to be said about what you gain from giving love. And I hope this month, whether you celebrate with best girlfriends, partners, or beloved family over an overpriced dinner and red/pink balloons everywhere, it would be rooted in the beauty of giving more love out into the world around you.

Here's to love,

Maria Abelaye, Owner

Heartbox Photography

Jennifer | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“You don't manage people; you manage things. You lead people.”

-Grace Hopper

American computer scientist & United States Navy rear admiral

Meeting boss women leaders in fields like technology is simply whole new level of cool.

Jennifer is a Director of User Experience Design at Glassdoor as well as mentor, speaker, and leader with TechWomen. I had the privilege of hearing her speak in San Francisco at an event that TechWomen was hosting to share about the work being done in mentoring other young women in the areas of techpreneurship in Sierra Leone.

Jennifer is one of the many leaders representing women in technology and I am excited to share with you all these final images (and her insight!) from her photoshoot with Heartbox Photography.

Happy Wednesday!

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Images by Heartbox Photography

Hair & makeup by Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry

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Can you tell me a bit about you as a person and what you find most rewarding about your work?

I work in user experience design for the software industry. I’ve been doing this for at least 15 years - I’ve kind of lost track at this point. It’s a career I sort of stumbled into - I’d never heard of user experience design when I was in school.

My first job out of college was at a software consulting company, and to be honest, I didn’t love it. When I joined a project with a guy in this new role of user experience design, I realized why. Despite our best intentions, we weren’t delivering a good product because we weren’t thinking about how people actually use software, just what the programs needed to do. So I made the switch and never looked back. 

Today, I lead a team of 6 designers at Glassdoor, with the goal of creating tools for job seekers and employers that are as intuitive and enjoyable to use as possible. The hiring process is stressful enough for everyone already, so we feel really good when we can deliver a product that in some way helps. But what I find most rewarding these days is the chance I have to mentor my team and help my organization strive for the best experience possible.

What are some things that you would want women to know with regards to any of the following topics: self-confidence, beauty, education, women in the tech and science fields?

Beauty is very personal. It’s more than a cliche when they say “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, because it’s not just about what one personally think is beautiful, it’s also what you focus on. So when you feel ugly and your inner critic is stomping on your self confidence, try changing your focus. No matter how much of a mess you think you are, there is always something beautiful about you. 

Bad hair day?

Focus on how your eyes sparkle. 

Puffy eyes from lack of sleep?

Think about how engaging your smile is. 

Focus on the things you like about yourself, not the things you hate. And remind yourself that just because you couldn’t stop thinking about that pimple, other people are just as likely to have missed it because your eyes were sparkling or smile was so engaging.

When it comes to women in tech and science, especially here in Silicon Valley, I think it’s important to know that the first computer programmers were women.

In fact, programming languages as we know them today were first invented by a woman, Grace Hopper. Women can absolutely be successful in a field that was started in large part by women.

Best advice you ever received?

Whenever you’re upset with someone in your life, a coworker that you think is working against you or a family member you think has been thoughtless, remember to stop and ask yourself what you really, truly know about the situation.

Our brains love stories, and they are hard wired to fill in gaps and create those stories. But the story your mind creates might be wrong. So hold off on judging someone else’s motivations. Tell them what you see and ask them to fill in the gaps for you.

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

I am fortunate to have the opportunity and ability to travel. Not just because I get to take great vacations, but also because I get to meet and connect with new people and different cultures.

Sometimes you see better ways of doing something. Sometimes you realize how much worse things could be than the life you were granted.

And sometimes it’s just a different lens on the same situation that makes you see something in a new light. 

Seeing first hand the variety of experience others have of the world has made me both grateful for what I have and mindful of what I might be able to do better.

Danielle | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“Her eyes have their own vocabulary.

What a beautiful language to learn.”

-author unknown

Danielle is a beautiful wife, mother and career-woman extraordinaire that I had the privilege of meeting through another client who just happened to be her personal trainer. As with most career women and mothers that I meet, Danielle is driven in her work and centered around caring for her family, doing an amazing job and also placing the needs of others before hers.

When we connected and started discussing the design of her shoot, she had shared that she has never done anything like this before and while excited, was also understandably nervous as most of my clients are. What I respect about Danielle is that this photoshoot is one of the many courageous steps she’s taken into remembering who she is as a woman and giving herself permission to not only take care of herself, but also celebrate exactly who she is and what she is still growing to be.

It still floors me to see how much women juggle between career, family, and life itself and I am beyond honored to share with you all some images and a behind the scenes glimpse into Danielle’s photoshoot with Heartbox Photography.

Happy Tuesday!

Images | Heartbox Photography

Hair & makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry

“Really, I had lost myself for the last 15 years. Since having kids, juggling my demanding career consumed all my time, so although its such a cliche, there wasn’t any time left over for me.

Five years ago I had a health scare, which woke me up to seeing that things had to change. However, after initial changes, taking care of myself fell aside again.

After further decline, including gaining a lot of weight, I reached the end of my rope, and finally implemented changes to take care of myself. “

“I started working out with a personal trainer, implemented better nutrition, including removing processed foods, and did daily activities to help reduce stress.

I still have a ways to go, but I feel 200% better than I did 2 years ago, and am aiming to look and feel better by age 50, than I did even 20 years ago.”

“We need to be nicer to ourselves and realize its OK to not be able to do everything.

We put so much pressure on ourselves to do it all, that we lose sight of ourselves in the process. There will never be time to take care of you, so make the time. You are a priority.”

Best advice you ever received?

“Life is short. Each day is precious. Be sure to take time every day to do things you want to do, not just the ones you have to do.”

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

“I feel like I have my life energy back. Along with my health, my relationships are improving, and having time to play with my kids before they are gone is priceless.”

Ruth-Anne | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“This world is but a canvas to our imagination.”
-Henry David Thoreau

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?

“I always wanted to be an artist and when I found out I could be a graphic designer that’s what I decided I’d be when I grew up! After a career at a large agency in New York City and then many start ups in Silicon Valley, I decided to work for myself.

My clients are mostly women entrepreneurs running their own businesses or non-profits. My art career doesn’t end with graphic design. I’m also a fine artist. I paint bold, expressive, colorful abstract paintings that I sell locally in art fairs and open studios as well as in local galleries and online.”

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?

“If you are beautiful on the inside, you’ll be beautiful on the outside. A shared smile, a foundation of confidence, and an innate sense of who you are makes you shine. I know that when I’m sure of myself, I can do anything!”

Best advice you ever received?

“Never assume, always ask.”

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

“I appreciate that I and all my loved ones are healthy, happy, and fulfilled.”