Glamour Photo Session and Makeover

It's easy - very easy -  to find a picture of "pretty" in magazines. The grocery store check out lines are adorned with a plethora of photos from Hollywood's latest and greatest of celebrities, last week's red-carpet event - you  name it.

"Pretty" is easy to find - it is displayed on the surface, it's common and it's nice and sweet.

But, beautiful?

Beautiful is this rare combination of absolutely everything she is - something much deeper in her heart and soul, a complex blend of every thing she believes in, stands for, works towards, fights for. Beautiful is in the eyes she uses to see into the heart of her family and friends, the needs of the world around her, the smile she shares with others. Beautiful is wrapped up in every challenged she has ever faced in this life, in every victory and failure.

I had the privilege to recently photograph Elizabeth. She is a mother, a wife, and engineer doing wonderful things in this world with the skills she's been given. And as with every woman I am given the opportunity to photograph, the more I learned about her, the more I was reminded about how wonderful it is to work with women who are shaking up the world with the abilities, talents, and passions they have been given.

Beautiful is the way God sees every woman and it is my hope that the world will move towards treasuring the truly beautiful and settling less for what is merely "pretty".

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko of Vlada Fomenko Makeup and Hair for Elizabeth's beautiful hair and make up! 

Introverts and Friday Night Laundry

"Don't think of introversion as something that needs to be cured."
                                                                 - Susan Cain

I've been reading this really good book lately called "Quiet" by Susan Cain. Mystery novel? Intriguing work of fiction? Well...not quite.

It's actually a book about introverts. And yes, you can guess this book speaks to me primarily because for almost all my life, I've always felt a discomfort knowing that deep down inside, if given the choice, I'd rather stay home in my pajamas and fold laundry/hang with my dog/read a book than be at a function considered the Party of the Year.

And the biggest revelation I've discovered in this book? Choosing quiet laundry folding on a Friday night over the party-scene doesn't make you a freak of nature. Whew!

Everyone's got something valuable to contribute...both extroverts and the introverts. Even if only one group prefers a Friday of laundry-folding.

Happy Wednesday!

Beauty Redefined by Fashion Photographer, Rick Guidotti

As a photographer, you would think that I would walk around with the natural inclination to see beauty in everything around me. And while it's true that most days on other days I, too, get sucked into believing the lie that there is only one type of view or definition or perspective of beauty. Sometimes, when I come across someone who is different in some way, I hate to admit that my natural inclination is to wonder or take a second glance at them out of curiosity or surprise. It's foolish and yet serves as one of the biggest reasons as to why the work of photographer Rick Guidotti really tugs at my heart.

When I came across this video it was little bit like the wake up call that I needed to remember that truly, there is beauty in everybody no matter how "different" they seem to others. I am grateful to photographers like Rick Guidotti who are able to take their camera, their eyes, their talents and shake up the world by re-defining beauty for everybody.

Check it out here:



Here's to a beautiful world.

Happy Tuesday, folks!

Um....Puppy?!?

The other day, I blogged about being afraid of skunks. Their creepy eyes, the way they seem to be amping up to ruin your day with one, uh, poof.

But this right here? It made me realize I'd rather run into a skunk that a beast like this.

Really? I love dogs, but WHAT KIND OF BEAST IS THIS??!?

Happy Thursday!

Skunk Gas and Finish Lines

I'm proud of my husband for many reasons. And one of those reasons is that he's that guy who sets a goal and actually works towards achieving it, rain or shine. Believe me, people, it's admirable and annoying all at once.

One of the goals he's set for himself this year is to run a half marathon. He and I share the same blah attitude/let's-just-order-a-Roundtable-pizza-tonight-instead towards running but like I said, when my husband sets a goal, there's no stopping his efforts towards the finish line. He's officially training with a good friend of ours who runs so much we not-so-secretly believe he's half cheetah.

I'm very excited and inspired by my husband's endeavor to run and get healthy for the 2014 year. So inspired that yes, I actually dragged myself out of bed at 5:30 AM one morning to tag along with him and our trainer/cheetah friend. There's a beautiful trail that's perfect for these early morning runs/torture sessions. The 43 degree air grazed my face and hands as I jogged behind them and on more than one occasion I almost spazzed out as my eyes caught sight of a skunk or two in the distance along the winding, gravel trail. 

I wasn't interested in starting off the new year  having been farted on by a vengeful skunk at 6:30 in the morning.

We slowly started jogging. And though I'm not a runner, I couldn't help but notice an interesting pattern. Once I stopped whining internally, and actually got into the groove of pacing my breathing and each step, the running wasn't so bad (Did I just say that?!?!) despite the freezing cold air, the uncertainty of the dark, early morning, and possible threat of a cranky skunk.

Sure it still hurt, still was painfully exhausting and uncomfortable but at the same time, it simply felt good to move. 

I actually warmed up and grew a desire to keep moving through the exhaustion, through each inclining step, through the uncomfortable cold, winter air. Versus during our "walk" moments where my internal whining would start revving up in my head again, my feet longed to turn right around and go back to the comfort of the car, the cold air encouraging me towards the comfort of sleeping and the idea of not stepping out to do this again.

Perhaps this is a way to see not only goal setting in 2014, but goal doing. 

I really hope that in 2014, during the occasional times of bitter-cold air, painful and exhausting inclining steps, and threatening skunk farts along the path towards the proverbial finish line , that I remember it's always a better choice to move forward imperfectly towards whatever the goal is than to stand still in doubt or comfort. Even more so, I hope to remind others of that, too. 

Happy Monday!

PREVIEW: Glamour Photo Session, Bay Area, 2013.

As with the embarking of every New Year, I do my best to really evaluate what the previous year looked like as well as intentionally set new goals, both personally and professionally, for the new year ahead. Taking an honest look at what was done, not done, the mistakes and victories, what is continuing to be, isn't always easy, but I personally believe it's so important especially if you still maintain an interest in growing as a person.

I'm not the bravest person in the world or always the most spontaneous, especially when it has to do with getting out of the wonderful, warm and fuzzy comfort zone I surround myself with. I'm as stubborn as a mule with arthritis sometimes, especially before 7 AM in the morning.

But...I try hard. And the reason I keep trying and keep pushing is mostly because I'm surrounded by a ton of people who don't sit on their laurels talking about the good they can be doing in the world - they actually do something about the change they want to see. And as warm and fuzzy as my comfort zone can be, believe me, you can't be surrounded by that kind of passion, enthusiasm and action and not be influenced in some way.

Meet Elizabeth. This awesome woman is a wife and mother of two girls. I was recently given the privilege to not only photograph her but also learn more about her as a person, as a mom, and her work as an engineer.

Here is a preview into her recent makeover and photo session with Heartbox Photography - stay tuned for more!

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko of Vlada Fomenko Makeup and Hair for Elizabeth's beautiful hair and make up! 

Happy Thursday!

Jessica, 2013.Glamour Photo Session, Bay Area

A while back, I had blogged about how much I struggled with going to networking meetings and just mingling with strangers in general at any social gathering. I can't tell you how many times my eyes have casually wandered to the nearest exit (or at the very least, that open spot in the back of the room near the guacamole dip) whenever I had no choice but to chat with the person next to me and exhibit some display of cool vs. nerd.

However, despite my sometimes obvious social anxieties and attraction to guacamole dip/any available exit, I'm slowly realizing that there is actually nothing wrong with being shy or even quiet. That it may even be a strength and a valuable leadership quality. 

And Jessica is proof of this.

I had met Jessica at a networking event for women business owners and as I have gotten to know her more these past few months, I learned that beneath her quiet demeanor is an articulate leader, someone who has great ideas, and a passion for being involved with organizations that help others. I am proud to know her and be inspired by hearing her express and contribute great ideas during discussions. It reminds me that being a great listener is essential in growing as a leader.

Jessica, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to capture your beautiful self in these photographs. And most of all, thank you for reminding people like me that I don't always have to gravitate towards the back of the room near the guacamole dip. =)

"I'm a pretty easy-going, creative person who likes helping others and connecting with people. I work as a graphic designer and marketing assistant and am involved in various groups, including Toastmasters and Promote Her Business."

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

God would have to be the first I'd list because every time I think of who I really want to be in life, it's someone who's close to Him. I'd say being an introvert has also shaped me because it taught me to look more internally for solutions and answers and has allowed me to be a greater listener. 

My family has also shaped me because it was from them that I learned the value of education, friends, and family and being there for others.

If you knew then what you know now as a woman, what would you have told your 18-year-old self?

"I didn't really know myself at that age. My mind was still kind of closed off - I didn't accept myself for who I was. It felt like I was hiding from myself and the world. 

The thing that really changed that was "letting go" and finding peace. If I had told myself to look for those things [at that time] I'm still not sure I would have found it instantly or even understood what those things meant. If I had to tell myself something at 18, it would be to hold on and be patient because life would work out and make sense eventually."

What is your personal motto or mission statement? 
"Life is just a chance to grow a soul." 

"I've always admired people who were strong-willed and determined. Nothing can stop a person who doesn't stop themselves with their own doubts and fears. I admire people who look after others and empower people around them."

"I've always been passionate about art, music, nature, and spirituality."

If you could share a message about beauty, self-esteem, or self-worth to other women, what would that be?

"I've found that what changed in my life when I really gained self-esteem and a better sense of self-worth was the way I treated myself when I failed. When I would make a mistake or fall short of my own expectations, I would assume myself to be a failure. 

But when I finally embraced who I was, I would instead exercised patience and acceptance towards myself whenever I fell short. I was reassured I could still improve, that life wasn't over, and I still had time to change things. I didn't give up on myself in those moments like I used to. "

My message to women would be to love themselves compassionately as they would a friend who had fallen down and needed help getting up again.

A heartfelt thanks Ashlyn Taylor of Madame Me for Jessica's lovely hair and make up! 

Happy Monday!

Bobblehead Me

And because it's the Christmas season, I have eaten a piece of chocolate for breakfast every day this week. It's kinda gross I know, but it also makes me feel all cheery and happy and holiday-ish because 'tis the season of eating enough chocolate to make up the size of my head.

And I've always had a bit of a Bobblehead thing going on. But despite this, thankfully, my husband thinks I'm still cute any way. Whew!

Happy Friday, everyone!

Grey Hair That Looks Like TV Antennas

My husband called me last night to tell me how excited he was to be able to team up with a few guys from his men's group to shop for Christmas presents that will be given to a few local residents at a motel in town. His enthusiasm and passion for helping those less fortunate in our own neighborhood rang like a sweet song through the phone and reminded me how my husband is just so freakin' genuinely kind-hearted it makes me want to shake him and bear hug him all at once.

RAWWRRRR!

And then....dun, dun, dun. That annoying feeling of guilt reared it's ugly head because instead of being the do-gooder that I like to think I am most times, I was instead preparing to head to the gym. To work out. To be healthy and athletic and to somehow convince the world that I'm this disciplined athletic type. But truth be told, I was headed to the gym because the little girl inside of me who still sometimes care too much about what people think of me, is ridiculously terrified of becoming best friends with cellulite and flabby thighs well before I'm at that age that I'm supposed to have them.

Wait. What age is ok to have cellulite?

My poor husband (and my dog) have seen me wander in front of the mirror a few times and have minor meltdowns when I've surely spotted a hint of that criminal called dimples/cellulite/AGE on my thighs. And many a time, I'm sure, that if my dog could roll her eyes along with my husband at my "I'm getting FAAAAAAAT!" rants, she would. Hecka...totally...would.

And isn't ironic that I am a portrait and glamour photographer for women? That my job is to capture women at their best, today, just as they are. Believe you me, I'm sometimes deaf to the TRUTH that I am ok just as I am today. Selective hearing and all tends to be at it's worse around certain times of the month - I ain't gonna lie.

It's funny because I set out on this photography endeavor looking to bless women, to encourage them, and in the process each experience has actually blessed, grown, and encouraged me. I've met extroverted women and introverted women. Techie women, women counselors, mothers with crazy kids, women with grey hair, women with blond hair, some with curves, and some without. And really, it's a beautiful thing how diverse women are.

I'm not jumping for joy at the idea of grey hair (the few I have stick up like a crazy tv antenae - what the heck?!) or cellulite or future PMS-y rants in front of the mirror. But every day, I'm learning little by little by little by little to be ok with me just as I am. And every time I am communicating to the woman in front of my camera that she is beautiful just the way she is today, believe me, I am talking to myself as well. My Maker says it and HeAnd I'm learning to listen.

Happy Thursday!

PREVIEW: Jessica, 2013 Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

Whenever I come into a new situation, a gathering, a party, the cool kids' table, etc. - you name it - I tend to gravitate towards whatever will keep me busy and hidden in the crowd rather than standing out like a sore thumb. So, needless to say, you will almost always find me near the back or near the snack/buffet table at large events.

In order to connect with other women business owners and promote Heartbox Photography, I decided to join a local networking group called Promote Her Business. I was never one who was the greatest at networking but it was something I wanted to get comfortable with. The first meeting I attended was at a small office and to be honest, I was hoping that I would have a crowd of people or at least a table of food to hide behind until I got comfortable chatting over appetizers with. But lo and behold, I was the nerd who showed up first and so had no choice to but to tuck my chicken wings away and chat with the leaders of the group who were already there. And Jessica was actually one of the first and friendly faces I was privileged to meet and befriend.

I'm honored to be able to showcase the first preview photo of Jessica's makeover and photo session this past weekend. There's more to come, so stay tuned!

Happy Monday!

A special thank you to Ashlyn Taylor of Madame Me  for Jessica's lovely hair and make up!

Random Friday Thoughts

There is hardly a thing I can say about this Christmas season that I don't like. I adore the twinkling lights that grace the trees in the neighborhood, the time with friends and family, fluffy socks from Target, an excuse to sing along with the Nat King Cole song they've played for the 10th time on the radio - I love it all....except...

The freezing weather. Yes, if I could have it my way, we'd be celebrating Christmas in 85 degree weather, not a cruel 40 degrees. Lately, it's been cold enough to warrant wearing a sweater and scarf everyday, and I swear that toilet seats are even worse in the morning. I've debated wearing a parka as part of my pajama get up each night, but decided against it and just went along with having the heater on much to the contradiction of my I-was-raised-to-put-on-a-sweater-it's-cheaper-than-turning-on-the-heater. Hey, that's how we rolled when I was a kid.

I guess if I really thought about it, it's a bit wimpish of this California girl to complain about the weather considering the below zero temperatures East Coasters face on a regular basis. Still, I am not looking to be Frosty the Snowman's BFF.

Happy Friday, folks! Stay warm!

Haters Gonna Hate But Puppies & Christmas Are Forever

I recently chatted with a friend about the awesomeness of sweaters for our dogs. And yes, you can bet the conversation got all happy and cray because we both don't have kids and that basically means that choosing ugly Christmas sweaters for our four-legged babies is as exciting to us as if someone just told us cheese and chocolate don't make you gain weight.

And this season, I am just reminded about how I not only love Christmas but I love me some funny puppies and their holiday antics. And you can bet the Internet ain't short of some hahas that involve them lovable fur-babies and the joy of Christmas.

This is my favorite. I need to show this to my own Kona Bean so she can be proud and not pouty when we make her wear her neon-green-and-bubble-gum-pink-holiday-sweater-complete-with-huge-bow-on it-she-hates-this-sweater.

                                   
Happy Thursday!

Susan, 2013. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

"In diversity there is beauty and there is strength." 

                                                 -Maya Angelou

I once heard someone say that everyone in this world has something to contribute and I couldn't agree more. It is my hope that each time I am privileged to photograph a woman, to learn more about her, to tell her story to the world, that I contribute to that beauty and strength of diversity Maya Angelou so eloquently writes about.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of photographing the lovely Susan. I grew up in a household full of love for all kinds of music and so when I found out she loved The Beatles, I almost high-fived her for being so cool. Her friendly demeanor and smile was nothing short of awesome to work with and I am honored to be able to share with you not only these photos from her recent photo shoot with me but also a little bit more about the person behind that friendly smile.

A special thanks to stylist Julianne Chai of Prettyologie for Susan's hair & make up! 

Happy Tuesday!

Give us a little snapshot of who you are...

I am a mom of two wonderful individuals, and the wife of a handsome Swede. I like baths, England, chocolate cake, databases, champagne, philosophical conversations, before and afters, wackiness, sleeping in, rainy weather, flying business class, The Beatles, Apple, Cary Grant, a clean house, coffee, giving compliments, and my German shepherd, Duchess. I don't like hot tuna or grape leaves, the words "yummy" or "tasty", debt, figuring out what to cook for dinner, busywork, Bruno Mars, and self-centered, negative, or phony people.

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

1. Being a part of a hilarious, kind, non-hysteria-prone family with incredible parents. Growing up, our house was full of friends and family with lots of laughs, music, and the sound of rolling dice!

2. The Beatles! Love for the Beatles launched my interest in England, travel, and learning about all different cultures.
                          
3. College. I loved learning new ideas and ways of looking at things outside of the pre-fabricated education that came before then. I am still delighted when I learn something totally new, especially discovering a new way of looking at something I'd thought I knew everything about.

                                         

If you knew then what you know now as a woman, what would you have told your 18-year-old self?

Don't worry, everything will fall into place. My dad actually said that to me around that age, but if I could have really understood it and believed it then, I could have done a lot less fretting.


What leadership qualities do you most admire?

Patience, humor, compassion, and a clear vision that includes the big and small picture.



What are you most passionate about?

My kids and family. I used to feel passionate about pursuing and obtaining "happiness" but as I've gotten older I've shifted that focus to "satisfaction." Not in the Mick Jagger way, but in feeling that I'm accomplishing something worthwhile. That could be making someone else a little bit happier or better off, making progress on a project at work, or seeing my kids turn into kind, funny, wise people and knowing that I had a part in that.

What is your personal motto or mission statement?

"This too shall pass." Such a profound and powerful thing to remember during bad and good times.




If you could share a message about beauty, self-esteem, or self-worth to other women (whether older or younger), what would that be?

Each time you blame someone else for making you unhappy, you give away y our own power. Take responsibility for your own happiness and fulfillment in life. Don't waste time comparing yourself to others, instead compare yourself to the person you were yesterday.

Lopsided Christmas Trees & Hope

Because Christmas is so wonderful and wonderful moments tend to go as fast as a box of chocolates in an office with all women. That being said, in the spirit of the season and all that it means, I'm making an effort to put the breaks on these moments to capture it, marvel at it, and say an extra thanks for it before releasing the gift back. As a kid, I fondly remember crossing off days until December 25th on my calendar, singing along happily about two front teeth with Alvin, Theodore, and Simon,  and the sight twinkling lights that blinked on the star high above our slightly lopsided, but proud Christmas tree.

My husband just completed the holiday decorations in our own home and I am thankful for another year of twinkling beautiful lights, time with friends and family, of the comforting scent of pine and cookies from our, ahem, Glade plug-ins. But even beyond the lights, the memories of many a lopsided tree, the old tape recording of carols and songs, Christmas celebrates the beautiful gift of hope God gave the world - for you and for me. And the simple truth of that is what I hope to stop and marvel at the most during this Christmas season.

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

This world can never have too many smiles or friendly people and I am privileged for every time I get to work with individuals who exude this type of warmth and kindness.

Meet the lovely Susan. I met Susan through Hollman - they have been good friends since their college days and I can see why, as they both are two of the nicest people you could meet.

Here is a bit of a sneak peak into Susan's photo shoot - as always, stay tuned for more to come!

Happy Tuesday!

Thankful List Day 7: A Two-Steppy Kinda Tune

Growing up, our cabinets in the living room were filled with old Beatles records, Billy Joel's greatest his on tape, Motown classic albums and the air would occasionally be filled with lovely sound of Sinatra's crooning of red wine and roses.

There's something pretty fabulous about being able to dance around in your living room on any day just because your favorite jam came on the radio. It makes a broom a microphone, laundry to not be such a mundane task. It makes the middle of the week feel like a Friday leading to a three day weekend. It's like finding out there's still some mint-chocolate chip ice cream left in the freezer in a container you thought was already empty.

Music has been a part of my life growing up and I am thankful to have had a childhood filled with the beautiful sounds of it that give me, still to this day, a reason to two-step with a little bit of happy on some random Wednesday afternoon.

Happy Wednesday!

Thankful List Day 6: Small Groups That Get In Your Face

My husband and I are part of a small group from our church that meets every Wednesday. A year ago, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel being part of a group that encouraged transparency. Like, lemme-take-off-this-comfy-mask-and-trust-that-you-won't-judge-me kind of transparency.

Our small group from church is comprised of six married couples, including us, and an age range that spans from the early thirties to the sixties and includes a mix of races as well. The best part? These incredible people are imperfect and at the same time strive for a stronger relationship with Jesus. We have shared countless laughs and I have learned so much about God's love and mercy, overcoming challenges in a marriage, communication, forgiveness of each other and of ourselves, and the list goes on.

I have been prayed for more times than I can remember and have straight-hiccup-cried over stuff as they patiently listened to me fumble through whatever challenge I was currently faced with. And let me tell you, that hiccup-cry ain't something you allow just anyone to see - they have been graciously accepting of my constant need for Kleenex whenever my emotions get the best of me and have always, always, encouraged and reminded me of God's never-ending love for me.

I am forever grateful for this imperfect, God-loving, hiccup-cry-accepting group of people. They have reminded me to keep loving God, keep growing in God, and keep loving people like God.

Thankful List Day 5: Color

I recently purchased a Hello Kitty coloring book and a new box of Crayola Crayons.

Well, the box said for ages 5 and up. And I am up. So there.

As a kid, there was always something that came alive in me whenever a brand new 64-count box of Crayola goodness was unearthed and opened for the first time. Having more than one shade of blue, pink, or red to choose from to color Snoopy's face was a decision I made with bliss and careful precision. I loved coloring, and all the brilliant colors to see and choose from. Still do.

Color brings life to my world and as the fall softly blends into the cold of the soon-to-be-winter season, it's the colors around me like this that remind me to be thankful for changing seasons. For the golds, yellows, and reds that mark another season I have been blessed to witness, grow in, and live through.

Here's to life, color, and Crayons for us in the "up" group.

Happy Tuesday!

Thankful List Day 4: Stories That Inspire

It's stories like the story of Batkid that make me proud and thankful to live in the Bay Area.

Happy Friday!

Thankful List: Day 4: A Woof and a Giggle

Puppies and photography. I firmly believe that this world can never have too much of the joy and of course, laughter a dog can bring.

Dogs rule and I'm thankful that God made them to be the best four-legged pals a girl can have.

For more on this awesome project from talented photographer Carli Davidson, click here!

Happy Wednesday!