Marie | June Birthday Rewards | Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Bay Area, CA

Awhile back, I had the honor of photographing the lovely Marie as part of the Fifty and Fabulous series. Her constant smile and upbeat personality are nothing less than a joy to be around and it is my pleasure to announce her as the winner for June's Birthday Rewards drawing!

Cheers to you, Marie! Here's to many more years of life, joy, and hula dancing like there's no tomorrow - happy birthday! 

Kalpana, 2015| Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Sunnyvale, CA

One of the elements I constantly strive to incorporate in my portrait photography for women is that fashion/editorial feel. There is something incredibly fun about creating images that show the everyday woman not only at her best, but also in the "supermodel" version of herself.

When I sat down to chat with my friend and up and coming designer, Jenn Van Gundy, I discovered we both not only shared a deep interest for fashion, but also that we both aimed to stay true to our beliefs that women did not need to be too revealing to be considered fashion-forward, classy, and beautiful.

I love collaborating with other talented artists and am so excited to feature the final shots from this session. Jenn's skillful hands crafted this beautiful white dress that featured multiple pleats, a simple touch of multiple colors to adorn the waistline, and a sweetheart neckline. While the day was overcast and a bit breezy, our model, Kalpana toughed it out like a champ and simply rocked this beautiful creation! 

Here's to fashion, collaboration, and celebrating women everywhere.

Happy Friday!

Many thanks to the talented Jenn Van Gundy for celebrating women through your creative talents and to Kat Tinney for your work on Kalpana's beautiful hair and makeup!

Preview - Thuy, 2015 | Headshot Portraits | Saratoga, CA

The weather was beyond warm in downtown Saratoga, California, the sun shone bright and high in the sky and there was barely a breeze to be felt in the oven-like temperatures - all the conditions that would have sent most people running for cover.

However, the lovely Thuy Ha, owner of award-winning Ha Design Studio, proved herself to be a tough trooper and braved the California heat for her portrait session this past weekend.

And when the sun paints a beautiful halo light for shots like this, I can't help but feel the urge to do a little happy dance for sunny days, summer portraits, and I'll-withstand-the-heat-for-the-photo-kind of clients.

There's more to come from this shoot, so be sure to stay tuned!

Many thanks to Kat Tinney for her beautiful work on Thuy's hair and makeup!

Ritu, 2015 | Headshot Portraits | San Jose, CA

"The lawyer is a healer and has immense responsibility to help her client to change and be free."

-Ritu Goswamy

Immigration and Citizenship Attorney

Holistic Legal Services

As a kid, I wanted to be a lawyer, just like my grandpa. In my Hollywood version of what an attorney was, I wanted to walk into a courtroom with my briefcase in tow, ready to state my case, to win the fight, to eloquently reason without hesitation, even to hear the click-clack of my shoes echoing against the cold floor of courtroom. Intensely selfless and world changing lame, right? My grandpa was a respected immigration attorney and I grew up hearing countless stories from other family members of how he had helped many people. In short, I'm pretty sure my insightful perception Hollywood version of what I thought an attorney was would elicit a slightly amused chuckle from my grandpa.

Looking back, I am so glad that God had better plans for my life simply because I think my reasons for wanting to be an attorney were probably more based on pride than for a genuine desire to help people.

When I met Ritu, I was struck by her strong desire to genuinely help others not from a standpoint of "I'm an attorney hear me roar" but from a "Yes, I'm an attorney and it is merely a vehicle in which I can deliver service to people from a holistic perspective to make an impact that goes beyond the courtroom."

Her desire to impact and influence the legal world extends well beyond her clients as her firm also offers continuing legal education as well as health counseling for fellow attorneys. In an often high-pressure field, Ritu's convictions to shape her work in such a way that impacts the world is nothing short of inspiring. It reminds me that my work as an artist, a service-provider, a photographer, a woman and an entrepreneur can also help shape this world beyond just the immediate task before me.

I am excited, honored, and beyond thankful to have helped be a part of the re-branding of Ritu's firm, Holistic Legal Services - below are some my favorite shots from Ritu's recent head shot session in the beautiful downtown San Jose with Heartbox Photography.

Ritu, thank you for your trust, your kindness, and allowing me to be a part of such a huge step for Holistic Legal Services. 

Most of all thank you for using your skills as an attorney to help and serve others, to do what many of us could not do on our own.

Thank you, Thuy Ha, owner of Ha Design Studio for introducing me to Ritu and as always, many thanks to the awesome Kat Tinney for her beautiful work on Ritu's hair and makeup!

Doggy Dentists

She scratches herself into a frenzy so much so that at the right speed of scratch, her hind leg looks more like she's kicking herself in the face. At, like, Olympic speed.

It is allergy season at it's finest and like humans, my poor baby suffers with sneezes and itchiness just like the rest of us. An allergy skin test from our vet confirmed she was allergic to almost everything that found it's way onto her body. To top it all off, my husband reminded me that in the next week, Kona is also set to go in for a dental procedure. Yes, to a doggy dentist to fix a cracked tooth. Whaaaaaaaat???? 

I know. 

Dentists for dogs are real. And so are their price tags.

That one time I was doing laundry and thought it be the funniest thing to put my jacket on her. 

That look on her face? BEYOND worth it.

Happy Monday, folks. 

Because Everyone Is About Something.

I’m about encouragement. Especially with words.

I’m about learning to live and love others like Jesus. I wish this were easier.

I’m about meaningful hugs.

I’m about making others feel listened to.
I'm learning to be more about praying.

I’m about being different, even on the days when I still long to fit in.

I’m about laughing long after the punch line has been told.

I'm about bookstores and color.

I'm not about Kindles.

I’m about hand-written notes.

I’m about snail mail letters.

I wish I wasn’t about procrastinating.

I’m about journaling.

I'm about holding hands even after a gazillion years of marriage.

I’m not about whining.

I'm not about crafting or sewing.

I’m about having imperfect girlfriends who will love, pray, and cry with you even when you’re being slightly nuts.

I’m about fathers that love and protect their daughters.

I’m about reading the Bible. I wish I were better about listening to what it says.

I'm about cards more than the present.

I’m about spreadsheets and budgeting.

I wish I were more about takings risks.

I’m about loving my husband, my friends, my family. I wish I were way better about this.

I’m about dark chocolate.

I’m about the gym.

I’m about a good burger and McDonald’s fries.

I'm about vegetables and city lights.

I wish I were less about others’ opinions about me.

I’m about respecting the women whose husbands are in leadership roles.

I’m about interesting hair and makeup and colorful outfits and accessories.

I wish I were more about courage.

I’m about loving those who aren’t about hair/makeup and colorful outfits and accessories.

I’m about comfortable sweats and shirts and messy- I don’t really care I haven’t washed it - hair.

I wish I were more about confidence and security in who I am.

I’m about folded laundry.

I’m about talking to your dog and letting them know every day that you love and cherish them.

I’m about telling the quiet kid in back of the class that they are seen, they are loved, they are valued, they are cool.

I’m about Christian music, rap music, Frank Sinatra music, throwback music that makes you wanna sport a mullet and a white turtleneck music.

I’m about all thins clean, disinfected, organized. 

I wish I were more about asking for help.

I’m about printing out photographs, not just saving them on a phone or computer.

I wish I were more about patience.

I’m about writing words, speaking words, and sometimes struggling with the bad words.

I’m about singing out loud. In the car. With the windows rolled up.

I wish I were more about singing out loud. In public.

I’m about dogs and puppies because I think they are one of the most unconditional creatures created.

I wish I were more about running.

I am not about women being physically or verbally abused.

I’m about relationships where you can ugly cry and you’ll still be loved and accepted. 

What are you about?

Boston Strong 2015

I'm not a runner. But I love a good lobster roll and rumor had it that Boston was among the best places on the East Coast to have one. Or two. Or THREE.

This past week we were fortunate to have the opportunity to cheer some friends on who had qualified to run among the best in the 2015 Boston Marathon. Both my husband and I had never visited this city, so needless to say were super excited to share great memories with friends on a new adventure.

Like I said, I'm no runner. But I have mucho R-E-S-P-E-C-T for those who train hard and run for this big event, especially in the wind, rain and 43 degree weather that the skies released on race day. It was interesting to be at the 24 mile line and see a crowd of supporters cheer their hearts out for each runner that fought hard to make their way to the finish line. To be inspired and learn about the stories and reasons why people ran. To be a witness and see that though the tragic events a few years back were far from forgotten, it did not stop the spirit of the city from coming together for this special event. People ran for personal fitness goals, for loved ones with cancer, to guide blind individuals through the entire 26.2 miles - I wanted to high-five, fist-bump, raise my voice and cheer every single one of them.

This trip, this experience was a fantastic memory made with friends - one made complete with delicious lobster rolls and the best clam chowder.

I am thankful.

#bostonstrong2015

Preview - Ritu, 2015 | Headshot Portraits | San Jose, CA

There are people in this world who posses such a genuine smile from the inside out that it is hard not to feel immediately at ease the minute you meet them. And I personally think that a genuine smile of someone who truly cares to help people is one of the best characteristics you can have when you work in the legal field, as Ritu does.

Ritu is an immigration attorney and yoga instructor in San Jose. As we spent the afternoon preparing hair and makeup and later strolling through the downtown area for her photo shoot, it was obvious in our conversations that she has a passion for tailoring her services (and living life) from a holistic perspective - something I can certainly appreciate and respect. To be a woman and unafraid to let who you really are shine through in the work you do and passions you pursue is no easy feat and I am honored to have met an individual who is doing exactly that.

I am excited to share a little sneak peak into this weekend's photo shoot with the lovely Ritu - there is definitely more so be sure to stay tuned!

Happy Monday, everyone!

A warm thank you to Thuy Ha, owner of Ha Design Studio for introducing me to Ritu and as always, many thanks to the awesome Kat Tinney for her beautiful work on Ritu's hair and makeup!

PREVIEW: Kalpana, 2015| Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Sunnyvale, CA

This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate on a special project with the up and coming designer, Jenn Van Gundy.

I first worked with Jenn awhile back after seeing her work featured in a local fashion show raising awareness for human trafficking. She was the designer of a beautiful, multi-colored dress made completely from....wait for it....scraps of t-shirts! It was nothing short of amazing and I soon discovered that the designer behind it all shared my same love for fashion and the desire to take our God-given creativity and make wonderful things to share with the world.

Photography has afforded me the wonderful chance to connect with other fabulous and warm-hearted women and I am so excited to share with you all a little sneak peak into our collaboration this weekend.

Many thanks to the talented Jenn for creating a beautiful dress to feature, Talitha, for your assistance in making sure every detail (and every bobby bin!) was in place, Kat Tinney for beautiful hair and makeup, and our gorgeous model, Kalpana, for being a part of this. You all rock!

There is more to come, so be sure to stay tuned!

Happy Thursday!

Danielle, 2015| Headshot Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Los Gatos, CA

The struggle is real when it comes to introverts and networking meetings. But what makes it easier and even enjoyable are when you meet individuals like Danielle.

As I'd blogged about here, I had the privilege to meet Danielle at a local networking function. Her friendly smile immediately put me at ease and as I sat chatting with Danielle as she got her hair and makeup done for her head shot photo session, I was reminded once again at how fortunate I was to meet such awesome and encouraging women who remind me how valuable it was to connect with others. Contrary to what I sometimes believe, she reminded me that no one at a networking meeting has it all figured out or never needs help or advice and encouragement. Everyone has something to contribute and is still very much learning something new all the time. 

Danielle, thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to create these photographs for you - it was truly a pleasure. But most of all, thank you for being among the first friendly smiles that make me more excited to continue connecting with others at Women in Consulting.

Happy Tuesday!

A special thanks to stylist,  Kat Tinney,  for her beautiful work on Danielle's hair and makeup!

Preview - Danielle, 2015 | Headshot Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Los Gatos, CA

Walking into any new situation that involves crowds of people and name tags has never been easy for me. Ever. It is almost a guarantee that as I maneuver my way through the crowds of confident chatter from women of various professional backgrounds, my focus and footsteps will always be zoned in on finding the snack/refreshment table quickly so I could hide my lack of confidence beneath the casual munching of cheese and crackers.

However, despite my innate ability to be terribly awkward and shy, I have been very fortunate to meet a ton of friendly and welcoming professionals who have been helpful and kind beyond what I can ever measure. 

Danielle is one such individual and I had the privilege of meeting her at a local networking event hosted by a wonderful organization called Women in Consulting. I had the opportunity to get to know this talented graphic artist and project manager as we spent a beautiful and sunny afternoon preparing for a photo shoot to update her headshots. 

Below is just a sneak peak into Danielle's photo session - there's definitely more so be sure to stay tuned! 

Happy Tuesday!

A special thanks to stylist,  Kat Tinney,  for her beautiful work on Danielle's hair and makeup!

Asmeret, 2015 | Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Bay Area, CA

The one thing I've always, always, always loved about the kind of portrait photography I chose to pursue is that it is not a one-way deal. It never gets tiring to be able to see a smile light up a person's face when they see themselves in a new light because of a photograph I can present to them.

It had been about 15 years since I last spoke with Asmeret and to be able to reconnect through photography has been nothing but fun and fabulous - much like Asmeret herself! We had last seen each other when were teenagers and I had the privilege to spend a sunny afternoon chatting, catching up and laughing with an old friend from long ago.

In our laughing and chatting, we each learned how life had grown us, what rough seasons it had taken us through since high-school, the victories we got to witness and experience as young adults growing into, well, older adults, how God's grace sustained us through it all, and what we still hope and dream for as 30-somethings now.

Azzy, I am excited to have reconnected with you after all these years and beyond honored that you have allowed me to capture your kind smile, your unique fierceness, in these photographs. I hope they serve as a lasting reminder of how awesome it is when you let your internal beauty shine through - brightly, unwavering and most of all, real.

Happy Wednesday, folks!

A special thank you to the talented Kathleen Tinney of A List Makeup for her beautiful work on Asmeret's hair and makeup!

Jessica | February Birthday Rewards | Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Bay Area, CA

I had the opportunity to meet Jessica a few years back at a networking meeting here in the Bay Area. Jessica's quiet demeanor and shy smile may be what you see on the outside, but after I got the opportunity get to know and work with her, I quickly learned that beneath that quiet demeanor was a woman of deep thought, an articulate speaker, a true leader and someone I admire and respect.

And needless to say, I am so very excited to announce that Jessica is the winner for February's Birthday Rewards drawing with Heartbox Photography!

Jessica, I hope you had a wonderful birthday celebration! Here's to more years of celebrating life!

Happy, happy birthday!

Hair and makeup by Ashlyn Taylor 

Special Announcement| Headshots by Heartbox Photography | Bay Area, CA

Along the way of this journey in photography, I've had the awesome privilege to meet other business owners, designers, actors, models and community leaders in the Bay Area. In addition to my love of providing contemporary portrait services to women, I also provide outdoor headshot sessions and am excited to continue to do so this year!

Prices for headshot sessions will officially be going up as of April 30, so if you or anyone you know of needs an updated, polished, and fresh headshot for Linked In, website use, or other profiles, please contact Heartbox Photography today!

Stephanie, 2015 | Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Santa Clara, CA

Whenever I finish a shoot, I often have moments of complete photographer's geek out. It's a bit like a happy euphoria for an artist and photographer, when something they envision comes to real life in a photograph before them on the screen.

That's how I felt when I photographed the lovely Stephanie. 

Stephanie is a wonderful friend of mine and being able to capture the very essence of her in these photographs was not only an honor but an incredible reminder of the joy I feel when I'm given the opportunity and trust to paint a picture for a woman. To paint a new perspective for her, to show her what she may not always see or remember everyday - that she is, indeed, a beautiful and unique creation in a class all her own.

A special thank you to the wonderful Kathleen Tinney of A List Makeup for her beautiful work on Stephanie's hair and makeup!

Preview | Asmeret, 2015. Portraits by Heartbox Photography, Bay Area, CA

The theme was movement, mystery, fierceness. Add a beautiful late afternoon light and it's enough to make the little artist in me geek out and smile all kinds of happy.

A little sneak peak into this weekend's shoot with the lovely Asmeret...

There's more, so be sure to stay tuned!

A special thank you to the wonderful Kathleen Tinney of A List Makeup for her beautiful work on Asmeret's hair and makeup!

Ezraly, 2015 | Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Santa Clara, CA

When I first chatted with Ez about a photo shoot and possible themes, I remember distinctly how she described herself. A mom, a wife, a career woman, a yoga instructor, just trying to do it all. And funny how that can describe a lot of us women - busy, striving for the people we love, for ourselves. 

At first I thought about how I can possibly convey in a photo session that she was a mom, a career woman, a wife, etc.? It was in that moment I realized that while all those characteristics are important and significant, the main theme I hoped to convey in Ez's photo shoot was that she is a beautiful woman who laughs, loves,  and is a person who has life in her to share. 

So, the theme of this shoot? Show off Ez's warm smile. Capture who she uniquely is. Have fun and dance around in a tulle skirt....just because. Paint a an elegant portrait of a woman whose children and husband will one day look back on these photographs and be reminded how truly special she is to them.

Ez, it was an honor to have you in front my camera. Really. Thank you for allowing me into your world, for being yourself, for sharing who you are and being a part of a bigger message that every woman is fabulous and beautiful just as she is today. 

Happy Thursday, all!

A special thanks to LilyAnn Nguyen of A-List Makeup for her 

beautiful work on Ez's hair and makeup!

"I consider people who have an ease about them beautiful. Those who don't take themselves too seriously and can make fun of themselves is very attractive. I'm drawn to authenticity, sincerity, and consistency."

"[The perception of] beauty has definitely changed for me as I got more comfortable in my own skin. Trying not to judge oneself will always be a struggle, but I'm getting better and better at its a I learn to simply "breathe" through it."

"There will always be features of ourselves that we aren't fond of, but once you learn to accept and love that feature, it all of a sudden sparkles in a different light. So come from a place and humility and gratitude..."

Future Glory | Headshot Portraits by Heartbox Photography | San Francisco, CA

It never fails. 

Whenever I meet women who are doing big things in this world through their work, I always feel inspired and reminded that my own work and aspirations can be a game changer, an avenue of hope for bigger causes. That a dream can break limits in remarkable ways.  

Theresa Lee and her business partner Jennie Chen are two such women I had the privilege of meeting and photographing in the beautiful city of San Francisco. They are the owners of San Francisco-based company, Future Glory. Not only does their company create beautiful accessories and handbags, but they also support and partner with Freedom House and Because Justice Matters, two organizations that take huge active strides towards combating human trafficking and violence against women.

The rain-free, afternoon light peeked through the windows of a studio in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco (where much of their products are made), making it an ideal day for a head shot photo session. Though the afternoon San Francisco air started to cool down as the time passed, both Theresa and Jennie remained upbeat and patient in our search for the best light and backgrounds for their shoot.

Theresa and Jennie - Thank you for not only being an inspiration as business owners, but for playing an active role in restoring hope back to women and victims of human trafficking. It was truly an honor to meet you both and I am excited to see more of what's in store for Future Glory. 

Happy Wednesday!

Many thanks to the talented Tammy Do from A-List Makeup for Theresa's beautiful hair and makeup!

"Why ya'll scared to be different?"

"Why ya'll scared to be different?"

Fear is a lot of things. It can be big, scary, disabling, rough, etc. You've heard it all. But one thing that I'm being reminded of lately that fear is the most? Fear is tiring.

I love the inspiration of other artists, especially musicians. One of my latest favorites is a song called "Say I Wont'" by Lecrae and Andy Mineo. In light of the new year, 2015 resolutions, goals and all, I found myself really thinking about not only how fear is tiring, but also asking myself why am I scared to be different? As an artist, as a person, as a friend, as a follower of Christ? I get that it's a little weird, even suspicious, when you not only say you're Christian but also an entrepreneur, an artist who loves photography, hair and makeup stuff? You can almost hear an audible "Eh......no."

But that's ok, I get it. And at the same time I also can't hide that it's my hopes and dreams integrated with a desire to want to to big things with God that drive me, that fill me with hope, that keep me from making wrong things my idols, that make me want to share with people I meet through photography that they are loved, valued, and forgiven by God. No matter what their past, present, or future tells them. No matter what this world tells them. More and more I hope and pray that 2015 grows this desire in my heart and leaves less room for tiring fear.

Because really, why are we scared to be different?

Be Light.....Be Hope

I think one of my favorite things about the art of photography is the fact that light plays such a huge part in each photo created. Beautiful light makes my heart squeal in joy and reminds me of the endless possible photos that surround me. 

Light also reminds me of hope. And hope, in my opinion, is a major game changer to just about everything in life. It shatters limits, replaces lies with truth, allows for big dreams, makes possibilities generously overflow beyond what the human mind can comprehend. 

Recently, I had the privilege to photograph the owners of San Francisco-based company, Future Glory. This company is doing huge things not only by providing their customers with gorgeous, locally hand-crafted bags and accessories, but also with their active support and partnership with Freedom House and Because Justice Matters. These phenomenal organizations combat human trafficking as well as exploitation and violence against women. 

The best part? Future Glory is a company owned by women. And women entrepreneurs who use their gifts, their talents, their business savvy to be light and hope to other women deserve nothing less than a high-five/fist bump in my book.

Below was just one snapshot from the photo shoot - stay tuned for more!

Happy Monday!