I’m a huge goal setter. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I weren’t. I’ve never really been into New Year’s resolutions, though. Goals are more substantial, more tangible, because you write them down and concentrate on them and say them out loud over and over and then they happen. So throughout December and January each year, I’m constantly thinking, reflecting, seeking and searching for ways to become a better me.

A lot of that has to do with my work, naturally. I’ve been sharply focused on Lovato Images for the last two years and it has been the most beautiful challenge of my life to broaden this baby’s growth. Most of my goals are molded around my work.

Someone asked me today though, what one goal for 2011 is that I’ve set. And while I haven’t actually compiled my list yet, the first thing that came to me was me. So without hesitation, I responded:

One of my 2011 goals is to look in the mirror at least once a week and reflect on the reflection. What am I showing? How am I sharing? How can I be better at giving?

Orange photographer www.lovatoimages.comPINME

And on that note, I ask you, without hesitation, what is one of your goals for 2011?

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  • January 11, 2011 - 7:39 pm

    aron - I want to win a hot dog eating contest

a friend sent me this video today and watching it brought tears to my eyes.

if only…

we could walk a little slower. eyes opened a little wider. hearts a little softer…the world would be a much better place.

we’re all in this together.

and it starts with you and me, friends. we can change the world if we change ourselves first.

so take my hand and join us…

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After wrapping up a heavy holiday season with bubbling and bouncing business all December and some provocative yet purposeful personal stimulation, I can’t help but simmer down and settle into the things that matter most. Obviously, my to-do lists are packed this week. Obviously, there are 5,000 things I want to accomplish this year and I can’t help but get started right away.

However. Several times in the last five days I’ve felt a quick wave crash over me that covers me with a refreshing splash of peace and purity. It’s an understanding, a feeling…a knowing, that I am loved. I have the best family in the world, and I have grown up with a foundation and support that is stronger and more solid than anything  I’ve known.

As I edit images every day of all the families I just shot in December and reminisce on the time I got to spend with each of them, I can see even more clearly how beautiful and vital family really is. Mine and yours.

The Lacey’s were one such family. I could feel the bonds and bearings before they even all gathered in the same room. They all smiled brightly. They hugged warmly. And they joked easily. It was an honor to spend an hour with such an openly loving and tightly connected family.

And so as I continue my to-do list for today and every day…I’ll add one more to the list: appreciate my family. In any way I can, every moment I’m able, I’m going to show appreciation and support for the precious people in my life who have built me up, and hopefully in turn, build them up too.

orange photographer orange family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer orange family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer orange family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer orange family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer orange family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

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It’s interesting to me that when I’m in the moment and I have a job to do – I focus on the job and get the job done. I don’t let the enormity of any emotional depth weigh too heavy. I’m light on my feet and light in my heart.

But here I drive off with tears in my eyes and nostalgia welled up inside.

When I was in seventh grade, my friend, neighbor and walk-to-school buddy Alyssa was diagnosed with cancer. Not thinking too seriously about it, I missed her at school. A few short weeks later, she died – and the tragedy and reality of cancer and death hit me like a ton of bricks.

I remember balling uncontrollably for days and even more at her funeral. I remember her parents and siblings were so composed that day. I remember thinking they were so strong. My little twelve-year-old head had no idea.

The following months and years were probably the most difficult the Pataky’s ever saw or knew. But together, they made it through. And together, they still continue. They remember Alyssa openly. They honor her vividly. And they love her and this beautiful world she left more freely than I’ve ever known love to fly.

So tears burn my eyes now. But during our shoot together, I was light on my feet and light in my heart. Because that’s the way the Pataky’s roll. They savor each and every moment, as heavy as it may be. Because life is too short to not savor every moment, every bite, every drop of goodness that flows abundantly in this beautiful world of ours. Like the Pataky’s, I think we should all remember more openly, honor more vividly and love more freely. Together, we can make it through.

*note: the pink roses and sunflowers in each shot represent Alyssa

orange photographer family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

orange photographer family portraits www.lovatoimages.comPINME

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  • August 20, 2014 - 3:36 am

    Lydia Pearson - Hello, Jackie.

    I just sent you an email re: booking Claire Pearson for senior pix in October, on either 10/18 or 10/25. Please let me know how to make the deposit to secure the date. Thanks!

This was a letter I received from a dear friend today, and it touched me so deeply, I just had to share…

‘So I woke up at 5 am this morning and couldn’t go back to sleep obsessing about the things I want to change in 2011. It is New Years Eve and I’m now so tired I am not sure I can make it to midnight, and I realize this is a pattern I’ve been following for years and I have been way too harsh on myself. I know that we all do this to ourselves, so I decided to share these feelings with the women in my life as a New Years message, in hopes that maybe it will hit home with one or two of you. Here it goes.

Once and for all, let’s stop putting so much pressure on our pretty selves. We are all independent, smart and warm hearted women with a ridiculous amount of freedom we never had to fight for, thanks to generations of greater women that preceded us. We can do and say whatever we want, hang out with whoever we choose, give kisses to whomever we are attracted. Why are we so dissatisfied?

I can only speak for myself, but I think most of us often feel we’re not expressing our true selves professionally or artistically or intellectually, whatever any of that means. We fear that others are watching and we are afraid of being judged. But if there’s something I’ve learned in my 30 years it’s that NO ONE CARES. The rest of the world doesn’t care if you haven’t finished college or hold a masters degree; if you’re overweight, cut carbs or are a vegetarian; if you don’t want to have children or are dying to be a mother; No one cares if you don’t dye your hair, get pedicures or have crow’s feet. There’s not one entity called ‘the rest of the world’ who is watching and judging and expecting you to be perfect: that is all in your head.

So instead of obsessing about things I want to change in 2011 in order to feel I’m getting closer to that perfection, I decided that I will celebrate what I’ve accomplished in 2010 and flip a finger to all my worries, my fear of getting old, my self consciousness about my career, and the horrific idea that I may never find a life partner. To hell with all that! I opt to save myself the frustration I’ll feel in a couple of months when I realize my room is still a mess, I haven’t lost any pounds, I have no better job on sight and I have not been training for that half marathon. No resolutions this time. Life is here, right now. Be present with me.

I hope a couple of you can relate to this, but if not, no regrets; sharing is caring, and I care about every single one of you. My life would not be the same without you women. I wish you all a very happy new year and I hope you remain in my life exactly the way you are.’

www.lovatoimages.com orange county boudoir photographyPINME

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  • December 31, 2010 - 5:46 pm

    Stephani O. - You are beyond inspiring!! I can’t thank you enough for sharing your heart, thoughts and opinion! Here’s to being present…just as I am…in 2011!

  • December 31, 2010 - 6:25 pm

    DAFFERS - I LOVE IT!!!

  • January 1, 2011 - 11:39 am

    Jeff B. - Wishing U nothing but the BEST for 2011 – may all of ur hopes & aspirations come to fruition….

  • January 2, 2011 - 6:44 pm

    Carleen - Way to be real Jackie…I love it! LIFE is about being Happy & Content with what Life brings us! Get ready to set sail…let your Journey begin…happy new year 2011!

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