Destination Wedding

We’re headed out today for my brother’s destination wedding in Tuscany. NBD. I’ve left my computer at home and cell phone service will be shut off for ten days. I will answer email intermittently so be advised, I’m going to be hard to reach. Lovato Images office is officially closed until June 17.

You can follow some of my adventures on Instagram and otherwise check back here for more detailed posts after my return. This is going to be a fun one.

I’m looking forward to being unplugged. I’m looking forward to letting go. I can’t wait to sit and do nothing but savor the beauty of each moment. I’m going to bat my lashes at that incredible country and say ‘Well hello there, friend. So lovely to see you.’ I’ll stay for awhile and love every moment, then I’ll take my Italian lessons and leave. Because traveling is like flirting with life. It’s like saying ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go.’

So here I go!

 

 

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Photo by Elizabeth Zuluaga, Tuscany, 2011

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“I have to admit, I didn’t exactly like your class in the beginning,’ one of my students said as the group lingered at the door. It was the last night of our last class the last week and we were exchanging final pleasantries at our little semester wrap party. Wait, wasn’t this supposed to be pleasant?

Other students chimed in and explained how how much I pushed them, how much work it was, how they understood nothing at first and felt lost but now feel like they have a good base to move forward as they continue with photography. Ahhh good, moving forward, continue shooting. That’s what I like to hear. I also appreciated the gripes though. My class wasn’t easy. Life isn’t. But the greatest triumphs come after you are stretched and challenged, do they not?

And I couldn’t help but think about photography and how it relates to life…there are negatives that make positives, you develop, you are in the dark when things transform, you learn to look for the good light, get set, compose, work to capture and create with moments in time that would otherwise be forever gone…man, I love my job.

This semester, we laughed a lot. We worked hard. We had a lot of fun. And that’s how you should do it all, right? Show up. Do the work and try your best to do it well. Stretch yourself, and smile the whole damn time. Cause even though there’s going to be lack of sleep, lots of frustration and maybe even some tears, you have got to keep smiling. Keep working at it. Keep pushing yourself. We’re all going to be better photographers, better people because of it.

Cheers to you, sweet students of mine. Thanks for working hard, learning well and teaching me a few things too.

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Newborn Photography in Temecula

Oh Marco. You’ve stolen my heart in one afternoon and I fear for all the babes being born who’s hearts will break later in life when they meet you. You are perfect, and with your amazing parents, I know you’re going to grow up to be an exceptional man. Just let the ladies down easy, k? 😉

Your mom and I spent a few wonderful hours together during your first photo shoot last week. You were so perfect that we got all the shots we needed so fast and she and I got to talk while you fed and slept. I loved hearing about your birth and your big brother and your family slumber parties. Glad we got to get some family photos in the room you’ve spent your whole first week of life in. What special moments. I know your crazy big bro disturbed your nap, but you’ll be thankful later. Try and always be thankful, k?

Life goes so fast, man. You’re going to be riding bikes and getting your diploma and leaving your sweet nest before we know it. Just remember to stay close to your family, k? You’ve got such a good one; cherish them.
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Written on October 24, 2011:

At 4:30 am, the jet had lagged me. I read a little. Did some dishes. Then decided to make a few steaks. Now I’m drinking a glass of wine. It’s 6am. Is this normal?

It’d be 3pm in Rome, about the time I’d be sitting down to have a drink and a snack. So I’m going to say that yes, this feels normal now.

Because once you experience Italy, nothing is as you knew it to be before. Everything is different. Suddenly the smell of possibility is alive in your nose, like fresh baked bread on a cobble stoned corner or homemade bolognese on your plate. The idea that you have to do something you don’t want to do has less pressure because you know now; you know that life is so short and every moment must be savored. So f*ck it. Do what makes you happy. Time is the most precious part of life that we’ve got. La bellezza di non fare nulla has an entirely different concept than it did two weeks ago because I am finally able to be fully present. And thank God for giving us Italy to teach me that. Hopefully this is always normal.

So here I sit. Fast forward a few years, late at night, or in the morning, I’m not sure. I am sure that in one week I’ll be headed back to the land of the best olive oil and amazing shoes and a landscape full of people who talk with their hands and lead with their hearts. Italia. My favorite place on the planet [for so many reasons but mainly] because when I’m there, I’m forever in the moment.

 

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Fun Senior Photos in Laguna Beach

Farah and Matthew. Twins you’re glad there’s two of. Because, well look at them.

Kidding. They are good people, both bright and kind, focused and disciplined and a lot of fun. At least we had a lot during their combined senior portrait session at Victoria Beach last weekend. Even when I made them stand in cold water that soaked their ankles and go around the edge of the cliff with crazy waves, they laughed the whole way through. Good sports.

Matthew’s a track star (clearly, look at that form!) and Farah ran track and played basketball, so great sports indeed. Had to show a little bit of that. 🙂 Godspeed you two! I can’t wait to see how you move forward in your next chapters.

 

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