I’ve been supporting my friend Liz over the past few years as she’s been balancing the decision to build a photography business or to keep working for The Man. We went to college together and earned degrees but both felt devoid of any understanding or confidence in our desired craft after graduation. We both took different forks in the road as I started shooting (and have never looked back) while Liz started working outside of photography (and hasn’t been able to keep her focus forward). Until recently, that is. Last year she finally let go of all the comfort and routine and stability as a w2 employee and launched her business full time. Welcome to sole proprietorship, friend!

Liz and I are constantly chatting in our ‘virtual office’ (aka, g chat) as she builds her editing style, marketing plan, pricing structure, sales, services and everything between. It’s crazy starting from scratch but I’ve really enjoyed engaging with this beauty over the past few months as she’s pushed harder than ever towards her dream. It’s been a lovely progression to witness.

So obviously the girl needed some freshy head shots for her new website. So a few months back we got together and jammed out a sesh to show the world a little bit more of Liz, her fabulous personality and her gorgeous face. Isn’t that smile just radiant?! And those eyes? Dark and dreamsicley. Mmmm…

Love you, Liz. Keep building. Keep beautifying the world with your inner light. Don’t look back and keep pushing forward where you belong. I’ll be on the g watching you shine.

 

 

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  • July 12, 2012 - 2:42 pm

    sarah Rico - SUPER DUPER GORGEOUS of a SUPER DUPER GIRL! LOVE THEM! P.S. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your work and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you are friends with two of my favorite people…Miss Liz and Ms. Janene :). Thanks for sharing!

Today my parents celebrate 36 years of marriage and I have to take this opportunity to reflect on marriage as I’ve come to understand it.

My parents will be the first to tell you that marriage is the hardest thing they’ve ever done (besides raising their crazy kids of course). It’s a life long commitment that is challenging and trying beyond our wildest imaginations. But you choose your partner, keep the commitment and it can become the most rewarding relationship of all if you keep at it.

I’ve never really seen my parents’ marriage struggle. I know they’ve had their hard times as we all have, but they are such a solid pair, they continue together down every road no matter how rocky. They stand firm, side by side, and keep on keeping on. And usually it’s with a smile and a huge hug if you get close enough.

With that being said, I’m not saying you have to be as strong as they are (or seem to be). But what I am saying is keep pushing. My parents made a promise to one another 36 years ago and they keep at it every day. So much changes over the years and they’ve stuck it out together and have never stopped working on their relationship through it all. They both swear communication is the biggest key.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad. You two make it look so easy, and I know it’s not, but thank you for being such a beautiful example of what God’s love and grace can create and sustain.

 

portrait photographerPINME

pictured in Napa, September 2009

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If you liked what you just saw here, sign up for The Picture of the Every Couple of Days. It’s an email I send out every couple of days with one image and a few words. It’s a nice refresher for your inbox, aiming only to keep your interest enthused and your inspiration engaged. Check out the most recent Picture of the Every Couple of Days here.

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So I backed up the images from my iPhone last week (which we all do regularly, right???), and I enjoyed scrolling through the places and faces and spaces I’ve visited and explored and experienced the past six months.

I’m at a point in my life where travel is vital. Good conversations over good meals are absolutely necessary. Working hard shouldn’t be balanced by too many days of hardly working and my independence and solitude is important but sharing with others is what really makes life worth while.

I’m at a point in my life where self discovery is challenging. Fine tuned focus doesn’t always come easy. Building a business and managing personal development sometimes takes a back seat to living in the moment and whatever that moment may hold. I’m fairly certain this is just how life goes.

And I’ll continue going with it. It’s been a fantastic ride so far and I can’t wait to explore these next six months of 2012 with my iPhone camera, my travels, my cups of coffee, meals and conversations, and all the amazing people I meet along the way.

 

Travels of a Portrait PhotographerPINME

 

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A few years ago as part of my marketing plan, I decided to start a monthly email newsletter. It’s been an interesting challenge and I’ve grown a lot from it. Last night I sent out the 35th Lovato Images newsletter and I can’t believe it’s been three years. Time keeps flying!

The structure of the monthly emails is always the same, it’s a little blurb about what’s going on with Lovato Images, followed by another little blurb about a business I like/use/support/respect, and ends with the ‘QUICK TIP,’ an easy photography tip or trick that I like to share. Sharing is caring!

The QUICK TIPS have been wildly popular and I get tremendous feedback on them. So much that, my readers/supporters encouraged me to start giving photography lessons and classes, which I started earlier this year and am really happy to continue progressing. Fun stuff!

Anyway, in an effort to share the awesomeness, I’m posting the QUICK TIP that was sent out this month. Sign up and join in on the learning/Lovato loving!

 

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If you liked what you just saw here, sign up for The Picture of the Every Couple of Days. It’s an email I send out every couple of days with one image and a few words. It’s a nice refresher for your inbox, aiming only to keep your interest enthused and your inspiration engaged. Check out the most recent Picture of the Every Couple of Days here.

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Boudoir literally means the ‘lady’s private room.’ So boudoir portraits are meant to be private. Sensitive. Sensual. Sincere.

With Lovato Images, we create an atmosphere that’s comfortable and quiet. Unless you wanna rock Britney Spears, then we can crank up the volume. But basically, this portrait session is about you, how you feel and having a fantastic time, leaving you feeling better than ever.

We work with natural lighting, flattering angles and comfortable poses. We discuss areas that you’re uncomfortable with and work around them. We consult about your desires and purpose for your photographs. We create images that showcase your most sensual sides.

And just because it’s boudoir doesn’t mean it has to be nude or even lingeried… Wear what you want. Feel how you should. And know that a boudoir session with Lovato Images will be an empowering experience beyond any portraits you’ve done before.

Now that you’ve got your summer body and your summer skin on its way to tanned perfection, book a boudoir session this month. All July bookings (booked/scheduled, not necessarily shot in July) receive half off a custom designed book to keep these images beautifully shareable, yet private. Inquire today.

 

boudoir picturesPINME

 

If you liked what you just saw here, sign up for The Picture of the Every Couple of Days. It’s an email I send out every couple of days with one image and a few words. It’s a nice refresher for your inbox, aiming only to keep your interest enthused and your inspiration engaged. Check out the most recent Picture of the Every Couple of Days here.

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