Lovato Images blog

New Blog for Lovato Images

2010-08-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

Today is a new day. Today is a new day with new ways to move forward. There are new ways to progress. There are new ways to change for the better.

Today marks the last day of any posts to this blog. Lovato Images is moving forward. Lovato Images is progressing. Lovato Images is changing, for the better.

Please visit www.lovatoimages.com/blog for more details.

wedding photographer at work, mon

2010-08-02T20:48:00.001-07:00

Crouched in a corner, tummy grumbling, heart racing, excitement building, I sit and edit a slideshow for the guests to view at the reception of the wedding I shot on Saturday at the Disneyland Hotel. Thanks to my trusty, brilliant, creative and FANTABULOUS sidekick Min-to-the-shiz-ee...we have it documented.

Can't wait to share the images! SUCH a beautiful event...and it all stemmed from the hearts and hugs of the bride and groom and each and every one of their guests...

Thanks again, Griffins! Talk to ya when ya back from Jamaica, mon!

Slow Down, Look for the Light | Photography and Life

2010-07-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

In May I shot the live video feed with Mission Visual for ESCALATE LIVE 2010. It was so great to be part of the staff for this event.

The most touching speaker to me was world renowned wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis. He's an amazing photographer and a really amazing man. My biggest take away from Jerry's talk was to SLOW DOWN and LOOK FOR THE LIGHT. He said that photographers too often look for location first and then try to make the light work. But he stressed the importance of first, slowing down to THINK, then to look for the LIGHT. What a concept!

And I've really enjoyed applying these simple steps within my photography work. Slow down. Think. Look for the light. And BOOM. Beautiful images result.

HOWEVER. A little deeper reflection and I've taken these steps into my personal life as well. Slow down. Think. Look for the Light.

I believe in One God. I believe in One Good. I believe in One Light, and whosoever believes in that Light, will never walk alone in darkness again.

But even those of us who believe and focus on the Light, lose sight of it from time to time. Two weeks ago was such a time for me. I was in the dark. I was lost. And I didn't slow down, stop, THINK for one second to LOOK FOR THE LIGHT.

Finally, FINALLY, after a full week of walking in darkness, I slowed down to think and I prayed. I prayed for God to put His Light back inside of me, I prayed for strength to focus on the Light again. And every day since has been more beautiful and more bright.

So Jerry Ghionis and the lessons I learned at Escalate Live have stuck with me. They are not only teaching me to be a better photographer, but even more so, to be a better me.

self portrait taken the last day of that awful week...the day before I finally focused on the Light again...

Lindsay + Drew | Engagement Session | Wedding Photography

2010-07-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

I had coffee with my good friend and beautiful bride to be this morning and I can't even believe her wedding is in two weeks. I remember last year when she was dreaming about an engagement and a ring...then when it happened...then she booked the date and found the perfect dress...and now the final details are almost done (including us both dropping 5 lbs, why not, right), and the big day is almost here.

Lindsay and Drew are perfect together. They are open and honest, they communicate, they laugh and have fun...they are better individuals because of their relationship together. And Lindsay was one solid individual before she met Drew. I know this, because I've known her since...what...second grade?? And over the years, I've seen her emerge as a strong and vibrant young woman who takes responsibility for her various roles in life and pushes herself to be the best she can be in every way. Every day.

And Drew is perfect for Lindsay in so many ways...but what stuck out most during our engagement shoot two weeks ago...was that he cherishes her. He appreciates her. He loves her and respects her...but he's not afraid to tell her when he prefers to wear a different shirt than what she thinks. ;)

We met in the backyard of Lindsay's parents house where Drew and Lindsay spent a quiet evening together last fall by the pool. Some really good conversation, some lounging, some champagne and a trip to the car and back brought Drew to one knee to propose to the woman of his dreams. So dream on, the rest of you! This beauty's taken!

Perla + Hector | Engagement Party | Event Photography

2010-07-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

Perla and Hector are getting married in August in Hawaii. And gosh darnit, I was booked already! Otherwise I'd have a plane ticket and hotel booked and be getting my sunscreen and bikinis ready to go...! And all my photography gear too, of course!

But, fortunately, this fantastic couple booked me to shoot their wedding reception/engagement party here in SoCal. And even more fortunately, I got to shoot side by side with one of my fave wedding vendors, Mike McCaleb from Mission Visual. It's always so great to work with quality professionals who are not only great at what they do, but fun too!

So Perla and Hector and their families gathered at the lovely little Town Center Hall in Santa Fe Springs a few Saturdays ago for an evening of celebration. Perla and Hector spent a few minutes outside with Mike and I to get some portraits and a few dance moves in before they hit the party. Perla straightened Hector's tie and we were ready for the grand entrance.

They were greeted inside with such a warmth that I had to keep the images warm toned to showcase the loveliness of their family ties. It has been said that when a couple are married, the families are united and it was really beautiful to see that manifested between the Castillos and Padillas earlier this July. The dancing began, and it was nothing but laughter and more hugs between shimmies. So fun. Thanks for sharing all that with me, Perla, Hector and families...

Muchos anos maravillosos a usted!

PFC Robert D. Lovato - Marine Corps Graduation Ceremony

2010-07-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

On July 9, 2010, Private First Class Robert D. Lovato, graduated from the Marine Corps. After three months of boot camp, and completing the Crucible at Camp Pendleton, my 'little' cousin is a changed man.

Rob has always been funny. Rob has always been sharp and quick witted. Rob has always been the cousin I knew could do anything he put his mind to, and has done that anything again and again.

And he's still all of those things. However, he now walks a little taller. He's now got a confidence to his stride I'd never seen. His conversation is a little smoother and focus has shifted in a way most guys his age couldn't yet imagine. It's remarkable. It's humbling. And it's proof to me that Rob has stepped into the solid man that I always knew he would be.

It was a proud couple of hours at the MCRD San Diego for we Lovatos (and Endicotts and Nilson! ;)). As soon as the marines were released, we all scurried down to hug Rob and take him home.

Proud parents and sister...then a group shot with all of his fans...

Then, back at my home, he dumped his bags and showed us all his new gear...
and the Lovato RD stamp of approval...

Love the Most - Lovato Images

2010-07-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

Please forgive my lack of blogging the last week or two. I had family in town (which I'll be blogging about soon!) which kept me away from my computer. Then, the day they all left, a tragic accident I witnessed left me completely lost. It was all I could do to keep most of the appointments I had last week. So please, forgive anything or anywhere I was lacking last week. I haven't exactly been myself.

So, to step back into this, I thought I'd reflect on a question I get a lot. People often ask me what I like to shoot the most. I do shoot a LOT of different things and while it might be stretching some of my efforts more than it should, I'm going to keep the diversity going for now. Because. Really. I do enjoy it all.

There are MANY things I love about photography and being a photographer and working in this fantastically creative field. But one of my favorite things about my shoots, is that I'm able to step outside of myself, and immerse myself, my work and my heart into the stories I'm shooting. I might be having a really rough day, but I show up to shoot, and the energy and the chemistry of the people in front of my lens warms me up, wraps me tight and takes all my cares away. Seriously.

So thank you. For all of you who have been in front of my lens, for all of you who have let me into your stories, into your lives, into your energy and love...thank you. I've taken a part of you with me, and taken your story and shared it my way. And I appreciate the experience and the memories we'll keep forever, one digital file, one print, one click at a time...

So to answer the question, 'what do I like to shoot best...' my response is...wherever I am able to feel, share and showcase the most love, I definitely love the most.

Lindsay and Drew during their engagement shoot in Anaheim Hills, July 12, 2010.

Picture of the Every Couple of Days Caption Contest

2010-07-06T10:56:00.001-07:00

"An ice cream truck in Orange is hijacked by drunken locals disguised as Saved by the Bell characters. Later the truck was found on fire in a middle school parking lot emptied of its cargo. A reward has been set for any information leading to the arrests of the

Saved by the Bell Bandits."

Thank you all who participated in the Picture of the Every Couple of Days Caption Contest! What fun I had reading all the submissions!

For those not familiar, I asked people to come up with a creative caption for the image above and the winner receives a gift certificate for a 30 minute massage with Brandi Sky Brady, RMT. The winner for this first contest is Christie Naill (most creative caption listed above image). Woo hoo!! Christie, please email me for details on how to redeem your prize.

Because it made me laugh so hard, I had to choose a Most Honorable Mention/runner up prize, which is a 25% off coupon to her next massage booked with Brandi Sky Brady, RMT. Congratulations to Cynthia Karim for the FUNNIEST caption:

"Come and get it...condoms and ice cream....ding-a-ling-ling"

And because there were so many good ones, I copied some here. Enjoy! And thanks again for all who participated!

"Even as adults, Ricky and his girls still go bananas for the ice cream truck."

"80s Polyester Zombies attack west LA ice cream truck."

"We can totally afford all this ice cream."

"Sugar Rush."

"Ever notice how the Icecream man always drove extra blocks away? Well on this particular day he had made a couple of laps around the block just to see these dorks run after it. He saw them coming, he saw em and sh*t, but he was in that truck with his friends and said to em: Watch me, let's see how fast I make these motherf*ers run."

"rock n roll ice cream"

"Soft serve??? I asked for a Big Stix!"

"Breakin' 3: Popsicle Boogaloo"

"Air Guitar strikes when you least expect it!"

"The 80's just aren't what they used to be."

"Years go by but youth will never die."

"I'm your ice cream man, stop me when I'm passin by. All my flavors are guaranteed to satisfy."

"Find your inner child."

"Good times are here again!"

For those of you not yet recipients of the Picture of the Every Couple of Days, please, click on the link and sign up so that you can be included in the next contest.

Independence Days - Lifestyle Photography

2010-07-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, while I was in college and working for an event photography company, I took a job on the Fourth of July. A big fat amazing party in Corona del Mar at this big fat house with a big fat guest list of all of the hosts' friends and family. It was a killer party.

And I was in a killer physical state. To make a long and disgusting story short and tasteful, it was a really rough couple of hours. Being sick, and being at this awesome party with all of these awesome friends and family of the hosts', I vowed to never work on the Fourth of July again. I've spent it with my own awesome family and friends ever since.

This year, however, my parents are out of town at a huge family reunion that I had to miss due to shoots today and Monday. So this year is a little different, in more ways than one.

Now here I sit, the day before our country's independence day, and I can't help but think of my own independence. I'm still far from where my vision will take me. I'm still far from where I want to be. However, I've come to a point as an artist where I am excited and honored to stand on my own. My clients trust me and value my work. My friends and contacts appreciate my work. My family is proud of my work. And some are moved by my work.

There is no better way to celebrate independence day this year than to reflect on the freedom I have in my work and the way I fit into myself and my goals more each day. I belong to myself. I am true to myself. And my family, friends and clients allow me that.

So let music swell the breeze, and ring from the trees, sweet freedom's song...let freedom ring!

Have a great weekend, everyone. Be safe. And be free.

(one of my first ever self portraits pictured, 2003)

Daymaker Bradley Sandstrom - Portraits

2010-07-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

I got a really rad email today that started with the subject line 'daymaker.' I opened it with curiosity to read a sweet note: 'Thanks so much for all your posts! And the compliments! You turned my day from a borderline stinky to a super super yay day!! What an amazing thing to do. Thanks!!!' And that feedback made MY day in return! Positivity is contagious, people. Truly!

And one of the most positive daymaker types I know is Mr. Bradley Sandstrom. I met Brad in college and we've remained friends as the two of us have traveled and grown through one fantastic adventure after another. And to Brad, and to me, a fantastic adventure can be a 15 minute cab ride or a walk through an arboretum at night. He's a beautiful person, and makes my day almost every time I talk to him.

So! How excited was I when he hit me up a few months back before I traveled to Manhattan to take some portraits of him in that big apple-icious city?! He is there trying to make a go of his acting and/or music career. And of course, every actor/musician MUST have some solid head shots, right? Especially the super cool ones. So naturally, I jumped at the job opp.

I posted a few of the head shots before, but here are some more of the fun ones. Daymaker style.

my ridiculously awesome job

2010-07-01T13:31:00.001-07:00

Times get tough. Money gets tight. Work gets stressful. And honestly, sometimes I question whether or not I should be doing this. Sometimes I wonder if I should get some desk job and look forward to direct deposit and Fridays like everyone else.

But then I have a day like today. Where I wake up, a little too late, which is always unfortunate, but never detrimental, throw my hair back, throw on some shades and leash up the pooch to walk to the Circle to meet a friend for coffee. We sit, chat, discuss business and life and skin care and SEO and marketing and the people who REALLY have The Good inside. We chat with some men smoking cigars (yes, at 9:30 am), let a toddler pet the poodle, tear some coupons out of the paper and part with a good hug. Chloe and I walk home. Eat breakfast with the roommate. I bring my laptop into the kitchen. And start to work on SEO and marketing.

And here I sit, several hours later. In my comfy kitchen. With my precious poodle. Next to the open window that overlooks my fabulous and sunny backyard. Feeling the breeze. Taking and making phone calls from clients, colleagues and friends. Working on marketing. Loving every ounce of beauty that exists all around me, including my groovy ivy that grows out of a coke bottle on my kitchen table. My plants are so cool.

And my self portraits are especially cool. Especially when you throw in some Photo Booth effects and a really rad roommate. Oh yea. This is how I work sometimes. And most the time, my job is just this ridiculously awesome.

Sam + Jordan | Orange Wedding Photography

2010-06-30T09:52:00.001-07:00

Samantha and Jordan both serve this country in the United States Navy. And now, the two will serve one another as life partners.

It was a six month whirlwind of training and learning and growing together and falling in love that ended with a beautiful marriage ceremony in Orange earlier this month. Or should I say, began.

The two wrote their own vows and as they shared them with one another and their guests, tears ran down cheeks and smiles beamed. Their parents are honored. Their siblings are proud. And I am humbled by the solid commitment that the two had made not just to one another, but to all our country.

So Committed Sam was one of the most laid back and easy going brides I've ever worked with, and also, one of the most beautiful! Committed Jordan, you're a lucky man. You're a lucky man.

His Little Black Book - custom designed album

2010-06-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

His Little Black Book. A beautiful little album that I designed for Cecilia to give to her husband for their anniversary. Hard bound, 8x10, premium lustre paper with Jackie flare-tastic painted all over it. Available for all shoots. Order yours today!

Dean Soldan - Newborn Portraits

2010-06-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

Dean Kyle Rand Soldan. Eight pounds of pure perfection.

I went over to his house on Wednesday for his first official photoshoot, and the little man did great! I think the 'food coma' that Mama Grace put him in helped, but I honestly think this little guy's gonna be a sweetheart (for his parents and my camera!).

We started by having Daddy Donnie wrap him in a 'burrito' blanket and then decided that putting the little guy in dad's firefighter helmet would be darling. We were so right. All this napping in front of the camera left little Dean tuckered out (and Mom too), so I left the young family lounging on the couch.

Yesterday was his one week birthday. :)

Congratulations, Soldan's! He really is perfect!

GREEK FESTIVAL Fun!

2010-06-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

St. Paul's Greek Festival, Irvine, California.

An event we all look forward to and anticipate with excitement throughout the year. I kid you not, this is one weekend you don't want to miss. I never do.

Greek food, Greek dancing, Greek PASTRIES, Greek beer, Greek games, Greek art, Greek PEOPLE, Greek Orthodoxy, GREEK, GREEK, GREEK. It's so GREEK! I mean, Great!

Please join us. I'll be at the food booth tomorrow (Friday). I'll be roaming Saturday. I'll be back in the kitchen on Sunday.

St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine.

See you there!!

Images by yours truly, naturally.

real estate photography

2010-06-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

Came back into town Friday and shot a few homes that afternoon and Saturday before I was out again...

Here's one of them. A beautiful little Ladera leaser...you'd never know that three kids under six cruise this house every day. It's in mint condition! And impeccably decorated...

Let me know if you might have a friend or contact who'd be interested.

jennifer pangan, the master - portrait photography

2010-06-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

When Jen emailed me to shoot some portraits in honor of her graduation, I was beyond excited. Jen's one of those people who's voice warms your ears and your heart beats just a bit more happy when she's around. She's genuine, kind and positive every minute of the day. At least all the minutes I've spent with her anyway!

So she just graduated with a masters degree in education from Cal State Fullerton, so we decided to meet at the Arboretum there (if you haven't been, please check it out, it's beautiful!) and walk around campus to her favorite spots. I got my undergrad at CSUF so it was a little trip down memory lane for both of us as we stopped here and there and reminisced about coffee there or smoothies over there or studying under the tree there.

It was a beautiful June gloom day which made for beautiful soft lighting on Jen's beautiful and soft face. Way too much awesomeness to choose from, but here's a few...!

stillness in the windy city - travel photography

2010-06-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

Fabulous photographer and friend of mine, Robb Davidson of Robb Davidson Photography needed a second shooter last minute for a friggin fantastic wedding he was shooting in the Chicago area on Sunday. So naturally, I hopped on the next plane out to the windy city to shoot for him. I'll post some pics from the wedding fantasticness later...

For now, I wanted to share some shots from our little jaunt through the windy city during my too few hours there on Monday. It is really amazing to walk around with another photographer and shoot and chat and watch the world go by with our similarly visioned eyes. There's an excitement and encouragement and a comfort being next to a solid shooter and friend like Robb that I can't describe. I'm moved. Yet still at the same time.

Thanks for showing me your town, Robb. My two days there with you rocked. Naturally.

Cecilia - for His Little Black Book

2010-06-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

Cecilia is a woman who I fell in love with almost immediately. She's sensitive, caring, diligent, determined and stunningly beautiful, inside and out. I am so proud to be her friend.

So sometime last year she asked if we could do a boudoir session for her and her husband's anniversary. I agreed, but not wanting to pressure her, never brought it up again. Taking your clothes off for a camera isn't the easiest thing to do. And I want my clients to WANT to do it, not be persuaded.

But Cec ('Sess') was ready. We booked the session a few weeks before their three year anniversary, and Cecilia shared with me a vulnerable, raw and striking beauty that I had never seen. I was blown away at her comfort and grace with me and the camera.

She ordered an album, I designed it, titled it 'his little black book' and Kameron agreed: best anniversary present EVER.

Thanks for sharing with me, Cec. And also, for allowing me to share with the world. You're a beautiful woman, and a friend I look forward to sharing with more and more as the years go on.

interview with PAPA

2010-06-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Some months ago, Karlo Gesner of Karlo Photography and PAPA - Podcast for the Advanced Photo Amateur in Lancaster, PA, sent out a tweet about Facebook fan pages. My sharp witted little self decided to tweet back my strong opinion against the marketing tool and Karlo tweeted back asking if he could interview me for a PAPA podcast. I agreed.

So, a few months later, the two of us got together on Skype with Derek Green of Derek Green Photography in Maryland and chatted on the topic. Karlo was also quite interested in my recent trip to Tanzania with St. Paul's Mission Committee's medical team Mission IS Possible. So. We chatted. We reminisced. We debated. We solved the problems of the Facebook photography world today.

Have a listen.

Do I say 'um' 200,000 times too much, or what?

Get Ready...

2010-06-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

for some rad images from an awesome shoot...

Lovato Images teamed up with ISHOT Photography for a fun shoot at Earll's Garage...stay tuned...

an email I received...

2010-06-02T09:55:00.001-07:00

Subject: You're a bada($$).

Did you know that? (See attachment.)

and as some of you may know, this was refreshing due to the fact that for the past month i've been working on building my SEO...so nice to see my work working!

mary + angelo | yorba linda, ca | engagement portraits

2010-06-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

Mary is intelligent, driven and fun. She is a dedicated friend and partner to her man.

Angelo is independent, smart and kind. He is tender and careful with his lady.

His hands hold firmly onto her waist. His fingers brush softly across her hair. And he looks at her with the fondness she deserves.

I'm so excited to witness the marriage of Mary and Angelo this summer. They're a couple that fit together well, and I look forward to supporting their union in the many years to come.

outside your comfort zone

2010-05-28T00:13:00.000-07:00

i was trying new things and it was taking too long
i wanna go with what i know
so.

i duno how i feel about that actually

it's good to go with what i know
but creativity lies in the unknown...
try new things
make new things
see new things
change things
create
motivate
move
change

greatness is outside your comfort zone.

Rick Marcus - Environmental Portraits

2010-05-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

I had read in Professor Rick Marcus' bio that back in the 70's, a bus accident in Afghanistan had turned his life around. I was immediately fascinated.

So. Moments after meeting him, as we walked from his office to our first shooting location, I asked what was up with his experience in Afghanistan. Naturally.

He quickly shared how the bus was overturned, he was unconscious for days, and when he finally returned to the States three weeks later, his smashed face had healed wrong and they had to break and reconfigure something like 57 bones. He said his face is disfigured. I said he looked great. He disagreed.

Nice, smooth start to a shoot, I thought.

So I took in a breath, had him sit down, and let the ambient light of the library glide across the curves of his great face. I let the intensity of his gaze guide me at first, then I took over and his face softened and we created some nice images together.

And I really do think he looks great.

Real Estate Photography, and planning...

2010-05-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

One of my shoots from last week...a beautiful estate in Anaheim Hills. The decorating is incredible, and what's more, is that the owner did it all herself. She was a wonderful woman with whom I enjoyed chatting as we went from room to room. I want her to come decorate my house. And make my house bigger. And build me a pool. And get me a pool guy to take care of it. And maybe another car to go in that extra garage space...or a Vespa...green, with a yellow helmet...

If you're interested in this property, contact Julie Loeb. She's great!

SF - What do you see?

2010-05-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

It'd be safe to say I had a long week last week.

I started out at Escalate Live 2010, shooting the live video feed for Mission Visual. So for any of you that might have signed on to watch it streamed live on the internet, you were watching through my lens. Kinda fun, I think.

But more than fun, it was an incredibly insightful and motivating couple of days. Some of the speakers totally blew my mind, and two of them touched me very deeply. I'll have to expand on that impact further, later.

But it definitely kicked me off to a week of better vision. Escalate, 12 hours of solid and stimulating conversation with a good friend, getting to know better a new good friend, missing old friends, some good wine with more good friends and all the while, hustling for Lovato Images and making 14 clients and subjects completely satisfied...all opened my eyes this week to bigger and better things. The grass is definitely growing a little greener.

I woke up early on Saturday morning to drive back for a beautiful engagement session and this was staring at me through my lovely Haight apartment. I was exhausted. I still kind of am. But honestly, the grass in my yard is a little greener, my skies are a little bluer, and my work as an artist, business owner and friend is slowly but surely getting better and better. I see it that way, anyway.

But it's really all about how YOU see things. So what do you see?

Thanks again for the hospitality, Dave and Nicole. Looking fwd to spending more time with you guys soon!

Morgan Page - Portrait Photography

2010-05-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine referred me to one of his clients a few months back when he was out of town. There's nothing more rewarding than knowing that a fellow colleague trusts me to take care of his clients and then being given the opportunity again.

So Gabe at AM&S called me up again to shoot Morgan Page with their Allen & Heath Xone:Dx mixer. I don't know much about the machine or the industry for that matter, but Morgan, Gabe and I collaborated that Tuesday at Morgan's studio in Glendale to make some sweet images for AM&S and their pr.

And if you haven't heard of Morgan Page, check him out. He's doing some really amazing things.

Lovely Lana - Maternity Portraits

2010-05-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

I've known Lana for a number of years now, and the little beauty never ceases to amaze me with her warmth and endless positive energy. When I asked her how her pregnancy was going, she shared a few aches and pains but smiled and finished with 'I'm building a baby...I'm building my best friend...it's an amazing process and I'm cherishing every moment of it.' My eyes watered up and my hairs stood on end as I appreciated the miracle glowing in front of me.

And I do appreciate maternity and the graciousness of my clients for opening up to me during that special time. It's not always easy, it's not always comfortable, it's not always fun...but for just an hour or two, sometimes just a moment or a few, these women, these beautiful women, look into my lens and let me in.

And Lana! Oh, the sun shined on her that Saturday in Anaheim Hills. And she shined right back.

And I suppose it's only fair to say that Omar was equally as awesome. After a beer and thirty minutes in front of whatever good game was on tv, he was ready to roll. Thanks, Omar and Lana, those two hours were way too fun!

All Good

2010-05-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in over a week, and I feel strange about it.

There's been a lot going on, 'I've been busy,' I've been working, I've been learning, I've been relaxing, I've been doing yard work (planted some sunflowers and sweet peas!), I've been caring for my dog, I've been shooting and editing and pushing images out the door every day. This is all good.

I took a break from Twitter and Facebook and marketing and my blog and reading other blogs and researching and my finances even email unfortunately and pretty much everything that involves me and my computer...except for uploading, editing and sending proofs and prints out to my clients. This has been refreshingly good.

The last two days I shot the live video feed for Mission Visual at Escalate Live in Newport Beach. It was an amazingly rewarding 16+ hours of drama, insight, innovation, vision, compassion and growth. And I shot it all. This was life-changingly good.

For now, I'm off to San Francisco tomorrow for 7 editorial shoots in the next 3 days. So. Blogging and Twittering and Facebooking and emailing and all that jazz that I've been lagging a bit on the last week or two...will...continue to lag. I'm going to be busy creating amazing images of amazing people in that amazing little city. This will continue to contribute to the good.

Beautiful blog posts to come. For now...me...t-minus-5-hours til departure...still to pack...still one more print order to push out the door...still waiting for the day that I really start to figure this all out...but it's all good...

Chef Katherine - Portrait Photography

2010-05-05T17:03:00.001-07:00

Last week I shot portraits of Chef Katherine for her website. She is a chef who is starting her own private chef and catering company. And she is beyond fabulous.

I've known Katherine for many years, but it's only been in the last few years that I've gotten to know her more and I've got to say, this lady is a joy to be around. She's refreshingly warm and honest, with others and with herself and she's got a laugh that's contagiously cute. Needless to say, I enjoyed this shoot.

And I'm looking forward to enjoying watching as her business grows. She can chop a zucchini like it's nobody's business and if she handles her business half as steadily as she handles her knife, Orange County's in for a treat!

LinkedIn - Marketingish - Orange Photographer

2010-05-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been working a lot on marketing with a specific focus to my online presence. Your referrals are always amazing and have helped my business more than you may know, but I need to reach out beyond my network. People need to find me without knowing any of my contacts. So the Lovato Images SEO is a little less than fabulous, but I'm getting there!

I just put a slideshow on LinkedIn...but I'm not sure I have it right. It's not loading when I look at my profile page. Does it load/work for you?

Jackie Lovato LinkedIn profile

Here's what it looks like anyway...!

I shot an actor...

2010-04-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

I just got back from an awesome weekend in Manhattan. But I have to admit, things got a little crazy.

It was a really long (but at the same time short!) couple of days that were rather whirlwindish...and I blacked out at some point on Saturday night and ended up SHOOTING an actor on Sunday morning where I found myself laughing and enjoying brunch with an amazing set of images on my CompactFlash card. Amazing.

Here's a quick (unedited) sneak peek...

and my two personal faves...so far...

Picture of the Every Couple of Days - SIGN UP

2010-04-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

Manhattan's a city that touches my heart in a way unlike any other.

It's dirty, it's loud, it's fast and you're in its way if you don't watch yourself. Yet, the light shines a little softer between the buildings, the trees flutter slightly greener against the gray of the city and all the possibilities and opportunity can't help but leave a girl ambitious and full of hope.

...and the Picture of the Every Couple of Days is a way where I share quick glimpses into my work and my life with images (and quick thoughts) like this. Please sign up. You won't regret it.

Travel

2010-04-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

A girl's gotta travel.

In NYC.

Be back soon.

Good Times - Orange County Portrait Photographer

2010-04-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

I met the Scribners in Laguna a few weekends ago and I honestly wasn't prepared for such a positive and energetic shoot. I'm overly positive with good energy most of the time myself, and my work normally reflects that, but the Scribners outdid me that day, for sure.

They're such a great group of people! The family and their significant others walked down the stairs towards me on the sand and I was immediately excited. Their smiles, their personalities, their warmth...all hit me right away. Handshakes and hugs and introductions finished and we got to work. We battled the wind and the sun then some caution tape and a bit of wet sand, but we laughed the whole way through. The hour flew by and I was honestly a little bummed it was over.

But the beauty of my work? We've got little (or big depending on your wall space!) two dimension reminders of the enchantment of that day. The good time we had will last forever, right here, with the images we created together.

Photographers Gathering - Orange County Photography

2010-04-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

A group of 20 photographers gathered in Orange last Thursday to collaborate and communicate and make our industry better.

In 2004, Davis Barber of Davis Barber Productions and myself created the Photographers Gatherings, an ongoing series of events meant to nurture and support the social, artistic and creative needs of photographers everywhere. It was free and everybody was welcome. Barber and I sought stimulation within the industry and felt compelled to go beyond the program at California State University, Fullerton with which we were involved.

The Photographers Gatherings were hosted monthly and the participation by student and professional photographers alike was encouraging and supportive. It was an atmosphere where questions could be asked and answered and ideas could be generated and developed. A new community was born, bringing together photographer of all trades, from photojournalists covering war, to fine art, to sports to fashion to students with their first cameras. The fusion was unique and everybody was responsive.

The Gatherings would showcase presentations, workshops and assignments that were shot and critiqued together. The idea was to stretch and stimulate all participants. After a few years however, the Gathering organization dwindled and the production of the events halted.

Collaborative stimulation and stretching is still needed, and after the reunion Gathering last week, organization and production is in the works again. Photographers who seek change in their craft and in their business are all welcome. As of now, I will head the planning and coordination. All comments, questions, concerns and IDEAS are warmly welcomed. Email for or with more info!

Photographer Definition - Lovato Images - Orange County Photography

2010-04-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

'I'm still not sure, what kind of photographer are you?' my good friend asked me last night. I guess I need to rethink my marketing efforts, eh?

The truth is, when the camera is in my hands, it doesn't always matter what's in front of me. If the energy is good, and a connection is being made, it works. I love to shoot, I love to connect, I love to create, and I love to tell stories in images.

Maternity
BIRTHING
Babies
Seniors (in high school!)
Families, old and new
Corporate Headshots
BUSINESSES
Products
FOOD
Real Estate
Editorial
DOCUMENTARY
Weddings
Engagements
Travel
LIFE

I love it all. I take it all and create with it all and connect with you through it all. So it's not so easy for me to squash that list and define myself by one type or area of shooting. It's not so easy for one to define oneself anyway. I suppose that's a lifelong journey that will be reviewed and altered until the day we die...

But from a marketing standpoint, definition of services is mandatory. A clearly defined niche and target market is a necessity. And if a photographer were to go after all the potential clients in all the potential fields listed above, it'd be a marketing plan too diluted for any solid effect.

So the marketing plan goes back to the revision stage (as if it's ever out!). The marketing goals go back to the planning stage and the purpose of my work goes back into my heart.

So, what kind of photographer am I?

For now, I'm just a photographer who cares about the quality of my work. And my work isn't just the canvas that hangs on your wall or the jpeg that gets sent out with your email campaign. My work is in the way I talk to you on the phone, the way I laugh with you in front of the lens, the way I listen, watch and feel your story through my entire being until I can click it out with intention and glory into a two dimensional image that will make the world just a little more beautiful, one photograph at a time.

Organization - Orange County Photographer - on Business

2010-04-13T10:17:00.001-07:00

Organization is key. I have learned the importance of a well organized life, business, office, daily to-do list and everything between...the hard way. Trial and error. Unfortunately, but fortunately too.

And even more fortunate(ly), I have recently come into contact with a wonderful woman who can help us start from the bottom up to better organize our business life. She said this:

HAVE YOU EVER EATEN AN ELEPHANT? Weird question, but it will help you to organize the big projects you have to deal with. Any time you say: 'I don't have time to do this,' think of eating an elephant. It's a VERY BIG job, but you can accomplish it if you just take one bite at a time. When we look at the job as a whole, we get overwhelmed. But taking it just a bite at a time makes it much easier and, maybe, even more enjoyable. Do little bits of the project every day. Only 10-15 minutes a day amounts to over an hour a week. The time adds up quickly. So, the next time you think you don't have the time, think about eating an elephant.

Barb Schmit - Esselte - 714.328.7973
FROM TO DO...TO DONE!

Contact her today to see how she can help you eat an elephant!!!

but really...why would you want to eat an elephant when you could ride one along the jungle cliffs overlooking the sea in Thailand!? (with a monkey on your lap) ???

Create Art - Creative Photography - Orange County

2010-04-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

I am an artist, as you may think you already know. But take away the photography and creative imagery, and I'm still an artist. I create art in ways you may have not yet considered...

I create art in the way I decorate my house.
I create art in the way I care for my plants.
I create art in the way I answer the phone.
I create art in the way I treat my friends.
I create art in the way I make new friends.
I create art in the way I talk to strangers.
I create art in the way I cook.
I create art in the way I accept the meals I've made that don't taste so good.
I create art in the way I collect old clothes.
I create art in the way I organize my bookshelf.
I create art in the way I respond to emails.
I create art in the way I comment on Facebook.
I create art in the way I take notes on topics I value.
I create art in the way I value specific things over others.
I create art in the way I share knowledge.
I create art in the way I desire more knowledge.
I create art in the way I market my business.
I create art in the way I care for my clients.
I create art in the way I sign my name.
I create art in the way I set my goals.
I create art in the way I give.

You see, I am an artist, through and through. Because I am unique, I am open and I am outstretched. I create art every day in almost all that I do, because I am being true to myself, and expressing myself in every way I can. Sure, I'm ordinary in a lot of ways. But I'm still Jackie, doing things the Jackie way with a little Jackie flare.

And the moment you are able to recognize your uniqueness and differentiate yourself with perhaps just a slightly wider smile or a slightly warmer handshake...you'll be able to create more art with more purpose every day yourself.

Read Seth Godin's Linchpin. And start nurturing the artist in you.

And big thanks to my friend Chris Diset for this groovy shot and Doug McNamee and Henry Wang for teaching photog students how to 'Rock it with on Camera Flash' at the Cypress College Photo Expo on Friday. I was happy to help ya'll out for a bit (though my cheeks were tired of smiling for so long, I must admit).

Kickers ROCK - Senior Portraits - Orange Photography

2010-04-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

I asked Nick what he liked to do for fun: take pictures? travel? read? write? Basically I was shoving suggestions on him that were in tune with what I liked to do. 'Don't worry, I'll bring some stuff,' the level headed teen replied.

So when we met in the Orange Circle, the soon-to-be Servite grad had a bag full of himself: a soccer ball, jerseys, maracas, books, a journal and one of the coolest hats I'd ever seen. I was excited about his style almost as much as I was excited about his enthusiasm. And also happy that his dad's concern about his previous session lacking personality would be wiped clean after this shoot was complete.

My friend Jerod had agreed last minute to come and help out and the three of us cruised around the Circle creating fabulous images at every stop we made. Nick was talkative, inquisitive and intelligent in way I wouldn't have imagined. He talked about his goals, his ideas on life and his growth since reading The Secret. I figured I should probably read the book too, finally.

I asked Nick what position he played in football and he replied with a little reservation, 'kicker.'

'What's wrong with being the kicker?' I asked. 'Haven't you seen Necessary Roughness? Kickers ROCK.'

Nick shrugged and the subject got changed.

Then I sent out my newsletter with some images of Nick on it, and to my surprise, a lot of people knew who he was. Not only was he Servite's starting kicker, he kicked the team into their CIF State Championship title with the winning field goal. Like I said, kickers ROCK.

Windy Wednesday - Family Portraits - Orange County Photographer

2010-04-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to get to celebrate and document the beautiful event of Kalei and Cary's wedding back in 2005 when I was just beginning my photography work, and have been even luckier to get to stay in touch with this awesome family as they've begun to grow.

Emalani is now 19 months old, and as I mentioned in my Picture of the Every Couple of Days last week, she is a little love chunk you can't ignore. She is inquisitive, interested, intrepid and ingeniously entertaining. Her parents and I were able to get in some family portraits between her climbing, crawling, catapulting around the windy park that Saturday. I think perhaps the wind made things seem a little more wild than they were...but I'm gonna stick with the crazy memory.

It's windy again today. And I can't help but think of how the wind is strong and sometimes violent, but always brings about change with which I'm able to deal. Call it the changing seasons of my life or call it just a simple storm, I love the wind. It moves me. And I'm very thankful I've been able to move through the years with this lovely family.

Thanks, Kalei, Cary and Emalani. You guys are awesome.

Christie + Kevin | Engagement Portraits | Orange County Photographer

2010-04-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

She had his phone number. Hadn't yet called.

He was riding in a 79 foot yellow submarine. Right through her home town.

She saw the yellow submarine while driving with a friend, and knew it was more than chance.

She pulled over, dialed, and went to meet him later that night for a date neither would ever forget.

Now Christie and Kevin are working hard as an RN and am EMT and will be married after three years of beautiful courtship up in Fresno, where Kevin ended up to be with her. They like to roller blade together, sing and play guitar, take pictures of one another and deepen their relationship as they both fill into who they are.

I am so excited to shoot their wedding after our fabulous e-sesh last weekend in Laguna...for this is truly a beautiful and unique couple with an energy that's ridiculously contagious. I'm sure these images will warm your heart like the memory of our portrait session together warms mine...

Stronger - Orange Photographer

2010-03-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

I'm stronger than the devil.
I'm stronger than desire.
I'm stronger than money, greed and passion's fire.
I'm stronger than lies.
I'm stronger than hate.
I'm stronger than apathy and those who can't relate.
I'm stronger than cancer.
I'm stronger than a broken heart.
I'm stronger than circumstance and what it may impart.

Love Chunk - Orange County Portrait Photographer

2010-03-29T15:02:00.001-07:00

I feel I am a bit behind on blog posts. I've had several shoots recently and have yet to put up an entire set of fabulousness from any of those fun shoots. Forgive me!

This weekend I had three shoots, all portraits. So wonderful. And with this wonderful weather, and all the wonderful locations in Orange County, how can we not have some wonderful results?!

Saturday morning's shoot was wonderful, indeed, but not without some wild windy safari challenges first. For those of you in the Anaheim/Orange/Santa Ana area on Saturday, you know of the crazy wind storm we had. I seriously thought I might blow over. I also I thought I might be permanently blinded from all the debris that blew in my eyes. Eesh.

THEN 19 month old Emalani whipped around her parents and I as we trotted and crawled and laughed our way through the safari it took to shoot the little wild child (okay I was really the only one crawling). Her mom calls her the Tyrant. I call her the love chunk.

Here's a chunk of tyrant love for now. More to come soon!

Brandi - Boudoir Photography

2010-03-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

I spent the majority of today prepping, then shooting then recovering from my boudoir session with Brandi. We've been talking about this session for awhile, and finally booked it two weeks ago, but the 4.5 hours of sleep I had last night took it's toll as I tried to be the fun energetic Jackie that I normally am when I shoot. Needless to say, a nap immediately followed after we wrapped the shoot.

Brandi has been gracious enough to grant me release to use these images for marketing. Unfortunately, most of my boudoir sessions are not so comfortable with that idea. So I was thrilled when Brandi agreed to let me use the images as I please. So, rest assured, more fabulousness of Brandi is to be shared. And SOON.

I'm also in the middle of reorganizing my website, so stay tuned for a huge update with 100% fresh material, as well as more from Brandi's boudoir. BOOya.

Foodie Night In - Food and Fun Photography

2010-03-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago a few ladies and I got together in my kitchen to eat, drink and be merry. Just like DMB says.

Quite often I get bogged down with the hustle and bustle and get overwhelmed with work and business and life in general. In all honesty, my favorite Friday night is one in which I work all night at my desk with a glass or two of wine, some snacks and of course, the poodle. However, I believe in the importance of maintaining balance and taking time to enjoy the finer things in life...

Finer like a bottle of Aquinas Pinot Noir, some roasted garlic with warm crusty bread, a baked filet of dover sole and some deep and meaningful conversation followed by ab-crunching and uncontrollable laughter with good friends.

Life is all about balance. And this Foodie-to-Be balanced it out just right one Friday with four of my favorite ladies.

Perla + Hector | Engagement Session | Lifestyle Portrait Photography

2010-03-19T14:14:00.001-07:00

Perhaps it was the bright green colors of their clothes that excited my eyes from across the street as Perla and Hector met up with us last Saturday...perhaps it was the combination of two gorgeous smiles that continuously lit up my frames...or perhaps it was the vibrant energy that contagiously took hold of me months ago when I started consulting with Perla on this session...All those reasons and more, made this engagement session in Laguna Beach last week one of the most fun ever.

Perla and Hector are so in love. So in tune. So in sync on so many levels...they're a couple who I think model what every couple would want to be. Hector likes to plan spontaneous dates the night before, take her to cool little restaurants and take walks holding her hand as they grab a coffee or a glass of wine. Perla likes nature and youth and smiling and love and long conversations about the future. She gets irritated when Hector doesn't iron his clothes. :)

I've known Perla for a few months now, and now that I know Hector, and know them together as a couple, I can't wait to get to know them more. Thanks for such a fun sesh, guys, and I'm looking fwd to shooting your wedding re in July!

30 HOUR HUNGER STRIKE - Event and Documentary Photography

2010-03-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

Last year I shot a candlelight service for the 30 Hour Hunger Strike at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox church in Irvine. A few months later, the director of Hunger Strike told me she thought I should go to Africa. Several months after that, I went. And now, about a year after that one chilly evening in that one dark sanctuary, over 50 teens will gather again to raise money and awareness for people struggling on the other side of the world.

Part of my photography assignment while in Tanzania was to shoot for Hunger Strike. I shot portraits of about 50 kids there, so that our 50 kids here could each have a face, a name and story to understand during their retreat. The 50 kids here will fast for 30 hours this weekend, learn what it's like to live as a child in Tanzania, and work together to raise money to build wells that will provide clean drinking water in the remote villages of Tanzania.

If you're interested in hearing more, watch the video below. If you're interested in learning more, contact me. If you're interested in giving a little, you can donate below as well.

Hunger Strike from Mission Visual on Vimeo.

Details - Food and Wedding Photography

2010-03-16T10:26:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I met with the fabulous Donya Vaughn of As You Like Services and the tasty Teresa Louis of B &L Caterers, Inc. before we collaborate in two weeks for a wedding up in Los Angeles. We spent the first thirty minutes talking 'shop about the industry and our work and laughing the whole time. These ladies are going to be fun to work with, for sure.

We went over details and the time line and I have to take this moment to say that if there are any brides out there reading this (or readers that know brides) that don't have a planner, PLEASE, PLEASE consider it. The planner or coordinator at the venue/location is not the same as a planner like Donya (typical misconception). Take a moment to hit her up and you'll find out why. SO worth it.

I'll update in a few weeks (after the event) with some images and more fun stories of how great it is to work with these ladies, but for now, I thought I'd share an image of my fabulous breakfast I made before the meeting. I know I can't do it in the kitchen quite like Teresa can, but I thought these fried green tomatoes were pretty bomb diggity anyway.

Engagement Session and the Mix - Portrait Photography

2010-03-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday was quite the busy day...woke up and went straight to the desk to do some editing and design for a fantab client, went straight into helping the help replace my water heater, pulled a few weeds, pushed the "hired help" out quickly just in time for two client meetings, organized my equipment, got on my way to Laguna for one of the most fun engagement shoots EVER, dinner + drinks with a St. Paddy's twist, a quick consultation at GoodFellas and straight to bed. Great day.

So Perla and Hector were the two love birds that I was lucky enough to get to play around Laguna with on Saturday. We met up on Forest and frolicked around the alley ways and nooks and crannies of that lovely little town until we packed up and trekked to a hidden beach that my awesome assistant lead us to...SUCH a great portrait session.

Here's a sneak peak...more to come later this week!

He's Got Me - Lifestyle Photography

2010-03-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

I went to church this morning...and the moment I walked in, the Holy Spirit wrapped His arms around me and didn't let go.

The sanctuary was smaller and darker than the one I'm used to, but the Light filled me more than it ever had. There was a thickness to the air, with the incense dominating my nose, but my allergies were calm in a way I've never known. The music was different, but it entered my ears and my heart like the voice of God Himself. I wept.

Throughout the service I sniffled back tears and my skin tingled with all hairs standing on end. I felt humbled, and little and unworthy to be standing in such a greatness of life. I felt like the Greatest Good was literally holding me, arms wrapped around, hugging tight, welcoming me home.

And now I lay here in the sun, with the Light and Smell and Sound of God still all around me. And I wonder, why did it take me so long? And where do I go from here?

Lovato Images Featured on CAKE Newsletter - Engagement Session

2010-03-12T15:28:00.000-08:00

Lovato Images was featured on CAKE Wine Country Wedding Newsletter this month...fun!

CAKE is the wedding newsletter of the Temecula Valley wine country and Fallbrook area, to inform and to entertain. They have all sorts of tips and tricks about venues and events and activities in the area and provide some awesome images with the loads of information (toot toot).

Introspection - Documentary Photography

2010-03-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

On February 7 at 5:36 pm, Kathi Ryan wrote:

Slowly I'm getting back into my body. I've enjoyed checking into your blog and reading the email that's been exchanged, but I just haven't been able to put feelings into words.

When I finally went to Trader Joe's for some groceries, I was struck by all the choices I had for food. And when I carried a couple bags out of my brand new car, I thought of how much all that would buy for someone in the villages. I am happy to have my life and have always felt fortunate for the abundance I have, but I'm acutely aware of NEED vs. WANT and that maybe all these choices can be burdens. I sat in a 4 hour meeting on Thursday and just kept thinking "Does any of this really matter?"

I know that, with time, all this introspection will fade. For now, though, little pieces of our two weeks in the villages keep surfacing and I know I'm lucky that all our fates were all thrown together as they were.

And, by the way, I won't soon forget the young photographer who offered to clean the outhouse or whatever was needed so that the interpreter would be freed from his chores.

Magic!

To go along with Kathi's words are some random details that help me keep the introspection alive. The yellow and white jugs are what the Tanzanians use to gather water from the streams and lakes. Many do not boil it before drinking. Many rarely wash their hands with soap. Think about that next time you turn on your facet for a hot shower.

Take Care of Yourself, and One Another - Lifestyle Photography

2010-03-09T19:36:00.001-08:00

When I started with photography back in 2003, to say I was discouraged and intimidated by the profession would be an understatement.

Then I met a friend. Then I met a few more. And more and more until I was finally understanding the industry more and more. I had no money, I had no experience...but I developed and grew with the support of those friends who took me under their wing and took good care.

So now, 7 years later, I've got just a little seasoning sprinkled on, been simmering in a fragrant sauce for about an hour, and it's my turn. It's my turn to take care. I'm no expert, I'm still learning this business myself, but I'm open to sharing anything and everything I can to anyone and everyone who's interested. I just want to share, like so many have shared with me.

To illustrate this idea, here are a few images of Kelly and I from back in December when we met in the Orange Circle to enjoy some custom functions, f-stops and fading light together.

Organization - Documentary Photography

2010-03-05T14:17:00.000-08:00

I had dinner with a fabulous client and friend of mine the other night, and she and her family so graciously opened their ears and eyes and hearts to share some of my stories from Africa. I showed them nearly all 2006 images I have filed and told them many stories and memories as we scrolled through.

So as I've been getting back into the swing of things here in the States, I've been organizing a lot. A time consuming yet necessary task that I neglect too often. So after all this organizing with my business, my office, my files, my head and my heart, and after the fabulous recount of my journey the other night with the Loebs, I thought I would share an organizational story from Africa.

It was our first night in Tanzania, and after about 6-7 hours in the bus (traveling from Uganda) and four straight days of travel across the world, we arrived in Bukoba Town and were greeted with hugs and songs from the parishioners at the All Disciples church next to the mission house where we'd be staying. It was dusk as the bus pulled off the dusty road.

After a filling meal, it was time to unload the bus and our bags and start preparing for our first clinic the next day. Dr. Curley explained the positions and procedures as she walked us through our clinic setup. It was an intense orientation and my skin tingled at the thought of being face to face with disease and suffering people the very next morning. The medical mission was about to begin.

After Dr. Curley had finished explanations and most questions had been answered, it was time to unpack the medications and to organize them. There were about 500 pounds and $60,000 worth of meds for us to go through. It was late and we were tired, but we unzipped and unloaded and the organization began.

About 5 hours, 15 protein bars and countless beads of perspiration later, we were finally organized and ready for the next day. It was 1am.

Most of us were awake before the sunrise the next morning. The Mission had begun.

Lovato Images on the Wall - Creative Portrait Photography

2010-03-01T13:42:00.000-08:00

I just got an email this morning from a lady I love, that I have fortunately shot many times and will definitely shoot again. She was one of my first nudes, actually, about 7 years ago when I was just as nervous for her to pose nude for my camera as she was...

Anyway! She emailed me this morning with an iPhone shot from her kitchen where one of my portraits is hanging on her wall. It's so encouraging when my photography transcends the art in my heart and touches others enough so that they want to look at it every day.

:)

If you're interested in hanging a Lovato Images piece or two on your wall(s), contact info@lovatoimages.com for a free in-home consultation.

Foodie To Be - Food and Event Photography

2010-02-26T09:38:00.000-08:00

I have recently taken a liking to taking a picture of the food I'm eating it and posting it on Facebook. I have only done a few so far, but I have a feeling this could become a fun hobby fast.

I love food. Always have. I was never one of those picky eaters...I've always had that try-everything-let's-experience-more-and-have-fun attitude with food. Then I grew up a little. And then I got to know Cynthia and Val.

Two fabulously amazing women, plus the most amazing mother in the world (my own), plus countless bottles of olive oil and and wine, plus the loudest laughter and love that warms a kitchen better than any stove or oven could, plus lots of other friends and moments and memories...have all added up to create this amazing appreciation for food that now embraces my life.

I'm not quite sure if Cynthia and Val (and amazing Amanda) would bestow the Foodie title upon me yet. But I'm on my way.

I'm going to make some more memories tonight with some wonderful women I haven't seen in awhile. Hannah, Cecilia, Brandi (maybe Myrlee?!)...let the Foodie-fun-times begin!

Images taken at the Dinner for Serious Foodies (event) last year at Cynthia's house...mmm...

Then two from Chez Saratoga, where my Foodie-To-Be days all began...

ps--how many times did I say 'amazing' in this post? I'm just amazed!

Fit to Model - Portrait Photography

2010-02-23T18:53:00.000-08:00

I decided to take a break from introspection and personal growth for a day or two and do some actual work this past week. Just kidding. Kind of. Not really. But mostly.

I was thinking to myself one day when one of my favorite personal trainers, MK, called me to tell me that I HAD to shoot his client because she is PERFECT for fitness modeling. 'She is so fit,' he kept saying.

And I was impressed with not just the truth to his sayings (and his work!), but also to how great it was to work with MK and Corie. A new friend and assistant of mine, Dan and I loaded the car with gear and set out to the Land of Gracious Living last week to meet Corie, her mom, Laurie and MK for a really pleasant morning. We shot a couple hours and Corie was great in front of the camera, and Dan, MK and Laurie were great behind it.

So I spent some time with Corie last week to work on her image as she prepares to show it to the world. Fitness Magazine, Shape, Health and Fitness, etc, etc, are the pages in which she wants to turn next. Rock it, girl, I say.

Tanzania to SoCal - Documentary Photography - Documentary Thinking

2010-02-19T16:39:00.000-08:00

Here's what I think:

I think life is GOOD.
I think all people, deep down, are good.
I think that most of our daily experiences are interpreted with conditioning: if we condition ourselves with negativity, we will be depressed; if we condition ourselves with magazines, we will want to be skinny; if we condition ourselves with taking care of our dogs, we will walk with them every day.
I think that if we show love, we will feel love. Every day.
I think that uncontrollably laughing is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
I think that betrayal is one of the worst feelings in the world.
I think there is time to talk, and time to listen.
I think that life in Southern California costs too much.
I think that life in the Midwest is filled with more eye contact.
I think that Avatar is a beautiful movie, and that all of its creators have amazing minds.
I think that food, it's creation, it's portion controlled consumption, and it's sharing with friends, is one of life's greatest joys.
I think that building a business is one of the most challenging things I've ever done.
I think Karma is real.
I think that photography is going to change my life beyond my wildest dreams.
I think Dorothea Lange said it best when she said 'the camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.'
I think that African human skin is strong and beautiful.
I think God has shown me a shade of this world that far too many will never see.
I think that connecting with people, through touch, embrace, tears, intellect, emotion and beyond, is crucial.
I think I need to make more money.
I think I'm conditioned to think I need more money.
I think I have too many bills.
I think I have too much stuff.
I think I need to give more.
I think that if Tanzanians can live on less than one dollar a day, I majorly over-consume.
I think I need to keep thinking.

All images shot in Tanzania with the Diana F+ lomography 35mm.

Tanzania TRIP - Documentary Photography

2010-02-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

It's been a few days since my last post, and though I have had a strong desire to do a post every day for awhile, I've also had a strange desire to do nothing but think.

It was an incredible trip, some 35 hours of travel to the other side of the world. Two weeks living in a whole new world. Then 35 hours back. And I can't help but admit that it's been even more of a trip since our return.

Now I am constantly thinking, processing, remembering and longing for change. Life is different for me now. Life has changed. Life will continue to change.

Life will not, however, change for my friends in Tanzania. Life will continue on without clean water, with limited bars of soap, with babies bound to their small sibling's back, with two feet as the primary means of transportation and the simplicity of happiness through touch, eye contact and smiles.

Life for most Orange County residents will not change either. Life will continue on with pitchers of draft beer, with painted nails, with over-consumed calories to be burned off at the gym, with shiny, leased cars, and the simplicity of swiping a piece of plastic to buy anything at any time.

"The burden of change lies first in me." So if what I saw and who I met in AFRICA truly changed me and my life, then this trip continues on. This journey has just begun.

Mission IS Possible - Africa 2010 from Jackie Lovato on Vimeo.

Secondary School - TANZANIA - Documentary Photography

2010-02-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

On the second to last day of clinics, we went to St. Sosthenes Secondary School to meet the bishop and a few priests for a blessing of the school. It was a lovely ceremony, but the students themselves were most lovely of all.

Upon the arrival of our bus, they promptly emptied their classrooms and carried their chairs for on which we could sit. The bishop was running a few minutes late, so we had some time with the kids before the formalities began.

They started by singing us a welcome song. Then they sang us the national anthem, and the Tanzanian national song. It was a relatively cool day, but it made me warmer inside than I'd ever been...

The students were so cute and shy while they were singing. Standing straight and tall, eyes downcast, some fidgeting and shifting, like they were telling a secret they weren't supposed to share...then they brought out the drums. And with that bold beat, out came a boldness of their own.

The kids made a circle and clapped and chanted with the drums, while two people at a time got in the center to shake their thing. Two of our team, Angela and Ben, hopped up and joined in. Then Alex took over a drum and joined in there. It was so fun!

After the ceremony and blessing, about ten kids were selected to come with us to our clinic to help translate. Several of them struggled with the English, but several of them shined. In particular, Oscar, who helped us in triage, knew English very well, and learned a lot about taking vitals that day too. He wants to be a doctor one day, and I will continue to pray that God may grant that to be.

the head school master, so proud :)

out of their shells they come!

Oscar, learning with Kathi

Facing Disease - TANZANIA - Documentary Photography

2010-02-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, someone asked me if I was scared during my trip to Tanzania. My immediate answer was no, but after a few moments as the two weeks on the other side of the world flooded my head and heart, I responded again with a quick story:

For some reason, the first few days in Africa, my hands were assaulted with five or six small and minor cuts. Not quite sure how or when these tiny little wounds were inflicted, but it was definitely something I couldn't help but notice. Mainly because, they all quickly turned black. Despite our diligent efforts to sanitize, it was just dirty. We were dirty.

So gloves quickly became more of a hassle than a help. For us in triage, we'd only put on gloves if there was a strange skin issue that might be contagious on contact. Which might not have been the smartest move on my part, with the open skin scattered across my hands, but when in Africa...

So on our fifth day of clinics, a handsome man sits down in my chair, looking relatively healthy. I glance at his registration sheet and the capital letters of HIV command my focus. I quickly scan his hands and arms for any open wounds, and when I saw none, I proceeded to get his heart rate and blood pressure, glove-less.

The squeeze in my chest didn't come until I was taking the thermometer out of his mouth, and a big glob of drool came with it. My heart pounded as the open skin on my hands was inches from the saliva of a man with a deadly disease. I understand that HIV doesn't typically get transmitted through saliva, but the possibility still caused the adrenaline to release. It was the only moment that I experienced fear with these people and this land that I quickly grew to love.

I successfully threw away the therm probe cover without fluid contact, I smiled at my patient and told him 'subeedi doctari,' or, 'wait for the doctor,' and we sat together in silence until the next doctor was ready.

My face to face experience with that fatal disease had passed, and I was ready for the next patient. Fearless again.

Here are some images of medical conditions we saw...

a fungal rash on this man's foot and leg
a hemorrhoid protrudes on a 4 year old
a woman has had this goiter for years
she also suffers from leprosy on her hands

this man can no longer walk from this infection on his foot that he's had for 7 years
this woman has lived with this growth in her mouth for 5 years

Dyson Memoir - Tanzania - Documentary Photography

2010-02-04T18:18:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, February 5, 2010, at 4:15am PST, Dr. Duane Dyson wrote:

'Never have I amassed so many memories in such a short time. People ask, "How was your trip?," and I take a deep breath and stare at them for a moment overwhelmed with so many emotions.

Ideally in that moment we would both be whisked back to the breakfast table in Tanzania and I would start shaking Pili Pili sauce on any and everything as I listened to our alarm clocks still walking around in the distance trying to find someone else to awaken.

Should I begin with the good morning walk to the "long drop," the joy of hearing footsteps bringing hot water for a shower, seeing kids playing along the street and eager to wave at us passing by in the bus as if they spent their whole short life waiting for that moment.

What about us standing around like builders without our hard hats scoping out how we will devise our medical clinic from the space afforded us. Treating the imaginable while trying to avoid lunch (too many locals with worms)...

[Driver] Mohammed's quiet determination to rebuild a bridge; nightly debriefings, even if we were on Lake Victoria; the flexibility of Africa not knowing one hour to the next, where and what we would be doing.

Now tell me, who can honestly say that in one day a medical team could--pack their meds and belongings, attend a ribbon cutting for a school, [set up and hold] a medical clinic, tour an unopened hospital, visit the Archbishop's home, attend a quick church service, have dinner with the Archbishop in a different location, for some take a thirty second shower :) then catch a boat for a ten hour cruise across Lake Victoria? This could not have been scripted!!!'

And it's difficult to put a script to it after our return...but I thought Dyson's quick capture of memories was a great nutshell to share. And of course, a few images from that day to go along with it...

Living Together - TANZANIA - Documentary Photography

2010-02-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

So as the 'official photographer,' I feel I fell a little short.

I am usually SO focused on shooting when I travel (ask some of my former travel companions and the level of frustration they felt having to wait for me on every walk we'd take, for verification if you doubt), but this trip my focus was...well...I guess at a 22 instead of a 5.6. My eyes, mind and heart were wide open, but I was focused on all aspects of the journey instead of fine tuning within photography.

I shot a ton, undeniably. But not how I had planned...

But life doesn't always go as we plan.

And that is one thing I learned from the Africans: life is about survival and caring for ourselves and one another. That's it. We can plan for this and that, but the day comes to an end and we look back on what we've done, all that really matters is that we are living together. Really.

It is the people that make our lives rich. It is the relationships and the connections and the caring for one another that provides true abundance.

Look into the eyes of these children and tell me you see it too. Tell me you see how they see it...they know. They know that all you need is love...love one another...they told me to tell you...that's what it's all about...

Really.

Mission IS Possible - Team Introduction - Environmental Portraits

2010-02-03T01:08:00.000-08:00

It only seems appropriate that I begin the documentation here on our recent travels to Africa by introducing the team.

First of all, we're back. No glitches during the journey, and after about 35-40 hours of travel (for those beyond the soCal area), we're all home safe and sound. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during these past few weeks.

There were 18 of us Americans on the team. There were countless translators and helpers who offered to work with us in Tanzania who we could never thank enough, but this post is about the team of 18.

I have never met a more diligent, hard working, compassionate, easy going, pure and loving group of people in my life. Though there were several I met for the first time at the London airport, each person quickly became close friends and then family.

We ate weird food, we lost sleep, we got bitten, we got sick, burned, cut and bruised, we had to squat over a hole to pee, we hugged, we cried, we laughed, we sang, we loved...and we had fun!

No one complained, no one squabbled...we were all there to work hard and work together and help and help each other. 'You are your brother's keeper,' Dr. Curley, our medical director, had told us at the orientation back in December, and beyond the hundreds of Tanzanians we helped and kept, my team kept me and I kept them.

No one takes on this trip without a heart of gold inside, and I am indeed a greatly rich young lady, for I have gained 17 friends far greater than 17 karat.

our leader, Alex

Reggie

Stephanie

Dr. Curley

Dr. Dyson

Dr. Ben

Carol

Fr. Simon

Ellen

Mama Stephanie

Hannah

Angela

Kathi

Myrlee

John

Mr. Dean

Alex

Alex, or Aleco!

yours truly

documentary photography - Tanzanian Stories

2010-02-01T04:47:00.000-08:00

Obviously I never had internet access while in Africa, otherwise my blog would be stocked with images already. I apologize to those of you who have been checking up here only to find an old entry from before I left. I thank you though, for your positive thoughts and prayers. We have needed them.

I wasn't very diligent about journaling either, unfortunately. A bit uncommon for me, as I'm usually very focused on that during my travels. These past two weeks of travel though, have been nothing common, nothing usual, and focused on much other than myself.

As I begin to edit my images (about 3500 and 50gb worth), I will journal here (images included!) so I can document our days with moments, events and stories of our journey.

Stay tuned.

Serengeti Safari - Wildlife Photography

2010-01-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

My eyes were opened yesterday to the fact that I'm a people photographer. Even travel and real estate and product photography relates to people in such a way that stimulates that need in me. And that need is one of connection.

The majority of our team met in the lobby at 5am yesterday to venture together to the Serengeti for a safari. Three and a half hours later, we loaded on a bus and were on our way ('Africa time' means nothings 'on time').

It was a beautiful two hour ride to the national park, and I sat alone with my iPod and reflected on the week a bit. My heart swelled with emotion and appreciation for all I'd seen...I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one processing our week...I didn't talk to anyone really but I felt my team was on the same page.

Then we arrived at the gates of the Serengeti and everyone perked up with excitement. All cameras were out and ready to shoot.

And shoot we did - we saw zebras and giraffes and warthogs and crocs and hippos and antelope and monkeys and saw them CLOSE! And it was great to see all those beautiful animals, but I was more excited to see them than shoot them. I took a few shots on the landscape that interested me, but I wasn't too interested in shooting the animals (with my camera).

So, beyond the 150km of Tanzania I saw, beyond the mental slideshow of our African week, beyond the stunning Serengeti and all of its creatures I saw, beyond the dirt and dust and Tsit tsi (spelling?) flies that our team endured together, I learned something about myself that day: I learned I need people.

I love being alone and thinking and doing on my own. But my passion is people. I need people and smiles and conversations and understanding and hugs. Photography excites me, but it only really moves me to higher places (with almost every click!) if there's connection with another human involved.

So most of our team was most excited about the animals, but I was most excited about the 18 humans on our bus.

documentary photography - TANZANIA

2010-01-28T06:26:00.000-08:00

I'm not really sure why I didn't think to turn on my phone earlier to do a post...sms has failed, so I just shut my bb off and didn't think about it again until today, our first day off.

It was an incredibly long journey over here to the other side of the world, and to say it's a different world over here would be a huge understatement. Honestly, I've enjoyed the primitive lifestyle, without 'basic' luxuries like phones and computers and toilets. Yes People, toilets are indeed a luxury.

We were in the Bukoba Town area until this morning when we arrived (via Lake Victoria) in Mwanza. We went to 6 different Orthodox churches and set up clinics for the local people. A couple times we made our 'facilities' out of sticks, sheets and congas (the local sarong type wraps). Literally. The Tanzanians can make anything out of nothing. They just know how to survive.

I have a whole new appreciation for a bar of soap and water...we made our clinics as safe and clean as we could, but sterile wasn't really an option. We were exposed to crazy diseases like tb, scabies, hiv, out of control infections, fungal rashes and some insane wounds. The team ended up needing me in triage, taking vitals and pertinent information before sending patients to the providers, so I saw all this stuff first hand. Hand on hand. Eye to eye. Heart to heart.

It's amazing how much communication is nonverbal. It's amazing how, despite all our differences, these Tanzanians are just like me. Really, I want to be more like them. I'll keep my shoes and running water and clean drinking water...but I need more of their patience, their drive and their love. I've seen so much in their eyes, in their communication together, in their care for one another...we are all people who need people...we are all God's creatures...

I can't wait to get home so I can share stories of these beautiful creatures with you.

Documentary Photography - Take Off to Tanzania with Mission IS Possible Medical Team

2010-01-17T16:43:00.000-08:00

"And so my prayer is that your story will have involved some leaving and some coming home, some summer and some winter, some roses blooming out like children in play. My hope is your story will be about changing, about getting something beautiful born inside of you, about learning to love, about moving yourself around water, around mountains, around friends, about learning to love others more than we love ourselves, about learning oneness as a way of understanding God...

It might be time for you to go. It might be time to change, to shine out.

I want to repeat one word for you: Leave.

[Leave] is a beautiful word, isn't it? So strong and forceful, the way you have always wanted it to be. And you will not be alone. You have never been alone..." - Donald Miller

We indeed, are not alone...thank you family, friends, followers, clients, contacts and all of you who have shown your support. Our team is off. We have left.

Next post will be from the other side of the world.

Mission IS Possible - Medical Mission to Tanzania - 2010 Documentary Photography

2010-01-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

Members of our medical mission team as well as a few other generous and giving souls met last night at St. Paul's in Irvine for our 'packing party.' We spent about 4 hours and packed 500 pounds and about $60,000 worth (retail value) of medication and supplies for our journey.

We're flying out this weekend and after about 30+ hours of travel, we're to arrive in Entebbe, Uganda. They've been confiscating meds and supplies from missionaries, so our packing was strategic last night, as we lined the bags with clothes for padding to block the sound and feel of the medication inside. Then we had to make sure each bag was under weight so that we won't get charged (gotta love our safe airlines these days), and in some cases, unpack and repack.

We also had to inventory every item packed. And for the service based business that I'm accustomed to, this was an interesting step. How do you product based businesses do it?! I suppose a seamless system and lots of organization.

After the last bag was zipped, we sat around discussing miscellaneous details and tips and pointers from the been-there-before travelers to we first-timers. I couldn't help but notice the vibrance charge the room despite our solemn discussion. We'd be sitting together in the very same fashion in Tanzania at the same time next week.

It's going to be an intense journey. I will update my blog as much as possible while I'm away.

But it's official: we're ready.