Linda Lancione: San Francisco Bay Area Author Portrait

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I had the great opportunity of working with author and poet, Linda Lancione, earlier this month as the release date of her latest work, The Taste of Blood (Finishing Line Press), quickly approaches.

The experience was both a privilege and an engaging endeavor, as we worked together to cultivate the candor that her work so aptly portrays. I loved the process of getting to an honest image, where the true self came through.

Linda’s work takes on challenging issues, and it was important for her portrait to be just as honest, engaging, and real. Beyond capturing a simple or welcoming smile, we needed to convey a more complex message, one that her work ultimately does; that life is complicated, messy, and that she maintains her ability to be present with all of it and reconcile the extremes.

Linda kindly lent a few words of appreciation about our process working together:

“Having my author photo taken by Nancy Rothstein was a transformative experience for me. I was nervous about looking old in the photos–and, was I wearing the right earrings, the right top?—but she put me at ease and got me talking about my book. Later, when I saw the photos, I saw a woman I liked: animated, thoughtful, complex—the age and beauty questions didn’t matter anymore. The photos seemed to reveal me from the inside—that was enough. That was a gift!”

A big congratulations to Linda Lancione on her upcoming title. Thank you, Linda, for giving me the chance to take on the feat of distilling your inspiring, captivating, complexity!

– Nancy

 

The Taste of Blood is scheduled to be released on March 11, 2016 (available for pre-order through Finishing Line Press after November 16). Can’t wait? You can get a taste of her work on SoftBlow.org.

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877-881-7221 | nancyrothstein.comnancy@nancyrothstein.com

Professional Portraits with Juliana Park, Author of The Abundance Loop, and Founder of Conscious Wealth

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“Discovering your true self, how much you have and how much you are, will empower you to effectively grow your personal and financial wealth. By carefully going through this process, you will experience abundance, peace, and freedom.” – Juliana Park

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Juliana Park found me through a mutual friend I met while studying yoga and meditation at Yoga Mandala (now Yoga Tree) in Berkeley, and I’m so glad she did. Talk about a breath of fresh air! Juliana’s presence truly lights up the room, and her positivity is inspiring. I was excited to hear that she wanted me to create the images for her new book, The Abundance Loop, and her website, www.julianapark.com.  We had a fantastic photo shoot in May, with styling by the amazingly talented Michelle Moquin, my go to wardrobe stylist, and hair & makeup by Elena Malevanay of Wowpretty, who works her magic with a smile.
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Juliana’s story seems like one best heard over a bottomless cup of tea at a sunny kitchen table. Here’s a snippet in her own words: “In 2010, I struggled through a divorce and realized there was more to life than living up to others’ expectations of me. Fear of not being enough entrapped me and I desperately sought the freedom to live an authentic life. I wanted to be…ME. But who was I? What did I really want?

Accumulating material wealth, success, titles, and stuff wasn’t cutting it. But neither was denying all that. With support from friends, teachers, healers, and loads of self-help books, I finally found the key to unlock my own prison. I learned to balance my inner wealth with my outer wealth. I learned to be present while progressing towards my goal. I learned to let go of my fear-based ego and embody my divine self.

My awakening experience gave me a fresh perspective on how to live abundantly and transformed all my relationships –to money, to myself, to others, and to the world.”

Juliana has synthesized her life lessons in her book, The Abundance Loop, which can be pre-ordered now and is due to be released in May of 2015.  She is the founder of Conscious Wealth, which “…brings together different voices on the topic of building wealth and abundance.”  A certified financial planner and Assistant Vice President at a major investment firm, Juliana is uniquely qualified to offer her insights.

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If you are as captivated and motivated by Juliana’s story as I am, take the chance to meet her and hear more! She will be at Abundance Oakland! on July 31st, 2014.

In additional to meeting Juliana, Abundance Oakland! is also an opportunity to hear from Editor and Chief of Wear Your Voice, Ravneet Vohra. She and Juliana will share “a powerful message on how to break free from the scarcity mindset and create abundance in your life.” The event will be held at Urban Stitch in Oakland, a fashion boutique (featuring a collection of contemporary designers, specialty lifestyle brands and home accessories.) Come mix and mingle with local fashionistas and listen to these powerful women; hope to see you there!

-Nancy

877-881-7221 | nancyrothstein.comnancy@nancyrothstein.com

Family Photography: San Francisco Bay Area

For many portrait photographers like myself, family photography is a truly a pleasure.  I love the opportunity to document the unique character of each child and to capture the family relationship…..immense love!  First I consult my clients to develop family photography ideas that resonate with their personal style.  Then we have a fun family photo shoot that allows them to express their personalities perfectly.

For this session the white seamless studio look was a perfect foil for the bold graphic red, white, and black theme they chose for their wardrobe.  Want to learn more about choosing colors for your outfits?  Check out this in-depth introduction to the Color Wheel.  If that one is too involved, here’s a basic Guide to Matching Colors.  Outfits for family photography should reflect your family’s authentic style, so there is no right answer about what to wear. Elegant neutrals; bold primary colors; eclectic mixed patterns?  Anything goes, as long as it’s thoughtfully selected (that doesn’t mean it has to be match-y) and reflects your style.

By using negative space in the composition and not over-posing the family, I created a dynamic collection of images that feel modern and crisp as well as relaxed and playful. Family photography in the studio doesn’t have to look traditional or conservative! Give me a call and we’ll come up with some fun family portrait ideas that work for your family photography.  Every family is different; we’ll find the style that works for you.  Portrait photographers should use their skills to represent who you are, not impose their style on you.

By the way, check out the eyelashes on this little one in the first image; I think they’re some of the longest I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been doing family photography for years!  Wow!  Thank you to this wonderful family for choosing me as your family photographer!

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877-881-7221 | nancyrothstein.comnancy@nancyrothstein.com