Underwater Transformation About Face Underwater Transformation About Face

2015 in Review

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December 16, 2015/by
I can’t believe 2015 is almost over!  This year was full of amazing events, strong survivors, and beautiful clients.  And while each one is special to me, I wanted to remember three especially poignant moments from the last twelve months. First, I receive so much joy when I think back to my trip to Boston.  Not only did I have four underwater shoots with four lovely women (one of whom is now a beautiful mommy and one of my biggest supporters!), but I also gave a presentation at the Apple Store on Bolyston Street.  The turnout was incredible and you could feel the emotions as I spoke.  The crowd was so enthusiastic about my project and spoke with such excitement - my heart was, and still is, full of happiness from it all. Second, the San Francisco Apple Store event in October was truly unbelievable.  So many friends, supporters and About Face cancer survivors came out to support my presentation.  It was awe inspiring to have so many survivors share their testimony unasked and unexpectedly.  It was by far my most emotional event to date.  It meant so much to me to not only hear your kinds words of how much your life has been positively impacted by the Underwater Healer project, but to also share them to a crowd.  Thank you with all my heart. Last, but certainly not least, would be my supporters over the year who have booked maternity, engagement, or just fun underwater portrait sessions.  Every single one...
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The Gift That Keeps On Giving

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December 9, 2015/by
The holiday season is officially in full swing!  I love this time of year.  Despite it being colder, I love all the lights, the smiles, how everyone makes time to get together.  It’s the season of love and giving.  Nothing is better than those two things. The season of giving means a lot of stress unfortunately as well.  Maybe you’re unsure what to give to a special loved one.  Maybe they already seem to have everything.  Or maybe you are looking for something extra special and unique.  Something that can’t be found on Amazon ;) Nothing is more precious that a photograph - it’s a never-ending memory.  It’s what your mom used to embarrass you with when dates would come to pick you up.  Or what grandma would pull out when she told you stories of her life experiences.  It’s the most precious item that most would save first in the event of a fire.  It’s a tangible expression of remembrance. If this resonates with you, please reach out and book an incredible unique memory - an underwater photography shoot!  I am now open for holiday bookings.  Or if you’re looking to put a gift under the tree, gift certificates are available.  I service The Bay Area with two pool options: one in Pacifica and the other in San Jose.  If your curious what an underwater shoot entails, you can find information here.  I would love to be a part of your special holiday season.  And as an added bonus - proceeds...
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What Inspires You?

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November 19, 2015/by
As the year comes to a close and the holiday season is knocking at our door, it’s easy to feel tired and lose yourself in the hustle and bustle around us.  I encourage you to take some time  to self reflect, renew yourself and concentrate on what inspires you. Possibly you find inspiration in your family and loved ones. Take the time to be with them. Maybe you find inspiration in being outdoors. Go out an enjoy a fresh snow fall, or if you’re lucky to live in a warm winter climate, enjoy the warm on your face. Or maybe you find inspiration in someone who is living your dream (or one similar). Learn from them and let them motivate you to find your own success. As an underwater photographer, I find my inspiration most in the ocean.  Since I was a child I loved water.  I would eventually grow up to love diving, beautiful underwater sea creatures and meld my passion for photography with the submerged world.  No matter how many dives or portrait sessions I do, I find inspiration in it all. I also find inspiration in others.  I am continually blow away by London-based underwater photographer Zena Holloway.  Her photos possess a beautiful dream-like quality.  It’s as if your fantasies popped into real life.  The light and beauty in each photo is breathtaking. I highly encourage you to check out her work. I also am inspired by Tomohide Ikeya, a Japanese photographer who brings light into darkness underwater.  His photos are raw with emotion; both...
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Strengthening Your Self Image Through Photography

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November 11, 2015/by
It’s harder than ever, thanks to the media dictating unrealistic beauty standards, to not feel insecure about yourself and your looks. In fact, a reported 91% of women feel unhappy with their appearance and body. That’s an overwhelming number that is sure to include a super model or two! This often leads to a plethora of ways individuals react to their perceived bodily flaws. One of the biggest surrounds having your photo taken. There is no statistic around how many people don’t like to be photographed, but suffice it to say, it’s a lot! A common reaction to physical insecurities is to avoid having a photo taken altogether. Maybe you think you need to lose weight, or don’t like how your hair has greyed, or you feel you have a crooked smile, the reasons are endless. The old adage is true - we are our own worst critic. It’s important to remember that what we see is not what everyone else sees. Do your friends and family look at you and see your physical flaws? No, they see the person they love and who makes a difference in their life. Love yourself as much as they love you. Make it a personal challenge to have yourself photographed often and from all angles. You’ll eventually discover your flaws aren’t really flaws and find self acceptance. Another common coping method of poor self image is never taking a serious photo, but instead always doing something silly. Maybe you make a funny face, use...
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Underwater Healer About Face Photo Book

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March 5, 2014/by
Underwater Healer About Face Photo Book Hundred copies of Underwater Healer About Face photo book finally arrived today! I worked on the book for 2-3 months. It seemed forever... It was a whole new experience designing a book and learning InDesign at the same time... I was really nervous to open the book and see if I made any mistakes.... I found few! (shhhhhhh-...) I remember I was exhausted and going blind towards the end. But I'm really happy to see my final product!!! Thank you! I got a sad news from NY few days ago. Emily Morrison passed away. I met her for the first time in NY photo shoot. Even though Emily has gone through a lot of difficulty, I was totally blown away by her positive energy. Her amazing spirit motivated me, especially since she wrote, “Have Under Water photos taken” in her "To-see list," a wish list of all the things she wants to do before she loses her eyesight. When Emily and I met, I could tell she was eager and ready to jump in the pool immediately. She thanked me for coming out there and told me how happy and excited she was to do the photo shoot with me. Because of Emily’s ongoing medication and treatment, I wanted to be careful and make sure she was feeling okay. But because we had a good connection from the start, my nervousness began to melt away. I was confident that this photo shoot would head in a good direction. Emily wore...
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The best morning therapy

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May 19, 2013/by
I go swimming about twice a week. I like the quietness and the emptiness in the early morning. I brought my underwater iPod the other day. I discovered the music helped a lot to keep the steady rhythm of my strokes and kicks. I was amazed how smoothly I was swimming and breathing. At the end of the hour, I decided to float on the surface and listen to the music. It was the perfect way to cool down and to relax before I get out the water. I had the best morning ever! I actually use my iPod for my clients. They all love it! Please let me know if you have any questions and interested in my underwater healing session. このごろ水泳に夢中になってる理由が、じゅじつで腰を痛めてしまって　(年です。笑）ヨガか水泳しかできないという。。。 ついこの間、水防止のアイポッドで水泳をしたら、音楽のせいもあって、呼吸とクロールにリズムかんがあったのに気づきました。 普通に泳いでいる時よりも、疲れにくい！やはり、呼吸は大切ですよね。実は私のクライアントにも使ってもらってます。水の中でゆっくりリラックすできるそうです。サンフランシスコに来る機会があれば、私のunderwater healer...
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Look Good Feel Better

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May 17, 2013/by
I started volunteering for Look Good Feel Better from American Cancer Society. It's a program for cancer fighters/survivors to learn about the facial products, wigs and head wraps. It was a full class of 15 people today. They were about late 20s to late 50 and both during and post chemo. I was talking to a woman during the break and she told me that she was diagnosed cancer just last week. I was speechless for seconds but I tried to be helpful instead of telling her my sympathies. She thanked me for being there to help out. It was the most intense moment I ever felt in...
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Scuba diving is my meditation

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April 24, 2013/by
I was in Key West for my birthday trip last week. None of my friends knew about this place so I was really excited to explore by myself. It was 85-90 degrees. People there both locals and visitors were incredibly friendly and natural. They were relaxed. I had 2 days of scuba trips and I loved every minute of it. It's been 6 months since the Maui trip and I truly think being by the ocean and scuba diving are my meditation tools. I believe everybody needs vacation, escape and space for your healthy mind and body. I came home refreshed! But I miss it...
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