A DAY IN THE FALL

These beautiful fall days are very busy and it is so easy to loose track of what is important, we are making an extra effort to enjoy them and fuel up before the winter cold gets here. Aren't these boys getting so big?

Gaby

Those of you who have followed my work for a while most likely have noticed that I normally blog my portraiture work in a separate blog/website (Violeta Owen Photography), from my personal and travel photography Graceful and Grateful. Well I am currently in the process of merging my two blogs/sites/brands under Graceful and Grateful so from now on you will find both lines of work here. Today, I am sharing here my most recent shoot which was the result of a collaboration I did a couple of weeks ago with with two very creative ladies. Hair and Makeup were done by Sloan Seelbach from A Beautiful Journey. And my muse for the day was actually a very talented young photographer her self, be sure to check here work when you get a chance. For the longest time I have been dreaming of starting a series of dance portraits, and I am so exited to finally share the first fruits. Please take the time to leave comments, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Genuine Beauty

A few weeks ago I had the honor of attending a very special event hosted by the ladies of Verity Vareé and styled by the ladies of Fika Gatherings. I really wish I had taken more photographs, but the evening got busy very quickly as we gathered under the stars for a movie night and a discussion about comparison and friendship. I was so excited to finally meet the team of women behind this beautiful project, so inspired by their creativity and most of all by their genuine effort to encourage other women. The evening was perfect, I was mesmerized by the tasteful styling, and deeply touched by the heartfelt conversations. I felt so at home, so welcomed, safe and uplifted. It was truly refreshing to forge deep connections if only for a night, and open up about both our weaknesses and strengths.  It was a true reminder of the strength behind vulnerability and the beauty behind truly empowering each other. Thank you!

Sol de Minca

 

At the end of our trip in Colombia we visited my friend from childhood Viviana. She and her family have started a nature reserve near a small township in la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, which is the world’s tallest coastal mountain range. Vivi and I have known each other since we were about 5 years old, and since she and her family moved to this region and started El Sol de Minca project I have been dying to visit them. I was as thrilled when they asked me to photograph their work for the construction of their new website (hence the crazy amount of pictures above). I am not exaggerating when I tell you that this region of Colombia is magical and unique in many respects. La Sierra is know for its great cultural significance (since it's sacred to various indigenous groups that inhabit it), as well as it is one of the world's greatest biodiversity hotspots were an incredible array of endemic creatures reside. Needles to say it was a privilege to be there, and I am very grateful and humbled by how welcoming everyone was to me and my children. Seeing my childhood friend was truly a treat! You know those friends that no matter how many years have passed you can still have amazing conversations all night long, and laugh uncontrollably at the simplest things? Oh how I treasure these friendships, they are good for you health, and vital for your soul. When you find such relationships in your life keep them close, and remember that they are rare gems. I am so proud of Vivi and her family for following their dreams, for their hard work, and for daring to make this world a better place.