As with most of life’s greatest adventures, myriad emotions are surfacing as I embark on a new one…I’m a little sad (goodbyes are hard), I’m feeling vulnerable (beginnings are scary), I’m reminiscent (it’s been a long, winding, and ‘hilly’ road to here), but mostly I’m joyful, grateful, and excited because today…

***druuummmmroooooooolllllllll***

I’m announcing my re-launched, re-newed, re-branded women’s portrait studio:

Lori Maloney Photography

When I decided to specialize in photographing women in 2012, I was hoping to infuse into my clients’ lives the furthered belief that they are beautiful and strong and resilient and dimensional and courageous and fun and sexy and smart and WHOLE —> just.as.they.are.! Then, in 2013, I finally got out of my own way - going from ‘why me?’ to ‘why not me?!’ - to offer compassionate portraiture, through Bella Forza Portraits, to women facing, or who had faced, serious illness because I believed I could make a difference in their lives - that I could help buoy them and offer them an empowering experience that also resulted in a portrait they and their family would love. At the time, I was the fittest I’ve ever been, the most grounded, the most confident, the most full of life, the most me…but that all changed in Spring 2013 when life pulled the rug out from under me. I felt broken and knew that I couldn’t invite vulnerable women into my studio in the state I was in and so I, with great heartache but total resolve, pulled away from my businesses. I’m reminded of a profound quote from the book Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy, by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant:

“Boom. Flattened.” Yep.

Over the past five years I’ve had to heal my heart and my body. I had to learn to believe in myself again and to replenish reserves that had run dry.

BUT, flash forward to today, and with thanks to countless people, I feel GREAT. I didn't wish for heartache or health challenges…but who does?! And, just like losing Mom taught me so much, so too have these last five years. I’m stronger, smarter, more resilient, and more forgiving - to myself and to others - than I was before…and isn’t that a beautiful thing?! And I am beyond ready to get back to what I feel is my life’s purpose: working with women, celebrating them and their journeys through my love of portraiture.

”Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”

~ Kahlil Gibra

Some memories from the last eight years, with a special nod to Mom…

My desire to honour women and their stories is stronger than ever. And I hope, and I believe, my work will be even richer now, given that I too have had to walk through my own fires…I know that the details of our stories may vary, but there are universal truths and feelings that go far deeper than ‘what happened’ and I believe in connection and authenticity and truth…and that is what I will bring to all of my sessions.

So, while Bella Faccia and Bella Forza will now be part of the past as beautiful beginnings…I am so excited to be pursuing my love for women and portraiture and empowerment under one brand: Lori Maloney Photography.

I’m ready to celebrate YOU…are you?

Life is beautiful…and women consistently inspire me through their Strength, Beauty & Grace…

and I believe…

Every woman deserves a portrait she loves.

xo Lori