Happy New Year!
It’s New Year’s Eve and I am currently sitting in my pyjamas, in the mountains, sipping a Baileys & coffee while thinking of this past year and pondering the upcoming 365 opportunities/days. I imagine this is true for many of you too (the pondering at least ;) )…the ringing in of a new year naturally encourages reflection of where we’ve been and where we’re headed, and I love it.
I started this year in the very place I sit today, and Braving the Wildnerness was the book in my hands. Likely more than any other of her books, and I do LOVE Brené Brown, this one resonated in a way that has stayed with me.
In the book Brené shares, “Joseph Campbell wrote, “If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it’s not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That’s why it’s your path.” ~ Brené Brown, Braving the Wilderness
It was the perfect introduction to a year that saw me trade cozy & stable for uncomfortable & exciting.
The spring saw us jet off to Mexico for the powerful elixir of sun & sand, and I was lucky to stumble across You are a Badass in the airport en route there…this was the right book, at the right time, in the right place…sippin’ pina coladas, while the kids played under the sun, and reading the wisdom and encouragement and real-talk found in this book was the final catalyst in my choosing to leave my long time employment and re-dedicate myself - time, focus, passion - to my portrait business.
“In order to kick ass, you must first lift up your foot.”
~ Jen Sincero, YOU are a BADASS
So, armed with plenty of inspo from the super authentic & academic Brené and the fabulously trucker-mouthed Jen; I embarked on rebuilding my business in early September. Highlights since have included:
Beautycounter for the win!
the Evolution Workshop with Dave Brosha: insightful, challenging, inspiring, perfectly timed for me…and came with the extraordinary blessing of new & meaningful friendships
Combining Bella Faccia & Bella Forza to form Lori Maloney Photography
The epiphany that I needn’t be held back by the concern that my hired makeup artists might be late or, worse, no-show…that instead I could be trained and offer the service myself, while ensuring my clients’ health by using Beautycounter’s safer skincare & makeup. My training will wrap up in late Jan/early Feb and I’m stoked!
And, most importantly, the opportunity to work with women who inspire me to reach, to believe, to choose vulnerability, to just.keep.going. My deep gratitude to all those who have stepped in front of my lens, I hope you feel as equally buoyed by the experience as I do. xo
My first time providing makeup artistry to someone other than my instructor, myself, or my family ;) …the stunning Debbie in a ‘no makeup makeup’ look.
After a quick natural light headshot session, we added some drama to her look and moved to the studio.
This boss babe will open her DIY cake decorating business, CAKEify Studio, in central Calgary this Spring. You can find her on facebook @cakeifystudio and on instagram @cakeifystudio_yyc.
Dreams for 2019…
to offer a free portrait session each month to a woman who could desperately use a boost…perhaps she’s received a diagnosis, perhaps she’s on the other side of a serious health challenge, or maybe life has given her more knocks than hands-up. Please feel free to nominate a woman you care for who would benefit from having her portrait made in a caring and authentic way by emailing me at lori@lorimaloney.com
to start working with women who are in the throes of health challenges and would like to explore photography as a means of healing, documenting, or simply as a distraction.*
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way - things I had no words for.” ~ Georgia O’Keefe
* note that I am not a certified art therapist, rather someone who would like to use her knowledge of photography to help others, whether it’s getting them started with a new camera or offering guidance on personal projects or just as someone with whom they can explore photography.to remain open to opportunities and growth…to always remember that it isn’t easy, but it is so worth it!
As I lean in to the belief that - showing up, doing the work, putting one foot in front of the other, being scared and doing it anyway - is where peace & joy & fulfilment (AKA ‘success’) lies; I am reminded of a line from the Tragically Hip’s song Bobcaygeon…”I saw the constellations reveal themselves one star at a time.” Indeed, here I am, having faith that the next steps will reveal themselves and revelling in the adventure of it all!
May this New Year grant us health, joy, growth, and love…and the stamina & heart & resilience to withstand when the best laid plans go sideways.
Please think of me and my work if you know someone who would benefit because…
Every woman deserves a portrait she loves.
With gratitude,
xo Lori