Joy-O-Vision: Taking Danielle LaPorte’s Picture

The other day I was out and about doing some errands when Roger called me and said “You’d never guess who just called and wants you to do her head shot. Danielle LaPorte!” Well, I was freaking out, trying to breathe and not crash the car as I drove back to the studio. I’ve been a huge fan of Danielle LaPorte for quite some time. Her powerful writing seems to hit me where it counts and encourages me to bravely step into the world as me. It’s funny how sometimes the universe works. Many years ago when Danielle was starting out doing style statements a close girlfriend of mine (who has amazing intuition) had her style statement done. Danielle and her then business partner were hiring an assistant and my girlfriend suggested that I apply for the job.  At that time I was still stuck in “I went to school for my chosen career in Respiratory Therapy and I need to keep working at it for a while.”, so I stayed in my job at the hospital. Did I regret not applying to work with such a power house? Of course at times, but I do believe everything happens for  a reason. The timing wasn’t right then for Danielle and I to work together. When she called the other week I was sooo ready.

Now that I am fully in my photography career I think a lot about why I do the work that I do and what inspires me. I am inspired by people, by each individual’s beauty, by folks who are proudly living their life and doing their thing whatever that may be. I love how we are all unique and all connected at the same time. In my photography I try my best to capture the essence of people, their beauty and their connection to the ones that they love. So it was amazing to have the chance to photograph Danielle, who in her own words is “convinced that the desire to be real is everyone’s divine imperative“. Hell yes!

Do you know what the best part of the shoot for me was? How incredibly grounded and kind Danielle was to Roger and I. To be in her presence was incredibly joyful for me. I’m holding on to the fee Danielle paid to spend it on something special. Because the whole shoot was magical for me (I’m still pinching myself) I want to spend the money on something just as magical.

Thank you so so so much, Danielle, for choosing me to take your photograph. Thank you too for all of the incredible work that you do. Keep on rocking it!

Holly