Lisa

I began my photography journey working alongside my father, who retired from teaching and then began photographing his past students’ weddings. While I continued to pursue photography in the dark room in college and eventually studying abroad in Italy, my best education came from: being with people, connecting with couples and families and figuring out how to help them share their story. I believe the relationship between subject and photographer provides space for a deep, authentic and FUN connection that can be long lasting.

WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?

Perfect happiness to me right now sounds like continuing to clarify ways in which I can be positively impactful, taking stock of all the amazing people and support I have in my life. Remembering to never skimp on stretching my body, reading, listening and connecting.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?

My Cb2 bookshelves that were out of my price range until TWO happened to showed up on Craigslist. They are modern and sleek, yet sturdy and able to carry the weight of more books than they should probably house. I love being able to lend my favorite books out to friends when they come over and are in need of a recommendation, you just better give it back!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BAY AREA HANGOUTS?

Most of my “me” time is spent in the sun. If I can’t get it at home in the (sometimes foggy) Sunset District of SF, I go and find it. These sunny spots include but are not limited to my backyard, Fort Funston, a dead end side street in the Mission and driving along the Marin Headlands. On days I can leave the city, it’s always the Yuba River (inquire within for swimming hole reccs!

Go-tos

TRAVEL

As an only child to two teachers, we started traveling when I was very young on school breaks. I feel endlessly fortunate every-time I get to see a new part of our planet, especially all parts of Mexico. The people, the culture, the food, the hospitality - its important and so satisfying to be exposed to and reminded of.

SWIMMING

My aunt (and kindred spirt) once told me that if you find yourself at the water, you must get in the water. The ocean temps here in San Francisco wake me up like a double espresso and center me better than a yoga class. 

TV SERIES

I can’t get enough and love thinking about all angles of production, from the actors to the lighting and color choices, the story lines, the soundtrack and most importantly what we can learn from watching other people navigate their life’s circumstances (especially when it’s a life unfamiliar to my own).

OUTDOOR CONCERTS

Music has always been a huge part of my life. Listening in my air-pods is one thing, but gathering with friends under the stars and feeling that collective energy from everyone in the audience is a sensation unlike any other! (Have you seen a show yet at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley?!)

GOOD FOOD

Although my parents didn’t cook (I literally don’t remember what we ate when I was a child), I have worked in restaurants for more than half my life and have a deep appreciation for delicious food. Some local favorites include the perfectly crunchy peanut butter and strawberry sandwich from Courtney’s Produce in the Castro, the bright Prawn-Habanero risotto from Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack or an in-season peach at Dolores Park.

FRANK

I remember seeing a huge framed photo of 3 tabby kittens in the grass when I was young and CRYING because I wanted a cat more than anything to call my own. My mom bought me the print for my birthday and now I’ve finally got my real life tabby, Frank who loves sleeping and adventuring through the backyards of our neighborhood.