My Lens & Me – The Blog

Nicole Zimmerman

In October of 2015 I was at MD Anderson in Houston helping my brother Eric navigate his cancer treatment. Bob, a friend who worked at the hospital happened to tell me that a patient, Nicole Zimmerman, would be getting married that Sunday.  Nicole had just learned that her cancer was raging and she would need […]

In October of 2015 I was at MD Anderson in Houston helping my brother Eric navigate his cancer treatment. Bob, a friend who worked at the hospital happened to tell me that a patient, Nicole Zimmerman, would be getting married that Sunday.  Nicole had just learned that her cancer was raging and she would need to push up the wedding. And quickly. 

It seemed only natural for me to offer my services. That Sunday I arrived, expecting a small makeshift wedding quickly thrown together with an intimate group of loved ones. I had no idea the local media had been following her story. The local anchorwomen had graciously arranged donations of everything needed to create a beautiful ceremony. I arrived with my camera, no makeup, and in my normal casual attire not knowing that I would now be part of her story. Needless to say it was a bittersweet wedding yet loving and joyous as a glowing Nicole Zimmerman married the father of her Three-year child.



For me it felt normal to show up. I think it’s more normal to give than to hold back when we’ve been blessed with a talent. Actually it might be because our talents are so much a part of our dharma that we, or at least I feel a bit tortured if I don’t share them.

Thank you Nicole and Fred Zimmerman for giving me the opportunity to bear witness to your love. Thank you for touching my heart and reminding me of our humanness.

And a big shout out to Fred for being a loving dad to Jalen Zimmerman.

https://kccure.org/2016/11/renal-medullary-carcinoma-rare-kidney-cancer/

 

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"The only constant is change." - Heraclitus Pandemics happen. Impermanence happens.  Hard times are happening. I, along with the rest of the world, am struggling to remain upbeat. I send my heartfelt love, and wishes for good health, to you and yours.  As a result of...

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51 Comments

  1. Kathy Nalven

    A beautiful journey

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Love you. :-))) You’ve always been my rock. 

      Reply
  2. Jennifer Grace

    Beautifully written and shot with compassion. You captured their essence… Can’t wait for the next one!

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Thanks Jen…For being there and all your support. Thanks for my power posse.

      Reply
  3. Linda

    Lisa…..your “work” is beautiful.  Behind your camera are eyes that see right into the soul….and with a click, it’s captured.   I love this blog – the first of many more to follow!!!

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Linda my jibe at 75 friend. You’ll be up there soon enough. Thanks and love. 

      Reply
  4. Anne Reinstein

    Beautiful story ❤️❤️

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Thanks Anne. xo Beautiful to be part of . 

      Reply
  5. Cindy Chambless

    Thank you for including me in your blog. Thank you for sharing your talent and enriching the lives of so many people going through tough times. You are a blessing and a gift in and of yourself, and a very beautiful soul Lisa Nalven. 

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Thanks Cindy. I really appreciate your support. Much LOVE. 

      Reply
  6. Diane

    What a beautiful story of a life that touched so many and will be remembered and experienced on so many levels.Thank you Lisa! 

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Hey Di…xoxo Thanks!!! We’ll be ready your blog soon. 

      Reply
  7. Nancey Rosensweig

    So amazing, Lisa.  What a beautiful story.  That family will be eternally grateful to you for the photos and the memories.  Dancer and photographer extraordinaire.
    Love,
    Nancey Rosensweig

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Thanks Nancey…Sorry I missed you in NY. I appreciate the kudos…I’m a lucky person to be graced with my life. I hope we can connect sooner than later. Has it been 40 years?

      Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Thanks Verne…feelings are mutual.

      Reply
  8. Fritzi

    Lisa, this is such a beautiful beginning to a blog that will represent what the Human Spirit is always capable of. The Blessing of giving with a open heart has always been your calling. I’m glad that you are sharing your gifts and talents to reach more people. Your work is truly ‘a gift that keeps giving’. Thank you for your generous Spirit. When your incredible photography has such meaningful stories behind it…you are creating more than just a visual collection of moments.  You are offering a Spiritual context to the art of giving. 

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Fritzi…you have always had such a way with words…your comment is inspiring. This is my calling for sure and I’m all in. xoxoxo Thanks for your years of love and freindship. 

      Reply
  9. Joanne T Tronconi

    Lisa your passion for humanity is overwhelming.  Thank you for captioning the most beautiful incite into our own very unique lives.

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Joanne…I can’t WAIT to do yours! I know the title will be “A House Filled with LOVE”.  That’s the words that stuck with me when driving home. Thank YOU for saying yes and appreciating what I am trying to do. 

      Reply
  10. tony powers

    what a wonderful endeavor Lisa. Brava. xo

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Thanks Tony…Grazie….xoxoxoxo 

      Reply
  11. Robert Katz

    You are a beautiful person

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      and lucky to be married to you. xoxoxo

      Reply
  12. Michael Cohen

    Beautiful! You keep dong you and perhaps the world, at least your chosen few, will live brightly through your lens and your heart. I love you.

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Thanks Michael…I’m a lucky person. Love you too. 

      Reply
  13. Dena Nathanson

    This is so emotional and heart wrenching.  Just another way you inspire me to be proactively kind and giving like you and Marian.  Instead of your experience ending when you hand the photos to their subjects, you have stories that keep on giving!  Enjoy the journey dear friend!  I know I will.

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Thanks Dena…I’ll keep it up! I know I’ll keep on shooting because this is what I am meant to do. I love sharing my work…it’s a dharma thing for sure. xoxoxo

      Reply
  14. ellen sherman

    Such a beautiful story and how blessed you all were to have your paths cross. Keep up the art and work that brings so much to so many. Your talent is a gift and it’s wonderful to see how you are using it.

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Thanks my pal Ellen. Thanks for your help and making me feel that I could actually write. When you told me that you heard my voice…that’s what I needed to hear. xoxox

      Reply
  15. Jayne Mills

    Lisa, I just heard a reporter talking about Hurricane Harvey say that the worst of Mother Nature brings out the best in human nature. You are an ongoing rare example of the best of human nature. Your capacity to give so selflessly is an inspiration to all of us who know and love you. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent. Love the blog!

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Jayne…so many thanks. And guess what…I heard that comment and thought I want to use that…beautifully expressed. Thanks again for all your support and jump in when you’re ready.

      Reply
  16. Jack Stern

    You are an amazing person Lisa.  Proud to be your cousin.

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Wow Jack…thanks! It’s the Stern gene. Love you too.

      Reply
  17. Ellen Dunn

    You did a beautiful job telling Nicole’s story. I was so touched!  The family will now have a wonderful memory because of your dedication. 

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Thanks Ellen…I love what I do…it’s my passion.
      It’s like you and the animal pics…it’s what it’s all about.

      Reply
  18. Lynn Victor

    You have such a God given talent! A blog is the perfect way to share your gift with so many people! I’m a big fan! 

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Thanks Lynn, I’ll have to put up Haiti one of these days. I will talk with Scott one of these days. I’d like to get some words from the kids.

      Reply
  19. Mazza

    I’m a fan and a follower of yours for many many years and forever ! What a beautiful story I know that you bring so much joy to theese people!  Im excited about your Blog~ 
    *life is to be seen threw a photographers eyes*~Micki Mazza
    Especially yours! Bravo my friend !!!

    Reply
    • Lisa Nalven

      Thanks Micki, It’s been a long time coming…and I’m here now.

      Reply
  20. Julia Hartstill

    There is always a story behind every picture & stories should be told, preserved and passed on. It’s how humanity survives. Life is about survivers, we need survivers and life stories, they add to life’s tapestry and are fabulous. This is another beautiful example for both the photographer and the photographed – thank you. ♡

    Reply
  21. Sandra Muvdi

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    Lisa, I love
    the news piece that captured the special person you are.  You are blessed with priceless giving
    experience which fill you with inner enrichment. …and to each individual you photograph
    and their loved ones, you provide treasures by capturing moments in time forever
    preserved. You have
    touched my life.  I thank you for making
    my world a better place.  Sandra Muvdi

     

    Reply
  22. Erica

    You are AMAZING!!!

    Reply
  23. Jemima McPherson

    I love the blog post so much Lisa ❤️

    Reply
  24. Nadia Weiss

    It’s my birthday today and hurricane Irma is approaching.

    I was just able to watch the video associated with the story you had written.Saying I’m touched doesn’t begin to describe in anyway how overwhelmingly beautiful this is.I look forward to more of life’s moments shared with you through the lens of your camera.Thank you for taking the time to remind us in one way or another, that no matter where we are or where we are from; “life happens”.Thank you for being who you are and also for being in my life.

    Reply
  25. Tom Latrielle

    I have always known you are anamazing person Lisa. This story just verifies it. It’s an honor to have you as a friend!

    Reply
  26. Kevin

    Beautiful pics and story Lisa – your heart is a giant muscle of love!!  Kevin

    Reply
  27. Frannie Young

    You have such a wonderful way of seeing such beauty….and sharing it!  How blessed to be able to be a part of this day.  Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  28. Diane Sobo

    I love the way you love, my friend.  Your purpose is clear to me.  

    Reply
  29. Diane Sobo

    it is clear to me what your purpose is.  You are a gift with a gift.  Actually, many gifts.  Thank you.

    Reply

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