Capturing LOVE On Life’s Terms

Can I take your picture?

 

Capturing Love on Life’s Terms

I’m not a normal photographer
Messy Moments are my specialty

I seem to get asked if I can be there in more than just the memorable moments of weddings & births, which I happen to love!

Yet my heart shines when I can help create a beautiful portrait for someone having a tough time.

My lens & me go to hospice rooms to catch a last great shot. Or to shoot differently-abled dancers performing on stage from their wheelchairs.
At the bedside of a pediatric cancer patient.

No matter how Life is expressed, my Lens & Me, we find Beauty.

To me, “special needs” individuals are remarkably special.

My motto is:

“Life and love are in the places where we might be challenged to go, yet compassion compels us to show up anyway. I call it the mundane, merry and messy moments of life.”

Lisa Nalven
Photojournalist|Dancer|Philanthropist

 

It’s life anytime.
Anywhere.
It’s Love on Life’s Terms.

My lens and me, we work in two ways

As a dancer by training from New York City and a self-taught photo journalist, I delight in working with private clients in intimate moments of their life’s journey. I also offer ½ day and day-long  group sessions, which can create great joy, excitement and happiness for all who join.

Private Select Photography

Special Needs | Elder Memory Care | Cancer Challenges |Transplant Journeys | Rites of Passage | Journey of Life |Weddings & Babies
  • Shoot Time 1-3 Hours
  • 1 – 4 people (additional people by request)
  • 15 + High-Resolution Retouched Digital Files
  • 1 Retouched 11 x 14 Archival Print
  • B & W and Color Images
  • Travel up to 30 miles from FLL (no charge)

    Or Learn More Here

    Group Photo Fun Days

    Foundations | Group Homes | Hospitals

    Benefits includes:

    • Reduce Social Isolation.
    • Assist in Rehabilitation.
    • Strengthen Community.
    • Create Memorable Moments
    • Therapeutic & FUN
    • Individual Portraits for each group member
    • Exciting “photo studio setting” –  indoors or outdoor.
    • For limited mobility patients, I go to them
    • Music & dance to increase the Fun Factor (when appropriate)

      Or Learn More Here

      Hear it from others…

      “Our Outstanding Volunteer 2019 for the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation, Lisa has been recognized because of her outstanding volunteer work dedicated to the children we serve (since 2005).

      Lisa contributes beyond her call of duty so that the outcome of each project is the best it can be. Most of the special memories in the history of the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation are forever treasures thanks to Lisa Nalven Photography”.

       

       

      Sandra Muvdi.

      MBA|President/CEO, Jessica June Children's Cancer Foundation®.

      “My team’s mission is to reduce suffering and enhance the quality of life of children with life-threatening illnesses. Lisa has been available on a moments notice to document the journey from diagnosis, through the trajectory of the child’s illness, whether through treatment, or sadly, to the end-of-life. She documents this journey creating forever memories for dying children, helping them know they are leaving a legacy – one of the most important steps in the dying process for an older child, adolescent or young adult.

      She’s a valuable member of our team and her photographs a highlight of our palliative care program”.

      Dr. Lynn Meister.

      Medical Director, Pediatric Palliative Care Team, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

      “My 103 year old, former beauty queen Mom and I have been given an invaluable gift by Lisa. In our last photo shoot, she encouraged us to enjoy each other, relax and become our best selves. My Mom had a stroke at 96, has lost some cognition and our relationship is multi-layered, yet I saw the woman my Mom had been and now has become in this last session.

      Lisa’s helped remind me how valuable the time is with the people I have around me”.

       

      Ellen Sherman.

      Producer/Writer/Media specialist.

      “As the holistic nurse on the Pediatric Palliative Care Team, Lisa showed up consistently, to photograph some of the “not happiest” moments in our patient’s lives. She brought her loving heart and compassion, took time and took breaks, as emotions of “hospital memories” are challenging to capture. Yet, when I followed up with the families after receiving Lisa’s work, she’d captured both “planned” and spontaneous moments that are both a last AND lasting forever memory of their child that is AMAZING. I love Lisa”.

      Beth Fletcher.

      RN BSN LMT MA Holistic Nurse, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

      My Happy Clients

      Life is precious and tenuous.
      If not now, when?

      Maybe…

      You have an elder parent in a memory care center who needs a pick-me-up?

      Or a child who has lost their hair to chemo and their self-esteem?

      Possibly, a best friend that’s lost her mojo during a divorce?

      Let’s talk and create a Memorable Moment for them!

      My Lens & Me Poem,

      by Lisa Nalven

      My lens and me

      Come see as we see.

      In an aged body we see spirit.

      In a challenged body we see soul.

      In a fragile mind we see heart.

      In poverty we find riches.

      In heartache, we bring joy.

      In a room where death’s door is near, we find life.

      You see, we see beyond age, illness, disability, or life’s messy challenges.

      We see humanness.

      We bring light.

      We capture love.

      Here’s a little more about me:

      I was and always will be, a dancer

      Having attended the High School of Performing Arts in NYC (Fame), toured and performed for the better part of 15 years, and having grown up in a family restaurant/bar in NYC, I have experienced a whole lot of life. Hence, I’m a hopeless people person.

      Dancers have a short shelf life. I’ve been blessed with a fabulous second act. As a photographer and passionate photo philanthropist, I’m as all in as I’ve ever been.

      I’m a people person with deep compassion

      When one is given a gift, it’s a gift to be given. My ability to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera, under any circumstances, is my greatest asset. Co-creating stunning portraits that make people feel good about themselves is my joy, my why.

      Souls are encased in different wrappers. Different is no less fabulous.

      Life at any age is no less remarkable.

      People with special needs are no less special.

      The disabled are not less-than.

      Ill children are still children.

      My job is to capture the soul that depicts the beauty of our sameness and not our differences.

      And to make it fun.

      Photography Experience

      30 years capturing images of adults, children, models, executives, and coaches. 20 years as the cover photographer for 2 prominent children’s magazine In South Florida.

      We believe that mindful awareness leads to authentic action. If you’re searching for inspiration, connection, and the opportunity to proactively engage in your community, consider being part of one of our programs or initiatives. We’re creating a safe space to learn how to embody kindness through service. Join us as we move towards a kinder, more responsible world.

      Private Clients

      Special Needs | Elder Memory Care | Cancer Challenges |Transplant Journeys | Rites of Passage | Journey of Life |Weddings & Babies
      • Shoot Time 1-3 Hours
      • 1 – 4 people (additional people by request)
      • 15 + High-Resolution Retouched Digital Files
      • 1 Retouched 11 x 14 Archival Print
      • B & W and Color Images
      • Travel up to 30 miles from FLL (no charge)
      • Customized Prayer Boards available (additional)

      Group Photo Fun Day

      Foundations | Group Homes | Hospitals

      • Individual Portraits for each group member
      • Exciting “photo studio setting” –  indoors or outdoor.
      • For limited mobility patients, I go to them
      • Music & dance to increase the Fun Factor (when appropriate)
      • Receive a retouched 8×10 Print and a retouched Digital File

      As a bonus I offer my new prayer, memory, healing, dry erase boards. With the new portraits I’ve created, I customize with words and/or quotes to jog memory, facilitate healing, or simply a backdrop where a visitor might leave a note of love and support.

      I work in South Florida but will travel. All fees are negotiated according to the job.

      Let’s get started and schedule a Free 20-minute call with Lisa

      Let's stay connected!

      Lisa Nalven is a photographer of peeps under any circumstances. My Lens and Me Capture Love On Life's Terms as a heart-centered member of Our Collective Humanity.