Me Ra Koh - The Photo Mom

{humble beginnings}
I took this photo over twenty years ago when we still used film cameras. I didn't know much about photography yet, but I knew I LOVED the morning light and seeing my girl dance in it.
Every dream has a beginning.
And the beginning is often a humble start.
That's why I love Christmas. The most humble of all beginnings was born in a manger and changed the world.
Are you holding a humble beginning in your hands?
Are you struggling with seeing all that it's not versus all that it could be?
I could focus on the blur in this photo. Pascaline being out of focus and the backdoor being in focus. I could pick it apart. But honestly, I just love this photo. I can still hear her laughing and singing as she'd dance. And that is everything.
What bits of life and joy are you able to recognize in that humble beginning you're considering?
There is no telling where it may take you, what it may grow into...
Merry Christmas to all who have that Rising Phoenix within them!
May we rise!
Me Ra

{unflinching confidence}
Those two words are what Parimala wants to be reminded of everyday. Oh my goodness…Her Rising Phoenix Experience was AMAZING today!! I can’t wait for you to all meet her in person and see what we created!
She’s rising!!
Me Ra

{heartbreak and strength of a mom}
Meet Luz. This Rising Phoenix is the epitome of fierce. She has endured more than any mother should have to...things that would bring so many to their knees. This warrior walks with her son through his incarceration, praying him through the darkest times and never faltering to be there for him, her family and countless others in her life. She wanted us to share this for parents experiencing heartbreak.

CLICK HERE for her Rising Phoenix; https://bit.ly/PortraitofWarrior_MeetLuz

Luz, thank you for sharing your story with all of us with the purpose to inspire hope in others, especially parents. You are a gift to us all.

still we rise,
Me Ra

HMU@GingerBayAnderson

{manifestation of hope}
We hear far too many stories of women trapped in unhealthy, destructive relationships involving abuse. https://bit.ly/LoynaResilienceandHope

The holidays can be one of the loneliest times when abuse escalates. Loyna knows that pattern all too well as she was the victim of domestic violence for over two decades. Incredibly, Loyna made the brave decision to stand up for herself the minute her ex-husband’s mental and emotional abuse turned physical; a decision that has changed the course of life for her and her children, for the better.

She dubbed 2023 ‘the year of resilience’ for her and her family. When we asked her what top 3 attributes are rising within her, it’s no surprise that RESILIENCE topped the list! Loyna also described herself as hopeful and faithful. “You cannot break me down. I have covering, a shield in me that no matter what you throw at me, you cannot break me down. I’m going to overcome!”

Click link above to read Loyna's powerful Rising Phoenix story.
It's an infusion of HOPE!

Loyna, you are AWE-mazing! We honor you with this blog post and your Rising Phoenix portraits! This new season is just the beginning!

still we rise!
Me Ra

HMU Ginger Bay Makeup

{celebrating her new book}
"I don’t look at art to learn about the art. I look at art to learn about myself," writes author, Ingram - Art Class Curator / Art and Self. Cindy just released her new book "Art is About Being Whole: A Memoir". See it here! https://amzn.to/3FNJ3mH

We love our Author Branding Photo Shoots! And we had the honor of capturing Cindy's! Before the photo shoot day, we talked with some of her past workshop students. We were blown away by the impact her workshops have had on others, as well as some of Cindy's own art. Just this book in her hands was incredible! But wait till you see the book she's just published!

Note to you from Cindy;
"I write this book to illustrate how art is more than just something to appreciate or learn about or look at, but that it has the power to heal, give clarity, hold space, and do magic. In my darkest times, deep in grief, anxiety, depression, and shame, art has always been there for me. It was how I experienced the fullness of life and the depths of connection before I did the work of coming to a place of wholeness. A place where I feel like I know and love who I am, without shame, without feeling the need to pretend to be something else, without the constant need to fix my broken self."
Congratulations Cindy!!!

Cindy, our whole team at FIORIA is so EXCITED for you!
We CELEBRATE this huge achievement with you!

still we rise!
Me Ra

HMU Ginger Bay Makeup

{the most important detail}
At just 15 years old, Mima was engaged in guerrilla warfare and spent time as a political prisoner of war under Castro's reign in Cuba. With a spirit of a warrior, she fought against communism with every fiber of her being and knows great loss from this battle. CLICK HERE to read their incredible story; https://bit.ly/TheLoyolaFamily

Mima made it to America and began sewing foundational seeds of hard work and faith, which eventually blossomed into the incredible, strong family she now shares with the world. She wanted a legacy of joy for her family.

This Rising Phoenix story is powerful. It has impacted us in so many beautiful ways. We promise you will walk away awe-inspired with the reminder that the American Dream is alive in well in our country.

Does anyone know what the most important detail is in this family portrait of unwavering strength? It's the smallest detail that captures the passion.

still we rise!
Me Ra

p.s. Bibi, Marino, Audrey, Diego, and Mima, may this blog post honor your family, where you come from and where you're going. Your family is an inspiration to us all. Sending you the BIGGEST hug, Mima. My life, our teams lives, are forever changed by knowing you.

HMU Ginger Bay Makeup

{turning 30}
Happy Birthday to this BEAUTIFUL Rising Phoenix!
She is starting a new decade and has BIG dreams!
Angie has everything already within her to SOAR! I can't wait to see what unfolds for her in the coming months!
This girl is on fire!
Love you Angie! Our whole FIORIA team celebrates you!
still we rise!
Me Ra

HMU Ginger Bay Makeup

[heart of a lion}
This young man has experienced more in the last few years than some do in a lifetime and through it all, he has emerged triumphant, strong and truly grace-filled. Joel now walks through life with the biggest heart for others…but it took him a while to get here. https://bit.ly/Joel_HeartofaLion

Joel will be the first to tell you that he’s spent the past few years feeling lost. In a negative, unhappy mental state, he really struggled to find joy and acceptance in himself and the world around him. Joel and his family were struck with immense tragedy and unfathomable pain following the loss of his older brother, Gabriel.

These aren't just senior portraits but Joel's Rising Phoenix of how he has risen above the pain, heartache, and inspires others to do the same.

CLICK HERE to see Joel's story! https://bit.ly/Joel_HeartofaLion

still we rise,
Me Ra

{pray for Israel}
Before going, I didn’t fully understand Israel. I pictured a place of chaos the US news often fed us. After spending a month filming and photographing the country with our family, I came to know a people that is so diverse, dynamic, STRONG, loving and DEEPLY passionate. Israel and its people forever changed me and my family for the better.

We pray for Israel. For God to open doors of peace and protection over all the people. That this war would end quickly. For peace to reign. Healing to flow.

My heart is heavy, thinking of all the faces, all the amazing people and friends we met when filming there. We filmed and photographed stories of their culture and history for Disney, their benevolent work with , and the amazing work does in children’s hospitals.

We had the honor of experiencing Shabbat with a family and their forty neighbors on the West Bank. We met young and old soldiers, hearing their stories. We walked dirt roads we’ve read about in the Bible all our lives.

We pray for Israel.
We pray for peace.
We pray for the year of open doors to bring an answer and path to hope.

Israel is one of the most resilient countries we’ve ever encountered.
Our prayers rise.

still we rise,
Me Ra

{overcoming ALL the odds}
Both Shawn and Laura know what it's like to hit rock bottom. Their Rising Phoenix story is so POWERFUL! CLICK HERE to see it; https://bit.ly/overcomingALLodds

Each having their own story of battles with addiction, they now have an 'other-worldly peace' about them that is firm and unyielding and felt in every room they enter. Through arrests and rehab, Shawn and Laura now live life in a way that connects, inspires and creates immense JOY.

They understand the fierce desperation of clawing your way back out of 'the hole'. Where many have given up and given into their addictions, Shawn and Laura know what it is to look addiction in the face and say, "you will not own me".

You will see that authority in their portraits! The supernatural strength and committed discipline they cultivate to overcome ALL the odds! It's such a honor to share their Rising Phoenix story with you!

May their rising give strength to your wings!

still we rise,
Me Ra

p.s. Carla, you're an AMAZING mom and mother-in-law! Thank you for gifting them this transformational experience, and trusting us with their beautiful story!

HMU

{dream builders}
Joel and Luz were once on food stamps with four kids to feed.
Neither of them were dealt an easy childhood, and they had giants to overcome.
But these two kept fighting for each other, their family, and a dream to manage apartment properties.
They now oversee 40+ properties in DFW, employing almost a 100 people.
Isn't that incredible?! It's just the TIP of the iceberg.
They came into the studio with another team member recently to level up their branding.
What a honor to capture what Touchstone Property Management stands for;
PASSION, TRANSPARENCY, EXPERTISE and INTEGRITY.
More and more investors are trusting them with their 300+ apartment properties.
Our team got to talk to one of their investors who said before Touchstone his property was in huge trouble. Tons of vacancies and unhappy tenants. But Touchstone turned it around, made a night and day difference, filling it with HAPPY tenants. He can't say enough about the difference they've made in his life and investment.
There are people who overcome, and then there are Joel and Luz.
If you see them around town, introduce yourself.
You want to know them because their strength and passion will inspire you with your own dreams!
They know how to build a dream from a small flicker of hope.
Your life will be richer knowing these two!

In fact, Luz came back recently for her own Rising Phoenix Experience to celebrate all she's risen above! I can't wait for you to see her Rising Phoenix and hear more of this woman's personal story.

🌟What is rising in your life?
Is it you, your marriage, your kids, or maybe your business?
We are here to amplify that rising and IGNITE the trajectory in your dreams!

still we rise!
Me Ra

HMU Ginger Bay Makeup

{wife of disabled veteran fights for hope}
This is a Rising Phoenix story our team holds close to our hearts.
https://bit.ly/WifeofDisabledVetBecomesStrongAdvocate

Brandi battled cancer while her husband suffered a stroke during brain surgery. A 32 yr career as a U.S. Marine was over. Marcus's life changed overnight--his family's lives changed. Since then Brandi has become his full time care giver.

After years of getting bogged down in the day-to-day of care giving, Brandi has found herself living for others and not as much for herself. One of Marcus’s neurosurgeons said, “Don’t let anyone tell you he can’t recover. He’s going to fight. There’s no stopping for him. He doesn’t have time to stop.” Taken to heart, Brandi has plunged head-first into the non-stop, fighting for Marcus and all he deserves.

After a while, she realized her life was all ‘fight’ and she hadn’t allowed herself time to slow down and rest and absorb the moment.
How many of us can relate to that?
She wants to be able to look at her Rising Phoenix portraits and see purpose, see HER.

Brandi told us, she wants to see “the new me, but still the old me” and she said, “I miss my happy, fun self who was almost-obnoxious. Whatever is in the moment, I become really passionate about.”

I invite you to read this couple's powerful story of finding a way when life is falling apart in every way. Their resilience and sense of humor is unbelievable. They are as REAL as you get.

Brandi, thank you for the honor of capturing the old you and the new you. For sharing your story with us. Being able to talk with Marcus, your parents and friends has been such a honor. You are an inspiration to our team and countless others. We love that you get to see your beautiful strength every morning when you and Marcus wake up.

still we rise,
Me Ra

HMU

a1 camera, 24-70mm f/2.8 GM B1X⁠⠀⁠⁠

⁠

{when a graphic tshirt works}
Usually I encourage families not to wear any graphic t-shirts, but with this dad it works! The story below will tell you why. AND...these three just had a baby boy; our team is CELEBRATING THEM!!! We can't wait to meet baby Foster! (Honestly, mom should be wearing that tee now, right?! LOL So happy for you guys!)

{9 yr old boy describes his family}⁠⁠
This sweet family flew out from Florida recently to have a family portrait experience with us. Before they came, I had the chance to do a phone call with Troy. ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Troy is that handsome 9 year old boy. ⁠⁠
He blew me away. ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Until last year, it's always been him and his mom. Then Bryce moved in next door, and their whole world changed unexpectedly for the better. ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
I asked Troy to describe what he loves most about his family. This is what he said...⁠⁠
⁠⁠
“When my mom makes a joke, Bryce makes a joke. Then my mom laughs, and Bryce laughs, and then Bryce makes another joke. And then my mom laughs really loud which makes me laugh. That's my family.” ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
As I sit here typing this, my eyes are full of happy tears. The deep joy on Troy's face is so powerful. Bryce has become this boy's hero and brought an anchoring love to them. And most of all, Troy loves seeing his mom so happy. ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
You guys... !⁠⁠
(Troy, you're amazing! Thank you for helping me create this portrait of your family!)⁠⁠
⁠⁠
xo⁠⁠
m⁠⁠
⁠⁠
a7riii camera, 24-70mm f/2.8 GM B1X⁠⠀⁠⁠

⁠

We had a new author come today for our Author Branding Experience. She was so worried about the photo shoot b/c she doesn't usually like photos of herself. Everything changed today! YAY!!!!!!

{sacred kiss}
Every time I look at these two portraits of John and his little girl, I'm undone.
This moment brought tears to my eyes when I photographed it.
It still brings tears to my eyes.
There is something about Sophia looking up at her dad.
Her sweet face is both vulnerable and in awe.
He is everything to her.
When John noticed, he bent low at once.
He didn't hesitate. His love for her all encompassing.
With a father's big hands, he gently cupped his little girl's head and gave her such an adoring kiss.
The father's kiss said so much.
I see you.
I love you.
You are my treasure.
Sophia closed her eyes and took it all in.
You could see the depth of how safe she felt being held by her father.
A father's love.
Nothing compares to it.
Nothing replaces it.
What a sacred kiss.
What a honor to witness it.

still we rise,
Me Ra

♥️I’ve been capturing the beauty of families for 22 years. I would be honored to give your family our FIORIA Portrait Experience. Click the link to schedule a call with my team; https://fioria.us/contact
I look forward to meet you and your family. xo

📸 , 24-70mm f/2.8 GM B1X

{13 years ago}
Brian and I got to reconnect with this beautiful lady today! Marcia entered our SOAR scholarship program and came to our CONFIDENCE photography workshop 13 years ago! What a gift to have lunch today and share from the heart.
So thankful for her and all the people we’ve had the honor of meeting over the years through our workshops, speaking and photo shoots. You make our lives so rich!
Love you Marcia and so excited for your next season.
Jane Apitz Doran and Lisa Novitsky missing you two today in our time together!
Xoxoxoxo
Still we rise!
Me Ra

{expectancy of goodness}
In 2021 Cyndi’s word was "unleash". That same year her husband passed unexpectedly. Right after, her best friend lost her husband. In the midst of Cyndi’s deep grief, she unleashed love and energy to support her friend in her own loss. And when she least expected it…an expectancy of goodness began rising in her heart. New life took flight.

“Expectancy of goodness” is what Cyndi wants to be reminded of every morning when she sees her Rising Phoenix artwork in her home office.

Her friends can’t express enough the joy and love that flows from her at all times. She goes out every Friday with the intention to meet someone she can encourage. She deeply loves the young women and girls she mentors everyday.

Cyndi’s joy radiates like light. How she lets that light shine, even in the midst of her own pain at times, is an inspiration and a gift to capture.

Still we rise,
Me Ra

HMU


apher

{18 years later…}
I took his newborn photos 18 years ago!!
He’s the “baby in the bath” story so many of you have heard me share! Such a special day!
His family flew all the way from Idaho for a special Senior FIORIA Experience!
What a honor!
What a day!!
So proud of you, Carter!
still we rise!
Me Ra

{she said the most amazing thing}
Shelley came for her Rising Phoenix Experience yesterday. And she said something I can’t stop thinking about.
She was going to wait to do this until she hit a handful of personal and business goals. Reaching those goals first felt like it would make her feel more confident. And then she’d be ready for her Rising Phoenix.

BUT, she decided NOT to wait. And this part blows me away! Shelley said that once she booked her experience, the breakthrough began! She started feeling a new level of confidence rise up within her from our first call together! Confidence that she CAN achieve her goals!!! She is capable and has the capacity.

What we created together, what we captured of this amazing woman, was so BEAUTIFUL and inspiring!!

What would it be like if you had the confidence sooner than later? Before you met the goals? How would that intimidating mountain size up differently?
I would LOVE to explore that with you!

It’s TIME for you to RISE!

Click here and fill out the form! Let’s find a time for me to hear more of your story and what is rising within you! Let’s get your breakthrough started! https://bit.ly/RiseLikeaPhoenix

Still we rise!
Me Ra

p.s. Shelley, your breakthrough yesterday was absolutely AWE-mazing!!!