Graciela Valdes Photography is now Graciela Laurent Photography
Happy 10 year Anniversary to me! For ten years, Graciela Valdes Fine Art Photography has grown steadily and sometimes exponentially. We have served thousands of clients. We have created with them, held space for them, celebrated them, become friends with them, and fallen in love with them.
Sometimes I read the testimonials that clients leave on Google reviews and they bring me to tears. I am so grateful for the life I have and the business I have created while buoyed by so many wonderful friends, colleagues, and mentors.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
We are commemorating this huge milestone with a blossoming - a rising, a leveling up, an evolution.
Welcome to Graciela Laurent Photography!
This new brand represents so much more than a name change. It is both a homecoming to myself and a beacon of light illuminating the future.
My paternal grandmother’s maiden name was Laurent and I was named after her. She passed away when I was young, but memories of the care she put into her homemade desserts and her welcoming spirit are truly alive.
It is so exciting to enter the next ten years of my business in a way that honors my past as I evolve. Besides, I love the ring of it!
I added a beautiful hand drawn octopus to the brand as well. Octopuses are marvelously mysterious creatures. They have amazing flexibility and represent our ability to overcome challenges with creativity and intelligence. Regeneration and renewal come naturally to the octopus. They are gorgeous mystical symbols of good luck.
Graciela Laurent Studio 1151 Floranada Road, Oakland Park FL 33334
There’s a stunning new studio space too! For the last few years I’ve had an 800 sq. ft. studio that I decorated like a swanky apartment – think velvet couches, gold accent walls and floral arrangements – and now we are in an amazing 1800 sq.ft. location! So much more space for creativity!
I love hosting events at the studio - 2 to 3 times per month and everyone is welcome. Speakeasy Nights (like a happy hour); Friday Night Films, Screening that Spark Conversation; Chakra Balancing Classes; and even book launch parties, readings and signings.
When I think about my clients and what we each bring to a session – our authenticity, our creativity and our vulnerability – I also think of how strong we are. How resilient we are. How we maneuver our way through the world. I think we are going to be more than fine. We are going to be fabulous!
“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”
Makeup by Scharon Isse