We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Nalven and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, what matters most to you?
Empathy and Integrity. That’s a simple answer to a complex question. The bottom line, as I see it, is how you live your life is what matters most. David Brooks the writer and cultural commentator speaks of the importance of eulogy values over resume values. I try my best to treat people with the most love and compassion I can muster. While in the parking lot of Costco last year I had a flash and had to buy the domain name, empatheticphotography. I’ve never used it, but it speaks to how I run my business and my relationships. This is not always easy. Self-reflection is key. I am launching a new venture as a result of the COVID situation. Fine art flower photography with an inspirational bent. I am hoping that it will afford me to continue to do photography with a purpose. It’s a challenge and this old dog has to learn lots of new tricks. 10% of the gross profits from my new store, Our Collective Humanity, will go to verified foundations. One more thing., Gratitude, Gratitude, and more Gratitude.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being that I’m 65, that’s a loaded question. My first career as a professional modern dancer in NYC in the late ’70s and 80’s was quite an education. I spent years touring the world. In addition, my family had a bar and restaurant at that time so I experienced a lifestyle quite different from how my life presents today. Although these were wild and crazy days they made me who I am today. They taught me to value the present and appreciate life. Many of my friends died from AIDS, drugs, and alcohol and general overindulgence. This taught me to not sweat the small stuff. Dance gave me discipline and a strong work ethic. This is so important. I always give it my all, whether I am getting paid or not. It’s who I am. My business skills or lack thereof present some challenges. I continue to work on that. Now that I am starting a new Shopify store with fine artwork, something completely new for me, I’m learning that branding is actually selling oneself. Another daunting effort, but I’m all in, one day at a time. Recently I reworked my original people photography/blog website, Our Collective Humanity. My new tagline is “capturing love on life’s terms”. My passion is doing service and photophilanthropy. It’s my most important work.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I guess this is a pre-COVID question. I’m not much of a party girl…I retired those shoes a long time ago. But I love Miami and Broward for its diversity, art, and nature. A trip to Calle Ocho and the everglades are biggies for me. I love Latin music and I’m fascinated with the glades and it’s something most people don’t get to see. Dinners at home, sharing my friends and family with visitors is my joy. As far as restaurants, I tend to go to the ones with views for my touristas, on the intercoastal or the beach. The boardwalk in Hollywood is funky but fun. A stroll on South Beach, Lincoln Road, and walking in Coral Gables works too. I love Flamingo Gardens for its kitschiness and Fairchild Gardens for its beauty. In Broward, it’s fun to take the water taxis and hop on and off. In season there is an art show that utilizes the taxis and empty houses on the intercoastal. It’s great.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother first and foremost. The best parts of me come from her. She taught me to be kind, generous and modeled an openness and affability with people. As a photographer the ability to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera is key. As a dancer with the Louis Falco Dance Co. (many many moons ago in NYC), I learned from a master how to choreograph people. When we had a photoshoot Louis would arrange our bodies for the photographer to capture beautifully balanced images. My sister. Always my champion. My husband and kids. Always my inspiration. My many generous and talented photographer friends who continue to support me by sharing their expertise. My fearless and determined friends who created charities and helped so many, inspired by their own deep losses. Countless books, foundations, spiritual leaders, 12 step programs, and heartful teachers. Way too many to mention. In the seeking department, I’m a life long learner.

Website: www.lisanalven.com
Instagram: @lisanalven
Linkedin: Lisa Nalven
Facebook: Lisa Nalven Photography
Other: Hopefully by the time this interview is published my new Shopify store will be up and running,  Ourcollectivehumanity. You will be able to access through my website as well.

Nominate someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.