Meet Yvonne Lopez | Nature photographer.

I’ve always cherished the moments spent with my family and friends, but ever since my mother’s passing about 21 years ago, I’ve taken it to a whole new level. She had a remarkable talent for creating lasting memories, and when she was diagnosed with cancer, she emphasized the importance of making them even more. From that moment on, my time with loved ones became purposeful and meaningful.

Balancing my day job with creating cherished moments has become a priority. I strive to make every beach day, dinner, vacation, and nature walk a true testament to the love I have for those closest to me. When my time eventually comes, I hope that no one will speak of my profession, but instead, reminisce about the happy times we shared together.

“Create Memories” has now become our family’s motto, guiding us to embrace every opportunity to make our time together truly extraordinary.

While living NYC, I had the wonderful opportunity to work at a couple of television stations and a nonprofit organization. However, my journey eventually led me to the sunny state of Florida, where I worked for an economic development group and now with local government for the past 18 years. Throughout my career, I’ve always been passionate about communications and community relations, connecting with people and making a positive impact.

But beyond my professional endeavors, there’s a special place in my heart for photography, and it’s a passion that has accompanied me since my Junior High School days in NYC. You see, I’ve always been the designated family photographer, as I find pure joy in capturing those precious moments, both big and small. However, it was during the challenging times of COVID that my love for nature photography truly blossomed.

Thanks to the invitation of my friend Jodi, I embarked on my first adventure to a nature preserve in Palm Beach County. That visit opened my eyes to the wonders of the natural world, and since then, I’ve been enthusiastically exploring numerous preserves across South Florida and even during vacations. The serenity and beauty found in nature are simply captivating.

You know, many people have a creative side and take beautiful pictures, but not everyone dares to take that leap of faith and share their work with the world. Selling my photographs at local art shows was a leap I decided to take, and it has been a rewarding experience. So, if you have a passion burning inside you, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take that leap too!

If you were to come and spend a week in sunny South Florida, I would undoubtedly take you to my favorite nature preserve, the Green Cay Nature Center & Wetlands; we’d spend some time soaking up the sun at the beach in Fort Lauderdale; take a scenic drive along Las Olas;  head over to the Promenade in Coconut Creek for dinner; and have at least one evening of entertainment and culture! We’d catch a show at The Parker, Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, Miramar Cultural Center or the Broward Center for Performing Arts.  Every moment would be an opportunity to create unforgettable memories.

My sister Janet is truly my biggest supporter when it comes to my photography. From our teenage years, she always had my back, ensuring my safety as I ventured through the dark streets to my photography class in a Bronx basement. She even modeled for me while I was honing my skills in printing black and white photos.  Janet often boasts about my pictures to anyone who will listen. She has tirelessly worked to get my work showcased in a gallery, believing in its artistic merit.  She also pushed me to take an online photography course to learn how to shoot indoor rooms without a flash.

However, the most amazing support came on my 50th birthday. In a remarkable act of love and generosity, Janet organized a GoFundMe page, rallying our family and friends to contribute towards an extraordinary 11-day National Geographic Photography Expedition in Morocco –  an adventure that allowed me to capture the mesmerizing beauty of a foreign land through my lens. 

I am forever grateful to have her as my sister and biggest fan.