**Long post ahead** I have a tradition for Valentine's posting about love. And today, I want to share the story of Sylvia.

Every so often we forgot the one important person we need to learn to love, is yourself. Sylvia reached out to me for photos as she's finally ready to try to find love in the virtual world. She's such a lovely lady. She's been focusing on taking care of her daughter and everyone and now feeling conscious about herself although she's has this sweet kind smile and personality. Before the day of the photoshoot, she felt she doesn't have the right wardrobe and wanted to reschedule. I understand it's the fear that we just felt we weren't ready or good enough. I reassured her, brought a jacket of mine, and met her in Baltimore.

That day, she told me so happily her daughter actually did her make up. As the shoot went on, I can felt she started to radiate her true self. By the end of the shoot, she told me, "Wow, I am so happy to have met you, I felt like a new person! You empowered me, transformed me, and made me want to be in this newer version of myself and take more risks."

Two months passed by, she sent me a note telling me she has always been very timid to take photos, even with her daughter. But that Thanksgiving, she wanted to take lots of photos with her daughter and family. She does feel, ”Hey, I look good. If I can do that... I can do anything." and she has made some important life decisions since this shoot. And my heart is so happy still just thinking about it.

Why I wanted to share this story in Valentine's? Because I want to remind you (and myself) that we are not defined by our age, physical appearances, limits or if you have a parter or not. Sometimes, people just won't see you or they leave, and that is okay. Trust, love yourself and embrace the vulnerability of giving love as we also continue to better ourselves. Love comes in so many ways, not just lovers, but family, friends, fur babies and more. Just like one of my lovely friends Kim said, "Just know, you are intrinsically worthy of love."

Sending you lots of love today! Big hugs, Kristy

Our struggles determine our successes. It’s a quote by Mark Manson, and it perfectly describes Patricia's life motto. She is proud of her unique struggles. As a Dreamer, her limitations extend far from just average psychological barriers. There are physical barriers… and borders.

Patricia was born in San Salvador, El Salvador. Both her parents are from San Miguel, El Salvador, from a little town east of the capital. Being a Dreamer is being defined by a piece of paper. It determines where you could work, where you could attend school, what places you could travel to. Patricia prides herself in her resilience, resourcefulness and willpower. It has always been about finding a window when the door is slammed shut in her face. A window of opportunity, that’s all she ever needed. 

She came from an immigrant family, a broken home, that was reunified after eight years apart. She has 3 siblings and there was no way that her parents could afford to put all four of them through college so her personal goal was to graduate from a university with zero debt. Her wish at the time was to prove that she was not a burden to society as many claim immigrants to be so she had to work full-time to get the money for her tuition. Her family was very supportive, especially her mom. At the time when she graduated high school, she was undocumented.

She went on to attend Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) as a part-time student. Because of her undocumented status, she had to pay out-of-state tuition even though she had lived in Virginia for 6 years and had graduated from a state high school. She started off working full time at a fast-food restaurant and with those wages she paid for her college tuition, books, and transportation. She knew it was going to take longer than her peers to graduate. She just needed to keep pushing, to keep striving, to keep aspiring for her American Dream.

In 2012, the Obama Administration granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, DACA, Patricia was able to apply for it and that helped her get a better paying job as a server and it also helped her to get in-state tuition in Virginia by year 2013. She kept working full time, saving money, and finally in the last two years of undergrad she was able to afford going to school full time. She went on to graduate in May 2017 with BS in Applied Mathematics, with zero debt.

She went back to school again in August 2018, this time she was only working part time as a server and being a full-time student. She got her first career job at Navy Federal Credit Union in summer 2019. She was still a full-time student, while also working at the credit union full time. It was very challenging but she persevered. In May 2020, She graduated with a MS in Data Analytics Engineering. She accumulated zero debt during her graduate program; A testament that it can be done. Even though her journey took 10 years, but it was all worth it at the end.

And just recently, before her 30th birthday, She was even able to buy a condo and move out of her parents’ home all by her own. To Patricia, it was a sign of true independence and a testimony to her resilience, hard work and dedication.  

(To be continued...)

“I believe that the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity is daring to dare.” _Maya Angelou
______________________
Today’s highlight for the #womenshistorymonth is @tabithadancediva of @baltimoresalsadanceco. She started this business out of her love and passion for Latin dance back in 2008 with her first dance instructor and one of her best friends. When her best friend passed away, it was a huge emotional and business loss that Tabitha needed a purpose to keep it going and joined @sentimiento_dance_co for 3 years enriching the scene with fellow instructors. 

In 2019, she created the BSDC Latin, African & Cultural Dance Institute. Now she has an instructor training program, 5 dance performance teams including a branch in Denver, and have added so much excitement for the Baltimore dance scene!
.
There’s been lots of challenges running a dance company and studio for the past 14 years, and being a dance instructor, promoter, especially being people of color. She overcame these challenges through persistence, hard work, standing ground, not giving up, staying motivated, faith, her love for dance, and her love of helping to make others happy. She has learned that as long as you have the will that there is always a way❤️ #KristyYangPhotography 
#blackgirlmagic #travelphotographer 
.
📸: @KristySees
💃🏻: @tabithadancediva 
🏞: Maryland

Back in 2020, as Noemi shared her diagnosis and going through chemotherapy, her daughters Selena and Sierra both shaved their heads without a doubt to show their support for their mom. When Noemi shared her surprise and this touching gesture I know I want to capture their bonds especially I've witnessed first hand their love through a photoshoot prior for their four generations of women together. Thankfully, I was able to meet up with Noemi and Selena to document this moment.

.

I asked Selena what she wants to share about her mom and she said the only thing she'd really want to say is that her mom is a fighter. Noemi's journey through life itself has been hard and challenging and somehow she finds the fire in her to keep going. Noemi makes her wants to fight harder in life. And without her contributions, both good and bad throughout her life, she has made her into the person she is today and she hopes her daughter Athena can learn from Noemi's spirit, too.

[Personal Project]
You are not a work in progress, you are a work of art - a masterpiece from the start. A never-ending journey of becoming and stepping into your highest potential. It takes time, likely messy, sometimes even feeling moving backwards. Keep giving yourself space and grace - to move, to groove, to feel, to lose, to do, to be. You are always right on time.
------------------
If you've ever met Noemi Mimi Perez, you know how much of a kind, sweet, and joyful soul she is. I have been shooting for her with dance teams and personally for the family so many times. In 2020, she received a devastating diagnosis of stage 3 Angiosarcoma of the scalp, a rare and aggressive cancer with only a 30% survival rate. However, most people don't know about any of this until months later, until her friend encouraged her to share her story as people in similar situations would want to know what she was going through and it may help others going through similar situations. Throughout the whole ordeal, Noemi is still always a beam of sunshine with the most lovely smile and positive energy. Right away I know I have to do something and this is also one of the reasons I started this personal project series as I mentioned couple days ago - To share these inspiring women's story and show you how we can all glow in grace in this world despite the challenges.
.
Every journey has a lesson. Noemi has been living with autoimmune diseases (lupus/scleroderma) for so long yet not many people knew because she refused to let her disease define her because she is so many other things - A loving mother and daughter, devoted wife, accomplished IT system engineer and an inspiring realtor. When the cancer diagnosis happened it took her completely off guard. Knocked her off of her feet... She initially planned to keep this diagnosis to herself because she didn't want to be pitied by others, or feel like she was burdening anyone's lives... crazy. But the truth is, from this journey she learned people genuinely care... much more than she ever imagined! We had a gofundme (https://gofund.me/0ba6b9ca) and she was overwhelmed by the amount of support received from family, friends, and the amazing salsa community.
.
Stay tuned for more of her story, the post will be updated as the story unfolds. 

Back in 2020, as Noemi shared her diagnosis and going through chemotherapy, her daughters Selena and Sierra both shaved their heads without a doubt to show their support for their mom. When Noemi shared her surprise and this touching gesture I know I want to capture their bonds especially I've witnessed first hand their love through a photoshoot prior for their four generations of women together. Thankfully, I was able to meet up with Noemi and Selena to document this moment.

.

I asked Selena what she wants to share about her mom and she said the only thing she'd really want to say is that her mom is a fighter. Noemi's journey through life itself has been hard and challenging and somehow she finds the fire in her to keep going. Noemi makes her wants to fight harder in life. And without her contributions, both good and bad throughout her life, she has made her into the person she is today and she hopes her daughter Athena can learn from Noemi's spirit, too.

==Street art paradise at a former spy station in Berlin==

Street art is nothing else but urban poetry that catches someone’s eye

————————

A series of portrait captured of German female urban muralist @shona.designs as I visited @teufelsberg.berlin in #Berlin last year.

In the ruins of a former NSA spy station, built by 75 million cubic meters of debris during the Cold War almost an hour outside Berlin, this place has become the street art paradise. Artists from all over the world came to paint and the site values free speech, lives diversity and doesn’t restrict any artist in their creative direction.

.

Also want to use this post to announce a special project coming soon to celebrate the #womenshistorymonth 🎉 Stay tuned for more!

===

These photos were actually taken right after a surprise romantic engagement 🤩💍 Because of the security of the location we couldn’t share the exciting moment with you, but I am so honored to be a part of Ben and Sophia’s beginning of lifelong happiness💛 The trust you’ve given me to document this milestone is truly cherished and I can’t wait to dance my booty off in the upcoming wedding!!

She's inspired to get into the health advocate field through the broadway musical RENT while she's preparing for her thesis. Because of the musical she dived into HIV-AIDS activism in the US and she was shocked by the political yet personal situation. It was also about economy, ethics, social norms and science. She came to NYU to study health education because of it and it's an eye-opener for human rights, social justice, and a connector to the world.

Later on as she was back in Japan, she in fact pushed her husband to take the position in NY and she's now back to NYC almost 20 years later. Although she struggled to find a "job" and even EAT at the beginning, she took much use of the time and situation and leverage it to invest in herself and trained to become a pilates teacher. Her dream has came true which is to try body work although it's too far from her "professional career". But in NY, you see such a variety of people and you can be whatever. Really "whatever", and nobody discourage you for trying something totally different from your background. She also wants to challenge herself in her 40s, to continue having the passion to try new things. 

It was a big "leap" for her to start something "this" new in the 40s - English is not her first language (and Pilates instructor "TALKS"!), many instructors/apprentices were younger than her, and she was not athletic or having any physical movement background. Still, the Pilates studio, or Pilates world is very welcoming and encouraging. Her mentor encouraged her not to worry about the language ("it will come"), and she met a lot of great instructors she respects who are not native English speakers. 
She is still in process of learning what kind of teacher she wants to be, but it is a great feeling that she can combine all of her life experiences in her teaching, while also being new and fresh in the field. And if you're ever interested in the personal training or classes, reach out to her at @tomokito1_pilates

There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about!

--

Tabitha Hitchye and her team of Baltimore Salsa Dance Company has been working together to share their passion for dance and grow the dancing community and offering classes from salsa, bachata, kizomba, and more. Check out their new class schedules at dancenartisticexpressions.com/ and let's also recognize and appreciate all the hard work it takes to build a community for the love of dance 💃🕺

===

And it went like... ;)

New York is just full of sweet surprises and lovely humans. As we were shooting at the newest 102th floor observatory at the Empire State Building, Renita as part of the security team came giving us the warmest welcomes. She’s excited to capture some of the photos herself while also giving us the biggest hugs. When I showed her some photos I got from my camera, she was so thrilled with how they turned out and she even got all teary and giving us the sweetest wishes 🥰 Oh New York, what a vibrant city to live in!

"For what it's worth: It's never too late or too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again."

=====

When you meet Andrea Koppel, you will be drawn right away to her welcoming smile, witty and polished comments, and worldly experiences. When I did this photoshoot for her, she was glowing full of energy, looking radiant and just about to celebrate her 50th birthday. She has spent 20 years as an award-winning broadcast journalist – the last 14 with CNN – before reinventing herself in 2008 as a Public Relations and NGO (non-profit) executive. During her time at CNN, Andrea spent 5 years as a foreign correspondent based in Japan and China and 8 years as CNN’s State Department correspondent reporting on American foreign policy. With all these success and glories, you would have never guessed she had been fired twice in her 40’s. She won’t lie, each time it was humiliating and demoralizing, but that’s probably not surprising. However in both instances, she also quickly realized that getting fired has been an unexpected and extraordinary gift. She embraced these failures for what they really were – invaluable, albeit painful experiences, and unexpected gifts, that helped her level-up her grit, confidence, determination and resilience. She's going to go even further and say that if she hadn’t been fired, and subsequently pushed herself well outside her comfort zone on multiple occasions, she doubt that she would have had the courage to start building her own social enterprise two years ago. 

Now, she has her podcast Time4Coffee, a free resource for college students and young professionals to help them turn their degrees into careers they love. It is a unique virtual library of carefully curated career conversations and interviews with hundreds of professionals – in dozens of different careers. As the Time4Coffee name implies, these in-depth ‘virtual networking coffees’ are specially brewed to cut through job board BS and explore many of the same topics covered when people meet, in person, to ask for career advice. T4C’s mission is to level the playing field for college students and young professionals, no matter where they went to school and no matter who they know (or more likely don’t know), by providing them with first-hand career insights from the professionals who are actually doing those jobs. Andrea uses this as a way to help many more college students, and aspiring young professionals build successful, healthy, and happy lives!

Continuing the celebration of women history month, I want to share Andrea's journey and to empower everyone to embrace all the ups and downs life has to offer and make it into a powerful story of your own! 

God gave you the blessing of being born a woman, put in your mind wisdom, in your soul strength and in your heart tenderness, sensitivity and feelings.

Dios te dio la bendición de haber nacido mujer, puso en tu mente sabiduria, en tu alma fortaleza y en tu corazon ternura, sensibilidad y sentimiento!
- - 

Proud to not only share this female entrepreneur Nancy's new laboratory consulting company Improov, but also shoot for her branding portraits and showcase our female leaders especially in this time we celebrate the international women's day! 

Being the big sister while she immigrated with her family from Dominican Republic to New York in the early 90s with two younger siblings suffering from debilitating, severe chronic health conditions, Nancy always felt a deep responsibility for her family - to be their caretaker, the problem solver, the stabilizer, and provide as much support as possible. As a young age, she had to learn the new language, and also navigated along with her family both cultural and socioeconomic hurdles while caring for two disabled members. This was the backdrop as she set out on the journey of forming her own identity, developing skills, and understanding her place in this new setting. For Nancy, there was no room for failure and as a result her mindset was one of achieving her goals against all odds.

She set a goal to become a fluent speaker and get a job in healthcare. She joined the military and also focused on obtaining her education and improving herself so she can support her family. Now, Nancy is a well respected lab director in a large hospital, she also started her own laboratory consulting business. There are so many lessons learned both professional and personal over the years. For her, it is fair to say there is no professional growth without personal growth. This is the reason why she is also so passionate about the topics of continuing education and mentoring young scientists by helping them understand their strengths.

Looking back now the journey of process improvement is not different than the journey towards personal improvement. Both are about taking stock of the current status or challenge, having a vision for where you want to end up and coming up with a plan to bridge the gap, making sure to do whatever it takes to get there. It is inspiring to be a part of Nancy's journey and tell her story of being a leader while also being a women and an immigrant. Let's continue to celebrate each other's success and inspire each other to be the best we can be. See her journey and story on her blog here. 

- -

A Christmas family photoshoot with the lovely Gurel's Family from Turkey back when there's no COVID and pandemic. Stay safe, warm, and be merry everyone!

======

Amber initiated the "Dance Carefree" from her love for Latin dancing coupled with a vision to splash t-shirts with inspiring, expressive, colorful and playful messages.

Back in 2015, she was in early stages of development as a dancer and the quintessential work-in-progress, but she found progression to be as mentally challenging as it is technically intensive and physically demanding. Surprise: no idea she was THIS uncomfortable in her own space – and skin. To take on a discipline requiring such precision, posture, balance, control, coordination, engagement, finesse, panache AND artistry given THAT level of discomfort was overwhelming. 

She was having a train wreck of a night on the dance floor feeling bewildered, embarrassed and completely exposed. Dignity and grace, gone. The only thing left was her self-deprecating humor which she called upon to make leads laugh at her accumulating missteps – subtly cueing that she's no topnotch follower –yet– and not to expect such abilities –right now– but she's lighthearted and cheerful –always– while camouflaging her exasperation and maintaining her composure. Her first idea of this design project was shaped right there on the dance floor.

Wait … isn’t this supposed to be fun? 

Dancing is extremely enjoyable and Amber has always thought to express what it means to her. To acknowledge the art form that engages, challenges as much as it frustrates, while pushing the boundaries of creativity and personal expression. She often dishes with friends, but these t-shirts are a simple, unique way to chronicle the highs and lows, anguish and delight of her journey and experiences of others like herself. And ultimately…spread messages to people inspired to dance carefree.

- -

A photoshoot with the salsa event organizer, Silvia, in Washington DC! It’s an incredible time to be a woman in the salsa dance scene.  Women are shining more than ever!  You have women all over the dance world being DJs, organizing dance events and congresses, teaching, promoting, performing, etc.  Male-dominated fields are now exploding with female leadership, including our dance scene, and it’s exciting! She felt that she has been so fortunate to meet amazing people through dance and even more fortunate to call some of those people friends.  It’s really neat how we can come from such different backgrounds and be united through this common factor.  Maybe some of the world’s differences could be settled through a proper dance off.  

One of the reasons she loves to dance is that music and dance allow her to express herself.  By nature she's more on the reserved and shy side.  But, with dance she feels empowered and confident.  One of her favorite dancers, Bebe Uy, told her during a class, “dance is full of passion and full of drama.”  Dance is love, dance is heartbreak, it has highs and it has lows.  You hear it in the lyrics, you feel it in the rhythms, and you express it through dance.  Whether you’re performing or dancing socially, it’s a really cool feeling. Dance is an art form. Art is fluid, always changing. Dance evolves and gives way to other dance forms.  Learn about dance and its history, but most of all just enjoy it.  Don’t let anyone tell you what you should like or not like. 

Being a mom has been the hardest but most rewarding job she has ever had.  her kids and family are the world to her.  Her advice to her kids (and to anyone) would be:  Everyone makes mistakes.  The important thing is to learn from them, dust yourself off, and keep charging forward.  Part of the beauty of life is that our journey is filled with second chances until we’re no longer here. 
 

A special birthday photoshoot with Sara as she wanted to remember how she was at 30. And also because in her words, “I really wanted to work with you Kristy, your pictures always left me speechless” (This makes my heart so happy, thank you) Little did we know that she became pregnant shortly after this photoshoot so now she holds these pictures even closer to heart.

With the life transitions and pandemic hitting, she has also learned to take isolation day by day. Before the pandemic, she felt very much isolated from the world as being a new mom caring for her newborn. Since she was born so close to winter, they were already trying to avoid leaving the house because of flu season...and also because of the cold. But then COVID extended their self quarantine. She felt that more people now understood what she was feeling, which wasn’t postpartum depression, but missing her people and routine. Now She has learned to build new routines and be flexible that they will be forever changing, just like Valentina, her lovely little girl.

For building the new routine, Sara has been able to hold on to a daily workout that she has to juggle nap time interruptions to care for the baby, and have the habit to still go back and finish. She had to learn to do the things that ‘need’ and ‘want’ to happen regardless of what her baby is up to. Some days are more successful than others. 

She has been battling her past perception of ‘success by age 30’. She’s truly blessed for my little family, and she has needed to alter her career goals along the way.

She would tell her younger self to find the courage to do things solo. She’s such an extrovert that she let fear of failing or FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) keep her away from achieving high stakes goals. It’s less scary to do things with others equally committed right next to you versus being a cheerful supporter. But she learned that she needs to hold her own hand and go into things on her own, because these are her goals not theirs.

I'm so happy to be able to capture this special time for her and also share her learnings and thoughts with you for stepping into a new milestone, being a new mom, and finding her new routine in this pandemic. What are some of the things you learned and inspired to do while you have your milestone birthday and also during this pandemic?

Be the reason someone smiles today ✨
- -
A sweet and thoughtful gift from Princess @sorasaud of Saudi Arabia. Always spreading love and light, she designed this puzzle during the midst of quarantine to remind us that with hope and positivity, we made it through together and the world will shine bright again 🧩✨
Can’t remember the last time I played puzzle. Ayman and I enjoyed our Saturday afternoon feeding the brain, stirring up creativity and putting this lovey piece together. What are some of the things you do during quarantine to spread light to your loved ones? ❤️

"There's something about a woman with a loud mind that sits in silence."

- -

A little behind the scene from this photoshoot!! Mike Tyson actually walked passed us while doing a photoshoot and said “wow look at this, you can only see this in New York City!”😜🔥 And excited to take a picture with us!! What a time ;)

Jackie has been thinking why she liked taking photos now than she did in her early 20s. Finally feeling at home in her own shoes, she scheduled this photoshoot with me for her own birthday celebration, proudly celebrating her true self, unapologetically.

In many cultures, we are to be seen and not heard, and this mostly goes for women and children. Growing up with hispanic parents, even though they were more liberal that others, Jackie still feels something innate to adhere to the rules. To be a wallflower and not to celebrate her accomplishments and positive qualities, because that's boastful and asks for unwanted criticism. And by 30, women are supposed to have to get married, have kids, have it all figured out and have it together all the time.

Now, being a teacher, confident and comfortable in her own path, she is learning to ignore others' timelines and do whats good for her, at the time when it's good for her. She finds herself still on a journey of being happy with who she is and as she built for herself, but she has come a long way. With a beautiful supportive family and motivating friends, she had what she has on her own with no help. Paid her own college education, her own bills, lived on her own and took care of herself. I'm thankful for her to share her stories and journey with us, not to mention inspiring us all to live in our terms, instead of following the expectation of the culture and society. What's your story?  Comment and share with us, I would love to hear!

- -

The opening day of the highest observation deck in the western hemisphere. 

"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish!"

- -

In honor of the International Woman's Day, and this strong beautiful woman's birthday, I would like to share with you the story of this top 50 influential architects in the Middle East, and the 2017 president of the American Institute of Architects-Middle East, Raya Ani. In 2019, The Jury of Fellows of the AIA elevated Raya to the College of Fellows in the first category of Fellowship, which recognizes architects who have “Promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession,” the highest rank of honor in the American Institute of Architect, and it sure celebrates Raya’s boundless creativity, innovation, and dedication. And to celebrate this monumental milestone, we did a special photoshoot in New York and at the iconic Brooklyn Bridge just to match this incredible lady herself!

Named as one of the topmost influential Architects in the Middle East since 2015, Raya is a multidisciplinary architect and urban designer with international experience having worked in Baghdad, Boston, Dubai, Germany, and New York City. She received her bachelor’s degree in Architectural engineering from Baghdad University with distinction, departed from war-torn Iraq to pursue her masters in Architecture at MIT, and founded RAW-NYC Architects, an interdisciplinary architectural studio based in NYC and established the Dubai office in 2014. 

As a kid growing up in Baghdad, she loved imagining alternative lives, alternative characters, especially imagining alternative realities that didn’t exist in her immediate environment. She was drawn to this secretive world of fantasy and imagination that felt very real to her. She chose architecture because it would give her the space to continue to dream and the tools to turn her ideas into reality.

She believes the role as architects has gone beyond the traditional framework of providing architectural services. There's a need to understand the multiple forces that influence decision making and our environments so as to create a lasting impact on the world. Being an architect forces you to be willing to venture into unfamiliar territories from politics to economics to technologies to neuroscience. It is exciting and she continuously has to learn and stretch her horizons and imaginations. It's demanding yet empowering at the same time.

For her, the ultimate source of inspiration is nature. Nature always fascinates and surprises her both in its form and in the intelligence of its natural systems. When traveling to new places, she becomes more aware of the beauty that surrounds us and the uniqueness of the different natural and built environments. She is also continuously inspired by all creative minds such as artists, futurists, and technologists. When working on projects, she often draws inspiration from the context which not only includes the physical environment but also the people, the program, and the energy created from the interaction of all the different elements.

Raya's current work on the Iraqi Home Foundation for Creativity is fueled by prominent Iraqi figure Husham-Al Thahabi’s lifelong visions of providing the children of Baghdad a haven, with opportunities to explore, heal, and grow. Raya’s boundless capability to inspire through her art and expression, the project was brought to life from interactions with the children to create spaces they identify with. Her endless passion and motivation to inspire and empower Iraq and Iraqis across generations and across disciplines can also be seen in the ongoing project ‘Al Saliya’, the Iraq Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020. You can see more of her projects on her website at www.RayaAni.com

Love is a million things but valentine's day shouldn't be the only time we want to express it out loud. Never stop showing someone how much they mean to you, and it's not just to your partner. Express and prove it to your family, friends, or to anyone who have always been there for you genuinely.

Remember to love yourself and know what you deserve. Don't let anyone abuse your heart. Sometimes your love may not get the return you wanted, it's okay and learn to let go. When it's right for you, you won't have to force it.

And lastly, don’t take love for granted. There's so much hard work behind the day to day to sustain any kind of relationship. Love is not just rainbow and butterflies everyday. It's a forever working progress but can enrich your life in all kinds of ways. Show your love, today, everyday!
Hope you all have a day and year full of love. Happy Valentine's Day. Much love from yours truly 😘❤️
 

- -

What happened when two talented and passionate DJs moved from different cities to DC and join forces? History was made and magic happens! Dola moved from UK and Shawn moved from VA, they started Salsa Underground Washington DC in 2013, to fill a gap in the local dance scene of playing Underground Salsa, guaguanco, mambo cha, cha cha, salsa dura and other Latin genres on vinyl you don't hear at other socials and the rest is history, thanks to their followers who have supported all these years. This is a place when I was in DMV I'll always go to to get my salsa fix and will dance the whole night without resting. Come celebrate their special milestone this weekend at Salsa Underground DC 7th Anniversary Extravaganza and dance your heart out💃🕺
 

Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul🎶

- -

Shawn Mambosito Simmons aka DJ Mambo Soul was born in NYC and raised out on Freeport, Long Island. Before Mambo Soul became Mambo, he used to be the Soul by djing R&B, hip-hop, house music, and dancehall at Hampton University- Official. After a short layoff Shawn dropped the Soul restarted his DJ career as Mambo Soul working for Seven Cities Salsa as a Salsa DJ and a few years later a house DJ for the Mambo Room. In 2012, DJ Mambo Soul moved to DC and joined up with Dola. From there, Mambo Soul and Dola created the event... Salsa Underground Washington DC. They wanted to make an event like no other. To play underground music with underground style and that’s how we came up with Salsa Underground. Come celebrate this grand milestone with them next weekend at Salsa Underground DC 7th Anniversary Extravaganza💥

To succeed, you have to believe in something with such a passion that it becomes a reality. 

- -
DJ Dola Ige started DJing because of his love for music and dance from a very young age. Born in UK by Nigerian Yoruba parents, lived in London, Nigeria, and now in DC, with music in his body mind and soul, it was inevitable that he would share music with those that want to dance, and he has been doing this since the early 1970s Djing at clubs in Nigeria, started salsa school/social in London in 1998, and now with Shawn started Salsa Underground Washington DC in 2013 to fill a gap in the local dance scene of playing Underground Salsa, guaguanco, mambo cha, cha cha, salsa dura and other Latin genres on vinyl you don't hear at other socials, and the rest is history, thanks to their followers who have supported all these years. Now they are celebrating the Salsa Underground DC 7th Anniversary Extravaganza! All salsa lovers, you don't want to miss this 😍🎶

We didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.

- -

Time goes by so fast and so wonderful to shoot for the Staunton's Family again this year. How did the little ones grew so big in one year?! A little adorable behind the scene captured by the mommy of these two little cuties from the photoshoot 💖

Photography to me is never just about "taking a photo that makes you look good." It's about the connection I got to have with you, and remembering and feeling all the smiles, the love, the little tender moments of those who I'm photographing.
It was freezing cold that day and the little babies were not feeling it in the beginning. But by the end of the shoot they ditched their jackets and mittens and ran right beside me after each shot and screamed, "I wanna see I wanna seeeee, let's do it again!!" My heart melts every time when this happened🥰 And I appreciate all the lovely people I got to connect and shoot for in this photography journey.

- -

A never ending love story between Italo, Angie, and their baby girl Valerie

"I dance because it's the best way to use his non verbal communication skills - Connection at its best." _Antonio Doza

- -

I wanted to share the story of this Dominican born and New York based dance teacher that has such a fiery stage present while also has the sweetest smile. Antonio Doza started dancing at the age of three and after many years of studying hip-hop and modern, Antonio took an interest in dancing Salsa and brings intriguing style and exquisite technique to his students worldwide. Antonio also co-starred in the hit movie SHINE the MOVIE and is featured in various music videos by many top name commercial artists. Along with the teams he directs - Lindas De Doza, Doza Dance CoEd Teams & all male team, HÉLLO - he's now celebrating La Evolución | Doza Dance 6 Year Anniversary!! Come dress to impress and dance with this special star🌟

What an honor to shoot again for Her Highness Princess @sorasaud and Prince @aaziztalal of Saudi Arabia! As a dedicated philanthropist, Princess Sora has been working tirelessly with @mentor_usa to prevent drug abuse among youth while promoting their health and well-being. It’s a pleasure to capture her receiving the Honorary Ambassador Award for her contributions, and also celebrating the foundation’s 25th anniversary since Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden founded the organization in 1994. ✨Blessed to do what I love with the trust of the Royals👑

Take more changes, dance more dances!

- -

How do you summarize a 4 day no sleep congress with hundreds of talents, thousands of attendees from all around the world, months of preparation, with countless devotion of love and passion to dance? I can't, and I'm just going to let these highlights of the The DC Bachata Congress "The World's Largest Bachata Festival" speak for themselves! Thank you Lee & Katherine for having me to capture these special moments of DCBX 11 and everyone who I cross pass with during the Congress for all the smiles. Below are some of the highlights from the event. Also head over to the album to check out the complete highlights at https://www.facebook.com/pg/dcbachata/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2275891792509101 and let's start waiting for DCBX 12 😝🔥🔥🔥
 

I love you more than all the bees in the sunflower field. A photoshoot with Linda and Terry <3

I can do anything I set my mind to if I'm willing to pay the price for greatness.

- -

A photoshoot with the multitalented Troy. 

- -
A series of special photoshoot with the international instructor from Norway gaticadance for @salsaroom, the hottest Latin club in DMV. This Friday Aug 16, Ripped Jeans theme night, get ready!
- -
▪️Models: @gaticadance 
▪️Photography: @KristySees 
▪️MUA: @angee_gee
▪️Design: @salsaroom VISAGE

I, woman, am that wonder-breathing rose
That blossoms in the garden of the King. 
The perfume of my petals in the spring 
Is inspiration to all bards that sing 
Of love, the spirit’s lyric unrepose.
                             __Elsa Barker “The Mystic Rose”

[Eden x The Salsa Room]
A special photoshoot for The Salsa Room, where the hottest Latin nights are happening in the DMV 🔥🌺 To celebrate Noelia Garcia’s birthday! More Photos to come, will update this post soon!

—————————————————
Photographer: Kristy Yang Photography 
Model: Noelia Garcia
MUA: Josie's Faces
Design: VISAGE
—————————————————
This Wed Aug 14, come to the EDEN Bachata night and celebrate for the birthday girl Noelia!
Dance Instructor: Rudi Lopez Bianca Derival Gatica Anastasia Maximilian 
DJ: Rudi Lopez Emerson Morales Sami Selo

Love is not the same as it was just yesterday, love is always growing, increasing day by day. Never ending changes from laughter and from tears, love is meant to flourish and blossom through the years.

- -

Happy engagement Kelly & Tobias, your love makes all things blossom 🌼🌷🌺

Be grateful for everyone who lifts you up and helps you shine. We go further, together!

- -

When you are able to be with people that genuinely want to share the passion and grow in the world of dance with all laughs and smiles, that's what Helena Mambotera accomplished with her Fusion Urbana DC Dance Company! It's an honor to shoot for the ever growing team for 3 straight years and I'm so happy to capture this one of my favorite moments with them. Come celebrate their huge milestone at Bachateame Sundays Presents Fusion Urbana 6 Year Anniversary on August 11!!! You know there's going to be nothing but good vibes💥🧡

Director - Helena

Adina

Anat

Ivan

Jason

Joseph

Lindsey

Michelle

Rachel

Sergio F

Sergio M

Empowered women, empower women! Never forget how wildly capable you are and you shine the moment you decide to be yourself!
- - 
WHAT IF WOMEN RULED THE WORLD?
The moment Bebe Alanis UY, director of Zafire Ladies DC, asked me to shoot for the Zafire Ladies DC, I know we have to highlight the strength and beauty of these 27 dancers in all colors and shapes, and what better way to capture all of their unique personality beside the art of Yael Bartana atNational Museum of Women in the Arts! Let's celebrate women and celebrate the Zafire Ladies DC 3rd Year Anniversary!! Reach out to all of these team members for discounted tickets, it's going to be FIREEEEE 🔥 

Below are the individual portraits of Zafire Ladies DC

Director Bebé Alanis

Annie 

Arianna 

Caitlyn

Diana

Eva

Gaby

Ginayra

Hannah

Ivet

Jaelize

Josy

Kalina

Karen

Karina

Kavell

Kristina

Laila

Lilet

Miroslava

Natasha

Rachael

Safia

Selina

Selma

Voahirana

Be real. Be you. Don’t trade your authenticity for approval.

---

Color play with Marissa and Angelo 💛💙

A woman's spirit blossoms in the colors of her soul 

- -

Dance portraits with the lovely Sarah Svena in New York City

She's in love with a human she hasn't even met yet.

- -

A maternity shoot with the glowing Liz 8 months pregnant with her little boy Elijah in the city of Baltimore ♥️

Dream. Create. Share. Inspire.

=====

When you can't go to Saudi Arabia, she brings Saudi Arabia to you! An Arabian night hosted by Princess Sora Saud while she brings the desert, the food, the music, everything true to theme from Saudi Arabia to DC. A feast in support of the Mentor Foundation US, working together to empower young people to live healthy and productive lives, free of drugs. 

Find the unique in your life - and inspire others to find theirs.

- -

A huge honor to give a personal photoshoot for Princess Sora Saud of Saudi Arabia. As we are both such art lovers, what better way to showcase her unique style among the artworks of the National Gallery of Art!

Stay close to people who feel like sunshine.

- -

And as you can see from her smile, her energy, her glow, sunshine she is - Kim Torrence, a healing professional who has a psychotherapy practice which focuses on adults who have trauma, especially childhood, as well as women with sexual trauma. She specialized is mindfulness and somatic psychotherapy and is also holding groups for women using mindfulness, dance, and yoga. She is also a beautiful and soulful dancer and provides yoga wellness programs. I'm so happy to share these glow of hers with you and if you need any professional help, she is the one you want to talk to!

A photoshoot with the lovely Staunton's family at the Central Park in New York city. 

- -

I was so honored to capture Noemi and her mother, sister, two daughters, and her granddaughter together in this special four generations of women photoshoot. "I can't stop looking over them.  Know that they will be cherished for a lifetime!!!" she said. And it's moments like this make me feel so proud of what I do, to capture the love and the memories that can last for a lifetime!

With great honor, I was invited to shoot for Princess Sora Saud of Saudi Arabia last week in DC and had the pleasure to capture all the special moments of Her Highness’ nonprofit endeavors for Mentor Foundation, USA. As an ambassador for Mentor Foundation USA, she’s happy to support an organization that has similar beliefs and priorities - help bring an end to childhood substance abuse by supporting programs that provide support, guidance as well as education to children across the globe.

In this series, Princess Sora hosted a high-tea pre-reception. Tea and hosting are staples of the Saudi Arabian culture that she loves to share with her guests.

- -

Excited to share with you the special photoshoot with FlexTheory - Andre Victoria is a DMV and global health coach that provides simultaneous Strength and Flexibility training with an emphases on both controlled, coordinated movement as well explosive initiations and transitions. His intent is to promote your strengths, manage your weaknesses, and unlock your latent abilities. Our never-ending journey in applying inventive protocols to continuous spacial challenges are designed to help you dominate the only competitor that ever mattered - yourself. 

Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.
- -
When best friends dressed up matching without planning, in front of the colorful Sean Scully Landline @seanscullystudio at Hirshhorn Museum in DC
#KristyYangPhotography
👩🏾: Munyang, Jalynn, Ola, Chichi
📸: @KristySees
 

Music, it has the power to make us smile, and bring us to all types of tears. It can carry us back in time, and inspire us to dance in the moment. For all our happiest days, there is music.

- -

A photoshoot with the lovely Los Divos, a Latin band in Washington D.C. specializing in Cumbia, Bachata, Salsa, Punta, de todo! 

- -

A grand photoshoot with Orquesta Los Divos, the vibrant Latin band in Washington D.C. specializing in Cumbia, Bachata, Salsa, Punta. The two lovely singers, Ginayra and Kiery, their parents met while in the band. And now they are continuing the legacy💛 While I was shooting with the group, the joy and bond they have just makes me smile! The music they share is for the world to enjoy. They do it from the bottom of their hearts and just truly love to play for the audience. Get ready for all the new things from them and be sure to book them for your events🎶🎵 Our design team also custom designed their new logo:

Somos Orquesta Los Divos. Somos más fuertes que nunca. Más unidos que nunca. La música que compartimos es para que lo disfrute todo el mundo. Lo hacemos de todo corazón. ¡Ya vienen cosas nuevas!

♦️Síguenos en Instagram: orquestalosdivos_oficial 
♦️YouTube: Orquesta Los Divos 
♦️Email: musica.orquestalosdivos@gmail.com

She’s in the sun, the wind, the rain, she’s in the air you breathe with every breath you take. She sings a song of hope and cheer, there’s no more pain, no more fear. You’ll see her in the clouds above, hear her whisper words of love. You’ll be together before long, until then listen for her song.
- -

A photoshoot with Maria in DC

She is life itself...
wild and free. Wonderfully chaotic. A perfectly put together mess🖤
- -
A series of special photoshoot with the international instructor from Norway gaticadance for the upcoming halloween parties with @salsaroom, the hottest Latin club in DMV! Oct 24-27, be ready🎃💀
- -
▪️Models: @gaticadance @bri.kaliela
▪️Photography: @KristySees@ethanyiyuan 
▪️MUA: @angee_gee
▪️Design: @salsaroom

Eye contact is more intimate than words will ever be.

- -

Portraits of Nic and Joy in Los Angeles, CA.

Her soul dwelled in the wild parts of her heart. Vibrating to the music it found there💚
- -

A collection of the women crossed path in Brooklyn, New York during Photoville

left to right:

Fatma from Turkey, Tyra from US, Vivien from China

Those who don't jump will never fly 

- -

A series capturing the parkour pair in LA, Nic Walton and Joy Isabella
 

The closer we get to being who we want to be, the brighter we shine🎈
- -

A special project capturing the grace of dancers and making moments last forever
Ballet dancer: @audgemalek of @thewashingtonballet
 

Directors: 

All of this is made possible because of the directors of Sentimiento: 
Nancy Salsa, Brandon Bachata, Tabitha Hitchye!
It takes a village to give lessons, train multiple teams, and host socials every week to enrich the latin dance scene and Baltimore is so lucky to have them 🌹❤️
 

Ladies Bachata Team

See the full series here: http://bit.ly/Sentimiento_Bachata
 

Salsa On 1 Ladies Team

See the full series at: http://bit.ly/SentimientoSalsaon1_KristySees
 

Salsa On 2 Students Couples Team

See the full series at : http://bit.ly/SentimientoSalsa_KristySees

Mambo Pro Team

See the full series at http://bit.ly/SentimientoMambo_KristySees
 

Be uniquely you. Stand out. Shine. Be Colorful💕💙
- -
It always makes me so happy when people asked me to shoot for them year over year. Often times, I feel like part of the family and it excites me when I get to see and document their love and growth throughout the years. 
This time, I have the greatest pleasure to shoot for Fusion Urbana DC Dance Company and when their director Helena was 3 months pregnant and then again 3 months post baby. At the day of the shoot, there came a rain storm (and I repeat, it really was a STORM 🌬️🌧️lol) but what I love this team even more is that rain or shine, we had a blast shooting together and no one would have any idea what it was like at the time. And that's what a family do, the time spent together is worth every second! 
 

- -

Directors - Helena, Andress, Joseph

Helena

Joseph

Andress

Emily

Gaby

Hermela

Ivan

Natalie

Sergio Fuentes

Sergio Meija

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

Geeky Nerd Level: 1000🤓👌
Am I the only one got so pumped when coming up with the perfect techy set up? 🙋🏻‍♀️🤩 It’s so crucial for me to have a professional and comfortable environment to conduct business consulting and create artistically through a digital format, and now my nerdy side is screaming with excitement!! 
Finally got a standing table that allows me to work and get some work out done at the same time.

I also hacked it with two risers  to get more space.

I have to share the tips and I’m so happy right now, time to WORK!!! #BossLady
 

- -

Celebrating 6 years of teaching latin dance in the Baltimore community, I'm thrilled to share with you this series specially created for Sentimiento Dance Company's anniversary! We are showcasing the beauty of our city Baltimore and the fun & loving Baltimore dance family we have. Here in frame is the Flamenco inspired Salsa on 1 team directed by Tabitha at Baltimore's Mt. Vernon. She also designed and made these costumes herself! In the background is the historic Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church and Asbury House built in 1872. This was designed by Thomas Dixon, an architect from our very own Baltimore and the church was built of blocks of unique metabasalt, a green-toned Maryland fieldstone, with brownstone ornamentation. Come visit Baltimore and also party and dance the night away this Saturday at the Sentimiento 6 Year Anniversary Extravaganza!💃
 

When I began to have a mad, passionate love affair with my own life, the rest fell perfectly into place. 

- -

- -
Nancy Salsa found her passion for on 2 salsa at the Yamulee Dance Company in NY. 6 years ago, she came to Baltimore, met Brandon Bachata and together with Roberto Carlos Molina, they embarked on the audacious dream of teaching Sala on 2 in Baltimore. Fast forward to now, the every growing Sentimiento Dance Company is thriving and they have a chocolate salsa baby underway and I'm so honored to create this special milestone photoshoot for Sentimiento! Picture here is the Salsa on 2 Student team in our city of Baltimore, make sure to come dance and celebrate with them at the Sentimiento 6 Year Anniversary Extravaganza!❤️

We didn't know we're making memories, we just knew we're having fun!

- -

A family photoshoot for Hong and Emily and their adorable babies Samantha and Calvin in a summer day in DC. 

The most beautiful sight is seeing how your eyes light up, your skin glows, your voice shivers, your body shakes with tremors of desire when you talk about your dreams!

- -

A special photoshoot with the Sentimiento Dance Company's to celebrate their huge 6 year milestone!! We not only highlight the strength of these gorgeous ladies of the Ladies Bachata team, but also showcase the beauty of our dear Baltimore, Maryland! See more from the shoot at http://bit.ly/Sentimiento_Bachata and come dance and celebrate with them at the Sentimiento 6 Year Anniversary Extravaganza!

Each day, I have to make a new promise to myself, to be braver than my past, to be stronger than the struggle, so I may find a bigger adventure regardless of the risk.

- -

Linda Saenz created the Classe Dance Company and they not only grow as a dance team but also like a family. If you want to have all the fun and learn bachata and latin dancing, make sure to check them out!