I grew up in a crazy, dysfunctional, yet fun family. Our home had an open-door policy. My mother taught me that kindness was normal, not exceptional.After my parent's divorce my brother died, I was12, and he was 24. My family became unhinged. I experienced deep grief and developed resilience.The family business, a bar/restaurant/club in NYC in the '70s, and '80s was quite the education. I can talk to anyone, and developed a crazy curiosity.As a professional modern dancer, in my 20's, I traveled the world. Tenacity and hard work are part of the deal. Giving my all is what I do. When I hung up my tights in my 30s I became a photographer. 3 1/5 decades later, I still love what I do. My mother taught me to be kind and serve. Through pain, I developed compassion and empathy. Through dance, I learned to stay present and have a keen eye for composition. Growing up in a bar, I gleaned how to put anyone, under any circumstance, at ease. Plus, an intimate knowledge of addiction and recovery. Ultimately, gratefully, I developed a strong sense of self-reflection, a desire for personal growth, and a bunch of wisdom along the way. I'm Lisa Nalven, a passionate photo philanthropist and a photographer of peeps and nature. My gift is to make anyone feel beautiful even if they are experiencing dire circumstances. I call it "capturing love on life's terms". Whether working with children with cancer, senior citizens, the disenfranchised, or the disabled, I look to capture souls. It's what I love to do.I am also the creator of a powerful tool for healing and recovery called Intention Boards. They serve as dynamic pieces of art to affirm health, envision success, and stay hopeful.