Portrait Winner – Lisa Chiodo From Renovating Italy
All photos copyright Carla Coulson
I feel as though I have known Lisa Chiodo for years.
We have been following each others blogs and lives since Italian Joy landed on the shelves in 2005.
Recently Lisa hit the road with her husband and children to go live a dream in Italy, renovate an old house and live a new life….and we get to live it vicariously through Renovating Italy.
Lisa’s name came out of the ‘cat’s biscuit dish draw’ at the same time as the beautiful Gabriella Pirisi’s name (you can see her shoot here) for a portrait in Paris with the whole sheebang including final edited files and fine art prints in a GORGEOUS linen box tied with a big, fat bow. On a whim I decided to give-away two portraits with the whole SHEEBANG…
Lisa was a joy to shoot as was her daughter Carina.
I felt a great responsibility photographing Lisa after see her video and reading this post when she won. I wanted to enhance her natural beauty without changing her relaxed style. I ask every woman I shoot to tell me a little bit about themselves and what they want to come out in the photos and Lisa’s 5 words kept running through my mind as I was shooting her..
“Freedom, Sensuality, Joy, Movement, Adventure”
“I want photos full of laughter, movement and showing my spirit of adventure. I’d love something that anyone who knows me could say “YES that is Lisa???……for my children to see how I see myself rather than just nagging Mummy, tired Mummy, I want this for them to keep, to record me, that I lived, so that future generations, grandchildren, great grandchildren will get a sense of who I am from these images”
So it was with these two beautiful women with a shining connection between them, on a beautiful sunny day in Paris and with these words we created these photos.
I hope it’s the ‘Lisa’ her friends and family know and love!!
All photos copyright Carla Coulson
Lisa told me during the shoot that a friend had told her it would be a ‘life-changing experience’.
I felt honoured her friend would say that but somewhere inside of me I hope it was truly that for Lisa. I hope she sees herself the way we see her from now on.
You can follow Lisa, Sam, Carina and Luca on their journey here.
“Taking joy in living is a woman’s best cosmetic.” Rosalind Russell
Check out my Portrait Lightroom Presets here.
wow wow wow I was dying to see them! Absolutely stunning! What beautiful photos for Lisa and Carina to have forever. Love them all xoxo
Wow these photos are incredibly beautiful and ALIVE! Stunning work and models xx
Oh wow, Carla, you have done your magic again. And yet you captured what was already in Lisa anyway. I see all those qualities that she wanted to shine through, most of all Joy!
Like so many others, I have been waiting to see this post ever since Lisa and you announced that she won! Lisa and I have become friends through facebook, and I treasure this new, long-distance friendship because she isn’t afraid to be real with everyone, and that’s what makes her beautiful. And your photos show that. And Carina–what a beauty in her own right. She could be a professional model, don’t you think?
I’m sure Lisa and Carina and their family will adore all these photos. Bellisimo! (is that right for beautiful?)
Amazing photos Lisa, really lovely.
Wow what amazing photos of already beautiful people! You have inspired me to ensure mum and I get back to Paris and book in our own photo shoot!!!
Carla, You have definitely captured who I think we all ‘see’ Lisa to be through knowing her online. This was such an incredible experience for her and Carina and she’s shared her special moments with all of us. You had two wonderful models, but your talent has created not only special memories for them but a wonderful keepsake in these beautiful photgraphs. Bravissime to all three of you 😉
wow, stunning pictures, very special moments captured perfectly!
Carla,
My precious Lisa and her stunning daughter Carina look just as my heart and eyes see the, sensationally stunning. You have revitalised the magnificent canvas that is my dear friend Lisa. No one ‘ore deserving.
Stunning, joyous and phenomenal xx
Oh Carla, these photos brought tears to my eyes. There is such joy on Lisa and Carinas faces and they both look so beautiful. Such a wonderful backdrop and it just looks like so much girl fun! Love it and congratulations to you all. I think my favourite is the one of Lisa with the peasant style top and red shawl – stunning and so natural and vivacious!
Carla, a large group of “renovating italy” followers have been anxiously awaiting these photos. The atmosphere, movement, smiles…everything simply oozes of joy and Lisa’s adventurous, loving spirit. You had two wonderful subjects to work with and you shot some Amazing pics which I’m sure will be treasured in this lifetime and the next!
Absolutely stunning Carla. I have been so looking forward to seeing these photos. Lisa and Carina look so beautiful – you have captured their beauty in such a natural way. I have never had my photo taken, never thought I’d like what I would see, but after seeing these shots, I feel like jumping on a plane to Paris to see you ! lol. Did you do the styling of Lisa ? Whoever did, they got it spot on. Oh Lisa and Carina must be so happy.
WOW! Beautiful ,natural, and elegant work , you really have captured the “essence” of Lisa .Her beautiful Carina as well…these photos will make them smile every time they (and all her family and friends) glance at them ,I’m sure 🙂
Wonderful warm photos! I also feel as though I have known Lisa for years even though we haven’t met! And these photos are a real tribute – and look like so much fun. Great work Carla and how dazzling are you both in Paris, Lisa and Carina! Xcat
Wow is right!! Simply gorgeous! I have always wanted some family portraits but my husband has always refused because he hates “staged” photos. As do I.
These shots have inspired me to look into it again, when I can find the right photographer at a time we are all together. They are not staged at all and are beautiful natural and, I don’t know, I can’t find the words. STUNNING!
Well done!! I love them
Wow Carla! These photos of Lisa and Carina are stunning. So natural AND sophisticated. A wonderful memory for them both.
What a gift you have Carla, a gift you give to everyone you capture with your incredible photography. Your photos always blow me away.
Absolutely beautiful photos! Have been following Lisa’s journey through her blog, even though we have never met. Her joy and laughter jumps out of the photo and I can’t help but smile and laugh along as well. What wonderful memories for her and Carina and a beautiful legacy for her family. Stunning!
There isn’t an appropriate word that fits the magic you have created in these stunning photos of Lisa and Carina. They are absolutely beautiful, their eyes are the windows to their souls and they both look so happy. They are life changing as for a few hours they are representing the female form in two separate age groups and so gracefully with a little cheeky mystery. Love them Carla, you are amazing!!!
These photos make me want to cry happy tears. They both look so amazing and beautiful. I had this on my radar before but now I so want to do this with my daughter one day ♥
Gorgeous gals. And I’m a big fan of mother and daughter pics. Those smiles say freedom, love and anythings possible!!! Love.
Stunning….all of them. The last one with Lisa in the red shawl…. so much joy and life emits from her. What a wonderful time they have had. It shows in every shot.
“Freedom, Sensuality, Joy, Movement, Adventure??? … you captured all that, and more. These photos were vibrant, but if I had to pick one description it would be joy. There is joy in these photos, there is joy in Lisa, and there is joy in you, the photographer.
absolutely amazing photos of the both of you, you look beautiful Lisa and Carina is growing up so much. it looks like you enjoyed yourself. great work Carla!
These beautiful photos show the shining light inside of these two gorgeous girls. You have captured the love they share perfectly. Stunning
Gorgeous pics !!
Carla, I’ve been really looking forward to seeing Lisa’s photos. I’ve read all the comments and I agree wholeheartedly. I knew you would produce something absolutely stunning and treasured – you always do. It certainly looks like the 3 of you had a great treasured time.
Fabulous! Love them all <3
You did a wonderful and beautiful thing for Lisa & Carina, Thanks
HOLY COW!!!!!!!!
Lisa, you have got to be thrilled!!!That second photo of you on the stairs……….is BEYOND!!!!The third one too!Love the outfit and the pants!!!Your daughter is adorable……..
I think CARLA ticked ALL YOUR BOXES!!!I would LOVE to see the smile on SAMS face when he first saw these pictures!!!
UNA BELLA SIGNORIA DA VERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So touching and very very very very very beautiful!!!
Beautifully captured Carla! A gorgeous collection for Lisa & Carina x
Just fabulous! Lisa and Carina are stunning. Such a wonderful gesture, on your part, to offer this opportunity so full of timeless memories. All of your work is breathtaking!
Wow Carla, what a transformation! You are absolutely magic! I only saw her a a very tired mother and renovator working her fingers to the bone! She and her daughter will never feel the same again! Thank you!
Cynthia
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! You captured the Lisa that we hear on her blog! Adventurous, full of life, Beautiful spirit. Carina is precious. I especially love the picture of Carina looking up at her mom with admiration. Carla, you have a gift for sure!
They are both lovely ..I think my all time favorite photo is the two of them in denim sitting on those stairs. A precious photo for them to have in the years to come.
What stunning, glowing photos! Carla, you rock!!!
Lisa, you’re simply glowing in these photos – feminine, sexy, confident, vibrant!
The ones taken on the stairway are just *WOW*!! … And how precious are these with Carina – she’s adorable!! What a beautiful way to mark your 50th birthday – very special!
Stunning photos, Carla!
Carla ,your photos are wonderful , you found the true beauty , love and strength I’ve know for a long time in Lisa xxx
Great photos. It was interesting reading Lisa’s blog post. I have no photos of myself, hate having my photo taken, so does my sister and my partner. I hate that friends take photos and put them on Facebook, I never look good in a photo and it’s a pity that people insist. Can’t they remember a good time without a photo? Having said that I think your photos look great, she looks marvellous, although I think she looked good in the audition video she had on her website. Weird how we see ourselves differently from others.
Funny that you mention Lisa seeing herself as we see her, I just shared some of your beautiful images on my Facebook page with this caption. As someone who is proud to call Lisa her friend, can I just say you did an exceptional job, what a talent you have. There she is, just as radiant, beautiful and full of love as we know her. Well done. x
FB thingy. >>These are photos of my friend Lisa of Renovating Italy taken by the exceptionally talented Carla Coulson. This photo brought tears to my eyes as I knew for the first time, Lisa would see herself as we do. It has nothing to do with hair, makeup or lighting and everything to do with the warmth, generosity and love that shine from her. She can see that now, I’m sure of it, it radiates through her most recent post. She knows now. Lisa can see what we’ve always seen. And I’m not talking about her boobs.
I share this because I want YOU to know when people say you are beautiful, that you shine or that there is a glow about you, you have no right to tell them otherwise. They see you better than you see yourself at that moment. Let them love you, bask in their praise. Because it’s going to be mighty awkward to hear the I-told-you-so otherwise.
Right, Lisa!? {inc. links}
I am glad to see that I am not the only one that cried happy tears in seeing these absolutely stunning photographs of Lisa and her lovely daughter. Like many, I was incredibly moved by Lisa’s video – I think any of us that have gone through a tough time know what a deep effect it can have on your self-worth or sense of beauty or both. So to see her here, not transformed but revealed as her true self is just amazing. And incredibly inspiring. Thank you Carla, Lisa and la belle Carina for your generosity of spirit and beauty.
Lovely!!
SUPERB images.
You did it! Captured the essence of true beauty – it’s in Lisa’s smiling eyes, her wide open smile and her tousled hair. Perfect, Carla x
I was so looking forward to seeing these photos and somehow missed them when you published. Such beautiful photos – you have really captured the beauty of Lisa and the beauty IN Lisa. Also adore that one of future photographer Carina with her camera.