About Spirit Essence Photography

For over 20 years now, I've been a committed professional photographer for private clients and commercial clients alike! I'm based in the heart of Austin, TX, specializing both in custom family photography and yoga portraiture.

Main areas of specialty:

Signature Head-Shots  |  Yoga Portraiture  |  Families & Children

Hoping to connect with you soon...
please don't hesitate to contact me. 

_()_

(which means palms together or namaste in the yogic tradition) 

Larissa

 

 

Before we meet, you might like to know:

  • I don't talk loud or think out-loud. I'm more the subtle presence who speaks when I have something of value to share.

  • I was my favorite subject in my earliest years as a photographer. Back then, I had many self-portraits. Now...you'd be hard-pressed to get me in FRONT of the camera. I much prefer being behind the lens ;-)

  • Even though I'm now a bit camera-shy, myself, I will absolutely inspire you to be at ease and to shine when we're doing a session together.

  • You'll see me light up in a big way when I know I've captured that perfect shot! 

  • I get a big kick out of counting all of the profile pics I've photographed on my Facebook friends list.

  • I've been a solo-mama from day one to a very zany toddler who brings out all the sweetest, uncharacteristicly silly sides of me.

 

 

Some Fun Facts about my Career Over the Years:

  • I went "Pro" at the mere age of 16 in 1990 when a local Houston photographer took me under his wing as his "second shooter" and studio assistant.

  • In the days of film, before the digital explosion, I shot a gazillion weddings in a single year at age 19, when I worked as an in-house wedding photographer for Treasure Island Hotel in Las Vegas...Crazy times!

  • I had my first true solo commercial assignment at age 20 for Mirage Resorts, Inc. Amazing to have organized such large-scale shoots with over 20 models, 5 locations, equipment rentals, prop departments and totally flying by the seat of my pants!

  • Before I became a mom, I worked for Yoga Journal Magazine...traveling and photographing all their national yoga conferences for 3 years straight.

  • That one connection led me to profound opportunities and friendships and personal "dream assignments" for yoga masters Baron Baptiste, John Friend, Shiva Rea, Tias Little, Richard Freeman, Aadil Palkhivala. 

  • My images have been featured on book covers, DVD covers, in magazines, and on many professional web sites.

  • I once delightfully relinquished home-life structure, and bumbled across many state lines in an RV for six months on a whirl-wind U.S. photo expedition for John Friend's Anusara 2008 Light the Sky Tour. What a ride that was!

  • I've shot just about everything at one point or another: fashion, music, weddings, celebrity, pets, architectural, 360 virtual tours, editorial, product advertising.

  • I'm also a well-rounded, certified yoga teacher with an innate understanding of alignment, timing and aesthetics when photographing yoga.

 

Kind Words...

 

"It is rare indeed to find a photographer who can really capture the essence of their subject. I was completely impressed by Larissa and her work with my school, Lauterstein-Conway Massage School. Larissa was 100% focused, enthusiastic, easy to work with, and inspired. She grasped what we wanted thoroughly. She was well-prepared and time-efficient, which also therefore helped us stay within our budget. She is the first photographer to capture the essence and the spirit of what we do here. Spirit Essence Photography deserves its name!
She has our complete endorsement."

-- David Lauterstein, Lauterstein-Conway Massage School [ see images ]

 

"Thanks so much for these images. We think they are absolutely wonderful. I've been waiting for years to find someone to shoot pictures of Richard that actually have feeling, and these live up to what I saw in your portfolio. We have had many photographs taken of Richard, but none of them evoked the feeling and sense of presence that your images have captured. Just great!"

 -- Mary Taylor on yoga master Richard Freeman


“I just love seeing how you are able to reach inside of someone, pull out their essence and turn it into living art. You are able to take something that might otherwise seem ordinary and turn it into something magnificent. Your images touch and open hearts.  I am so deeply honored that you have shared your gift with us and I am so grateful to have gotten to know you just a little in person. With much gratitude.”

-- Annie Freedom, Samadhi Yoga Studio, Denver