Capturing the Harmony of Art and Nature: A Talented Violinist and Landscape Designer

In the world of brand photography, few things are as inspiring as capturing the essence of a person who embodies creativity and passion in multiple forms. Melding different sides of multi-passionate people is part of the reason I love the work that I do! It is not only visually interesting, it makes you stand out in your business.

Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Laura Scalzo, owner of Roots in the City Texas, a rising star in the landscape design world who also happens to be a gifted violinist. This photoshoot was a unique blend of artistry and nature, and I’m excited to share Laura’s story with you.

A Symphony of Skills

Laura’s journey into landscape design began as a blog during the pandemic. She shared the transformation of her San Antonio yard as she worked to dismantle the monoculture of Bermuda grass. She replaced the invasive grass with raised beds for organic vegetables and in-ground gardens showcasing the Texas native plants that support our local ecosystems and use less of our precious and limited water resources. As Laura got deeper into the work of maximizing the harvests from her vegetable garden and learning about native plants, she realized she was in a position to help others make similar changes in their landscape. She then enrolled in the New York Institute of Art and Design and completed their Landscape Design program in April of 2023.

 

Her designs are more than just gardens; they are living, breathing works of art that work with nature, instead of against it. Each project she undertakes is a testament to her dedication to creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also thrive within the local ecosystem. Her innovative approach to landscape design incorporates sustainable practices, ensuring that her creations are both stunning and environmentally friendly. And the best part is, she can create in any urban environment and turn it into an oasis.

But Laura’s talents don’t stop at the edge of the garden. When she’s not transforming outdoor spaces, she’s creating beautiful music on her violin with performances in local groups like Camerata San Antonio, the Mid Texas Symphony and teaching privately.

 

The Photoshoot: Merging Two Worlds

My Brand photography services all include a professional makeup artist who also does hair styling. We were also looking to beat the Texas heat. My artist started early in the morning to give her a natural, on-camera look.  Meanwhile, I looked over her custom photoshoot plan as I scoped out her lovely property for the photos.

Working with Laura for her business portraits was such a fun, creative adventure that allowed me to try some new things I had never done before with my setups. We began the photoshoot in her front yard—a lush, vibrant garden that perfectly showcased her design skills. I set up a simple, painter’s backdrop with some colorful sunflowers to frame and highlight her colorful, creative personality. Laura held her hold her violin with some and her pruners in others. She was also featured her free seed library she has on display for the neighborhood to enjoy. At the end, we captured some gorgeous photos of her framed within her flowers.

We then transitioned into her home for some fun and dynamic headshots for her music career. We captured her playing and the passion for music was evident in her every gesture and expression, not to mention it sounded amazing echoing in her home.

We ended in her backyard with her gorgeous, lush vegetable garden. Some working shots in the garden were mixed in with some fun, editorial style photos I swear I could have seen in Martha Stewart Living!

A Bright Future Ahead

Laura is not just a talented landscape designer and musician; she’s a kind and generous person who brings positivity to everything she does. I can only imagine how happy she must make her colleagues and clients. As she continues to grow in her career, I have no doubt that she will leave a lasting impact on both the local San Antonio landscape industry as well as the world of music.

Final Thoughts

This photoshoot with Laura was a beautiful reminder of how interconnected our passions can be. It’s inspiring to see someone who not only excels in multiple fields but also brings a unique perspective to each. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to capture Laura’s story through my lens and look forward to seeing where her journey takes her next.

If you’re looking for a landscape designer who combines artistic vision with sustainable practices, or simply want to experience the beauty of her violin music, Laura is a name to remember. Keep an eye out for her work—you won’t be disappointed.

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Thank you for joining me on this glimpse into Laura’s San Antonio photoshoot. If you are curious about working with me, I serve the Central Texas area, and do travel in other areas of Texas, Nashville, and Denver for half day and full day branding session clients.

You can contact us here for a free Discovery Call. I would love to chat with you more about creating a set of custom photos for your business!