SoFLo HABITAT - 40 Women Over 40

De

Unni Greene Wanda Harrold

Cindy Krebsbach Shirelle

Stacey Luces Fran Nachlas

Kari Quinn Tandy Robinson

Maribel Roman Elizabeth Sabol

Suzanne Spencer Sweetapple Denise

Alman Debbie Ballerano Shirley

Bryant Mary De Vito Susan

Diener Belkis Sophia Eccleston

Ellen Elam Goldenberg

Unni Greene Harrold

Christy Hart Kadel Laura

King Paige Kornblue Belkis

Duran Mary Shirelle Jackson

Tami Lawlor Stacey Luces

Debbie Anderson Jodie Murphy

Fran Nachlas Krista Miller

Pattie Goldenberg Irma Parone

Linda Gunn Paton Enas Raynor

Susan Diener Robinson

Karen Sweetapple Dawn Sacco

Maribel Roman Mary Csar

Michelle Rubin Elizabeth Sabol

Suzanne Spencer Alman Debbie Anderson Csar Melanie

De Vito Susan Goldenberg

Unni Greene King Paige

Kornblue Cindy Krebsbach

CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF INNER BEAUTY PORTRAITS BY LUANN WARNER-PROKOS

ARTISAN PHOTOGRAPHER

When it comes to LuAnn Warner-Prokos’ portraiture, a picture is truly worth a thousand words. But she doesn’t strive to just capture her subjects, but through masterful use of lighting, scenery and photographic techniques, WP Portraiture creates beautiful pieces of art.

For the past 10 years, Warner-Prokos has focused on portrait photography and her new Boca Raton studio to create the perfect environment to practice her craft of fine art portraiture.

She is known for her editing and is an expert in the techniques to best create an image be it on hand-made paper, framed perfectly or designed as part of an album, all of which are certain to become treasured family heirlooms.

LuAnn Warner-Prokos

Warner-Prokos Photography/WP Fine Art Portraits

Award-winning accredited master fine art photographer 751 Park of Commerce Drive Boca Raton FL 33487

WPPortraits.net

Info@WPportratraiture.com

Info@WPportraits.net 561.271.7954

Call today about WP Portraits special Inner Beauty: Celebrating South Florida’s Women Over 40 photo sessions

Warner-Prokos Photography

APERATURE

SoFLoHABITAT.com

Sherry Goodman-Ash Publisher bocaadlady@aol.com

Sara Fiedelholtz

Editor-In-Chief sfiedelholtz@soflohabitat.com

Lourdes Guerra

Art Director

Mariu Saralegui Emmons Marketing Director

40 WOMEN OVER 40 PROJECT

LuAnn Warner-Prokos

Fine Art Portrait Photography

751 Park of Commerce Drive Boca Raton, FL 33487 561.271.7954

info@wpportraits.net WPPortraiture.com

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

Denise and Steven Alman

Carla Azzata, Carla Azzata Photography

Courtney Christopherson, Courtney C. Glamour Group

Susan and Edward Diener

Paige Kornblue, PaigeKornblue.com

Liliya Karpova, Lovestory Makeup

Linda Gunn Paton, Sklar Furnishings

John Prokos, supporting & loving husband

Gloria Vilchez, studio assistant, WP Photography

By LuAnn Warner-Prokos

hen working with my female clients, all too often I find myself standing behind the camera seeing how I am going to capture them, and I think to myself I wish they could see themselves the way I see them.

I know that women of a certain age are no longer considered by society as beautiful. They are not appreciated for their accomplishments. They are not acknowledged for their heroism. They are not celebrated for the challenges they have overcome. They are rarely seen for who they are.

I established the 40 Women Over 40 project to combine my passion for fine art portraiture photography with my desire to recognize who these incredible women are and to beautifully capture their successes and achievements.

Women work so hard to be everything to everyone and often forget to be kind, appreciative, generous and supportive to themselves and their bodies.

We all know that the camera doesn’t lie. it held within its gaze the essence of these incredible women.

I believe these portraits capture the whole of these women. Even with their “supposed flaws,” I know these women are truly beautiful and when looking at these portraits, I am confident you will easily see what I see.

Sara Fiedelholtz

chief content strategist publishing director/SoFLo HABITAT sfiedelholtz@thinkboxstrategies.com

call/text: 847.736.1387

©2023. All content and images of Women Over 40 are owned by Warner-Prokos Photography. Nopart of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.

… true beauty is reflected in a woman’s soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives and the passion she knows.

—Audrey Hepburn

And the beauty of a woman, with passing years, only grows!

”

W

LuAnn Warner-Prokos, 63, is the brainchild behind the 40 Women Over 40 project. After 12 years as an educator and family photographer, in 2019, Warner-Prokos shifted gears to focus on fine art photography.

SoFLo HABITAT magazine: What drew you to photography?

LuAnn Warner-Prokos: Since I was a child, I was always drawn to documenting history. As an educator I taught history. I love the connection to history when you look at old photographs and study the people in the photos. I am fascinated how photography can capture the essence of a person’s soul. I often take photos without the person smiling. It is just so beautiful to see the soul of the person.

BEHIND THE LENS

Q&A With Fine-Art Portrait Photographer

LuAnn Warner-Prokos

SoFLo: How did you learn about the Women Over 40 project?

WP: I participated in the project as a subject. I was getting older, gained some weight and do not photograph well. I carry all my weight in my face and upper body. (Those with bigger hips and stomach can still look slender in a photo.) Whenever I see a photo of myself, I always think it doesn’t look like me. I wanted to see what a professional would do for me – and I was blown away. I bought 25 images. It really was a fabulous day – the hair and makeup, champagne, music and studio setting.

SoFLo: What did you learn from the experience?

WP: I learned that I am beautiful. I learned that it is possible for someone to get a great photo of me. I saw I can feel

beautiful and be comfortable in my own skin. I felt special. I needed to see myself through someone else’s eyes.

SoFLo: As a photographer what do you like about working in a studio?

WP: In the studio I can control the lighting which is critical. I am also able to have several different backdrops. I offer the women a beautiful collection of gowns, dresses and accessories to use for their portraits. I like having a safe intimate space to photograph people who are often feeling vulnerable.

SoFLo: What are you known for as a portrait photographer?

WP: I am known for my editing and the bespoke experience I offer to my clients. I edit the images, so the woman looks like she has had the best facial, a great night’s sleep and a lot of water. It is easier to edit when you have the correct lighting and pose. The fact is the lighting takes care of most of it. But I do use a technique where I liquefy—shade—the images. The truth is I know the photo tricks to that enhance someone’s beauty.

SoFLo: Why do you think the women who participate in the project enjoy it so much?

WP: After doing a few of these portrait sessions, I realized how important it is for them to have this experience. Women are so hard on themselves. We aren’t kind to ourselves. I know I beat myself up all the time. I think of myself as invisible. But like most women, I am beautiful. When the women first see the images and see that I didn’t change them but brought out their essence and beauty, they often say that they look the same but beautiful. We all have an idea of ourselves – positive or negative. But through this experience the women begin to rewrite the stories they tell themselves and begin to be much kinder about who they are and what they look like.

SoFLo: Why do you like doing this project so much?

WP: I feel I am giving back. When the women come to the studio for the pre-shoot consult and we talk about their lives and experiences. I want them to see how they are strong, sensual, dynamic and exude a beauty all their own. Perception is reality and through this experience I am trying to erase a little of their history to view their lives and themselves a little differently. I work to help these women see their beauty – or at least appreciate it.

WOMEN OVER 40 PROJECT PARTICIPATION

Warner-Prokos is continuing to work on capturing and celebrating the beauty of women of a certain age for her Women Over 40 project with the offering of a special fine art portrait photography session.

The special session includes a pre-photoshoot consult, hair and makeup and a two-hour in studio photo session that includes up to three wardrobe changes and one 5” by 7” photo print. The cost of this special in-studio photoshoot is $490 (retail value $ 1,000).

Participating women may purchase additional prints at various sizes including large wall art pieces. (The purchase of 12 or more images includes an elegant folio box in which to showcase images.)

To reserve a Women Over 40 fine-art portrait session and/or for more information contact:

LuAnn Warner-Prokos

LuAnn@WPPortraits.net

561.271.7954

Denise Alman

What Makes You You?

My mother taught me compassion, not through her words but through her actions. I hope my actions inspire my children … and so it goes.

Debbie Anderson

What Makes You You?

I live each day with a grateful heart and embrace love, joy and beauty in every moment.

Helen Ballerano

What Makes You You?

My life is consistently defined and driven by three motivators—faith, family and community. They propel my desire to make a difference.

What Makes You You?

I reach for my goals through prayer, proclamation and pursuit. No is not an option, because your next move is just around the corner.

Shirley Bryant

Mary Csar

What Makes You You?

When we moved to Boca, I told myself I wanted to make it my hometown. I have been working on this ever since.”

Melanie De Vito

What Makes You You?

Whether in business, motherhood, community or bringing energy into a room, I always try to live by the philosophy to leave it better than you found it.

Susan Diener

What Makes You You?

Grounded by faith, inspired by family and motivated by challenges, I enjoy adventure, embrace opportunities to learn and support those who are underserved.

Belkis Duran

What Makes You You?

Every day I am alive, I try to become a better person by helping others, showing respect and kindness and making the world better. I strive to be a part of a better world.

What Makes You You?

My passion is to serve and make a positive impact on others. This defines and enriches my sense of self.”

Sophia Eccleston

Ellen Elam

What Makes You You?

There is a saying, ‘You have been given two hands—one to help yourself and one to help others,’ and it drives my purpose.”

Pattie Goldenberg

What Makes You You?

I believe every experience leads us to our next chapter. We need to seek out the fun as we muddle through it all.

Unni Greene

What Makes You You?

The unique combination of indomitable physical and mental strength and perseverance coupled with a soft and tender heart of gold determined to help others.

Wanda Harrold

What Makes You You?

Like every good Libra, it is my ability to balance. I balance my love for family, friends, community and adventure. Knowing each of these is important.

Christy Hart What Makes You You?

My heart. It absorbs the emotions and memories of my experiences. And it is my experiences that give me the ability to use these learnings to positively impact others.

“

Julia Kadel

What Makes You You?

I let love and faith guide me and serve as my wings. I strive to bring miracles of hope and joy to everyone. I humbly pray to inspire others.

Laura King

What Makes You You?

The magic of me is that I’m authentic. I walk the talk using my 45 years of experience to help others discover their possibilities and solutions.

Cindy Krebsbach

What Makes You You?

I am highly motivated and is someone who ‘gets it done.’ When I have a goal it becomes so real that all I can see are the steps to take to get me to the finish line.

Shirelle Jackson

What Makes You You?

My ability to motivate and encourage others is my passion. It brings me joy to see others achieve their potential.”

What Makes You You?

I am who I am because of my children. They bring out the best in me and teach me more than I teach them.”

Trina Le

What Makes You You?

My kids and God.” “

Janet Courchene Little

What Makes You You?

First-generation American, I was raised to value family and aspiration. I run my own business and lead my life with compassion and positive thinking.

What Makes You You?

I have twice flatlined … so, now I live with wild abundance, lead authentically, show kindness and contribute to making our community stronger.

Stacey Luces

Krista Miller

What Makes You You?

I am a passionate woman who is devoted to the performing and healing arts ... spiritual dancer and soul traveler. A mother with a heart of gold in service to humanity.

Christine Mills

What Makes You You?

I am a creative thinker and I can think outside the box.

Lisa Mulhall

What Makes You You?

I love my family and friends. I like serving my community, walking my dog, reading, antiquing, gardening and enjoying all that South Florida offers.

Jodie Murphy

What Makes You You?

I am easy-going and have a nurturing-spirit. I believe life is about meeting new people and finding new connections across our many layers and experiences.

Fran

Nachlas

What Makes You You?

I’m passionate about my family and community. I am a nurturer at heart and love finding ways to give back and to encourage others to do the same.

Kari Quinn

What Makes You You?

I take an introspective approach to life and as a result I am an empowered woman who creates exactly what she wants. I live in the present and choose to see and experience beauty in all things. I love being me!

Irma Parone

What Makes You You?

I am a simple person with a lot of energy and passion for my work, family and friends. I am a happy person and can face difficult challenges with positivity. I love supporting the people I serve in business and whom I am blessed to have in my life.

Linda Gunn Paton

What Makes You You?

My love for life and passion for what I do!” “

Enas Raynor

What Makes You You?

I am very passionate about helping others and watching them grow in their careers. I love leading teams to achieve great results. I am very competitive and driven. I love watching my daughter compete and follow her passions.

Robinson

What Makes You You?

My desire to be kind and generous. I also love to laugh.”

Tandy

Maribel Roman

What Makes You You?

I want to be remembered as someone who sees beyond the external, hears above the noise and loves unconditionally.”

Michelle Rubin

What Makes You You?

I am driven to always be engaged, both mentally and physically. I have chosen a career than enables the dreams of those within the disabled community.

Dawn Sacco

What Makes You You?

What makes me me … mom of four, school principal, real estate broker, Italian combined with my grit, determination, perseverance, grit, faith, fun, confidence, kindness and belief that I can have a big life with endless possibilities.

Elizabeth Sabol

What Makes You You?

Fear doesn’t stop me, it’s the fuel for me to live my best life. I trust intentions. Life is too short to judge others.

Suzanne Spencer

What Makes You You?

My passion is for contributing and making a difference in the lives of other, coupled with my ability to dream and to make things happen.”

What Makes You You?

My love of horses and my corgi Piper, my determination to defy the odds of metastatic breast cancer and my desire to continually learn.

Karen Sweetapple

My Midwest upbringing from which I try to stay true to its values of hard work, honesty, respect for others (and our differences) and helping my neighbors.

What Makes You You? ”

IN FOCUS

Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Spaces

By Linda Gunn Paton, Owner, Sklar Furnishings

For the past 20 years, one of Sklar Furnishings’ core values is philanthropy and importance of supporting our community.

As a woman of a certain age, I couldn’t be prouder to not only participate in but also support fine art photographer LuAnn Warner-Prokos’ 40 Women Over 40 project.

Showcasing and honoring women who work tirelessly to make things happen be it at home, in the office or for the community is very important. Warner-Prokos’ portraits showcase each woman’s inner beauty and individuality.

Sklar knows the importance of personal style and individual tastes when it comes to furnishing a home. We strive to curate a constantly changing and evolving showroom that always showcases the newest trends, latest styles and most popular designs.

The showroom is designed to inspire clients to find furnishings, be it in-stock or custom-made, that completely reflect their aesthetic.

Our in-store designers strive to create a living spaces that are functional and beautiful. Sklar

SOUTH FLORIDA HAS A STYLE AND SENSIBILITY ALL ITS OWN.

Its chic ocean-centric lifestyle combined with its abundance of mega-yachts, shiny speed boats, beautifully designed and furnished homes & condos and luxuriously crafted automobiles makes for the perfect definition for what it means to live in South Florida.

SoFLo HABITAT calls this LIFE.STYLED.

The luxurious oversized design & décor magazine gives a fresh and contemporary take on the essence of SoFlo’s living and style.

SoFLo HABITAT reaches the most affluent residents in the tri-state county. And with its BONUS distribution in/around Naples, the magazine offers the most reach to uber-luxurious home dwellers and condo owners.

For additional information contact SHERRY GOODMAN-ASH

Publisher

bocaadlady@aol.com

561.809.5124

/soflohabitat soflohabitat.com

Reimagine Modern Living

We pride ourselves on being a full service company. From design concept to renovation and new builds, at Sklar Furnishings we have a team of ASID Award winning designers to complete any size of project. Scan the QR code above and discover how we used coastal contemporary design styles to create a space perfect for our client in our latest case study.

Carolyn Gross Interior Designer