Gåvaphoto (pronounced GO-vah) is a professional photography company specializing in event photography and portraiture. I love working with green, sustainable, and socially-conscious companies and am passionate about operating my business in a sustainable way. I capture images that you can use to promote future events, and business portraits that are unique and help convey the personality of your organization. Gåva means “gift” in Swedish, and while I could go on about “Gåvaphoto striving to demonstrate the gift of photography” or something, the truth is I am slightly obsessed with all things Swedish, and I liked how it sounded and how that little circle over the “a” looks.

I bring a sense of playfulness to a photography session, combined with a clear vision of how to document the moment. I am a chameleon and excel at being invisible in group situations, as well as directing people into posed shots that still maintain a sense of fun and naturalness. I also love the challenge of working with someone who hates having their photo taken, helping them feel comfortable, and having them love their photos. It’s sort of photography and therapy rolled into one!

I felt the pull back to photography in 2004, after several years away from it. The waste involved in developing and printing with traditional photography was a major deterrent, and digital photography changed all of that. I felt free to be creative again!

At the same time, I also made a major decision to live my values in the work world. In 2005, I began an MBA program in Sustainable Management at Presidio School of Management. I was drawn there hoping to find a way to make a positive change in the world, and simultaneously rediscovered my love for photography. I completed my studies in 2007, and am delighted to be integrating my talents and values into a growing photography business.

Many thanks to Hanh Pham, who was a partner in writing Gåvaphoto’s business plan, and excelled at asking the tough questions.

-Patty Nason