SchlickArt, Santa Clarita photographer, Santa Clarita video, professional portrait, professional photos, glamour photography, photography for women, professional photography for women, photography for a woman’s body, Signature SchlickArt Experience

Off Set: Behind The Assaiante Family’s Signature SchlickArt Experience

Kirsten QuinnFamily, Signature SchlickArt Experience

“Off Set” is our new blog series that invites you behind the scenes of our Signature SchlickArt Experience, to share in the magic that touches our studio every day.

My mom was in a car accident two days ago, and just like that, a simple Wednesday morning filled up with sirens, splintered metal and waves of shock. When I arrived on scene, I found my mom still in the driver’s seat, with debris from the airbag smeared across her face. It was one of those miracle moments when all the first responders — five police vehicles, two ambulances and a fire truck — tell you how lucky you are. They couldn’t believe she was able to walk out of that car with nothing more than scratches and bruises.

(Editor’s Note: For those of you who are new to The SchlickArt Blog, all posts are written by Kirsten Quinn Smith, SchlickArt’s blogger and in-studio assistant. The story in this post is not about Lindsay or Brian.)

So, why am I telling you this? What does this have to do with SchlickArt?

When I arrived at SchlickArt Studios this morning, I was still shaken. The images were fresh in my mind, and that important perspective you gain after an accident — when the small stuff becomes clearly small, and the important things take front seat in your mind — still dominated my thoughts. I was in a special place. I was uncommonly clear-headed because life just felt so temporary. As I sat down at the computer, I was relieved to finally pour myself back into my work. I had been craving the distraction.

But guess what popped up on my Editorial Calendar. This gorgeous video (also below) from Patty Assaiante’s Signature SchlickArt Experience, featuring a mother-daughter interview and a beautiful, laughing Italian family.

Oh man, did the tears roll.

Watching it, I almost felt silly. Of course, events that threaten our health and safety are going to remind us of what truly matters. But this deeply loving family didn’t wait for something terrible to live in that beautiful perspective. Instead, they recognized a milestone — a moment in their family’s story when everything was right —  and relished it. They went beyond the simple act of feeling grateful and decided to record it.

“I feel this is a great milestone right now,” she said in her video interview with SchlickArt. “All of my kids are wonderful adults. I have a wonderful, loving husband. This is definitely a time to record.”

SchlickArt, Santa Clarita photographer, Santa Clarita video, professional portrait, professional photos, glamour photography, photography for women, professional photography for women, photography for a woman’s body, Signature SchlickArt ExperienceYou see, Patty has a gift. Her ability to recognize a moment — not for its pain or suffering, but for its beauty — is rare.

“Right now, my time here is just perfect. I can’t feel luckier,” she said. “I’m sure there will be bumps and bruises down the road, and when I pick up this video in 20 years, I’ll be almost 80 years old. Things will definitely be different. I would just like to feel the elation that I feel right now.”

And her foresight to grab it with both hands and tighten her grip is even more inspiring. Just ask her daughter, Annalena.

SchlickArt, Santa Clarita photographer, Santa Clarita video, professional portrait, professional photos, glamour photography, photography for women, professional photography for women, photography for a woman’s body, Signature SchlickArt ExperienceI look up to her a lot,” says Annalena. “And she thinks it’s funny because she’s like, ‘Well, I’m just your mom.’ But you’re just very selfless,” she said, turning to her mother. “That’s why I look up to you most.”

It’s moments like these when we finally let our hearts speak the loudest. Even though Annalena spent her life admiring her mother, she wanted to make sure her mom knew it right then, in front of the camera, for Patty to have and remember forever.

SchlickArt, Santa Clarita photographer, Santa Clarita video, professional portrait, professional photos, glamour photography, photography for women, professional photography for women, photography for a woman’s body, Signature SchlickArt Experience

And that kind of genuine expression affects the whole family. As Patty’s husband, Andre, watched this part of the video during their big reveal session, he was so moved by his daughter’s words that he cried.

“I think the thing I’m most proud of is that we all love each other, and we stick by each other,” Patty said. “We’re a true family unit. That’s a lot to be said.”

Her words never seemed more accurate as the couple affectionately laughed and touched hands while the video played through to its final scene.

“I feel it’s important to capture every moment,” Patty said. “Whether it’s good or bad, it’s part of you. It’s who you are.”

Gleaming, Patty stared into the camera as her daughter looked up at her.

“It’ll be a memory,” Annalena said. “A milestone — just like you took videos when we were kids.”

And just like that, the Assaiante family’s beauty and love also became it’s forever legacy.

As I was reminded this week, life is temporary. Have you documented your legacy?

About Our Signature SchlickArt Experience

Imagine seeing yourself as the world already sees you — beautiful inside and out — while capturing the story of who you truly are. The Signature SchlickArt Experience is a luxurious photo-video day that leaves you feeling pampered, beautiful, and confident long after you leave our studio. We offer one-of-a-kind sessions that celebrate your unique journey and preserve your legacy. Are you ready to tell your story?

SchlickArt, Santa Clarita photographer, Santa Clarita video, professional portrait, professional photos, glamour photography, photography for women, professional photography for women, photography for a woman’s body, Signature SchlickArt Experience

About SchlickArt Photography and Video

SchlickArt, a boutique photo and video studio in Santa Clarita, started in March 2012 with the simple idea that empowerment creates a kind of beauty and authenticity that shines through every camera lens. Built on a philosophy — rather than a product, service or person — SchlickArt has rapidly evolved, meeting professional portraiture, business photo and business video needs as diverse as the community we capture. It’s the desire to take care of you, the client, that drives us at SchlickArt. The Signature SchlickArt Experience was specially designed and is not available anywhere else. 

About the Author
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Kirsten Quinn

A lover of strong coffee and yellowed pages, Kirsten Quinn-Smith is a professional content writer and owner of WordSmith Content Marketing here in Santa Clarita. She believes great content can forge a loyal, authentic and beneficial relationship between you and your audience – and grow your business. With each piece of writing, Kirsten's goal is to position you in the content spotlight through audience-centered, strategy-based writing that actually sounds like you. Why? Everyone has a story, and every story deserves to be heard.