The Muse, from the Unraveled Academy

muse (noun) a person or personified force who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist

At Unraveled Academy, we believe inspiration doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from honesty, connection, and artists who show up as themselves. The Muse is our way of slowing down and celebrating the photographers who inspire us not just with a single image, but with the way they see, feel, and create.

This series is about looking deeper—beyond the highlight reel—into the work and process of artists who lead with intention and heart. Artists who embrace the elements, the in-between moments, and the quiet beauty that often goes unnoticed.

Lia Pizarro is one of those artists.

Her work feels grounded and tender, cinematic yet deeply personal. Through natural light, intentional styling, and genuine connection, Lia captures family photography in a way that feels both timeless and alive. This winter session—shot on a family farm just days after a snowfall—is a perfect example of her approach: embracing seasonality, weather, movement, and emotion to tell a story that feels real.

Within the Unraveled community, we celebrate artists like Lia because they remind us that meaningful photography isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about honoring relationships, place, and presence. This is what inspires us. This is what we call a muse.

Lia Pizarro
INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

What was your “muse” or inspiration for this shoot?

This was a planned styled shoot with two of my friends. We wanted to create something inspired by the winter months—showing that families can still have beautiful, meaningful photos in December.

Luckily, there was a snowstorm two days before the shoot, which added an extra layer of magic. These are long-term clients of mine who truly embrace one another and the elements every time I photograph them.

We shot on my friend’s family farm and leaned into a winter, western-inspired vibe, with the snow as an unexpected bonus.

What gear did you use for this shoot?

Sony a7IV, and a 28-70, 2.

What programs, presets or techniques did you use to edit these images?

Shout out to Belle Brooke Photography (Shelby) for her Rooted Light presets!!

What advice or best technical tip would you give to new or aspiring photographers?

Stop trying to make every photo perfect and start trying to make it honest. Technically, that means shooting in good light, exposing for skin, and trusting simple compositions. The emotion comes when you stop overthinking.