Malu Couttolenc Photography is The Little Card Shop

People have referred to me as a dreamer because I always think that things will improve and try to avoid negative thinking. I have faith in people and want to think that the world will get better every day, no matter how bad things may seem.

I've been through good and really bad situations during my life but I don't complain; I take them all as a learning experience and smile. Whatever happened, these situations have given my life direction and led me to be the person I am today.

H.H the Dalai Lama and his teachings about compassion, among other things, are my inspiration and guides that have helped me overcome different moments in my life.
Among his books my favorites are "The Art of Happiness" and recently "Beyond Religion".

Even when I like parties, playing guitar and listening to music all day long, I enjoy moments of silence and solitude. It is then that I can meditate and focus on the things I'd like to do.

My friends mean the world to me and I treasure them dearly; as someone once said:

Love traveling and since childhood, due to my father's work, I was fortunate to travel to many different places. Now as a grown up I keep traveling and my life goes between Vancouver and Mexico. Whenever possible, I travel to other countries as well.

I am a history enthusiast as well because it helps us understand who we are and gives us identity.

Would love to explore and discover every country in this beautiful world. I think that wherever we go, the world offers something beautiful from which we can learn.
We just need to keep our eyes wide open.

Speaking six languages has allowed me to communicate with all kinds of people in different countries. I can learn more about their cultures by listening to them and looking at the way they live.

A few years ago when I was traveling in Greece, all by myself, something I love doing, I went to Nafplio. One day I woke up before sunrise and went for a walk. I found some fishermen who were unloading their fish for the day.

I started talking to them; they didn't speak English or any other language besides Greek. They told me inspiring stories about their families and life and then they shared their breakfast with me which consisted of fish and bread. It was a very pleasant and fulfilling experience.

You might be wondering where am I from. Well, I am a "salad". I often refer to myself with this term because I'm half French and half Spanish with other mixes in between. As I mentioned above, I live between Canada and Mexico and love these countries but my heart is Greek.

A little story:
When I was still a toddler I got excited whenever I heard the word Greece or anything related to it. Listening to the sound of the bouzouki, a string mandolin like Greek instrument gives me the chills and often makes me cry.
Then when I was 11, I learned to read Greek all by myself and then learned the language in 3 months without even attending a Greek school. Let me tell you that nobody in my family speaks Greek and didn't even know anyone in Greece back then.

Throughout the years I've worked on several projects besides photography.

The two most rewarding as a learning experience were the '98 World Expo in Lisbon, Portugal and then in 2001 working at the Cumbre Tajin Cultural Festival, an annual festival at the archaeological site of Tajin in Veracruz, Mexico.
The pyramid on the left is called the "Pyramid of the 365 Niches".

I have been working as online tech support for a couple of sites. If you ever need help, please let me know.
I also offer translation services and have worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and helping foreign investors translating legal documentation.

Besides these projects I have also done some acting and stunt driving for TV commercials

The photographer behind The Little Card Shop is Malu Couttolenc

I've loved photography from a very young age. I learned more techniques and tips when I attended university. Whenever you see I will have a camera with me. If I can't take my regular DSLR camera, I will take a little point and shoot. I don't want to miss anything. I've regretted the times I didn't have with me.

My favorite images are landscapes and travel photography. Oh if I see arches, windows, signs or paths, I will get a photo for sure.
I also love taking photographs at car shows, rallies and car races. I've participated in rallies myself and it is really exciting.

My photographs have been published in car magazines among other media and public spaces.

You can also find me at my stores at RedBubble and Zazzle.