Embracing Who You Are
I Hate Having My Picture Taken
You know that feeling when someone pulls out a camera, and suddenly you're hit with a wave of dread because you're not quite satisfied with how you look? You're not alone. So many of us have been there. We've all muttered those words, "I hate having my picture taken." And guess what? I totally get it. I'm right there with you, on my own journey of body empowerment.
For years, I struggled with how to respond to statements like these. I wanted to offer more than just sympathy to those I photograph. I wanted to make a real difference. But here's the thing, I can't fix your perception of your body, and I refuse to photoshop away your natural beauty. The very thought makes me cringe.
My approach to photography isn't about stiff poses or unrealistic standards of beauty. It's about capturing the authentic, playful interactions between you and your loved ones. Let's acknowledge the insecurities and negative body messages that society bombards us with. From Disney movies to fashion magazines, we've been fed the idea that thinness equals beauty, health, and worth. But we've also received the opposite message that plus-size bodies are bad bodies (I’m looking at you, Ursula…). Let's challenge these harmful narratives and celebrate all shapes, non-binary genders, sizes, and colors.
Think about it—when you picture someone who loves you unconditionally, do you focus on their physical imperfections? Of course not. You remember how they made you feel, the warmth of their love, the shared experiences. So why do we judge ourselves so harshly?
Your Body is Strong and Resilient
I can't change the way you see yourself, but before a session with me, I will send a series of emails to help you explore the positives your body has to offer. We'll celebrate its resilience and strength, recognizing that every scar and stretch mark tells a story. There's so much talk about self love and body positivity but we seem to have jumped right over neutrality or liberation. You are human and most of us have spent 25+ years getting to this point, we're not going to undo that trauma in one photo session. It's about showing up for yourself everyday and not just in the weeks before our time together. If you're ready then these emails can prepare you for the goal of moving toward body neutrality and for a photo session unlike any other you’ve experienced.
As a mom of teenagers, I'm deeply invested in fostering a culture of body empowerment and self-acceptance in my home. I've learned that one of the most powerful tools in combating negative body image is to address it head-on. Whenever my kids and I encounter harmful messages—whether it's in a TV show, social media, or everyday conversation—I make it a point to pause and unpack them. We'll dissect the underlying meanings behind these comments and challenge the unrealistic standards they perpetuate.
Instead of allowing these messages to go unchecked, we explore alternative narratives rooted in self-love and resilience. We'll remind ourselves that our bodies are not objects to be scrutinized but vessels that have carried us through life's challenges and triumphs. By reframing the conversation around phrases like "My body is good" or "My body has helped me get through…," we shift the focus from criticism to gratitude.
We're Rewriting the Scripts on Body Image
Through these conversations, my goal is to instill in my children—and myself—a sense of appreciation for our bodies, flaws and all. I want them to recognize that true beauty lies in authenticity and resilience, not in meeting society's narrow standards. Together, we're rewriting the script on body image, one conversation at a time.
When you hire me, you're not just booking a photo session. You're embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The emails and questionnaires you will receive leading up to the session will give you the opportunity to take part in rewriting your scripts. All bodies are worthy of celebration. Period. Let's redefine beauty together.
It's a Journey not a Destination
Body empowerment isn't a destination; it's a lifelong journey. The work we do together is just the beginning, but I have a feeling you'll walk away with gorgeous images of your amazing family and a newfound appreciation for yourself. After all, you are so much more than just your body—you're a force of nature, worthy of love and admiration.
Interested in learning more about how I got to this point of believing in radical self love? I highly recommend reading The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor or The Body Keeps the Score (which I’m still making my way through) by Bessel van der Kolk. For teens I love the Celebrate your Body series also by Sonya Renee Taylor.
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