Take space
While photographing the stunning and varied people at the recent Kapiti Tattoo and Arts Festival, I heard the same phrase a few times and it upset me. And I have had to have a think about why.
Multiple women said to me "I don't take good photos" or "I am not pretty enough" or "I'm too awkward for photos". But all of them had their own light, their own beauty - even if they didn't fit traditional beauty standards. And the ones that agreed to be in front of the camera ended up loving the results.
I get it, trust me. I hate being in front of the camera myself. There are very few images of me that aren't selfies. And last year's family Christmas photos will never see the light of day because I hate them so much. So, I really really get it. But you know what. My kids are losing out by not having photos of me. When I am dead and gone, what will they show their children? And I am losing out. Because I deserve to take space - even in my plus-sized middle-aged body that has lived a sometimes messy life. But that has also carried me through almost 30 countries and birthed two beautiful girls.
All this is to say, you also deserve be seen and take space. You deserve to have beautiful artwork created of you on your own or with your family. You deserve to be celebrated. With an empowerment session, boudoir session or a goddess session.
I am going to beat on this drum for the rest of the year. Be seen. Come as you are or come in full make-up that spotlights your gorgeous self. Come to celebrate you.
