Sharing One Client’s Story
When I tell people I’m a portrait photographer, and that I specialize in women’s portraiture, I am still asked, “So what kind of photos do you take?” Instead of just telling you, let me show you and share one client’s story!
Not everyone who comes in for a session at Menagerie Photography wants their images shared and we totally respect that. But there are many women who come in who have amazing stories to tell and who want to share their images to let other women see that they can do this too. Today I want to share one of our client’s stories and some of her images with you. I do this with respect and am honored she chose me to capture her images at this time in her life.
When she came to us about having her pictures taken, she was celebrating one year clean and sober. She had become devoted to taking care of all aspects of her health- physical, emotional and spiritual, after years of neglecting herself. She told us that as there are many women struggling with addiction and dependency, she thought it would be refreshing and inspiring to see a woman who had overcome extreme challenges and who had come out happy, healthy and on top!
When she came in on the day of her shoot, she was looking beautiful and relaxed. She looked just like the rest of us getting ready for a day off with no makeup and hair down, just being herself.
She got to be pampered for the beginning of the day, getting her hair and makeup done by one of our stylists.
Once she was done with the stylist we went through what she had brought for clothes. She had brought a number of outfits from dresses to lingerie. The lingerie was her personal challenge to step out of her comfort zone, something I hear from a lot of women. She brought the lingerie to have some boudoir photos taken along with some outfits that were more fashion portrait style.
She let me know she was nervous about feeling awkward posing or that she would be unhappy with her body in the images. I let her know that it’s my job to pose her and not to worry. I did let her know that some poses may feel odd, but to trust me that she will love the final results and will look amazing! At the end of the session, she said she felt comfortable and happy and more accepting of her body.
We had a great time going through her outfits and using the various sets to create a special day for her. She is a beautiful woman and deserved the opportunity to experience a day that was stylized just for her. A day to celebrate her beauty, her spirit and her journey that has made her the woman she is today.
When asked what advice she would give someone considering booking a session, this is what she had to say:
“Think of it as a big gift to yourself. It’s your life, your body, and every woman deserves to feel beautiful and sexy. You’re treated like a princess – hair, makeup, creativity and really hard work as well as care on the staff’s part. You’ll feel glamorous like I did and enjoy the wardrobe changes and all the set ideas. I highly recommend it!”
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.