Authenticity in portraiture: how does a photoshoot actually promote self-love?

In the world of portrait photography there are a myriad of choices when it comes to how we want to represent ourselves. More often than not, the focus is on the physical transformation from “everyday me” to “the me I wish I could be” with a curated wardrobe of once-in-a-lifetime pieces and professional hair and makeup artistry that leaves us with no choice but to feel confident and self-assured. And that option is AMAZING - it can be perfect for those of us who ARE confident and self-assured as a way to celebrate ourselves, and it can be helpful for those of us who are a little unsure to get a little help with a “glow up” that allows us to see another side of ourselves and in turn gives us the boost we really needed. It can also be FUN to dress up and let ourselves play the roles we’ve always wondered whether we could play, but never had the reason or the opportunity to explore them.

Essentially, these types of glam photoshoots give us opportunities to reflect, to grow, and to embrace and enjoy life.

But what if that idea doesn’t align with your vision of self-celebration at all?

Recently at my studio in downtown Red Deer I’ve been promoting “Come as You Are” portrait experiences that focus not on the physical transformation into a high def version of yourself, but instead on recognizing and celebrating the person you are every day as worthy and important. This concept has been equally as popular as the more glam photoshoot option has been (and if I’m being totally honest, it’s been even more invigorating and fresh feeling, with women excited to finally be given permission to just exist).

I’ve been having amazing conversations with women every single day who never would have opened themselves up to a photoshoot experience before this, but who found this concept liberating and exciting. Those kind of conversations make me look forward to these photoshoots because I realize that these women are just like me, just like you, just like other everyday women and I know that what’s about to happen is going to be such a beautiful thing in their lives.

So what is a Come as You Are session all about?

Essentially, these sessions are focused on recognizing that the body you inhabit and the face you show to the world every single day is not only worthy of representation and recognition, but that showing yourself and celebrating yourself is a vital aspect of self-love that can only lead to more development in the right direction.

Think about it: it’s all too easy for negative self-talk to creep into our minds, but very difficult to force ourselves to repeat positive affirmations. How many times a week do you question a decision you’ve made, or chastise yourself? How much do you notice that your clothes don’t fit the same way they used to, or your hair is a little thinner than it was before you had kids?

And how often do you stop to tell yourself that you’re doing a great job?

If you’re like me you’ll realize that the harsh words come easier than the kind ones, or that the supportive affirming talk just doesn’t exist in our internal dialogue.

So what about this: take a few minutes to study your face in the mirror. Do you see your mom there, or your grandmother? Do you see a reflection of the girl you were years ago? How has she changed? What has she learned? What does it feel like to stare into your own eyes and think about the ground you’ve covered and the lessons that have brought you here? What does it feel like to say, as a mother would to a child, “you’re doing great” or “I’m proud of you?”

Come as You Are photo sessions are an extension of these ideas. We are all dynamic, interesting, intriguing and beautiful. These sessions can be described as self-love photo sessions in that they encourage us to look in the mirror and pick out the good we see in ourselves, to take that goodness and to display it in lights, to hold it in our hearts and let it nourish us through our trying times (or through our Tuesdays, scrolling social media).

The other amazing thing that these photo shoots are giving is a sense of community, which is also great for our wellbeing as we get older (just look into studies about social isolation, dementia risk, and other negative mental health related outcomes). By starting a conversation with me, you’re opening yourself up to a better understanding that your experience is often not yours alone. There’s a comfort and security in that, and an opportunity to build on that connection going forward.

If you’re interested in learning more about a Come as You Are photoshoot (or any other type of session) all you need to do is start a conversation. Get in touch with me here and tell me you read this blog post. I’d love to hear from you. If you want to learn more before reaching out, there’s a dedicated website for more information on these sessions which can be found here.

I also encourage you to check out the gallery, and to follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you’re not quite ready yet but don’t want to lose touch.

The older I get, and the older my young daughter gets, the more I realize how important it is to recognize myself as a powerful, competent, capable woman - she’s watching me, and really it just feels better, easier, and lighter to love myself than it does to hate myself ❤️