To have this gentle soul join my 40 Women Over 40 project is a true honour. I’m going to spill the beans right now. We became such good friends because of it. I am so lucky to have gotten to know her. And even more lucky to work with her. I can say without pause that it gives me a massive serotonin hit when I look at the complex, joyful, and strong yet quiet nature that came across in her images. This is her. This is who she is. Sigh. I am so proud of her for taking the leap and trusting me to create images that will last her lifetime and beyond.
Please read on to hear in M’s words how things went leading up to that day, the shoot itself and her feelings about her images…
“The 40 over 40 shoot couldn't have come at a better time - it was exactly what I was looking for for the space I am in right now. I wouldn't have done it sooner! I am thankful the opportunity presented itself at the right time. I also have been trying to support small local businesses, and after following Shawnalee for awhile on Instagram, I knew it would be a good, safe, comfortable and uplifting experience.”
“I would absofuckinglutely recommend this!!”
“At first, I was confident it was what I wanted to do. A day or two before the shoot, I was, like, "What the hell was I thinking!" Having committed, showing up was a given, and then showing up and just feeling no worries at all, everything was taken care of. It was just...easy...and fun! Afterward I felt confident, I enjoyed the experience and was looking forward to see what came of it. I felt like I was able to be my true self and that is what I was looking for. The reveal was awesome and then the anticipation of receiving the images and then actually getting them was pretty awesome too.”
“I refound my soul in some small, but important and lasting way.”
I feel like I now have documentation of this point in my life, and photographs that will be here long after I am gone. Hopefully bringing good memories to my son, my nieces and nephew of who I was. For myself, I have a images that remind me that I am strong, that I am capable, that I have retained that inner joy that life seems to try to beat out of you sometimes. I honestly look at them and think "it will be okay." It was an important shift for me from one point in my life to the next one.
When do you ever get to have the focus be squarely on you and what you want to present, how you want to present, yourself and then have a visual affirmation of that experience? When do you ever get a chance to see yourself from a different perspective and to be able to carry that with you. And to be in the company of a pretty remarkable photographer lady, who lights up rooms with her energy, confidence and charm, and changes peoples lives with her life work?? I gained a friend and I refound my soul in some small, but important and lasting way. I also felt special and honored to be a part of this project, it's not something I could have ever foretold.” ~M
I love that M took the time out just for her. An intentional time to honour where she is at, create heirloom photographs and to have a tonne of fun doing it!
The more women I work with in this age bracket, the more I firmly believe in the impact this experience has on them as well as their loved ones.
I know for many there is a certain fear or discomfort that rests in the idea of having portraits created just of themselves. It really is such foreign ground for many women. As a mother myself, I totally get it. We are usually the ones to have/take the photos of our families, our kids. Even photos of our pets often take up more wall space! And yet, isn’t it important to show our kids that we value ourselves? Wouldn’t this send the message that our kids have every right to value themselves? Not to mention the lasting gift of having stunning images of their mom long after she is gone? Sorry, but it’s true, we are not going to be around forever folks.
Lastly, for a woman who often isn't in photos, yes you! To have incredible photos up on your wall that you walk by every day reminding you of the badass that you are. There are days, let’s face it, when lounge wear and bed head can be the daily look (especially with our ‘paused’ lives, thank you very much Covid).
These shots are of you AT YOUR BEST. Intentionally composed, created to bring out that Vanity Fair level that exists in every single woman if given access to the right ‘tools': professional photographer (me), professional makeup & hair (my talented team) and an intentionally styled shoot that reflects your very soul. What are you waiting for? Ok, I’ll shut up now. but also, (just when you thought I was done) she did get a stunning collection that will be passed down from generation to generation. Okay, carry on. :)
If interested to learn more about my 40 Women Over 40 project that M participated in, go here
“Life gets crazy and you stop doing things for yourself. This was the beginning of me reclaiming something that was mine that I forgot that I had and now I remember.”