Last week I was in Phoenix, attending The Portrait Master’s conference. Since there were over 500 photographers in attendance it was a perfect time to practice what I preach and get professional branding images done. This particular day I was looking very cute and very casual. My good friend and great photographer, Salene Mazur Kraemer took portraits of me in the courtyard of the Arizona Grand Resort.
She sent me the images that she took and they were beautiful, however the first thing I saw was my belly. I could not get past that my menopausal middle was right there, front and center. I was not seeing this fun, creative, caring person. All I could see was my flaws. I immediately closed the files.
However I could not stop thinking about them and the other memories I had of the conference. Terri Hofford, an amazing speaker and body positivity guru was speaking at the conference, talking about her journey of acceptance of her body and shape. I could here her in my mind, encouraging me to see the beauty and accept who I am and what shape I am.
When I opened them up again this evening to choose what images I wanted to include in this blog, I really didn’t notice the belly. I was able to see ME. I was able to see the ART and the BEAUTY that Salene had create when she took my picture.
I am extremely grateful to her for this experience. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be inspired by others and to look past my flaws and see ME.
I am also so grateful to be able to take portraits of a variety of women to help them on their journey of finding themselves and to help them see their beautiful SELF.
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