Yesterday I was talking to a sweet friend and fellow photographer about the pictures I had my husband take of me in the snow. I had already posted one picture and was torn on if I should post the others I had. I didn’t want to look like I was seeking attention or fishing for compliments. Then I started thinking about it. Isn’t that the reason we all share things on facebook? So others can see and in return boost our confidence a bit? We all judge, we all criticize, we all admire. Sometimes it’s only one of them, sometimes it is all three. But here is the thing – We all need to feel needed, beautiful, and cared about. No matter what size we are, age we are, or lifestyle we lead. I rarely get in front of a camera for self image reasons. I am A LOT bigger than i was 10 years ago – and even bigger than I was 13 years ago. It’s hard. Sure life has happened. I’ve had 4 babies, moved through 4 states, been broke as a joke and doing ok. Life. Has. Happened. I judge myself because others have been through more than me – had more babies than me – been more broke than me and still have managed to stay thin and beautiful. Everyone in the world and the good Lord Himself could tell me that I am beautiful and it’s what’s on the inside that counts and I wouldn’t believe it. It’s just the way it is. But this day, the day I decided to take these pictures, I told myself I wasn’t going to care. I was going to be comfortable in my own skin and own every curve, every pound, every dimple, and just be me. The pretty faced girl with decent hair with A LOT extra to love. It felt good. I felt good editing the pictures and I felt good sharing them. It felt good to hear everyone say that they, too thought I was beautiful with all the extra that I am carrying around. EVERYONE deserves to feel that way. Everyone. No matter what.
And so was birthed the idea: The I See You Series. Weird name, yes. Have you seen Avatar? It’s what they said to eachother. “I See You”. More than seeing you with eyes… I See Into You. I see your soul. I think how we all want to be seen.
So e-mail me. Nominate yourself or a friend. These sessions are free, we’ll do your hair and your makeup and get together a rocking outfit and go somewhere your heart is happy and take some banging photo’s of you! The catch is – YOU MUST frame and display at least one image in your home. You MUST share the images on facebook so everyone can SEE you. No more hiding. Becuase of my schedule I can only chose and do 4 of these a year so selectees will be limited. This needs to be more than the “I want pictures with my kids”, or “I haven’t had pictures of myself taken in a while” – This needs to be something that free’s you. If you’re scared or too intimidated then you DEFINITELY need to talk to me. We all deserve to be seen. For more than what we do for others or the community or because we are sick or fat or old…. but because we exist.
I can’t wait to get this started!
Ready……. GO!