How to love yourself in photos (Yes, it’s possible)
This is a letter from me, to you. From me, Bobbi-Jo, a person who struggles to love herself on camera but LOVES seeing you in photos.
I don’t care who you are, what size you are, what you look like - I truly believe that every single woman I have ever photographed is gorgeous. Its not uncommon for me to gasp when I glance at the back of the camera.
Yet, the fear I have myself of getting photographed is there. So, I GET YOU. I understand why you hesitate to book your photo shoot. I know why its scary, I feel it myself.
It is so strange to me that I feel this way, especially because I know the power of a photo session. I SEE your transformations from the minute you come into my studio, to the minute you leave. Before you even see your images, I observe how you have changed mentally and physically. You leave with your head higher and a pep in your step.
I think the hardest part of booking a photo shoot is the decision. SAYING YES to being vulnerable. Saying yes and then having to decide on outfits. To go shopping when you feel unfit or a little softer than you like. And then actually coming into the studio.
IT. IS. SO. HARD.
I get it.
I often feel like such a hypocrite.
Here I am, encouraging you to come in and be photographed when I myself am dreading it. But I think part of the passions we have in life are based on our own fears. Maybe?
Part of my WHY is helping women feel beautiful, at any stage of life. And by encouraging you to get uncomfortable, it may ultimately allow me to feel comfortable being uncomfortable, too. I want you to do something that I cannot. My own fear drives me to serve YOU better.
And with every one of you who steps in front of my camera, and who trusts me to capture a moment in your life and show you how beautiful YOU are, it allows me to open up a little more.
Hearing about your insecurities, and seeing you battle through them while in my precense, gives me more confidence to also be vulnerable. To book that shoot. To wear that outfit. To put on a freaking bathing suit and swim with my kids in the pool!
Your insecurites help me acknowldge my own and your bravery allows me to brave.
So please know that every time you trust in me and my photography, you are also giving me back a piece of myself. YOU are allowing me to grow as a more confident person. To learn to love my body and my life a little bit more.
So..Im making a promise to you that it is time to walk to walk. To get out there, allow myself to shine and grow in front of the camera. To stop making excuses and follow my own advice and encouragement.
I want you to know you are NOT ALONE in how you feel. I am right beside you. I have been working on these insecurities alongside you.
Here are a few things I have learned in this process that could maybe help you as well.
No expectations - none. Not by me, my makeup artists. And hopefully not by you. There is no need to be perfect at your session. Im a strong believe of “go with the flow”. What feels good in the moment is what we will do.
Dance it out! - I can usually tell when you feel stiff or uncomfortable and will tell you to shake it out and reset! We will take breaks, and always listen to your music. The music that makes you feel strong and happy! Lots of dance and movement breaks required!
You do not have to love every image of yourself - and you likely won’t. And that’s okay. If i am able to capture even just one beautiful nautral image of you that you LOVE, then our job is done! Often I will love an image of you that you do not, but I do not know you the same way as you know yourself. I really try to capture your whole essence so that you can see YOU, not just your nose or belly or other insecurities. But the whole YOU. Your smile, your laugh. YOU.
Keep an open mind - I will have ideas, and you may too. We can play, try on new outfits, and see where the session goes. Often I make suggestions based on the lighting that day. I want to hear your ideas and together we can make some magic!
Become an observer - I will teach you to try seeing yourself as a whole being. Not the flaws or things we dislike, but to observe how you look to others. To the people who love you. How do they see you? I want you to see and feel that version of you too. There are millions of reasons they love you and it’s all wrapped up in this imperfect, flawed, messy, strong, bright and stunning human package.
Don’t be afraid to be your weird self - sometimes the best photos are the ones where you feel the weirdest. Maybe its a strange feeling pose, or different outfit. Maybe you want to bring bubbles or flowers or balloons or props that show your personality.
This is an ongoing conversation for all women, around the world. How have you dealt with seeing yourself, especially in front of the cameras? Are you someone who loves it? hates it? Let’s chat! Please share your own experiences in the comments, or email me personally at lovebeephotography@gmail.com
I would love to hear from you!
xo, Bobbi-Jo
