I have always been a “girl’s girl”. When I was little, I would tell the teacher if I saw a girl being harassed on the playground. When I was older, I had no hesitation getting in anyone’s face and telling them exactly what I thought about them underestimating me. 

Then I joined the Navy. And I don’t think I have to tell you the sexism I encountered there. It’s a thing. Keeping women down, “in their place”. Most days it goes unnoticed. Until it doesn’t. 

We look in the mirror and we criticize what we perceive to be “less than” what society demands of us. We blame ourselves when we are hurt, criticized, when we fail. We think everything is our fault. 

But what if we deserve to take up space? To exist in all our realness and “imperfections”. What if what and who we are right now, deserves to live a life full of celebrations and beauty and self-love? 

Look, no one is perfect. I am still working on these things, too. I stand up for others but not always for myself.

I am learning. And honestly, working with amazing women like you builds me up, too. It reminds me who I am that I can offer my skills for something as amazing and empowering as boudoir photography. We build each other up. We laugh, we joke, we confide in each other. All during a photo shoot. How fucking amazing is that?

We all need a different perspective sometimes; to see ourselves through someone else’s lens. Let me show you.

“You are magnificent. You, in this moment right now, are perfect”

Believe it, yet?