I’m going to give you my reasoning…

Look, I’m a mom. I don’t always eat the “right” food, and I don’t always do the “right” exercise, and I’ve had a hell of a journey to get to feeling comfortable in my skin. So I want to get that out of the way right off the bat. I’m not coming to you with this conversation as someone who doesn’t get it – I do. I do, really, really, TRULY get it.

I get how it feels to have that ten pounds (or more) that you want to get rid of before you have a photo session.

But for every reason to let it stop you, there’s ten reasons NOT to let it get in the way. And I wanted to talk about them a little bit, because honestly? I think it’s important.

1. You matter, just as you are.

I know it sounds cliché, and I know you hear it everywhere, but that’s part of why we’re starting with it. You matter. You really, really, truly matter. And not just when you fit into the jeans that are sitting in your closet waiting for you to get back to your “goal weight”. You matter NOW. Today. Exactly as you are.

And one of the steps to getting yourself to completely believe that? It’s acting like you matter. Law of attraction, and all that. Now that that’s out of the way, the less conventional arguments!!

2. You’re an example for the kiddos in your life.

Whether you have kids yourself or there are kiddos in your life, you’re an example for them! And I know that I personally want my sons to love themselves and their bodies no matter what they look like. Whether they’ve got a few extra pounds on them or not, they’re worthy of love, from me, and from themselves.

Letting the number on the scale stop me from documenting my own existence doesn’t set a great example, and I choose to lead by example. I think you should too! So when you get stuck in the “when I lose ten pounds” rut, think about the example you want to set for the kids you love. Or the teenager you love. Or the kid and teenager you WERE when you were younger.

In short: be the example that you needed, way back when.

3. Your body is magical, no matter its size.

Okay maybe there ARE a few more cliché ones, but come along for the ride!! Your body is magical. It’s done magical things. Whether it’s carried babies, or gotten you through your degree, or any of the other million amazing things that you could’ve done as a human… it’s gotten you through it all. You’ve survived. And I’d be willing to bet that those ten pounds you’re worried about… they’re actually just part of the magic. Whether they’re because you’ve got a new kiddo in your life, or whether it’s some life-related-stress-eating (*raises hand*), you’re still here. Which means your body has NEVER given up on you. And that kind of magic? It deserves to be memorialized.

4. Photos are about MEMORIES

Although I definitely advocate for having photos done to help you feel more comfy in your own skin, this reason isn’t that. This reason isn’t actually about you AT ALL.

Because photos? They’re about memories. They’re not just about you – they’re about your family. They can definitely be for you, but if you’re using your photos after your session, and printing them, and gifting them, then they’re not just for you. They’re also for your people. Everyone who loves you.

And not to be morbid, but… we’re only here as long as we’re here, if you know what I mean. Life is unpredictable, and the shape of a family changes and shifts. We’re not promised tomorrow, and all that. (I think that’s enough morbid commentary, you get the point!!)

The people you love deserve to have gorgeous reminders of you – whether they’re just far away, or whether we’re talking about the uncertain future. And you deserve to be able to look back too!

5. Your Photographer sees you differently

Working with a professional photographer is different.

Not just because of our fancy cameras, and fancy backdrops (or super fun DIY backdrops), and editing software. Working with a professional photographer is different because we see who you are. Our goal, or MY goal, at least, is to capture who you are – not what you look like.

I know that sounds super counterintuitive and backwards, because like… it’s a camera. It takes a picture. Pictures are visual.

But it’s true.

My job as a photographer isn’t just to freeze a single moment in time, the way it LOOKS. My job is to freeze a single moment in time the way it FEELS. Emotion is the point, not aesthetics. I mean, obviously aesthetics play a role, it’s art at the end of the day. But good art is emotional. It’s full of feelings. Your feelings. Your loved ones feelings.

All of the feelings, wrapped up in a smile, or a laugh, or a meaningful glance. So when you’re working with a professional photographer, it’s super likely that you’re going to come away seeing something different in yourself. And that’s part of the point!

You get to see yourself through a different lens, LITERALLY. I don’t think there’s anything cooler than that.

You’re gorgeous. Really.

On the outside, AND the inside.

But when you’re scheduling a session, though we think about what you’re going to wear, and we think about where we’re going to do it… really what shines through is that magical INNER gorgeousness. Otherwise, I’m not doing my job right.

I could go on about this forever (literally) but I think you get it. And if you have more questions, or you’re feeling a little “meh” about scheduling a session (especially if it’s because you REALLY want those jeans to fit first) we should talk. I’d love to do whatever I can to make you feel more comfortable! Because you (and your people) deserve gorgeous photos of your beautiful SOUL.