A Birthday Celebration of Self

Cheryl recently celebrated her 50th birthday with a boudoir shoot.  50th!!  Wow!  She is simply elegant, classy, and drop-dead gorgeous.  I believe most people who have met her would agree.  She reminds me so much of Meg Ryan, except that she's even more beautiful.  She is a genuinely kind person who goes beyond just being nice and polite.  Her love and compassion for the welfare of all animals is what drives her passion for living a vegan lifestyle and her lifelong commitment of collaborating with her clients on their journey to optimal health.  

When I first met with Cheryl, she shared with me her life-long struggle with an eating disorder and extremely low self-esteem. A struggle she has battled with since the age of 12.   Paradoxically, Cheryl is in the fitness industry as a Personal Trainer and wellness coach. Her issues with food and body image has truly allowed her to relate on many levels with her clientele.

As she approached her 50th Cheryl felt a strong desire to push herself well outside her comfort and do a boudoir session. Cheryl also felt strongly about sharing her experience and journey with her clients as body image issues do not discriminate.  No matter how beautiful or flawless a person is, we are tainted by that self-critical voice telling us that we are not good enough.  The constant comparison to the unrealistic expectations of highly photoshopped models in magazines only perpetuates these issues.   

After her hair and make-up were done, it was time for the shoot.  This was the most vulnerable moment for Cheryl as it was time to reveal her insecurities.  I felt honored that Cheryl trusted me to be her photographer.  By the end of the session, we remarked on how nervous she was at the beginning of the shoot and how towards the middle she was walking around comfortably in her bra and panties. A true transformation of empowerment and growth….acceptance that beauty is not defined by what others think but rather embracing our truth and loving our uniqueness and individuality.

 Well, call me biased, but I think the images were gorgeous and were a true reflection of this stunning lady who is just beautiful in and out.