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Snapshots of Courage: Overcoming Anxiety One Frame at a Time

by | May 31, 2023 | Viewpoints

Snapshots of Courage: Overcoming Anxiety One Frame at a Time

 

Overcoming Anxiety: A Journey to Self-Love and Rediscovery through My Lens

As a photographer, I have the privilege of meeting diverse people from different walks of life. Each one carries a story, a narrative unique to them. Today, I want to share a transformative experience one of my clients had during our photoshoot. This isn’t just about a set of stunning photographs, but a testament to the process of overcoming anxiety, finding self-love, and rediscovering one’s true identity.

Here’s her testament to our session:

“I can vividly remember driving to Troy the day of my shoot. I had ALL of the anxiety. I’m not entirely sure why, though. Having delivered five 

daughters into this world previously, I was no stranger to the vulnerability of taking off my clothes in front of “strangers” if you will. No… that wasn’t it. That’s not why I was having these feelings. Afterwards, I soon found out that the reason I was on edge is because for the first time in a long time, I felt seen as the strong, confident woman that I really am. As a wife and mother, a lot of times, it is hard to escape that identity. Don’t get me wrong. I love my husband and my children with all of my heart. Though, that’s just one facet of what makes me… me. Being in the studio with me reminded her that, even though she’s married and has a family now, she’s still that woman she once was. I was able to capture the beauty that resides inside and amazingly portray the essence of her true being on the outside in the most exquisite pictures of herself she has ever seen. I definitely have a gift and she couldn’t be more grateful. She remembers saying that she was probably going to say she was sorry a million times to which I replied: “…and I’m going to tell you to stop a million more.” Those words have stuck with her since. We don’t have to apologize for who we are. Now, she’s going to have reminders of that fact on her walls forever. She couldn’t be happier or more in love.”

 

The Journey Begins: A Dash of Anxiety

In every photoshoot, my goal is to create a comfortable and empowering space for my clients. Despite her experience with vulnerability as a mother of five, she arrived at the studio carrying a weight of anxiety. The source of this wasn’t discomfort about the shoot itself, but the raw and profound realization of being seen as the strong, confident woman she is.

 

The Unfolding of a New Perspective: A Touch of Self-Realization

My client loves being a wife and mother, roles she wholeheartedly cherishes. However, these roles only make up a part of her identity. As we worked together in the studio, a sense of recognition washed over her. She was reminded that she is still the same strong, independent woman she always has been.

 

Through the Lens: Capturing the Inner Strength

In the studio, the camera became an instrument of transformation. Through my lens, I aimed to capture her true essence, the inner strength and confidence that had been somewhat overshadowed by her roles of motherhood and wifehood. The resulting images not only showcased her innate beauty and strength but also helped her see and recognize these aspects in herself.

 

A Lesson Shared: Embrace Who You Are

At one point during the shoot, her nerves led her to apologize repeatedly. I responded: “…and I’m going to tell you to stop a million more.” I hope these words served as a reminder that there is no need to apologize for being who you are.

 

The Final Takeaway: Overcoming Anxiety and Embracing Self-Love

By the end of our session, she looked at the images we’d created together with a newfound sense of happiness and love for herself. She had navigated through her anxiety, faced her vulnerability, and emerged as a testament to self-love. Today, those photos hang on her walls, serving as daily reminders of her journey and the transformative power of self-acceptance.

 

Her story serves as a beautiful testament to what I strive to accomplish as a photographer. Beyond capturing stunning images, my aim is to create a space where clients can explore their vulnerabilities, overcome their anxieties, and ultimately, embrace their unique identities. I believe every individual carries within them a depth of strength and beauty that deserves to be seen and celebrated.

 

Each time I pick up my camera, I’m reminded of stories like hers — stories of transformation, self-love, and the courage to be seen. And I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for being able to contribute to these journeys of self-discovery. For anyone battling anxiety or struggling to see their own worth, I hope this story serves as a reminder that you are more than the roles you play, you are strong, you are beautiful, and you deserve to be seen as such.

Schedule a Discovery Call to learn more about booking a boudoir session!

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