CelebrateMy 46th Birthday Shoot This photo shoot is 6 years overdue!  When I turned 40 I had wanted pictures of myself, I felt as though 40 was a milestone that needed to be documented.  I had just recently had my first child and had just arrived in OR.  All in all, the photos I desired didn't happen, I think I got one little snapshot in Shore Acres and left it at that, but now that my business exists and I am getting more and more into women's portraiture, I decided that this was it...It's my birthday, and It was my turn to be in front of the camera to celebrate Me:) Well this is probably one of the best things I could have done for myself, it was fun, invigorating, frustrating and eye opening in many ways.  First it's always important as a photographer to be on the "flipside" of the camera so you can relate with your customers, and relate I did:)  As women our first thought is "What will I wear"????? and then....holy cow, I need to lose 20 lbs! I tried squeezing into several outfits that I so badly wanted to wear, but was reminded that I cannot fit into anymore and I must admit, I wanted to cancel the whole shoot!  Then I said "NO"....this is important and your not waiting another 6 years to do this. The two things that kept me moving forward was that I had scheduled hair and make up and the reality check that if I couldn't do this for myself, how could I expect my clients to believe in me? I finally found a simple "stretchy" little skirt...some beautiful fabrics to wrap around me and of course a few little cakes and grown up pillar candles (thx YOUR SPACE).  I was ready....hair and make up were beautifully done by Raegan Meservey and I had set up my studio just the way I wanted.  Now to begin the shoot:)  Me and my new shutter release were about to party:)  Well, it was a NO Go on the tech side and I was super frustrated!  Plan B....teach my make up artist super quickly how to shoot and to set up a few shots where I hope to be in Focus:)  These were some of the final results and I must say I am Happy.  Not only that I have beautiful images that will forever be with me, but that I went through with it...that I took the time to Celebrate ME and MY life.  I don't think there is ever a perfect time to create these images...its true that the perfect time is the HERE & NOW.  Raegan Collage

Thank You Raegan for sharing in this experience with me.  For making me feel so lovely even under pressure and for especially making sure I captured these images.  You stepped in and helped make this a reality and for that I am forever grateful.  Of course I absolutely LOVED scarfing down those BIG cupcakes with you too!