Haha! Really, what happens with those steamy pics meant for your husband's eyes only, after you're no longer here? I've always thought they were tasteful and beautiful when taken by a creative professional. I've even admired them, but knew I would never be the model or owner of my own. However, I'd love to feel the way I imagine the women in those photos feel - brave, sexy, powerful and beautiful- in my own photos.
I was recently gifted the chance to be able to experience just that.I visited my friend, Debbie Smith, Glam Photographer and Owner of FiftyCentLove Photographie in Christiansburg, VA, a quick 30 minute drive south of Roanoke for a day of pampering and "modeling". I was greeted with a fun Welcome sign with my name on it waiting for me in the dressing room. Debbie and I reviewed my clothing choices, that she had prepped me to bring prior to my session, and narrowed them down to the 3 that would look best in photos. She also has some fun, sparkly, dresses and accessories you can borrow. Next, I was able to get my hair and make up done by a fabulous make up artist, Justine. Justine asked me what I had in mind, we looked at a few pics on Instagram, and me in my usual, carefree style, asked her to "Do me all the way up!" I have been drooling over Debbie's work for months, and I trusted them.
After Justine worked her magic, I put on my first outfit. A lacy top that I call my rocker chic top, it's about as sexy as this mama gets. (in my opinion). Here's a peek of the behind the camera look at this one. Zoom in to the photo on the camera- you'll see the difference between Debbie's skillful shot and the behind the scenes shot that Justine caught on her phone(the pic below).
This was only 3 shots in and Debbie was giddy to share with me. Guess what happened when I looked at the back of the camera?
I cried.
I cried because I saw a beautiful woman looking back at me that I hadn't recognized in a long time. I cried from the relief of knowing that I was actually going to LOVE these photos of myself, for the first time in my life.
Then I fussed at myself for crying, because I knew I was going to mess up my make up! And then we all laughed and giggled and the rest of the shoot was honestly, the most fun I can remember having over the past several months.
The next shot in this outfit was about as Boudoir as I get- lounging playfully on a futon. See my face? I was happy looking at myself, AGAIN! Actually, what I said when I saw this pic was, "wow, that face makes me look like I'm about to own someone." haha!
Here's some more behind the scene magic for you. Fan blowing, foot propped up on a box, lungeing Wonder Woman pose, chin forward, and BOOM- I'm a COVER GIRL! Debbie is highly trained in helping bring out the best in a woman and minimize the areas we don't want to show off. She gives you easy to follow instructions for posing for every shot.
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I've had a few friends ask me if you HAVE to dress up and if you HAVE to wear a lot of make up. Do you HAVE to be so glamorous?
The answer is no, like I explained before, I asked to be made up as much as they wanted to. It was such a fun experience for me! You can look at Debbie's work on her Facebook page. She has worked with women from 6-80 and they all look amazing and classy.
I haven't had my big reveal yet- a special visit back to the studio to see Debbie's favorite 20 of the hundreds we took that day. I'm thinking about going live on the Macaroni Kid Facebook page to share. For now, I only have these behind the scenes and sneak peek vouchers to share. Debbie's gift to you, from Me. I want you to feel as happy, confident and beautiful as I have felt since my shoot.
So, I wasn't really a supermodel, but WOW, do these photos make me feel like I could be one!
If my kids find these in the nightstand drawer after I'm long gone, they'll remember this time in their life when they had a powerful, determined, single mom who did everything in her power to give them the life she knew they deserved. And hopefully they'll be proud too!
If you're celebrating a big birthday, a divorce, a promotion, a new business, overcoming a battle, or just because you deserve to feel confident and beautiful- a session with Debbie at FiftyCentLove Photographie is a great reward! You deserve it! Save your spot by April 30th to save $150 on your glam photography session. You'll also receive referral bonuses to purchase your portraits when you share with others.
XO,
Beth
