Diary

We all struggle to love the body we live in. Throughout my journey, I have experienced body transformations that have challenged my own body image. When I was younger, I used to compare myself to my sisters- wishing I had curves in all the same places as they did. As I got older and had my son, my body began going through a change. My stomach, chest, bum, and legs became areas I was challenged to love about myself. Even though I have periods of my life when loving myself is harder than other times, I use positive self-talk as a daily practice to teach myself how to appreciate the body I have.It is so important to exercise positive affirmation because how we see ourselves directly influences our own self confidence and the way we come across to others. Body image is something we have to work on all the time, every day. We encounter negative thoughts throughout the day that can easily add up to a damaging self-image. Here are some of the tools that have helped me love my body:1. Surround yourself by people that lift you up2. Take new photos of yourself as a physical reminder of the beauty you hold.3. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones4. Wear clothes that fit and that you are comfortable with5. Take notice of the things your body can do6. Do nice things for your body and mind7. Find activities you love to get your body moving8. Make a list of things you love about your body and yourself. Review it often.9. Stop comparingPracticing mindfulness in reference to your body image will lead to an overall stronger self-image. I challenge you to take time to appreciate the body that serves you every day. I have trained my mind to not dwell on the attributes I see as negative and to instead be empowered by all that my body is capable of, and I believe you can too! I hope these tips will help you cultivate a body positive mindset and appreciate your own body at any stage of life.“Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful.” ~ Sophia Loren

During Dahlia's consultation she told me she was on a special life's journey and part of that journey was to love who she is "now.' She recently posted this to her Facebook Page.Earlier this year I went wayyyy outside of my comfort zone as part of my journey. Here's just a peek of our session. Lana Thomas of Voulez Vous Boudoir is truly remarkable. She captures the beauty and femininity of a woman and turns her into a work of art. This is a must experience for every woman! Thank you, Lana! You and your work has made a huge impact on my life and the way I see myself.— with Lana Thomas

Laura is a beautiful soul and I am honored that she chose me to help her through her journey to peace and acceptance. Laura is 60 years old. By sharing her images she hopes that women can accept themselves for who they are inside and out.

Planning ahead for the Christmas holiday Christy wanted to surprise her man with a very special gift. We had a very full day with lots of different looks to fill her album. The flower was a last minute decision on my part, not knowing if she would be up for an adventure, but she was :) It was a challenge getting the poinsettia to stay on her head even with the ribbon wrapped around her head, so I propped the stem on a stool behind her and she held steady as I slowly backed away to shoot.Makeup: Ashlee Bivins, Hair: Heather Valentine Primp Salon, Broken Arrow.

I had met Mrs. A's husband when he traveled to Tulsa for business. A mutual friend brought him by the studio and I gave him a tour around. He told me he would LOVE for his wife to do something like this, but she would never be up for it. I gave him a card anyway and told him I offer gift cards. Several months later the mutual friend had given Mrs. A my information and she called me and scheduled her portrait session without her husband knowing. He was traveling to Tulsa in late summer and she offered to travel along for a short vacation. She wanted to surprise him with a boudoir and beauty photoshoot :)

I have had the pleasure of photographing Alani on two seperate occasions...lucky me :) I title these "Dancing "Queen" because she loves to dance and during her photoshoot she would just dance around to the music between set ups. The last couple images was on location in 105 degree heat and she was wearing a synthetic wig :0. Two of these images hang in the studio.

Every woman should have beauty portraits of herself to share with her loved ones and to exist in photos. A time in her life captured that will live longer in photos than life itself. Don't let time go by and look back and wishing you could remember yourself as you were, whether you are in your 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, etc.... It's never too late to exist past life itself. Leave an heirloom for yourself and your loved ones.

Today is my 49th birthday! A year ago my sister wrote me a poem and now, a year later I re-read and my eyes filled with tears again as I read the words my sister had for me, she knows me so well. This was the most cherished gift I have ever been given. Thank you and I love you sister.

Mika~teenage beauty and hockey player. I met Mika through my son's hockey team. Mika rules the ice and takes nothing from the boys she goes up against. Off the ice she is a young lady with a gentle smile and soft voice. Mika has never had her portrait taken and I was honored when her father brought her to me. I see her as one of the most beautiful young ladies I have seen.