"Melinda,
It is so hard for me to put into words what a profound experience this was. I have spent the majority of my life avoiding being photographed at the fear it would lead to so much inner turmoil. I am so used to picking apart every last little “flaw”. I know that there are years of my life missing from the record because of this very reason. It has taken a lot of inner work over the past few years to get to where I am today - a place where I’m willing to step a little bit outside of my comfort zone and challenge my prior beliefs.
From the first moment I met you, I knew you were the perfect person to capture the progress that I’ve made. We made an instant connection, but in total honesty, I went into this experience still expecting it to feel mostly uncomfortable. Oh, how wrong I was. It really felt more like I was just catching up with a good friend. You have a very special aura about you that allows others to feel so incredibly comfortable being themselves. Your talent for the artistry of photography is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Every last little detail felt completely perfect and natural. And it was SO MUCH FUN!
Thank you for helping me to appreciate the uniqueness that is me. Thank you for helping me to appreciate not only the superficial beauty, but more importantly, the INNER beauty that you so wonderfully captured and made me feel every single second. THANK YOU for helping me to see myself in a way that I never thought possible.
This was so much more than being photographed - it was a truly life-changing experience. I appreciate you so much – for your kindness and empathy, your energy and enthusiasm, your guidance and support, and your unwavering talent. I will treasure this experience and these photos for years to come.
All my love,
Stefanie"
Stefanie's words remind me that portraits are not a cookie-cutter experience. I can't photograph every woman the same because every woman's story is different. Stefanie's story is different from mine and yours and your best friends.
But one thing is common . . . the need to be seen as we really are. There is this hope that when we look at our pictures we will see beauty and value and goodness and worth and divinity.
You are unique . . . so, so beautiful.
Like Stefanie, that's what I hope you see. Love, Melinda
Photography Studio in Athens PA. Serving Athens, Sayre Pennsylvania, Towanda Pennsylvania, Corning New York, and Twin Tiers area.
If you have tips or concerns about human trafficking happening in your area call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. #OUR #SaveOurChildren
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