In the past few months, I’ve had women comment about wanting a portrait session. They’re stopping themselves though, because they’re not as beautiful as the women I’ve photographed and shown on my website. And I say “whoa now… You don’t know how un-beautiful those women think they are until they see their photos.” Even Cindy Crawford doesn’t roll out of bed looking like Cindy Crawford. Not that anyone believes me.

So, I’ve asked a few of my clients if I can take a “before” shot when they first come in. They’re asked to come in with clean hair and face. We take a photo. We plan outfits and backdrops, hair and makeup. That’s not when the transformation happens. We start photographing. Tension in the face, nervous smiles, eyes showing that we’re not having fun yet. It only takes a few minutes with me though, and smiles become real smiles. Skin relaxes, hands relax, eyes beam with love.  Now we’re having fun. And that’s the transformation. When your eyes are showing how much love is inside you, beauty not only follows but is totally inevitable.

After the session, I got this email from Sandra:

Hi Christina,

It was such a pleasure working with you yesterday! So many good pics to choose from!

Thanks a lot and let me know if you need anything else.

Regards,

Sandra

How do I get people to show me the love? You’ll have to come into the studio to find out. 🙂