From Self-Criticism to Self-Trust: What Happens Before the Camera Clicks

The Fear Clients Don’t Say Out Loud

For a lot of my clients, their biggest fear around a photo session boils down to that they are afraid they are not “enough” for a session. Brave enough, creative enough, beautiful enough, young enough, thin enough, model like enough–confident enough. They are afraid they will get the photos back and be disappointed, not with my art, but with themselves.

Creating Emotional Safety in a Session

I like to work closely with my clients so even in a normal portrait session, I want you to know from the beginning that I’m here for you and you can trust me. We take this a step further when you book a Magic Within Experience by layering on a mindset course before I even snap a photo. My hope with the mindset course is that it offers you a different perspective around having a creative portrait session. And that by shifting that perspective you can find emotional safety, compassion, curiosity and be experience focused. It makes a huge difference in how you feel when you show up at your session.

How Trust Changes Body Language

When you not only trust me but yourself, your entire body and being shift. You show up ready to explore, get creative and confident that you’ll enjoy the experience. This energy allows you to play and create and be a partner in the experience. It gives you autonomy, security and confidence.

The Shift You Can See in the Images

More often than not, my favorite photos come towards the end of a session. This is because the client has often started to trust me, is getting more confident, has let the self consciousness go and is really getting into it. You can see it happen in the photos when it clicks and a client starts to really feel themselves. It’s magic!

This Is Why You Don’t Need to Be “Confident First”

You don’t have to be confident before you book. Working with me and working through the mindset course will naturally boost your experience but honestly getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new is confidence boosting in itself! I can’t wait to see it.

The Main Character Effect: Why Women Thrive When They Take Up Space

The Conditioning to Stay Small

Have you ever been made to feel small? As women, this conditioning happens pretty early. We’re told to be quiet, meek, that not being noticed equals safety, to hide our bodies, to not show our anger, to not interrupt or yell and to make sure you’re not “taking up space.” And if you do any of those things, you’re labeled as selfish, crazy, angry, self centered, deserving of what you got, rude, and intimidating. While trying to meet all these rules and expectations put on us it suffocates our authenticity and keeps us from thriving.

What “Main Character Energy” Really Means

You may have seen the phrase “main character energy” around but what exactly does that mean? Well, let’s define a “Main Character.” A main character is the central figure in a story, acting as the primary focus, viewpoint, or emotional heart through which the audience experiences the narrative. They typically drive the plot, undergo significant development, and are central to the conflict and resolution.

So main character energy talks about someone who romanticizes their life, takes the lead role, sets boundaries, and who is confident and empowered.

Why Cinematic Portraits Feel So Transformative

Main character portrait sessions often include a cinematic feel. This can be incredibly transformative because it’s role play. It’s a way to see ourselves as the main character maybe even before we actually believe we are capable of it in our daily lives. It shows us the power of the emotions behind the images. It puts us front and center.

Main Character Shoots During Life Transitions

Main character energy isn’t all sunshine and rainbows though. Have you ever known a main character who didn’t go through some DARK SHIT? Hello, Frodo and Harry Potter just to name a few. So why would we expect ourselves as main characters to be nothing but positivity? Main characters have conflict, they have self doubt, they mess up and struggle…this is why we love them! Booking main character sessions during life transitions can help remind us how strong we are, that struggle is a part of our story but so is overcoming.

You’re Allowed to Be the Center of the Frame

You’re allowed to be the main character of your story and be proud of that. You’re allowed to share your story with future generations and to inspire others that they can do the same! You’re allowed to be the center of the frame.