I Now Have Images That Remind Me That I Am Strong, I Am Capable

To have this gentle soul join my 40 Women Over 40 project is a true honour. I’m going to spill the beans right now. We became such good friends because of it. I am so lucky to have gotten to know her. And even more lucky to work with her. I can say without pause that it gives me a massive serotonin hit when I look at the complex, joyful, and strong yet quiet nature that came across in her images. This is her. This is who she is. Sigh. I am so proud of her for taking the leap and trusting me to create images that will last her lifetime and beyond.

Please read on to hear in M’s words how things went leading up to that day, the shoot itself and her feelings about her images…

“The 40 over 40 shoot couldn't have come at a better time - it was exactly what I was looking for for the space I am in right now. I wouldn't have done it sooner! I am thankful the opportunity presented itself at the right time. I also have been trying to support small local businesses, and after following Shawnalee for awhile on Instagram, I knew it would be a good, safe, comfortable and uplifting experience.”

“I would absofuckinglutely recommend this!!”

“At first, I was confident it was what I wanted to do. A day or two before the shoot, I was, like, "What the hell was I thinking!" Having committed, showing up was a given, and then showing up and just feeling no worries at all, everything was taken care of. It was just...easy...and fun! Afterward I felt confident, I enjoyed the experience and was looking forward to see what came of it. I felt like I was able to be my true self and that is what I was looking for. The reveal was awesome and then the anticipation of receiving the images and then actually getting them was pretty awesome too.”

“I refound my soul in some small, but important and lasting way.”

I feel like I now have documentation of this point in my life, and photographs that will be here long after I am gone. Hopefully bringing good memories to my son, my nieces and nephew of who I was. For myself, I have a images that remind me that I am strong, that I am capable, that I have retained that inner joy that life seems to try to beat out of you sometimes. I honestly look at them and think "it will be okay." It was an important shift for me from one point in my life to the next one.

When do you ever get to have the focus be squarely on you and what you want to present, how you want to present, yourself and then have a visual affirmation of that experience? When do you ever get a chance to see yourself from a different perspective and to be able to carry that with you. And to be in the company of a pretty remarkable photographer lady, who lights up rooms with her energy, confidence and charm, and changes peoples lives with her life work?? I gained a friend and I refound my soul in some small, but important and lasting way. I also felt special and honored to be a part of this project, it's not something I could have ever foretold.” ~M

I love that M took the time out just for her. An intentional time to honour where she is at, create heirloom photographs and to have a tonne of fun doing it!

The more women I work with in this age bracket, the more I firmly believe in the impact this experience has on them as well as their loved ones.

I know for many there is a certain fear or discomfort that rests in the idea of having portraits created just of themselves. It really is such foreign ground for many women. As a mother myself, I totally get it. We are usually the ones to have/take the photos of our families, our kids. Even photos of our pets often take up more wall space! And yet, isn’t it important to show our kids that we value ourselves? Wouldn’t this send the message that our kids have every right to value themselves? Not to mention the lasting gift of having stunning images of their mom long after she is gone? Sorry, but it’s true, we are not going to be around forever folks.

Lastly, for a woman who often isn't in photos, yes you! To have incredible photos up on your wall that you walk by every day reminding you of the badass that you are. There are days, let’s face it, when lounge wear and bed head can be the daily look (especially with our ‘paused’ lives, thank you very much Covid).

These shots are of you AT YOUR BEST. Intentionally composed, created to bring out that Vanity Fair level that exists in every single woman if given access to the right ‘tools': professional photographer (me), professional makeup & hair (my talented team) and an intentionally styled shoot that reflects your very soul. What are you waiting for? Ok, I’ll shut up now. but also, (just when you thought I was done) she did get a stunning collection that will be passed down from generation to generation. Okay, carry on. :)

If interested to learn more about my 40 Women Over 40 project that M participated in, go here

The Confidence it Has Bestowed Upon Me Has Been Life Altering

Transformation was absolutely, hands down, the overarching theme in this shoot. E.L. came to me through a recommendation from a friend. She grabbed my heart immediately with her story and her vision of capturing herself. Being fairly new in her coming out as a transwoman made this shoot all the more timely for her. And being over 40 definitely made her a fantastic fit for this project!

I was honored that E.L. reached out to me but I have to add that I was nervous as hell… I wanted this to be absolutely perfect in every way. So much was riding on her experience with this shoot! I felt a lot of responsibility for her and so I prepared, overprepared, double checked, you name it! I am happy to report that the shoot was a total success. And yes, there were tears of joy in everyone’s eyes. An experience I won’t soon forget. Please carry on reading. You may want to grab a hot tea and settle in….

“I felt captured by light for the first time. Now when I pass a mirror I look.”

“I'd seen Shawnalee's work and thought it was magic. I had only come out as trans a few months prior and I was still exploring my femininity. I wanted the experience of having a professional makeup artist and photographer home in on the inner me.

“I tried hard not to build up expectations going into the shoot. I honestly didn't know what could be achieved or how I would feel about it. I knew I was excited, which was a new feeling for me and I let it guide me.
At the beginning of the shoot, I remember being somewhat overwhelmed especially after I first saw myself in the mirror with make-up. But soon after it became quite peaceful and highly enjoyable. It was meditative in a way. Relax, listen to the guidance of the photographer, and let your face and body act as a conduit for your personality.
Afterward, I remember Shawnalee telling me to take care because I'd done a lot of emotional work, and I certainly had, but I felt fabulous and went on to have a great day. Later when I explained all of this to a friend they said, "well it sounds like you should be a model." This made me laugh but I liked the thought. I've come a long way with accepting myself and for me to even coyly entertain that idea proves it.”

“I’m still in awe when I look at the images she captured of me.”

The entire experience was affirming to me in a way I didn't know was possible. It made me feel seen and worthy of attention. After seeing my images I felt captured by light for the first time. Now when I pass a mirror I look. Now when I feel good I take a selfie. Living has never felt so free.

“The entire experience was affirming to me in a way I didn't know was possible.”

“I recommend this experience highly. It's easily been one of the greatest decisions of my life. Not only was it tremendously fun but the confidence it has bestowed upon me has been life-altering.

As a transwoman, I can't imagine a more affirming, accepting, and confidence building experience than having a photoshoot with Shawnalee. I'm still in awe when I look at the images she captured of me. Easily one of the best decisions of my life. I see me! Do this for yourself, you are worth it!” -E.L.