You Don't Have to be Naked

This is what I refer to as a beauty shoot. It’s from a ways back. I had forgotten about it until I was reviewing feedback from my past clients. That’s when it jumped in front of my eyes and I just had to share! This piece is short but contains gorgeous shots!! (at least I think so LOL)

“I was very nervous leading up to the shoot and was feeling very self conscious. Shawnalee and her makeup artist quickly put me at ease and let me open up by giving posing cues and direction, while still listening to what I wanted and creating reality out of my abstract vision. True artists!”

I couldn't believe the photos were of me! I had seen the beautiful photos of others, but I couldn't imagine mine turning out as well. Shawnalee captured my style and vision and made sure the photos were 100% authentic but allowed me to see myself in a way I never had before.

Being Brave Enough

Sometimes things simply click together.

I saw this beautiful human’s instagram feed and when I read her latest post I felt a tug. I decided to be brave and introduce myself and tell her what I do. We immediately ‘synced’ with one another. She was a ‘hell yes!’ person when I described my approach to photoshoots so we got to work. I know that the process wasn’t easy for her at times. (I honestly don’t know anyone that is 100% at ease having a camera in their face) but her bravery came through in spades and man we got some stunning shots because of it! Please read on to hear in her own words how it all went:

“I was going through a creative lull so this felt like something very needed as a new boost of inspiration and honestly could use even more of it now too.

There really isn't enough words I can string together that can express how much of a wonderful experience I had. From the initial getting to know each other to the session and the results, Shawnalee has blown it out of the water. I've been in the photoshoot process before but this was like no other compared to the attentiveness, caring, and creative energy that Shawnalee brings to the table.

I've been in a really difficult position for a while. This felt so serendipitous, I'm so happy with the shoot. It came at just the right time and I would love to do it again. I didn't come in with a set expectation but with an open mind.

It (seeing the images) really captured the rawness. The editing added another level of showing how it feels being more vulnerable. It wasn't different than what I was expecting, it felt just right :)

I felt a sense of "cleansing" in a way where I felt like I could reset while still being in the moment. To have an experience where there is a safe space to open up and capture the present. I think it was a wonderful moment where I could just focus on what's happening then and there which I come back to think of to this day.

I couldn't ask for a better experience. I genuinely couldn't say enough how thankful I am for the experience. It's a lasting memory for me that I still cherish.”

Just say: "Yes"

The project Be Seen Be Heard began with a flurry of energy. BLM was on the tip of everyone’s tongue. Protests were abound. The response from Black women was incredible!

Sylvie is a French teacher and runs a side business called: Smile Giver Batik. Imported, hand created clothing and accessories from Africa https://www.smilegiverbatik.com/

Fast forward to now. Things have quieted. Protests are no longer happening here in Portland. We are experiencing Covid in our daily lives. And yet, this project is alive. Or perhaps revived. Thanks to a woman who believed. Her name is Sylvie Gbhete. She was referred by a client & she was excited to be a part of Be Seen, Be Heard. We spoke on the phone and as our conversation unfolded, I became once again, filled with the feeling that I should continue to run Be Seen Be Heard.

I don’t recall exactly what she said but it was something like: “If you continue to do the work, it will be evident that the project is a good project and has good intentions.” She spoke this after I had talked about the issues of being white and running this project. How it may come across as self serving. I had also shared how an interview about Be Seen Be Heard, that had been done by a popular local magazine, didn’t see the light of day even though, after checking back multiple times, I had been assured that it was to be published.

Because of her words, I said yes. And because I said yes, Black United Fund of Oregon said yes to funding a website dedicated solely to the project. And because BUFOR said yes. I am once again filled with the belief that this project is a good project.

And so for this coming year, I will continue to take applicants and dedicate 1 day per month to do a photoshoot as well as the work to do interviews, Q&A’s. Because it is a good project. Black women need to Be Seen & Be Heard!

So stay tuned. I will be announcing the launch of Be Seen Be Heard’s website within the next few weeks that will include a new story and photographs from her shoot. Stay tuned for The story of Sylvie Gbhete.

If interested in reading the current stories, please click HERE

Cheers!

~Shawnalee

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.