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.
“Life gets crazy and you stop doing things for yourself. This was the beginning of me reclaiming something that was mine that I forgot that I had and now I remember.”