When I first picked up my camera, I lovingly called myself a natural light photographer. And don’t get my wrong, I loveeeeee natural light. It’s soft, gorgeous and easy to work with. It creates an ethereal glow and pretty photos. But sometimes, I’m after something a little bit different. Throughout the years, I’ve clocked a few late night editing sessions in the studio. On the top floor of main street Westwood, the glow from below casts some interesting colors in my usually bright poppy white walled studio. The street lamps seem to reflect off the window panes and it was begging me to photograph some sessions in the dark.

I had the idea of turning the lights completely off and bringing in some harsh lights coupled with softer ambient light for a moody look with harsh shadows. The result? Sexy, edgy and mysterious.

My gorgeous model was an absolute dream to work with. I’m so glad I got to record some behind the scenes because my sessions are full of beauty and connectedness. My clients show up and trust me with their nerves and vulnerability. That bravery is never lost on me and it’s an honor to show up for them and let them see themselves as the work of art I always see them as. When I shared this behind the scenes reel, I had another woman in my DM’s saying “I can’t believe she was nervous or insecure!! She’s super hot!!” And while, yes, she is super duper hot, every single woman comes in with “stuff.” So many of us have been conditioned to be hyper self-critical. We don’t see ourselves as a work of art, instead we see ourselves as an unfinished art project. We try to make our bodies smaller, leaner, more muscular…whatever the trends call for. But the truth is, our bodies are not trends. And you could show up with the body deemed the most societally attractive and STILL feel wildly insecure. In fact, that’s pretty much the norm.

But, together, we say fuckkkkkk that. There is power is showing up nervous and insecure and doing something anyway. Because to be seen is to be loved. And I’m not referring to being seen by me and my camera. I’m referring to YOU finally seeing yourself. Beautiful, powerful, and confident. It’s always been there, but I’m happy to help remind you of your power.