Recognizing our own beauty is one of the hardest things we do.  We were raised to know that as God’s children, he loves us and thinks we are beautiful.  Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, we lose that knowledge and start to believe the lie that we aren’t pretty enough, slim enough or “presentable” for the camera (whatever that means).   We see a camera pointed at us and we hide, we look away, or if we can’t avoid it, we will often make a funny face.  No one knows that better than a photographer.

In my third Reviving Your Soul (Now Longing for More) podcast, I interview the amazing Michelle Maupin Barrett.  She is a professional photographer and in the interview, she tells about her journey and why she has made it her mission in life to capture the beauty of people, mainly women.  If you aren’t familiar with her material, you need to check her photos out at www.michellemaupinbarrett.com.

In the podcast, I tell how we met, but more importantly, we discuss how our two missions converge.  Mine to help people embrace their faith, hers to help people embrace their beauty.  Without giving away her story, I can say that she does have a way with the camera and making her subjects feel comfortable being photographed.  She recently did a whole series of photoshoots with me to help me get photos to rebrand and update www.vonajohnson.com.   

I have to admit posing for her was uncomfortable for me at first, but Michelle had an uncanny ability to make me feel at ease and even come to enjoy the process.  I also admit that I wasn’t expecting much.  I mean, I’ve seen some pretty awesome websites for other “public figures” and how could a girl from South Dakota dare to compete?  After seeing her finished work, I am proud to display my photos because I feel they perfectly reflect the real me.  Am I uncomfortable putting myself out there?  Yes.  Is it necessary if I want to work with people outside my current circle of friends and beyond?  Yes.  But I’ve gotten over that fear and am doing what I must to launch my coaching practice.  Would I do it again? Yes, I would.  It is impossible to describe what it’s like to allow yourself to work with a pro and see the real you captured in art.  

I hope you will listen to the podcast so you can learn why the next time you get an opportunity to spend the day with people who will lift you up, help you get reconnected to God, make you feel beautiful and empower you to embrace the best you, you will take it.  

Friends, I have been there too and I feel blessed to be able to help people change the way they see themselves and their lives.  Life is just too short not to embrace every moment and every opportunity.  If you would like to talk about how I do that, I’d love to visit with you.  Send me a message or an email.  

Have an amazing day!