Nicole slid into my DM’s on Instagram asking about my information for a very personal session she wanted to do for herself. I asked what vision she wanted for her session and sweet Nicole very nervous/excitedly told me she wanted to do a body positivity session! Body positive sessions are a lot like boudoir sessions. Its a way to connect with your deeper self, feel comfortable, sexy and beautiful in YOUR OWN SKIN! It's about finding love for who you are and seeing yourself from a totally different perspective than you ever have before.
Doing a body positive session is HARD. It’s MONTHS of internal back and forth; yes, no, don’t want to, my body isn’t ‘ready', I’m not ready, what if’s and even AFTER booking the session! Anxiety & worry can still be there in your mind (REAL TALK! All these reasons I just mentioned are exactly why I personally want to... but still haven’t). Guess what ladies! THAT IS COMPLETELY NORMAL!!!! Why? We want to feel beautiful, confident, sexy, cute and the worry that all the other ‘things’ in our head will overtake and engulf the photos.
I KNEW this was going to be the thought process for Nicole before & during the session. That's why I always provide everything I can at each session! I bring your favorite snacks. We listen to your favorite music that gets you pumped! We personally connect before, during & after the session. I want to know your likes, dislikes, hobbies and what season of life are you currently in! Getting to know you long term is what I strive for; I love being a cheerleader for you & your life!
Nicole got deep, raw and vulnerable with me before the process as well as during the session. Nicole and I connected on so many levels, but the one that struck deep was our shared experience with body image and disordered eating.
Her journey has lead her to personal development and seeking help for her body, mind and soul. Nicole wanted to prove to herself that she is always beautiful. Period. This session meant so much more than merely a photo shoot. This was her physical proof that she HAS gotten better. That she is exactly who she should be. Physical proof that Nicole deserves so much love and compassion from herself (I’m crying as I write this). She seemed soooo familiar to me, and I truly believe Nicole has been someone I have known on a connected soul level but never actually met. I feel so grateful for all the things she shared with me.
Nicole said she almost cancelled several times. If it wasn’t for Jordan she wouldn’t have gone through with the session. He came as physical and emotional support and I am so glad that he did (aka whyyyy I asked if he would be comfortable holding and loving his wife for a few shots at the end!).
We both cried, laughed, danced, snacked, danced some more and truly enjoyed ourselves for the entirety of our session. At the end Nicole said “Wow! That was so much fun I want to do it AGAIN!” (These simple words are what make my job the best in the world! My goal at the end of every session is to leave each one of you wanting more fun and positive sessions).
I would like to end with Nicole’s own words on our session:
“This girl is NOT your typical photographer, she's a real down to earth soul. I came to my body positivity photo shoot nervous, afraid, and doubting myself. Several times I almost cancelled but decided to follow through with it last minute. When I showed up she had music, snacks and a personality that brightened up the whole room. She was outgoing, bubbly, and was interested in getting to know me. She spoke to me like a human, not a tool in her progression for her business in photography. She got personal with me, cried with me and supported me. She captured the real raw moments of myself in my pictures instead of snapping that perfect glam shoot. She made me feel proud of who I am just by capturing the moments of my personality. She helped me see myself in a different perspective. If you are looking into choosing a photographer that can bring out your personality, break you out of being shy, lift you up and brighten your spirit choose Kaitlynn Quist. She will capture the best of you”.
