Emma's Story
I was so excited when I received the phone call about being chosen for the giveaway! As a creative being, I had so many ideas! I had never had a photoshoot before, so I saw it as a great opportunity. Then as I thought about it, I found myself getting quite nervous. I didn't know how I wanted to pose or what would look best and if I could pull it off! I've always been pretty body confident, but it's so different being the one on the other side of the camera. I felt really humbled that I was chosen to share my story.
I made a promise to myself years ago, that once my hair was long enough, I'd treat myself to a photoshoot that involved me dressed up as a mermaid. This was to represent that for a lot of my life, I've felt like a fish out of water, struggling with depression and anxiety. It makes you feel like you're drowning.
“This shoot is to remind myself that I've learnt how to swim, and I'm shining brighter than I ever have.”
Sometimes, you find yourself in the deep end, like it's inevitable that you're going to sink, but you just gotta keep swimming and eventually you come out on top, stronger than before!
I wanted to capture the magic I know I have in me, because sometimes, as we all do, I lose sight of it.
“This shoot was to be a celebration and a reminder of how far I've come in my life journey.”
I've suffered from anxiety and depression on and off for as long as I can remember.
As a result, I had made some pretty questionable life choices in the past. I lived a wreckless lifestyle, hid behind makeup and crazy hair and portrayed myself as super confident. This was ultimately to hide my insecurities and keep people from truly knowing me for me. I don't know why, I look back now and it was silly to suffer in silence, but that's the choice I made.
So a few years ago, I made some big changes in my life. To honour that, I decided to grow my hair and stop hiding behind superficial nonsense. I just came back from over 8 years overseas to be with family and focus on things that I had let fall by the wayside for so long. In doing so, I had to make some of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. It has been so hard, but such beautiful things have come from it.
“The photoshoot was important to me to set a reminder of how far I've come and celebrate that in such a way that will inspire me to continue that journey.”
At first, I was nervous and felt a bit awkward. I didn't really know how to be and felt really shy in front of the camera. Jess (my photographer) was amazing. She guided me through a few poses and gave me that little push I needed to just let go of whatever fears and nerves I had holding me back.
I love to play dress ups, so the fact we played with a few different looks and costumes really put me in my element. Jess had me twirling, dancing around, laughing and I felt safe to just go for it! Rather than feeling the pressure of too much structure and posing, it became playtime and I forgot all about whatever worries I had in the beginning of it all. I felt like an absolute princess and just had so much fun with it.
As I hadn't seen any photos yet, I didn't know what to think of how I may come across in the pictures. But to be honest, I stopped caring so much about it. I felt as though the studio was my cocoon.
“I could feel myself changing from a nervous little caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly, ready to take on the world. I was feeling inspired, excited and carefree. I felt confident in just being my playful, silly, sparkly self!”
After the shoot, I was feeling so amped! I couldn't wait to see the result. I had a lovely chat with Adriana over a delicious cup of tea and couldn't help but feel at home at Zest.
I wasn't sure how my pictures would turn out, but was looking forward to seeing the result of this completely new experience. I couldn't have even imagined that they would turn out like they did. I was absolutely gobsmacked.
“I couldn't believe I was looking at myself on the projector. The pictures were stunning. I had never seen myself in that light before!”
I honestly was speechless, it brought tears to my eyes. I didn't want to cry, but I couldn't stop it from happening. I can't seem to find the words to express how I was feeling at that moment.. let's just say it took a fair while to choose the winning pics! All of a sudden, I see myself in a while new light. It's done absolute wonders for my self esteem!
“This photoshoot has meant more to me than I initially anticipated. It was always going to be a special experience, but Zest took that goal and shot it into space.”
I'm currently building my creative space for all my crafts and these pictures are displayed on the wall in a collage of constant inspiration. I've given one to my Nanna as well. Her reaction was just so sweet. It brought back memories of her mother, so it's become an important piece for her too. I wish I could express through words how I feel about it all. These photos and everything they represent, mean the absolute world to me.
What would you say to woman in the same position to you and not sure if they should have their own experience?
There should be no shadow of a doubt, if it's crossed your mind to have photos done, go for it! The team is incredible and it becomes so much more than just a photoshoot. I had been thinking about doing this for years before actually acting on it. Then I came to wonder why it took me so long! It's so empowering, the team is so supportive and encouraging. I mean, why wouldn't you want to feel like an absolute queen for the day? And the day after that... And the day after that... And so on... I can't recommend it enough!
If you are interested in booking a Zest Photography family, couple, modern glamour, boudoir or nude portrait photography experience, call 0862453150 or email us at info@zestphotography.com.au.