Melissa's Story
Melissa has come from experiencing traumatic events in her life that impacted the way she saw herself. Now at 50 with two children, it was her time to take her power back and become the person she has always wanted to be. Melissa’s story is a powerful reminder of how you can change.
Prior to the photo shoot I had massive anxiety as I felt I was not really that photogenic.
As a 50+ women I was questioning what the photos would look like as my body shows the wear and tear of giving birth and raising two children. I was really unsure of how they would be able to capture me in a way I would be comfortable with.
As a younger person I suffered multiple traumatic events which shaped how I saw myself and my place in the world.
Turning 50 made me realise that I needed to create the life I wanted and no one else was able to do that for me.
“For me, undertaking this photo shoot was about reclaiming my power and confidence and becoming the person I should have always been, had it not been for those events.”
The main reason for the shoot was to align the inside to the outside.
I had undertaken a lot of treatment to see myself differently and develop into a person that was confident, full of purpose and complete.
Having the photo shoot helped me see that I am indeed, a complete, confident mature woman.
When we started the photo shoot I was initially incredibly nervous and self conscious. Adriana was amazing and just through casual conversation I could begin to feel the anxiety and nerves slip away.
I began to feel the playfulness of being relaxed and enjoyed "pretending" to be the model.....as the session progressed the conversation became more fun and the relaxation began to show in the photos.
“Participating in the photo shoot has been incredibly therapeutic for me. I love my body a little bit more and appreciate how it has carried me through my life."
I am now kinder to myself and allow myself to be a little proud for being brave enough to expose myself to new opportunities and experiences.
After the session I felt like I could take on the world, watching the slideshow of all the photos I was blown away by how they captured me and my essence.
At times I could barely believe the photos were of me.
It gave me such a level of confidence that I have not felt for many years and since then I have felt a definite shift in how I interact with people and how I view my place in the world.
These photos will be treasured and will be a reminder of a time when I was in full bloom.
I will always be able to look back when I am older and marvel at how "women can do hard things".
I will be most proud of facing my body image fears and beating them.
I plan to have these photos in my bedroom for a very long time, to remind me that sexy is an attitude not a dress size.
“You will not regret facing your own body image demons and realising they aren't real or true. You will come away from the experience empowered, confident and loving every aspect of your life. I promise!”
- Melissa
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.