We all do it. You know that feeling, when you’re looking at a photo of yourself and you instantly start to zoom in to see all the little details of the image. When we do this we’re typically not looking for the good things, but rather the things in which we feel most uncomfortable about with ourselves.
It distracts from our ability to see the image in it’s fullness, and in turn to see ourselves in our fullness.
Do you do this on photos of other people too, or do you only do it to yourself? This behavior is honestly self sabotage. You’re taking a gift away from yourself! You’re not allowing yourself to see you as a full human when you’re focused on zooming in on skin blemishes, cellulite, the way your chin looks when you laugh, or the way your stomach looks whenever you’re bent over. There is so much more to you than those little things that society has deemed “flaws.”
Having this ability to zoom in taken away by viewing yourself in an album is something that I honestly see as such a gift. You’re able to see the full image in and of itself instead of tiny parts of it that you’re ascribing to something deemed wrong or shameful or undesirable. You’re able to take in this beautiful piece of art that represents you and your body, your love and your happiness, your joy, your pain and your fears, your strength, and your power! You deserve the experience of seeing yourself in your full and unique beauty. You deserve to see yourself the way other people see you who do not zoom in and focus on your flaws, but see you as the magical human that you are. Beautiful in your complexity.
While I love having copies of my images digitally as much as everybody else, there’s something that is such a gift about being able to view images of myself in an album. I find it to be a practice of self-love every time I open that album and see these beautiful images of myself feeling empowered, and it makes me feel empowered again in that moment. I’m creating a tangible experience and physically connecting with myself as I view myself. That is not something that I can ever get out of viewing a digital image that I constantly zoom in on. It helps me to see myself in a whole, beautiful, and artistic way. It makes me feel like the piece of art that I am. It’s a reminder every time that I open those pages that I am strong, and that I’m beautiful, and that I do have the ability to see my full self and be thankful for it instead of only the little pieces deemed acceptable to like (or even simply accept.)
This is why I love creating albums for my clients – because I’m excited for them to have this experience as well! And honestly, that’s what an album is.
It’s not just a beautiful item that you hold in your hands. It’s also a full experience where you are investing in the relationship you have, or are working to have, with your own self and your body!
I’m excited to now expand my album offerings with the addition of what I’m calling a “second look book!”
Often folks will do multiple looks and/or sets during their session, which can have very different vibes! With this option, you can choose your favorite set to feature in your signature luxury album, and then feature your other set in a second look book! This is a super fun way to enjoy all of your photos in a way that accentuates their unique style and vibes, while being more budget friendly than ordering two signature albums. It’s also a great option for when you want to gift your partner a book, and also keep one just for yourself! These books are only available as an add on to a signature album purchase.
Check out this signature album paired with it’s second look book!
Want to see more of the session featured in the two albums above? Click here to check out the blog post and see the full set!
