You Deserve to Be Seen
I recently stumbled upon a Threads post by Meecham Whitson Meriweather that left a lasting impression on me. The writer shared a vintage image of Barbra Streisand in her home, surrounded by awards and personal photographs. Meecham admired how Barbra celebrated herself so openly, and expressed a longing for all of us to create similar shrines to ourselves in our own homes. This struck a chord with me, as it reminded me of the significance of celebrating our own lives through images and how many of us, particularly women, have possibly shrunk ourselves in our own homes.
When my mother passed away, I found myself in a situation many of us dread: planning her funeral while grappling with immense grief. As I sorted through her belongings, I realized that the only framed photo she had of herself was from her senior year in high school — and it made me incredibly sad for her. That one framed image, though beautiful, made me wish she had displayed more photographs celebrating her life and achievements. She was a great beauty in my eyes and never truly allowed herself to truly shine. This made me contemplate this for all of us. Ladies, we need to exist more in photos. And they need to help express all the different sides of what makes us who we are.
This experience reinforced my belief in the power of visual storytelling. We should all be capturing and displaying the moments that define us. While it might seem morbid, planning for how we want to be remembered is about more than funerals. It's about living boldly and documenting our journeys. So, how are you telling your story? Are you displaying your achievements and moments of joy in your home? These visual reminders can offer strength and confidence during tough times.
Carine Roitfeld, former editor-in-chief of Vogue France, is a great example of shining brightly in one’s own home. She hired a designer who helped her personalize her space. This included displaying photos and paintings of herself throughout. The result is pure glam! Her home reflects a sexy, confident woman (hello, femme fatale!) who is constantly reminded of who she is by her environment. Check out the pictorial Architecture Digest did on her gorgeous apartment in Paris.
In 2014 I ventured to Scotland for a favorite friend's fairytale wedding. I hired a photographer while I was there because I didn't want to rely on selfies for a transformative trip. Those photos turned out to be some of the best of my life, capturing a time when I felt truly alive. I knew then that one of those images would be a part of my story long after I'm gone. And, I am now proudly displaying it on my wall, along with a portrait of myself from a sketch artist in Paris!
Society often tells women that showcasing ourselves is narcissistic. But by not displaying our images, we deny our existence and our stories. Women don't have to just exist in family photos as mothers or caretakers. They can, and should, display themselves glamorously and boldly.
Let's challenge this narrative. Let’s take up space, shine brightly, and celebrate our lives unapologetically.
As a photographer specializing in portraits for women, I am passionate about helping you create stunning images that celebrate your life. Whether it's a boudoir session, a fine art nude, or a portrait capturing your essence, these photographs will be your legacy.
I invite you to book a session with me. Together, we will create powerful images that tell your story and remind you of your worth. Let’s celebrate your life, your achievements, and your unique journey. Let’s create a visual narrative that inspires confidence and pride.
Book your portrait session today and start living out loud. Your story deserves to be told.
