Exist in Photos.

I couldn’t have said it better.  It’s not my slogan, I heard it from one of my photography idols Sue Bryce.  But she has given permission for the rest of us to take it an run with it so here I am.

I’m here to tell you why you need to exist in photos.  To give you some visual aid, I’m sharing some photos from my recent photo shoot with my beautiful friend.

Let me tell you a little bit about why she is such a precious friend to me.  It’s not because she’s so fun (even though she is).  It’s not because she makes me laugh (because she does). It’s not even because she’s ‘there for me’ (without fail). It’s because she actually challenges me to be a better person.  She calls me out – in one way or another she constantly reminds me ‘you’re better than that, be BETTER’.

She’s been to hell and back. Rightfully she could be withdrawn. Selfish. Angry.

Instead she’s courageous. Kind. More gorgeous than ever. And she deserves to be documented in this way.

And so do you.

Whether you’re a mom. A wife. A friend. A sister. In the happiest place of you life. Recovering from illness. Trying to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. Just completed the marathon of your life.  Bored with your life.

Whoever you are, wherever you are in life, it’s important. You need to exist in photos.

 Whatever reason you hesitate – don’t.

Don’t wait to lose the weight.  To have more time. To be happier.  Until you’re more secure.

Don’t wait – you’ll regret it.

Whether you buy a new outfit or pull your favorite tank top and pair of jeans out of your closet.

Whether you have your make-up done or wear no make-up at all

Call your friend with a nice camera.

Set up a tripod and use your self-timer.

Call a professional photographer.

Call me.

Just exist in photos.

It is a gift to yourself, you will never regret it.

Better yet, you will love it.

Clothing from Chic Couture

Make-Up by John Bourne (john.bourne@nordstrom.com)