Photography for Every Woman – Cheryl’s Story

Women often tell me that they are too old for a photo shoot. I want to share this blog so all you women over 40, 50, or 60+ can hear from someone over 60 why you need to rethink that idea. We all age, that is part of life, but to celebrate the changes that go with our life and embrace them is the true key to happiness. Cheryl goes every ten years for photos so she can trace her journey through life and celebrate herself at each new milestone. She brought her niece with her for the photo shoot because she wanted to share the experience with her. We did a variety of women’s portraiture including glamour, fashion and boudoir; all in styles that fit their individual personalities and comfort levels.

Cheryl’s session was just before her 61st birthday and she agreed to share her experience to encourage other women to get in front of the camera and capture their own stories.

Here is Cheryl’s story…

“As an almost 61 year old woman, I’ve had a few photo shoots over the years. Most of them were through Glamour Shots as I always wanted to be spoiled. I wanted to see myself as a model or movie star. It’s always been my opinion that every woman deserves to feel and look like a star. I think we are all beautiful and deserve the chance to see ourselves that way.

Glamour Shots were fine, but they put on too much makeup and sometimes people don’t even recognize themselves in the pictures! Other photographers I have been to were not as good with light and the photos showed every possible flaw!

My experience with Marilyn was positive from the first day I went to meet her. I explained to her it had been 10 years since my last shoot and that this time I wanted to also surprise my niece with a photo shoot. We enjoyed getting to know each other and discussed the possibilities. Marilyn gave me a nice little gift pack filled with goodies!

After I left we shared more ideas through Pinterest. It also allowed me to get input from my niece without ruining the surprise. (I told her I was having them done with my daughter).

I chose some clothes I thought would look good for my shoot. Then my niece arrived and we spent a few days shopping for her. She didn’t know it was for a special reason and we had fun trying on clothes and playing dress up before the shoot.

Then the big day arrived! We got to Marilyn’s studio and I explained to my niece what the day was all about! She was so excited! Marilyn had drinks and snacks prepared and the hair and makeup artist, Tanya, was ready to do our hair and makeup! Nikki got hers done first. She warmed up to Tanya quickly and it was fun to see her eyes light up when her hair and makeup was finished! Then she was off for the photo shoot with Marilyn.

Now it was my time for makeup with Tanya. She was easygoing and very personable. We chatted the entire time she was doing my hair and applying my makeup. She used a brush to lightly apply the makeup. I was anxious to see the results. When she turned the chair so I could see the mirror, I was thrilled! I looked like a brighter, younger me. Her color choices were perfect! It was time to get this look in photos!!

Marilyn has the perfect setup with different rooms, several backdrops, a few different clothing choices, shoes and jewelry. She also has different lighting choices! It’s a very professional setup. Fortunately she treats her clients like friends so it’s easy to forget you are with a photographer!! When we had the shots taken of my niece and I together she kept us laughing!! She tried many different poses so we could find one that made us more comfortable!

Now it was my time. I wanted something more glamorous and not so much boudoir. I mean I’m almost 61! Marilyn worked with me and took many shots. I heard so many “that’s beautiful” “look at those eyes” and other positive things that I was very comfortable and feeling sexy. She also let me see many of her shots on the camera and I was thrilled. So I decided a few shots on her big comfy bed could be OK. Well that’s when the fun began. Bedroom shots do not need to be in sexy lingerie. I was in my own clothes and in comfy positions and her shots were phenomenal. After watching my shots my niece decided she could try. It’s was so much fun.

I was sad when it was over! It felt like a great day with friends was coming to an end.

Fast forward to two weeks later and it was time to see the shots! I am very critical of myself and I can see flaws where others wouldn’t. I look for things like my teeth not white enough, gaps in the back where I have missing teeth, pictures that make me look large, or like I have big thighs. Well I’m sure some other ladies understand what I’m saying! But there were so many images that made me look great. I looked young, vibrant, and yes sexy. I chose 4 of myself, 4 of my niece, and two of us together. But honestly it took hours as there were so many beautiful pictures.

Thank you Marilyn for the great experience both for me and my niece! I would recommend Menagerie Photography to everyone!”

Thank you Cheryl for sharing your experience with us and I hope this helps other women see why there is no age limit on celebrating their own beauty.

Ladies, whatever you think is stopping you from having this experience for yourself, think again. No matter what you’re looking for, headshots, fashion, or being brave enough to celebrate yourself with a fun boudoir session, let’s meet over a cup of coffee and plan a special day for you!

Special thanks to our HMUA, Tanya Ballinger, for working with us on Heather’s shoot!

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact us from our web page.

CONSIDERING A PHOTO SHOOT?

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a photo shoot that is all about you, whether it’s a romantic and sexy lingerie boudoir shoot or an intimate and glamorous portrait session, we have the studio, stylists and photographer to provide an unforgettable and empowering experience. Call me to set up a complimentary consultation where you can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed.

Is it a long trip to visit the studio? Women have traveled from all over the East Coast including Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island for their custom photography session with us. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And remember Gift Certificates are always available.