It was a warm fall evening where just enough leaves had fallen to create a blanket of yellow and orange on the green grass.
The mature trees throughout the park were left with the perfect balance of unfallen golden leaves to adorn their branches.
It was a photographer's dream!
My client, Jessica, and I met in the parking lot and I popped up my portable changing tent while Jessica showed me the selection of clothes she had brought with her.
Normally a studio photographer, my process involves an amazing makeover and portrait experience that includes several wardrobe changes, and sometimes hair and makeup changes too.
But, my studio was under construction to create a dedicated space for my clients, and I needed an alternative for the summer and fall months.
Outdoors it was!
Hair and makeup was done at Jessica's home and we met in the parking lot of one of my favourite local green spaces, Confederation Park in Northwest Calgary.
I came prepared with my pop-up change room and sturdy Costco travel cart so that I could provide the same experience on-location as I would in the studio.
I had hoped to include Jessica's 94-year-old grandmother in this session, but it was not possible at the time, and I'm so glad that Jessica decided to go ahead and do this FOR herself BY herself.
She deserves to be seen for the beautiful woman that she is!
This is Jessica's 30 Days of Gorgeous experience.
[Don't forget to scroll to the end for Jess's emotional video!]
30 Days of Gorgeous:
A Photography Project in Calgary Featuring the Beauty of Women 35 and Older
Tell me your story, Jessica.
I am a mother to an amazing 7 year old boy.
I am the wife of a husband who teaches me the importance of self care.
I am a faithful friend .
I am a hard worker who puts in long hours and is dedicated to making her career a success.
I am passionate about giving back to the community and creating a legacy of kindness and loyalty.
The last few years have really shown me that I am capable and strong.
As I approach my 40th I have learned to let go of where I thought I would be.
I am exactly where life has brought me.
Why do you want to participate in the 30 Days of Gorgeous?
I would love to see the beauty of 40 - I think a part of that is letting go of my concepts of what beauty should be and learning to love myself as I am.
It is a part of letting go of the fantasy of what I should be looking like - but seeing that the reality of who I am is pretty great.
I would love to be a part of a group of women celebrating strength, bravery, and achievements.
What does being a woman of your age mean to you?
Turning 40 has meant a shift in thinking.
I have become more focused on feeding my soul - finding things that inspire me and being brave enough to try new things.
Most importantly - I am able to walk away from toxic relationships and people.
I feel strong, capable and brave.
I know where I want to go and how I will get there.
I am becoming the "authentic" me I was meant to be.
What is the number one piece of advice you'd tell your younger self?
Let go of the fantasy - Forget the fantasy of how your life could be like, what you could be like as a person, what other people should be like, what the world should be like. Realize that reality, as it is, is amazing.
Be grateful for each moment and that you can experience it.
Learn to love yourself as you are in each moment.
What makes you feel beautiful?
I feel my true beauty comes from my soul, from the way I love, from my brain, and most of all from my compassion for other people.
I feel like the most beautiful people I’ve ever met have amazing souls and do things to make the world a better place.
'It's good to see the beauty in yourself sometimes' - Jessica
'It's good to see the beauty In yourself sometimes. It's amazing how beautiful you can feel, even though you may not fit into what society deems as a beautiful person.' - Jessica
You can have portraits of yourself that you love too!
Get in touch and let me know how you dream of being photographed!
#shootprintlovelaurie
I am a Contemporary Beauty and Personal Portrait Photographer.
You will have an unforgettable experience when you book a portrait session with me. You will look and feel like a celebrity, I promise!
The people I photograph always feel a boost in self-confidence during their portrait session. They tell me that I set them at ease and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Print is my passion, and I believe that your portraits deserve to be displayed on your walls and in gorgeous folio boxes. I will custom-design the most beautiful wall displays and albums to suit your style.
It all starts with a consultation.
Tell me how you dream of being photographed and we’ll go from there!
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