Meet ten beautiful women who LOVE their Bio Photo.  Yesterday’s Photo-Recipe inspired an unexpected response!  And I must share!  I think it’s hard for women to admit loving a picture of ourselves.  It can feel vain.  But you know what?  That’s B.S., voices we can’t listen too–we must ignore.  We are all beautiful women with incredible hearts.  And if we can learn to walk in that truth, think of the impact it will have on our kids!  Post a comment and tell these women they are AWESOME for sharing their bio photo–that they are NOT vain–and their tips are the icing on the cake!

Meet Jen from WA, a Seattle workshop graduate!

I love what Jen shared about her photo and the experience of having it done; I think I love this picture b/c so often, we easily dismiss a photo of ourselves b/c we see something we don’t like …for me, it’s my nose and I have a lazy left eye when I smile.  However, I still see those things in this photo…but I see them with a different set of eyes.  I see the ME that I am, full of smiles, eyes that are bright, and beauty that radiates from within.  The picture is not perfect either, it’s not perfectly aligned frame and I remember when it was taken, Heather’s camera was just close and she commented on my crinkle, I remember that I had just checked www.thebustboosters.com/best-breast-enhancement-pill-supplement and I really wanted to try them out that’d why I was so excited.  I exaggerated it and then fell into a natural laughter…feeling happy and beautiful and ignoring my ‘dislikes’ about myself. Heather Pearce took the shot!

Meet Terri from Florida, a fellow blog reader!

Terri is always getting clients to jump and have fun.  Her clients think this photo is perfect for her!

Meet Michelle from California (again–yeah!).  She was a featured AMAZING mom!

Michelle’s tip!   Do it in a group with your girlfriends after you have had a few days or hours of some “me” time. Some of the only photos I have ever liked of myself were taken by my favorite Sonoma CONFIDENCE Workshop gals…Wendy, Dori, Amanda & Sharon. After having some much needed bonding and shop talk time, we ventured out to play. Having a group of friends can loosen you up and bring out the best in you. They saw and captured a side of me that is not always so visable to me and others. While I am not sure I will ever love a photo of myself, I am much happier with one that shows what my wonderful friends see.

Meet Delanae from Washington, she’s coming to the Seattle workshop in January!

Her background represents her beautiful heart–you can just feel it!  I love this photo of me. Taken at Skagit Valley Tulip Festival this past April. It may not be the most professional, but I put the camera on the tripod and plunked my bottom down at the edge of the tulip field and smiled. And… I loved it. I use it for everything.

Meet Lynda from California, a wkshp graduate!

Where do you think Lynda took this bio shot at?  🙂  Here’s her answer and more!

Lets just say, being on the other side of the camera is not too easy (especially as you get older!). But my friend taking this was really making me laugh, so that helped tremendously and the photo shoot was fun.  This was taken in my garage!  The garage door was open with the light coming in and makes great light!  You can do the same thing through a front door … just about perfect light!

Meet Christina from New Jersey!

Christina is so crazy awesome!  She flew all the way to Seattle for our CONFIDENCE Workshop last winter, and she is rocking it!  Just listen to this story, and you’ll see why I adore this woman!

“I read your blog and wanted to give the headshot a try but wont be able to until this weekend. (husband gets home too late so ill have to wait)  SO for fun i thought i would have my 4yr old daughter, Gia,  give a try. AND let her use my camera!!  am i crazy!?!?!! LOL  gosh i must be!!!
Well we both got dressed up and put makeup on which i NEVER wear!! LOL (Yes! this was to bribe her to take pictures =)   and so we began!!!  Since Gia is short (lol) i had her stand on a chair and i sat on the floor, this way she was above me.  I used a blanket as my background. It was my grandmothers and love the flowers on it..  I tried to think , if i was standing what would my body be doing if I was leaning on that one leg you spoke of on the Nate Berkus show? so i leaned a little forward on one side.  First shot she took my head was in the corner.. i explained how to try to get my head in the center.. second shot was much better but i was still in the corner.. by the 5th shot she got it!  I CANNOT believe she did it!!!    SOOO im submitting this photo to you cause im soo proud of Gia!!!!” Gia, you are a STAR!  We’re all so proud of you!  Your mama’s photo is BEAUTIFUL!

Meet Rose from California, a fellow blog sister!

Rose’s story is another inspiring example of someone fighting past their inner critic!

I hate pictures of myself, I am my own worst critic; but last summer, the light coming into our west-facing windows that day was so nice that I had to try for some shots. I was in the middle of a blog series called “Sunday Self” so I got out my new gorilla tripod, wrapped it around the back of a chair, grabbed my remote shutter release and started clicking. This is a gem that came forth from that June 09 day. I’ve used it for my website and other headshot needs since – and I love it.

Meet Cathy from California, a workshop graduate from the last LA/OC one!

I love that Cathy incorporates a heart print within the photo, making her business name that much stronger!

I saw your request for headshots we love. Well, I wrestled a bit with this one because at the risk of sounding prideful, I do really like these pics of myself. I was taking a portrait class earlier this year and one of our assignments was a self-portrait. This was one of those assignments that was put off until the last minute because frankly, I was dreading it. Literally a few hours before class was to start, I found the best light in my house which happened to be in my son’s bedroom. I set up my tripod facing a blank grey wall next to a window with plenty of natural light spilling in. I used the black eyes on the teddy bear in picture 2 to focus, set my timer, then quickly moved myself into position to get the shot. It took several shots to get it right but in the end, I liked the result. I’m using this photo as my profile bio pic on one of the links from my website!

Meet Jodi from Washington!  Check out her blog for GREAT Senior HS session ideas!

Jodi’s got two fun tips!  One, choose the time of day that the sun is most flattering.  Also, try cropping your face down and make it more interesting!

Meet Cindy from Washington! She’s coming to our workshop in January!  So excited to meet you too Cindy!

I love what she shares about her bio photo.

I love that it makes me look thinner (always a plus) and the great hair light from the sun.  When I look at this particular picture of me, it boosts my confidence a little.  Even if it’s only temporary. Actually, this particular angle is definitely a great thing I learned, especially with brides.  It’s always so flattering.  Being on the short side, I always have my handy dandy ladder with me.

I think Cindy is right.  A great photo boosts our confidence.  Imagine…you are giving your clients confidence when you capture their beauty in the photos you shoot.  Isn’t that awesome?!  I have a series of photos hanging next to my desk.  I’m doing something different in each one; working on a book in Thailand, rock climbing, writing a blog post under a mosquito net…I have them hanging next to where I write b/c they give me that little boost of confidence every day.  And they remind me of how deep my passion runs for empowering women.  It may sound crazy, but what if you did a series of self portraits and had one or a few next to your desk.  You have the power within to be your own inspiration.  It’s true.  You are that beautiful and amazing.

Enjoy these ladies’ blog and websites.  I hyper linked all their names.  (Ladies, you are beautiful!  Thank you for letting us share in how bright you shine!)

And mark Tuesday, 10/5, on your calendar!  Some crazy news is coming again!  🙂

xoxo,

Me Ra