Contrary to the popular belief, a Reveal Your True Beauty session is not aimed only at women with low self esteem. It does have indeed a higher impact for them but you'll be surprise to see that you might fit the criteria to have your own session too.
Calgary Beauty and Headshot Photographer
calgary photographer, portrait photographer calgary
calgary photographer, beauty photographer calgary
From teenagers to seniors we go through different stages of self criticism. From not "pretty enough" to not "young enough". We all do it!
How many times you find yourself thinking "I need to wash off the mommy look for a couple of hours to feel Me or feel sexy?" I have found myself overdressing when I go out with my friends because I need a break from the mommy look to remind myself that above being a mom, I'm still Me. Moms will relate ;)
You love working, we get it. I love what I do too (you can confirm this every time I jump up and down with excitement during a photo shoot), but as workaholics we need "boundaries" (read from Harvard Business Review blog: "Happy Workaholics Need Boundaries") is very important and healthy! We need time to spend with family and friends but also to rediscover ourselves which is the first thing we put aside when duty calls.
...because it doesn't look certain way (and that includes wishing your hair was curly... or straight... or wavy... or just not how you wish it were). We should make the outside beauty match the inside beauty; not the other way around.
Apart from this belief feeling true to must of us, I believe it is also a defense mechanism against the feeling of intimidation or awkwardness we get from being in front of a camera. As a photographer I find highly important to put these feelings at ease for the simple reason that I cannot photograph your true beauty if you won't show it to me and that will happen only if you trust me; I'll guide you safely through it all, no need to fear.
You don't need to know. None of the ladies we have photographed knew how to pose. And in case you're doubting, it's not as hard as you think. It's not your job to know this but mine, the photographer. I've heard so many times from so many people having experiences with photographers who take the "pose and look pretty" approach to photographing people. I cannot understand how a photographer think he/she will take good photos of this kind without engaging and guiding the subject with patience and gentleness.
Now, if you believe this, you HAVE to do it. Seriously. Believing it's a waste of time on YOU is believing you are not worth anybody's time, not even your own and this is serious talk here. If you don't think you're pretty enough or skillful enough to be photographed or you feel embarrassed by the way you look, if you think you're not sexy or feminine enough, you NEED this session. These are lies that you have to stop believing because they're not making you grow as a person but rather killing your potential. And in case you doubt you have potential, YES, YOU DO. We all do. God made each one of us wonderful and filled with different gifts that make us unique. I experienced ALL these feelings long ago so I understand where you're coming from (read "The Ugly Betty Story And Why I Want To Show Your True Beauty To The World"). Believe me, you can change that; just take the first step.
"Most people dislike getting photos of themselves and would find it hard to get excited about a photoshoot.
But then came along Fela of Fela Photography. Working with Fela from start to finish was something of a different experience that every person should be lucky enough to partake in. There wasn't any pressure to look a certain way or need to be camera shy simply because Fela can put anyone at ease.
As people we often spend all our time putting our energy into our families or spend too much time working -that we don't get the opportunity to spend a selfless hour on ourselves to create a beautiful product.
The photos of myself are a reminder of how beautiful I think I am but forget quickly.
They are a reminder of what other people see everyday, but I don't.
I hope everyone can take the time to invest in an experience of such as this. Because then you too will be reminded of how truly amazing you always where".
- Katie

"I had the very special honour of working with Fela Photography for a "makeover" session. Greeted by Fela in a lovely, fun, supportive atmosphere at Bombay Beauty Loft I had my make up done for the first time in 15 years, by amazing Kada, slipped on my gorgeous Cherry Chic Design dress from Valrie, then Fela worked her magic. She made me feel instantly sparkly and beautiful. Fela has this spirit of mischief coupled with sincere delight and passion for her craft. She worked to help me with poses and bring out my best, and it was so much fun. We laughed during the whole session and it comes through on the photos. When it came time for the "reveal" I was taken back by how beautifully they turned out and the quality of what Fela created. I am so sincerely grateful to have had this opportunity and I would highly recommend not only Fela, but also experiencing a Reveal Your True Beauty session. It was a blast!".
- Marnie

"I have never thought of myself as photogenic, but you somehow achieved that.
My thanks to all of you. I will always treasure the memory of the Reveal Event."
- Rosemary

"Fela captured the real me in her photos. She helped me to show different facial expressions and in so doing was able to make the photos much more interesting. I have never been comfortable as the subject and she helped me have fun and enjoy the experience. Thanks so much Fela!"
- Marlene
