When I tell you I wish I had a creative outlet when I was younger, please believe me! I recently did a letter to my younger self to celebrate her for overcoming challenges and in doing so, I realized exactly when certain parts of myself was changing mainly because my confidence was seeping away. At one point, I’d want something but for whatever reason, I’d choose negative behaviors (talking back, being a class clown, bullying, etc) to make up for the things I was lacking. If I’d only been involved in the arts at a younger age, maybe some of my frustrations would have given me the power, skill and ability to be more confident a lot sooner! I’d be able to make direct eye contact, speak up when I truly needed to and be much better at being social as well as being comfortable in my own skin….SOONER

Earlier this year, I completed a one day project photographing 50 kids in a local performing arts program! These kids have NEVER been photographed professionally but they SHOWED UP AND SHOWED OUT! I was soo amazed at how they were able to connect and be in the moment in order for their personalities to jump through the camera.

My assistants were amazing as well as the professional makeup artist I secured to give each kid a fresh face look as well as an experience that I’m sure they will remember forever. Giving them their final images !! well, I’ll just say that they are now industry ready!!

My advice, get your kids involved in as many activities as possible! especially if you’re sensing they’re in need of extra help in communication, confidence, self esteem, bonding and making friends!! I’m 1000% sure you’ll see a beautiful difference in them and the transformation will be life changing!!

As an adult, photography has been the tool for me to step outside of my comfort zone. Eye contact and being social is still a challenge but OH how that all changes when I have the camera in my hands. it’s like a whole new person steps up to help the person in front of me.. who may be just as shy and introverted as I am. My role and thoughts change from my usual introverted self, to helping my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. I forget all about my internal struggles and focus on the main subject, my client.

#ExploretheArts #ArtIsTherapy #LiveFullOut #PhotographyChangedMyLife #TheKidInYouIsAlwaysThere #NourishThemStill