It has been over 15 years since I started my photography business (at the time in Raleigh, North Carolina) where I was taking portraits of families, models, engaged couples, and even a few weddings here and there. In fact, it has been many years since I even picked up my good camera at all (ie: heavily relied on my latest iPhone for everything) as it sat buried in a box in my basement. But, I didn’t want to sell or get rid of it either... because, WHAT IF??

With many moves around the country and child-rearing to do, along with female centered (health) coaching and growing a social media /marketing business, my photography admittedly fell by the wayside over the years. I made all the excuses, (The field is too saturated. I don’t have the best equipment anymore. I don’t have time, etc..etc..).

Yet, I still enjoyed taking photos of my kids , or things that spoke to me for my own purposes, and even entered in and was featured in a few National art/photography exhibitions. I still enjoyed the creativity and what it meant to me. But, beyond that, I was doubting what I could offer anyone else anymore....

Last month I was listening to a song (“In The Light” by Michael Marcagi-check him out if you get a chance) And, I was reflecting on something that occurred earlier in the Summer, when a vision /idea came to me suddenly out of the blue. This idea totally made me stop ,.. pause, smile to myself (and I am pretty sure I also yelled “YES! “ out loud to nobody but myself).

The idea that came to me was to meld my LOVE of photography ..along WITH my PASSION of empowering women to see /know their most amazing and worthwhile selves!

.. YES!.. as in WHY NOT offer an empowering photo session for local women?!? A space for women to feel, and be seen. To heal the soul a bit. To CELEBRATE exactly who they are right here and now (I think we can all use a little more of that , right?!?) while in a supportive photographic experience while simultaneously having it documented!

Thus, “ Stand In The Light “ was born.

And, it has been my great pleasure to spend the last two months meeting and getting to know various local women, who have opened themselves up to this experience. I am SOOO proud of them. And jeez..just how gorgeous are they?! .. inside and out!!! ( I still don't think they even realize just HOW amazing they are! But, just a few photo examples below...)

Phenomenal Women.. Owning it.. Standing In The Light…

It takes courage to open up and be open to a new experience. And, all of the women I have met have been incredibly brave. And, for what it is worth, ALL of them have made an impact on me in some way, too.

Together we shared, not only a beautiful empowered experience, but also visually documented photographic result of this in which they now have 8-10 beautiful images to keep- (and share!) purely of themselves- proving that they are worth every bit of love that it took to embrace their light. I truly believe in the benefit of this! (Also, how empowering to share these photos with their families and children for years to come? And how empowering that their children/ families get to see that they LOVE themselves enough to do this!)

Even during our brief 20 minute experience together, I have witnessed small transformation. Many have shared how nervous they felt before the session, only to come away feeling so empowered and at ease. Prior to the shoot, Samantha told me she was "nervous but excited" And after, her (below) testimonial sums it all up well:

*testimony from my first Stand In The Light client, Samantha.

To read more testimonials, and see a few more images from these sessions, visit my photography page: Click Here to View

Also, I have started an Email newsletter, and I am excited to extend a very special offer to all of my VIP newsletter readers!!

Because I have loved creating behind the lens again so much.. I am now offering photography mini-sessions! AND ,for those of you who subscribe, and in honor of my very first email newsletter, I am extending a very limited time discount!

This can be applied to a “Stand In The Light” photo session, headshots, a senior photo shoot, or a mini-family photo shoot. (The leaves are turning and it's prime time for outdoor beautiful Fall photos!) The offer is good until the mid -November. All you have to do is sign-up to my newsletter. (I promise I wont send spam !) Email me HERE to do so- or reach out on social or messenger-and I can add you to the list! Once added to the list- I will email you with a link to the discount code ☺

It feels good to be out there taking photos again (yes- with my good cameras) and meeting amazing people in the process! I don’t take any of it lightly. I am so glad I listened to the idea that came to me in a quiet moment . It’s important we follow these little ideas (I call them little whispers of intuition..) that can become and lead to bigger ideas. Which often lead to other amazing things….and on, and on…

I hope you will join me - whether for an empowered individual photo session, family photos, or simply an updated profile or business photo! Or, if you are local, we can simply meet and chat over a cup of coffee; I love meeting new people, and I love a good cup of coffee! :) Shall we?

Hope to see you soon!

With Love,

Jen

“YES”, It All Begins With An Idea...