Client Feature Friday: Finding Her Inner Warrior Through Her Photos

Jezebel VonZephyr works with all kinds of women, from the suburbs of Seattle to all over the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We love connecting with each client, hearing her stories and capturing her unique spirit. We believe that every session is special in its own way, and we want to share that magic with the world. On Fridays we shine a spotlight on a client so she can share a part of her story. 

Today we feature a lifelong Washington resident who’s done not one, not two but three different sessions with us! She first stepped into the Jezebel studio because she wanted some fun and sexy photos of herself. But during that first reveal she started to discover herself and her power. It turned out to be a life-changing moment for her. We’ll let her tell us about her journey. 

Age: I just turned 31!

Where are you from? Seattle, Washington. I am a lifelong Washingtonian!

What is your theme song? Butterfly by Grimes. I love her authenticity to herself. Whenever I feel self-doubt, I put on Grimes. I love that she is unapologetically her, and that is what I strive to be–raw and wholly me. 

What are three words you’d use to describe yourself? Determined, loving, and passionate.

Is this your first Jezebel shoot? If not, how many have you had? No, I have had 3 life-changing sessions with Jezebel! <3

Each session I did was at a pivotal moment in my life, and I am so thankful that I have beautiful pictures to reflect on for these moments.

Why did you decide to book a session with JVZ? Each session I have booked has been for very different reasons. My first session was to take sexy pictures. I didn’t see beyond that reason for my first session. However, after my first session and during my reveal, I realized it was very much for me and these weren’t just sexy pictures. 

I was able to see the woman that others see. Without photoshop: me. I would often look at my pictures from my first session when I was feeling down. 

I was in a long-term physically and emotionally abusive relationship that turned me into a shell of myself. I was broken, and when I would look at my photo album—I would feel better about myself. I saw the pieces of me that were still there, there was still life and happiness waiting to burst forth. 

It gave me hope to look at my pictures in the dark moments that I had very little hope for in my future. 

For my second session, I booked it after leaving the abusive relationship. I debated strongly about not going forward with my session. I was depressed–years of abuse had taken its toll on my psyche, my confidence, and my happiness. But I decided to still do it. 

I am so happy that I did. 

While it would seem like a “bad time” for some, I knew that I needed to do the session. I needed a pick-me-up, and I knew I could count on Sara, Tiffany, and Kaitlyn to support me through the session. 

For my third and latest session, I booked this as a wedding present for my fiance. I came into this session in a good place feeling confident, beautiful, sexy, and excited to be glammed up and really see my spirit and happiness show through on my pictures.

How did you feel before your shoot? Before my first session, I was nervous. I had taken nude pictures privately, but never in a setting like this. I was in Jezebel’s Future Belles group on Facebook, though, and I was excited and assured that this would be an incredible experience.

Before my second session, I knew what to expect. Despite my depression and hopelessness, I felt comfortable before my session. I knew that I would feel right at home seeing Sara and Tiffany, and felt deep in my heart that this session would be a metamorphosis for me. 

Before my third and latest session, I was SO EXCITED. I love the pampering aspect of having a session with Jezebel: getting your makeup done, your hair done, and wearing beautiful outfits, jewelry, and shoes. But beyond that, I also love the laughs, the smiles, the feeling of being free of any external expectations of myself, and knowing that Sara will capture me exactly as I am on camera.

How was your session? While I have had three different sessions, each one can be fully described as incredible and life-changing. In particular, my second session was immensely impactful.

I was raw with emotion and felt powerful for the first time in so long, I can’t even remember when I had felt so powerful in my own skin before this session. 

I did the Hot Mess add-on for that session and decided I wanted to get covered in glitter. I love glitter and all sparkly colorful things. I remember vividly standing in heels, completely naked except for a body chain and underwear, covered head to toe in glitter, with my hands in the air feeling completely overcome with emotion.

My heart was beating, not due to nervousness, but feeling myself own my power. 

I had tears in my eyes and thought to myself: “I AM a warrior and a survivor. I got this.”

I felt hope at that moment.

Hope was not something I had for a very long time, and it was an amazing feeling. 

My third session shared similarities with my second because I have carried this strength that I reclaimed during my second session. I felt truly beautiful, internally and externally. I am accepting and loving of myself now. 

What was your favorite part?  My favorite part of each of my sessions is hard to narrow down because there are so many “favorites”. I would say my favorite part is being given a different perspective of myself, and with that perspective, I have been given a greater acceptance, love, and appreciation for myself.

I demand respect now, not only from me but those around me.

While the pictures are of my body and my face, which will change with time, I can see myself for who I am through my sessions. My confidence has blossomed. I am more kind, accepting, and loving of myself.

I spent the greater part of my life insecure, disgusted with myself, and filled with self-hatred. I am no longer that person, and this in turn has made me a better person, friend, and mother.

What was your favorite look from your session? Why?  From my first session, my favorite look was the red Christian Louboutins, black garter belt, and open bra. I felt sexy and confident, and I remember Tiffany using the blow-dryer on my hair to give it the wind-blown look. There’s a picture of me staring directly at the camera with a mischievous smile that completely reflects me and is my favorite picture from that session.

From my second session, my favorite look is the hot mess!!! Glitter, sparkles, with heaps of color, is ME. I loved every moment of it, and this was also the look where I felt transformed.

From my third session, my favorite look was wearing a white teddy, complete with a beautiful pearl necklace. While there isn’t a “deep” reason behind this being my favorite look, I loved how I felt in it.

How are you feeling since your session? I feel confident, happy, and free. I feel free from the chains of insecurities, pain, self-loathing, and societal expectations.

I try my very best not to compare myself to anyone anymore, and am much more conscious when I am starting to. I love myself make-up-free, dolled up in make-up, sick, sleepy, overworked, etc.

I have a deeper appreciation for myself and my body.

This confidence has been so rewarding in my relationships with others, and I am speaking this self-love to my daughters.

Did you bring anything special with you to the studio? Why? I didn’t bring anything special to the studio with me, although in reflection I wish I did. In my second session, I chose outfits that were 100% me and a reflection of my personality. But, they didn’t hold significant emotional attachments to me. However, I do want to do the 4th session in the future and would LOVE to do this next time.

How was your reveal? My reveals were emotional but in a very positive way. I saw a strong, beautiful, and resilient woman that never gave up on herself.

I saw a woman that overcame sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. I saw a survivor.

I saw a woman that despite the odds, always chose to keep going. I saw a woman that chose to finally love herself.

Any advice for anyone thinking of booking a session with JVZ? DO IT. Even if you think it’s not a good time, you don’t feel good about yourself or have ‘x’ excuse why not do it–DO IT. You will not regret it!

I have had sessions with Jezebel when I was an unemployed student, at the lowest points of my life emotionally, and at the highest and happiest points of my life. Each time, I have absolutely loved the experience.

It is not just taking sexy pictures of yourself. It is transformative. Jezebel is for everyone.

Anything else you want to share about your session and/or experience? Thank you, Sara, Tiffany, Kaitlyn, and the rest of the Jezebel team for giving me a safe space, and for helping give me the gift of self-love.

Are you ready to find your inner warrior? Perhaps you’ve been looking for a way to empower yourself? We can help! Our mission is to help women see themselves in a new light and find (or re-find) their inner strength and beauty. Let us help you find the woman you long to be! Make it your 2022 goal to step into our studio and in turn step into your power. We can’t wait to see your warrior side!