She Loves That She’s Alive!

04 Oct She Loves That She’s Alive!

We started a Model Rep program specifically to highlight the beauty of women over the age of 35. Missie applied and her stunning smile and ability to express playfulness and excitement made me say “YES! THAT ONE!”. I am always drawn to women, well people in general that aren’t afraid to be silly and are okay running against the tide. Everything about Missie’s application screamed that and after meeting her I was smitten. Here, in her own words, is Missie’s powerful story. 

XOXO, 
Sara 🙂

Hair and Makeup by: Makenzie Radke

Photography by: Sara James Williams

I can’t pinpoint when it happened exactly but I haven’t enjoyed or liked my picture to be taken for years. I love photographs and the special moments in time that they capture but I have felt more comfortable behind the camera as opposed to being in front of it. I have cringed at the possibility of big events knowing photos would be taken..since (like many women) I see my flaws first.

There is a strange shift in mindset when you begin fighting for your health & life.

 I started thinking about all of the things that I wanted to do & the opportunities that I may never have again.   

A boudoir photo session was something I had always wanted to do. I realize that I no longer have the muscles, tight abs, or size 4/5 I was in my twenties. Childbirth, medicines, surgery and aging had all taken their toll causing me to no longer fit society’s standard of the “perfect” body.

But I began realizing how truly amazing my body is…it has given me five incredible children, the ability to carry me through 100% of my bad days, it fought cancer & allows me to embrace those I love.   So when the opportunity arose for me to work with Sara and her staff for a boudoir photo session I jumped at the chance. Not because I wanted to surprise a significant other but because I wanted to check something off my “bucket list” and to embrace the body that I haven’t always appreciated or even loved.    

A week or two before my scheduled session Sara called while she was on vacation to get to know me, the vision I had for my session, as well ask me questions about the type of music I liked. She then explained the outline of a typical session. I hung up feeling excited.  
As my session approached I became more excited and had everything ready days before. As luck would have it schedules shifted for me personally, so the day of the session I felt frazzled, as well as doubting if I was really ready to embrace this body of mine in a loving way. While driving I realized I left the 2 outfit ideas I had the biggest desire to do (maybe because they were also nestled within my comfort zone) at home. I began contemplating the idea of calling Sara to tell her that I couldn’t do it (no need to reschedule) turn around & hide in my bed. Somehow, I found myself at the studio door being greeted with smiles, excitement and genuine warmth. Sara and Makenzie quickly had me at ease. Sara a I went over the items I brought helping me determine what to put together and offering ideas of order. As I sat in Makenzie’s chair, getting pampered, I found myself sharing, chatting and admiring these two women that were in the room with me. Both beautiful, smart, charming, witty and loving. My journey brought me there to that moment…in their capable loving hands.      Through out the session, we laughed and truly had fun. Sara directed but also made it feel natural instead of overly posed. I entered the studio feeling doubtful, nervous and vulnerable but I left feeling empowered, confident and incredible!     Sara is truly a talented photographer but her true, incredible gift is showing women their personal beauty. I truly believe EVERY woman should experience what she offers in a photo session. It is about seeing you as others see you… With love.