Anne’s beauty session was featured on the blog last week here. I asked her if she’d share a few words about her experience and she, once again, blew me away with her writing…

Years ago, my mom created a “Women’s Wall” with individual black-and-white portraits of the women in my family. Some, like my high school senior portrait, are relatively recent. Others are nearly a century old. I’ve always found the older portraits to be so timeless, beautiful, and grown-up. My senior portrait seemed a little out of place hanging next to them. But, really, was I ever going to update it?

I assumed probably not. Women these days don’t have their portraits taken. We pose with our families, but never alone. We worry that having individual portraits of ourselves might come across as vain.

And yet, when I look at the photographs on the wall, I don’t see vanity at all. I see treasured keepsakes that connect me with the women who made me who I am. These portraits are a beautiful way to remember them long after they’re gone.

When Brianna explained her desire to revive this kind of photography, I believed in her 100%. Eventually, I let her convince me to book a session. I told myself I wasn’t doing it for me. I was doing it for my mom, my husband, my children, my future grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And while it’s true that these photos are for them, I now realize they’re also for me.

I walked into Brianna’s studio filled with trepidation and walked out brimming with confidence. I’ve always known that true beauty isn’t about make-up and hair. It’s a feeling. As Brianna clicked her camera with sureness, skill, grace, and gratitude, she made me feel it.

Today, months after my session, I still feel it. I feel it whenever I see the beautiful portraits she took; I feel it whenever I recall the experience; and I feel it whenever I remember that the light Brianna brought out is always within me.

I knew going into this experience that I’d come away with amazing portraits—Brianna’s work is always incredible. I didn’t realize I’d gain something even more meaningful than a tangible keepsake. But Brianna did. She knew it all along. “That’s why I’m doing this!” she exclaimed when I told her how my session made me feel.

Brianna, your mission is almost as beautiful as you are. Thank you for all that you captured and all that you helped me to see. My session with you is one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Anne, thank you so much for giving me these words, for believing in my work and for sharing your beautiful self with me.