Lis's VIVIFY Session
“QUEEN! I’m screaming!”
As a photographer, I am constantly moved by the transformative power of art and the connections it fosters. When Lis, an accomplished photographer herself, approached me to capture her 40th birthday celebration, I was elated, humbled, and admittedly a little nervous. Photographing a fellow artist who specializes in empowering her clients through her unique Imbodyment Sessions is both an exhilarating and nerve-wracking experience. There's a shared understanding and reverence for the craft, which adds an extra layer of anticipation and excitement. However, it also creates a sense of camaraderie and a unique opportunity to explore creativity on a deeper level. Together, we embarked on a journey of self-expression, authenticity, and love, celebrating empowerment beyond conventional photography genres like "boudoir."
Lis's nature crown was adorned with marigolds, and the orange florals matched her inner and outer beauty, radiating warmth and brightness. In these contexts, marigolds symbolize purity, auspiciousness, and the divine. Their strong fragrance is believed to ward off negativity and evil spirits, embodying the transformative journey Lis undertook during the photoshoot. The vibrant colors of marigolds also represent the sun's energy, signifying warmth, passion, and creativity. The crown became a powerful emblem of her celebration of self-love and empowerment.
Throughout the photoshoot, we shared laughter, pushed boundaries, and reveled in raw authenticity. As I captured Lis's spirit through my lens, I couldn't help but be captivated by her presence and depth. One particularly poignant moment was when Lis immersed herself in water. Reflecting on the experience, she said, "I am pretty confident in front of the camera, but getting in the water changed the tone of the session and was almost meditative. It was incredibly powerful and sensual!" The water's embrace became a metaphor for the transformative power of slowing down and connecting with nature.
From the moment Lis laid eyes on her gallery of images, her first reaction was, "QUEEN! I'm screaming!!!" Once the dust settled, she confided, "I didn't show anyone the images for a day or two. I felt protective of them. Doing something that was just mine and felt very special and sacred because I did it for myself, not for anyone else." This intimate act of self-connection allowed her to embrace the full experience - just for herself. When she finally shared the images with her loved ones, she said, "Everyone I shared them with was awed by the quality of your work and told me I looked stunning."
Beyond her incredible talent as a photographer, Lis possesses a radiant beauty that emanates from within. Being part of this life milestone with Lis has been an absolute honor. Moreover, I feel privileged to call her not only my friend but also a fellow photographer, sharing a special bond through our love for the art of capturing others' beauty for them to witness and appreciate. As artists, we are continually inspired by the profound connections we forge through photography, celebrating life, self-love, and empowerment with every click of the shutter. Thank you, Lis! xx