As 2017 came to an end, I realised that I really wanted to collect an inspirational series of stories to start 2018 off to a positive BANG!
Every week at Johanna Elizabeth, I am touched at the emotional stories…many of which can be seen in my portrait page reviews and our boudoir page reviews!
So, the ‘Love You Challenge’ was created
What is the Love You Challenge?
I find out why these unique people, applied and how their journey with us…really made a difference.
Only intended to last a few weeks, I got such a phenomenal response… that I am still shooting these amazing men and women!
Read all about Carla!
Before my shoot day, I felt apprehensive – have I really been picked to do this, is it going to go alright, will I feel comfortable enough to even have my picture taken professionally & will I like them, as I don’t like many photos of myself…..
On the day of my shoot I was excited & a little nauseous from all the nerves, but my female photographer Katie & Claire my hair, make up artist & light disc-thingy holder-upper 😀 made me feel so welcome & comfortable from the second I walked in.
It didn’t take too long for my nerves calm down, I had such a great time in the studio, the different concepts, looks & pictures that we created together was such an interesting & fun experience, it all felt like a dream, really! I didn’t want it to end! 😀
On the day of my reveal session, I felt excited but once again nervous (there’s a pattern forming here lol) as I don’t like my photo being taken or like that many photos of me…..so how awful am I going to feel if I don’t like my photos.
However, once again the ladies did it again…..I had no reason to worry, as my reveal session was so wonderful. When I walked into the room to see all of my photos beautifully displayed, I couldn’t believe they were ALL of me!
“That’s not ME, is it!?” My head said, then I said…..I was taken aback…I/the pictures looked beautiful, enchanting, sweet, sexy, fun, cheeky. I was so impressed that they’d not only been able to make me look & genuinely feel beautiful, brave & empowered, but they’d also managed to capture parts of my personality in the photos, which I myself, but also my family & friends have said that they can see & that was totally unexpected!
When I first entered the “Love You” Challenge, I was in a pretty bad place, I’d had to leave my job as a Support Worker in mental health for a variety of reasons, my marriage/relationship of 12 years had totally broken down, so I was going through the divorce proceedings, my physical health was deteriorating & I was trying so hard to keep building strength on my mental health, which had suffered a fair bit due to everything.
It was my mum that talked me into putting myself forward – you can always count on your mum – & before I knew it I had a consultation booked in!
Since the whole experience, I can feel that I am starting to see myself differently, I genuinely feel like you’ve helped show me that I am my own kind of beautiful, that I am brave & strong, that I should believe that & remember it every day!
So I did it! I really did the “Love You” Challenge, I pushed myself way out of my comfort zones, took a leap of faith, with some good old fashioned mum’s advice & a big breath & I set up the foundations upon which to help me find, love & accept myself for who I am, inside & out!
None of this would’ve been possible with out the warmth, understanding & support that I was given by everyone at Johanna Elizabeth, although it helps that they’re also exceptionally talented & from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all so very much!
Much love & kindness,
Carlene xox
Follow me as even more ‘Love You Challenge’ stories unfold here at Johanna Elizabeth…
If you’d like to feel the way that Carla does now – contact me and my team here and let’s get you on your own journey!
Love Jo
x
