Yesterday I celebrated four decades on this Earth! I was excited and grateful for the entire day. I planned a few events to commemorate this fine time of life. One of my plans included having a camera turned onto me. 

One of the first things 70% (Editor's note: not really a mathematical statistic, I made it up) of my clients tell me is, "I hate having my pictures taken." I agree with them. I'm not a fan myself. So, of course, I challenged myself to have my photos done for my 40th birthday!

My photographer (who asked to remain anonymous) is a friend. So, I did have an advantage in feeling comfortable with this person with no warm-up. I promised myself I would go with the flow during our time. I wouldn't resist the process or let my insecurities get the best of me. 

I always ask my clients to trust me. I will only show them the best photos of themselves. If I release a proof, it means: YOU LOOK MARVELOUS! I had to put that same trust in my photographer. I was surprised that I totally dig the results. What do you see?

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I love this photo of me! Do you see all of my "flaws"? Were you looking for them? Or only after I told you? They are the flaws that make my face mine. The angle of the photo is flattering. It's a great photo of me: flaws and all. When you first looked at my photo, it's how others look at yours. They're looking to see how you've been captured. They're not out to criticize your crooked tooth or deep set laugh lines. Er, I mean LAF Lines... Especially not your parents, spouse, children or siblings. They just want great shots of you that capture you in your now.

Trust your photographer to capture you in the most flattering lights and angles. Their education and experiences lead them to make great choices to best suit you. I often hear "I'll call you when I lose 20 pounds." Guess what? Your kids don't care about that. When they grow up and out (and they will!) they'll be glad to have great captures with you in them.

I threw myself into my clients' shoes to make sure I wasn't asking the impossible. I'm thrilled that I have nice photos of me at 40. Heck, I make my kids pose for me every year for their "birthday photos." I think we should continue this tradition into adulthood! :)

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