"Red shoe make overs are less about having nice photos of yourself to look at and more about rebuilding confidence and strength.
I use this photo every day to remind me that I am fierce, I am strong, and even though I have not yet reached my goal weight....I am still beautiful.
Somewhere along life's painful journey in the past 2 years I lost myself. I lost my strength, my hope, my confidence and determination, and even the will to live. I had my makeover at the time my 10 year marriage was ending in hopes of feeling better about how I look.
What I did not know at the time was that life was about to get even more painful than I ever expected it could be. There are days I can not bear the thought of getting out of bed to take care of my 4 children when I just want to sit and cry all day.
Then I look at the expression on my face that Sarah somehow managed to catch on camera that reminds me I am better than that. I am stronger than the temporary pain I am going through. I deserve better than the broken relationships and lost friendships. I am a kind and loving person. I am a great mother and a damn good friend anyone would be lucky to have.
I will never trust or love another man as long as I live and I am ok with that. My children need me and I will fight to find my way back to the person I see in this beautiful photograph. I gave of myself more than I could afford to give to people that did not appreciate or deserve it and now it's time to give back to myself. This makeover was the 1st step in doing that. Thank you Nicole and Sarah for reminding me that I am beautiful, inside and out and that I deserve peace and happiness in my life.
At the beginning of the year, inspired by all of the beautiful women I photograph, who pour their stories along-side the images captured...I wanted to create three editorial photo shoots...and this is my 1st simply called "the Beach shoot"
"To those of you like me who never feel thin enough, pretty enough, confident enough then Red Shoe is a must. It gives you such a long lasting boost once you see the images that the talented Sarah produces. You think could that actually be little ol me!!!!
When you feel blessed to have met and photographed a woman so strong, that meeting her has had such an impact you will carry the experience in your soul for always... .wait until you read her story, wait until you see her images...
after already doing a red shoe shoot I craved a feeling that I didn't find anywhere else - no where else did I come out feeling so damn good about myself - you can't get this feeling anywhere else, no spa can offer the exhilaration you get doing this.
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
"The girls I'd seen in the Red Shoe pictures looked beautiful and full of confidence and I was, well..... just me. Nothing special. I certainly didn't think I could look like those girls in the pictures......"
And to you ladies who lack confidence, who aren't the perfect size, who have a disability, feel old, feel frumpy… … fuck it, you only live once, and once in your life you really do have to be a Red Shoe Girl, go on I dare you…
I am so excited to share Samantha images and story with you...I am so proud of you Sam, so proud of how far you have gone this past year.....here is to your next chapter ♥
Lucy....oh my....you look incredible...you are absolutely beautiful inside and out, you have such a sweet soul...and a fabulous husband for gifting a red shoe shoot as a birthday gift! ♥
"Holy Smokes!!! Everyone who hasn’t done a RedShoe shoot should and for those who have DO IT AGAIN!!! It is such a liberating, mind blowing and unique experience for every woman. From the very minute I walked into the studio I felt glamorous and sexy and this was all because of Sarah and Nicole. Sarah is so talented at what she does and her friendliness made me feel so comfortable (I was very nervous) around the camera. I can honestly say that I loved every second off my time with Sarah and now have an obsession with RedShoe! I won’t forget my day with Sarah and can’t wait to book another one in the future. Thankyou so much<3"
And this is JAY....perfect...beautiful...omg I love you Jay! Jay Emme is an amazing {good god amazing} wedding photographer... So although I felt a tad nervous photographing a fellow {I said amazing already...but she is} photographer, I didn't need to at bloody all.....Jay, I LOVE you, our day in the studio was filled with so much laughing.... and hula hooping..... you lady SHOULD model!!
