I had planned to offer up a list of 40 different things I want to do before 40 but I think I stopped at 6 maybe 7. Then I got to thinking, that there are so many expectations of what, how, and who a person should be by a certain age we forget to just enjoy the journey. Don’t get me wrong it’s nothing wrong with goals and plans but have you enjoyed the journey to your here and now?
I spent my 20s responsible to no one and nothing besides myself. I worked, of course, but I bore no children, stayed in a toxic relationship, and experienced various levels of grief that have had an impact on me today.
When I hit 30 a shift happened, and things changed personally and professionally. I got a dog because I was feeling a bit of baby fever and I took on a role that never crossed my mind: a caregiver. And I changed jobs. All of which have continued to shape me, but I am better for it all.
As a way to celebrate myself and my accomplishments, I chose to not wait until I turn 40 but to celebrate my here and now. With so many other great things left to come who needs a list of 40 different things? I have one thing on my list 40 times and that is to enjoy the journey!
Here are a couple of articles on ways you can enjoy your journey.
This most recent ride led me to do what I ask of y’all to do, take professional pictures. I have embarked on this before but let’s just say I got a taste of what y’all may go thru.
About a month ago I asked my nephew, Jaren, to find me an outfit that is short and backless. Whew! This guy finds me a napkin! Anywho! He showed me a few outfits from off of Shein. I was like keep looking because at this point I wasn’t committed to his choices nor this photoshoot.
Before Your Shoot Checklist
Exfoliate skin that will be seen on camera (MaryKay-Carrie Minor keeps me fully stocked)
Nails (matte black pack and rhinestone pack purchased from Amazon)
Hair (trim completed at super cuts, I straightened it myself)
Makeup (ShadesbyAutumn)
Outfit (Shein)
Shoes/Heels (Steve Madden)
Accessories (I purchased from Amazon)
Undergarments to slim my constant food baby (Amazon)
Iron/steam clothes if necessary (it was a napkin, no iron necessary)
Hype-person (Alexa Lampkin)
I found myself talking to a friend/colleague of mine about Jaren working on my wardrobe and he was like I’ll take your pictures. I got to thinking and I’m like sure why not? That same night he sent me a confirmation link adding me to his calendar I went ahead and booked my makeup! I almost backed out because what in the world am I going to do with my hair? So I get Jaren to order the outfit. We settle on the shoes and I’m still trying to figure out what am I going to do with my hair.
I’m having this internal battle with myself because I don’t want to straighten my hair but that’s what I want for the overall look. 🤦🏾♀️ I finally straightened my hair and got it trimmed. On the day of the shoot, I go to work. That afternoon I put on my press-on nails with a little help and make my way to the make-up artist shop.
I drive from Brandon to Terry to get all my shoes and clothes. Now, wait you’re wondering why I didn’t take all this with me. See the shoes had just come in that day. The dress had just come in the day before. My accessories had come in but at a different address. I planned to get off work early to go home and get my stuff and then get my accessories. Well, that didn’t quite work out. I ended up making it to the studio just in time but then I had to get dressed with press-on nails on.
Y’all I struggled like nobody’s business. I don’t wear nails regularly, so this was completely foreign to me. I’m in the dressing room hopping around like a little kid. Falling and knocking stuff over.
I finally get myself together and stepped in front of the camera with someone else on the other side. It was a little intimidating at first but after a boost from my hype-woman, I was ready to go. And I must say I had a good time!
What I’ve learned from this…we as women go thru a lot to be picture ready. But just know that it will be all worth it in the end.
Click on the link to see my collection of images shot by Nico Hopkins (The Perfect Shot) edited and retouched by me (Sheena Alexander).
To celebrate my birthday, book your standard photo session for the week of September 18-24 and you will only have to pay the $75 deposit. Offer expires 9/13/22
Questions or want to schedule a session click on the image above.
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