I’m not sure at what point super, super skinny/borderline anorexia became in vogue, but the only ones buying into it are women.  Really.  I’ve never heard a man swoon over a size 0 body.  I have, however, heard women say, “Ugh, she’s a size 2 - I’m so jealous” or “Can you make me a size 2?” Of course, it’s all said in jest, but still, why we can’t be comfortable in our own skin?  I’ve been a FULL size 8 (and in some cases 10) for the past 10 years.  I fluctuated between a size 4 and 6 for most of my life, then kids happened. LOL! And for a short, stressful period in my 20s, I actually got down to a size 2!!!  Gah!  People that haven’t seen me since I was rail thin usually comment about how much better I look now than I did then.  They tell me I used to look sickly and unhealthy.  (Dang! And I thought I looked great!)

Now make no mistake, I know I need to hit the gym, BUT I’d only be doing it to feel better and tighten the muscles that have been laying dormant for quite some time. ;) Because overall, I’m pretty content with the way I look and feel.  If I didn’t, I’d probably be starving myself and I can’t be doing that.  With 3 kids, a husband and a business, I need ALL the energy I can get.  I don’t know if I have a point to all of this, but I propose more women embrace their bodies and stop falling victim to what Cosmo, Vogue or other fashion magazines tell us the right size is supposed to be.  We’re doing this to ourselves.  If our spouses aren’t asking us to be a size 2, then why the heck are we stressing?!

When Miss M arrived to the marathon the other day, she, like every other woman I photograph, made self deprecating remarks about her body.  (I think I’m gonna start gifting women that DON’T do that.  It’ll be the “be nice to yourself” incentive.  haha) I wasn’t sure what to expect once we got started. Well, I was absolutely floored at her comfort level.  She OWNED that day!  Oh my gosh, she channeled her “inner model” and worked every last minute of her session.  It was amaaaaazing!  As I looked at her figure,  I thought of the FB pic I’d seen the week before and thought, “THIS is a HOT! She’s a REAL woman.”  She’s a wife and a mother and doesn’t make any apologies for the way she looks!  It was refreshing and I left that day feeling good about MYSELF because she represents me and soooooo many other women in America today.  Take a look at her, Ladies.  You tell me to make you a size 2, but why on earth would you NOT rather look like this beautiful woman?

This marathon was probably the smallest we’ve ever had, BUT I think it’s definitely my favorite.  I really enjoyed the slower pace and being able to work one on one with each of the ladies to find the perfect outfit choices.  It was also fun NOT having a bed to have to work with.  lol!  I was able to try new things and use different props instead of the standard bed we are forced to use in hotel rooms.  I think I’ve kind of abandoned that look because it’s been done (and continues to be done…) so, so much.  Don’t get me wrong, it definitely has its place, but I think women deserve more than that.  They want to look pretty and they also want images they can share with more than just their significant others.

I can blab on and on, but let’s get to the first sneak peek already!!  This is Miss S, who brought the absolute perfect outfits for her session. 

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Thanks, C, for being the perfect model!  You were so much fun to work with and I can’t wait to have dinner and discuss our “groupie tendencies”! LOL!  <3 Rita

Thank you, Miss M, for being patient with me while I tended to my family issues last week.  I always say I have the best clients and your kindness during this difficult time only validated what I’ve already known.   I will always remember the kind words of encouragement you shared.  Thank you so, so much!

Okay, no misty eyes allowed.  Here’s your sneak peek!

Photographing Miss M was no exception this time.  She was my last session of the day and she was a BLAST!  First, Miss M is also a photographer, so she was able to understand my excitement about trying new things.  Second, she has a very unique look.  The hair stylist sleeked her hair and parted it down the middle, which not all women can wear.  Her eyes are SO round and blue, that Lauren (our makeup artist) was able to make those babies POP with some of the longest false lashes I’ve ever seen worn! haha  Third, the outfits she brought were very cool and unlike anything I’ve ever shot, so that made it easy to think of new ideas, as well.  You put all those elements together, and by golly, I was in photography heaven.

Thanks, Miss M, for putting up with my “wait, let’s do one more shot” craziness.  lol!

I left this one in color, because it would be SINFUL to convert those eyes to BW in this shot!

I edited this one in LR and loved it just the way it is!