by Julie A. Hogan

Created on: June 03, 2009

You are 45, happily married for 22 years, the mother of three outstanding teens and a regular volunteer in your community. You shop at the local market weekly, driving the same roads daily. You cook and serve meals, you do the laundry without fail, scrub the toilets, vacuum and pick-up after everyone. You're the chauffeur, therapist, counselor, medic, and general go-to-person for everything lost and found in your home. Occasionally, a date night with the husband reminds you of why you're here and all is well. Life is good, right? This is who you are, it's a good thing. These things define you, right? You are all of the above, congratulations. Life is everything you'd hoped for. This is it, right?

This is an example of a conversation I would have over and over with myself. I would try to convince myself that all the above was what defined me. I wanted to believe that my husband and kids and all that came with them were what I was defined by. Oh, the things I've learned. A pearl of wisdom that I will share is this. Never try to change who you are for others. No matter what, your true self always finds a way out. This time my true self has emerged in photos.

Having grown up in an artist's home, I was exposed to the human figure in drawings and paintings at an early age. My early exposure to art and creativity has certainly shaped my views on many things. One of which is a love and acceptance of the human form in all shapes. In all honesty, not always my own shape, as I have had my share of ups and downs, shall we say. I am not a fan of the gym, and I do enjoy food. So, with that said, I freely accept the somewhat Rubenesque shape my body has taken over the years. At the same time, without apology, I have to say that I think I look darn good, given my love of red wine and a good book on the sofa. I am not a supermodel and I don't pretend to be. This is who I am, right now, and I'm okay with that.

My feeling is this. What better time is there than now to capture the beauty that lies within the framework of you? Do this for yourself right now. Do this for no one but you. Reacquaint yourself with who you are, a beautiful, wonderful person who deserves to be captured and remembered in soft lighting at least once in her lifetime. Redefining who you are through beautiful photographs helps you see the true essence of you in a new way. The entire experience is a true awakening to who you are.

Empowering, scary, intimidating,

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