I love what I do, but at the end of last year, I decided to break out of that mold and have some fun with my photography and clients. I wanted to invite them to come and “play” during an appointment that was all about them! That’s when I started the “40 Over 40 Celebration Project.”

For many of us, the idea of loving our bodies seems like an impossible feat. We're bombarded with messages from society telling us what we should look like, what we should eat, and how we should exercise. It's no wonder that we often feel like we're at war with our bodies. But it doesn't have to be this way. 

As someone who once struggled with self-esteem and body image issues, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to love your body. But I also know that it's possible. It all starts with a decision to nurture feelings of confidence and self-love. 

One of my clients' most significant obstacles is not feeling good about their appearance. It can keep them from wanting to have their picture taken and impact how they show up if they do decide to get brave and schedule a professional photoshoot. Maybe you can relate. I know I can.

For entrepreneurs and small business brands, however, having at least 3 images gives you more versatility for not only LinkedIn, but also your Google profile image, Instagram, and Twitter. Each platform is a bit unique and each requires a slightly different type of photo to maximize your connection there. Most people want more images so they can express themselves professionally and casually.

There’s a very small segment of the population who actually love to have their picture taken. If someone pulls out a camera during a party, they’re the one shouting, “Take my picture!” while everyone else groans and turns the other way.

The odds are pretty good that you’re one of the groaners, not one of the ones jumping in front of the camera. Most of us shy away from cameras as a matter of course. It’s why actually volunteering to have your picture taken during a photo shoot is so challenging (and probably why you’ve been putting it off).

I was going for a morning walk with one of my best friends. We saw these 3 beautiful free spirits and exchanged morning pleasantries. A little bell went off in both of us. We quickly talked about it and then promptly turned around.

I asked them if I could photograph them. It is so funny because the reaction is always: Who me? Why me? All the gremlins about getting your picture taken instantly come out.

But life happens … and we have very little control of it. I experienced this truth HEAD-ON when I was being taken by ambulance to the emergency room a few weeks ago.

I created the IdentityRVA exhibit in response to the hateful rhetoric in 2016. In 2020, IdentityRVA has taught me even more about the need to celebrate our differences and similarities.

Here are three ways I’ve found to thrive at work during challenging times.

We’re all creating new ways to get through these challenging days.

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

We all get insecure about having our picture taken, and that includes yours truly. Here are some revelations I had after my own photo shoot in 2019.

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!