I’ve had the opportunity to do some pretty amazing interviews lately, and one of them was with a favorite site of mine, Swaay! They were interested in how, as a professional photographer, I help women find their best selves. Take a look at what I had to say!

After the interview, I really wanted to expand on this topic because it means so much to me. As a female entrepreneur and a mom, I know firsthand how crazy things can get when you’re trying to achieve your professional dreams while raising children and spending time with family. Even if you’re not a mom, life can get pretty hectic!

And the truth is… When it comes to achieving our dreams, women are often told that we need to juggle work and family life perfectly, be beautiful and stylish, and always have a smile on our faces. It’s no wonder that so many women feel overwhelmed. If you can relate, you’re certainly not alone.

As a professional photographer, I’ve had the honor of working with women of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds. Many women who contact me about doing a boudoir or portrait shoot are so excited about finally taking the leap to do something they’ve always dreamed of. But before they step into my studio, they’re often nervous and self-conscious about how their bodies look. It’s my job as a photographer to help them realize that they are truly beautiful.

How do I do that? Here are a few things I tell my clients to keep in mind if they want to fulfill their dreams…

Don’t be afraid to shine!

Women have always had to fight for their place in society. Whether it was the women’s suffrage movement or the fight for equal pay, women have continuously had to work hard for equality. But many of us are still fighting another battle every day: belief in ourselves. Too often, we may feel like we aren’t good enough or that our accomplishments are insignificant. This mentality can prevent us from reaching our full potential. That’s why it’s so important to believe in yourself and your abilities, and trust in your strengths. Many successful people attribute their achievements to a strong belief in themselves. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?

Nurture yourself.

One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to be kind to ourselves. This means accepting ourselves for who we are, flaws and all, and not judging or punishing ourselves. It also means being supportive and gentle with ourselves when things don’t go as planned or when we experience setbacks.

Self-kindness has many benefits. It helps us feel good about ourselves, which boosts our self-confidence and self-esteem. It also allows us to be more forgiving towards ourselves, which reduces stress and anxiety. And finally, it enables us to treat others with kindness and compassion as well.

So if you want to be happier, less stressed, and more compassionate, start by being kind to yourself!

Remember what you’re capable of.

When you’re feeling down, or when you’re feeling like you can’t do anything right, look back at your past successes. They’re proof that you’re capable of doing great things. They are also proof that you have what it takes to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.

Take some risks.

Risk-taking is essential for growth. Without it, you’ll never know what you’re capable of and you’ll never reach your full potential.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should take risks without thinking things through. There’s a big difference between taking risks and being reckless. Reckless risk-taking can lead to disaster, while thoughtful risk-taking can lead to amazing success.

When you’re taking a risk, it’s important to have a plan in place. Knowing what you’re going to do if things go wrong will help you feel more confident and less anxious about the outcome.

Surround yourself with supportive and inspiring people.

When you’re trying to achieve something great, it’s important to have people in your life who support you and push you to be your best. These people can be your friends, family, or colleagues. It’s important to find someone who will inspire you and help you stay on track. Surrounding yourself with positive people is one of the best things you can do for yourself!

Don’t be afraid to fail.

Failure is a natural and essential part of learning. If you never fail, you’re not trying hard enough. And if you’re not trying hard enough, you’re not going to be successful. So don’t be afraid to fail – embrace it!

Each failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. When you fail, reflect on what went wrong and how you can do better next time. Then, try again. With each failure, you’ll get closer and closer to success.

I’d love to hear from you!

What advice would you add to this list? Visit me on my professional photography Facebook or Instagram pages and let’s get the conversation going to help inspire other women!