Wendy’s Time2Shine!

Today’s blog post may include emotional content. Some images may offend. If so please remove yourself from our page, we’re all adults here.

Paying it forward at its best.

Every month I will be gifting a Make-over Portrait Session to a beautiful soul, if I find her myself or if I’ve been given a heads up. I will find her and I will photograph her and we will share her story.

I love giving, but sometimes giving out free shoots isn’t always appreciated as much as it should be.

But I’ve found my way to give in the photography world.  Gifting a Make-over Portrait session to someone who truly needs their spirits lifted to feel empowered and gorgeous just the way she should. Every girl that leaves our studio feels like a million bucks so I want to give that gift to someone I know would appreciate it and really grow from the magical experience.

So I spoke with Bonnie from Time2Shine Hair and Make-up and told her my plan… She was on board! Then I messaged a family,  who had previously been in contact, who then messaged the beautiful, inspiring, courageous woman and we were in the studio in no time!!!

Meet Wendy, she’s in Christchurch for the weekdays for the last of her radiation treatment and back home with her family in the weekends. Lives on a 10 acre block with her hubby-to-be and their two young sons. a country girl with a green thumb. My type of girl!

We picked Wendy up from the Daffodil Lodge in Riccarton, bought her to our Home and Studio to have the most amazing time! Love and laughter’s, a few watery eyes and hugs were shared.

Once makeup was done we enjoyed the beautiful day out in our wee courtyard as we nibbled away on fresh club sammies and chatted more before our shoot. Wendy was wonderful to share her story and I took a note in my brain on a few key points I thought I’d share with you all. Wendy diagnosed herself when she found a lump and went straight in to her GP, where they said it was a lump during menstruating. Wendy said No, I know my body and requested a test. Wendy was correct; after receiving the results and doing tests, within 10 days she had her left Breast removed and then proceeded to start 6 Months of Chemo and 3 Weeks of radiation treatment. It was all so fast, she said it was because of private medical insurance which got her in the doors fast and the only reason they had gotten Private medical insurance was for their two young sons.  Still beaming explaining she couldn’t not be positive with the boys at home. Who she just loves to pieces.

Big smiles, watery eyes you could tell this session was doing wonders for Wendy. Letting it out, talking, sharing, and just being her all round positive, loving self.  I could see she was in her zone, it was her Time2Shine. To be beautiful, to be you. 

Wendy, you are an incredible, inspiring and beautiful woman. A heart of gold, a positive essence like no other. Thank you for allowing us to capture your beautiful and raw emotions and sharing your inspiring story with us. You are a inspirational woman! Don’t forget this.

Wendy left a wee message on my phone after viewing her images, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Does she love or hate these beautiful images? Eeek the thoughts going through my head. But she loved them! Bawling on the phone saying she’s got tears streaming from her face, she loves them! And choose 16 images for us to share with you!

I thought shit, so many beautiful people would love to feel like Wendy does right now. How can I help more ladies feel the way Wendy does now. Brain wave. Help more people! Duh! So I want to do more and more and more! Help more beautiful ladies see they too are beautiful! Feel the way Wendy feels in these portraits. See themselves in a way they thought they never could.

And it hit me, you should be able to feel the freedom of expressing themselves and their journey through our lens. So I’m starting a project that hits close to home. Already decided a name! Called: “I’m not Broken, I’m beautiful!” Where we all kinda fit the mold.

I stalked Wendy’s FB page and found a little personal post written when she shared a Scar Project photoshoot.

When you look at these images say to yourself  “ Why am I so worried about the size of my arse, I am beautiful just the way I am!! Sometimes life throws crap at you and your don’t have a choice over how your body looks anymore. Don’t be hard on  yourself ladies and learn to love every part of your body and being.”

Wise words Wendy! Thank you for sharing!

Please feel free to share the love and leave a inspiring comment below for Wendy to see.
If you’d like to nominate someone for our Project I’m not Broken I’m Beautiful session please get in touch.
We do have these sessions available with portion of the proceeds going to our nominated charity.

Thank you for reading our Blog and Wendy’s story!

Have a beautiful day and I’ll see you next time.

Much Love
Laura A

Time2Shine Photography