At Show Your Spark, we believe in the power of celebrating milestones. Pausing to purposefully reflect on the past, present, and future can ground us in hope when viewed through the eyes of celebration.
Celebrating milestones isn’t reserved only for those traditional life milestones we often think of- graduations, marriages, jobs, or babies. As wonderful as those milestones can be, life contains other milestones equally worthy of celebration – saying “no” to things that don’t serve, ending unhealthy relationships, and finally saying “yes” to yourself. These milestones of a woman living authentically and vulnerably as herself, are too often under-acknowledged and rarely celebrated.
Yet at Show Your Spark, these are the moments we delight to celebrate with our inspiring clients.
Today’s featured Spark Alumni prepared ahead to celebrate a milestone with a second Spark Session not knowing that this experience would be one that would reinvigorate, refresh, and remind her of her bravery, strength, and resilience.
The experience left her transformed and reminded of who she is and how far she has come. Now with portraits to document her journey, she has been able to release her body image issues and fully embrace the beauty that she is as she lives authentically as herself.
Keep reading to hear about her experience in her own words.
“A life that is of my making and for myself.”
“I’m a 30-something who is finally coming into herself. Starting my transition at the beginning of 2020 was the start of a whole new world of experiences and an opportunity to finally begin discovering who I am. Over the past few years, there have been moments of doubt, struggle, fear, joy, love, and determination that all blend together into a life that I know is of my making and for myself. The biggest obstacle I faced leading up to this Spark Session was making it through my first year of living fully as myself. From the fearful excitement of walking into work that first day to the darkest moments thinking, “I made a mistake” to the relief of finishing the year, 2022 was one of the hardest years of my life. Looking back now, I see my photos and remember how strong I am for sticking it out and doing the work. I see a woman who was tired, depressed, self-doubting, and still carried on when I thought things were at their worst. Knowing what that year felt like makes these beautiful photos all the more incredible and special to me.
Celebrating Milestones
I booked my second Spark Session as a way of celebrating one of the biggest milestones of my life; living fully as myself for one year. I was excited to see how different I looked from my first Spark Session at the beginning of my transition in early 2020. Knowing that the year was going to be taxing, I felt that a day of personal celebration was in order.
“I remembered that I am making my life happen for myself.”
Leading up to my session I was nervous, tired, and honestly disappointed in myself. In the two months leading up to my session, I was stressed about work, school, and the holidays. I wasn’t able to add any self-care to my routine. I wasn’t sleeping well and I had been feeling very insecure about my body. Stepping into the studio was like going home. Lindsay and Michelle greeted me with the biggest smiles and even bigger hugs. Within minutes nothing mattered aside from enjoying my day. Sitting in Michelle’s chair brought me back to three years earlier; remembering my excitement then and how much had changed since that first session. I was reminded of everything good that happened; coming out to my family, having my nieces yell “Auntie Madison” while running to me for hugs, meeting my amazing girlfriend, legally changing my name, and making it through a year that at times seemed impossible. I remembered that I am making my life happen for myself.
Feeling at Home
My favorite moment is an even split between walking in the door and seeing my premiere. Seeing Lindsay and Michelle again, I immediately felt at home and relaxed, which was something I desperately needed at that time. Seeing these incredible photos of me, the real me, reminded me that I had been making the right choices in my life and they were paying off.
“Nothing detracts from the beauty of being myself.”
In the last few months before my Spark Session, my life was more stressful than it had ever been. I had no time for self-care of any kind which resulted in feeling like a failure for not having taken better care of myself. Seeing my photos projected on the screen after my session wiped all of those thoughts away. Seeing the photos was like a lightning bolt, I was blown away by how I looked! Since my session, I remind myself on the “uncomfortable” days that I am allowed to feel this way but it does not detract from the beauty of being myself.
“I’m beautiful because this is me.”
There is a simple portrait from this session that I always go to as my favorite. It’s dark, strong, and beautiful. This photo has such a badass “What else ya got?” vibe to it that always reminds me I’ve made it this far and I am still standing. My second favorite photo from this session is one of the satin sheets photos. It’s THE photo that helped me let go of my body image issues. Seeing myself in that photo reminds me that even when I don’t feel it, I am beautiful because this is me.”
It’s Your Turn!
“I absolutely recommend Show Your Spark’s photography services! Lindsay has something about her- you can’t help but feel good around her. She is one of the sweetest and kindest people I’ve ever met and is an incredible photographer on top of it! She will make you feel comfortable, seen, beautiful, and powerful leading up to, during, and after your session.”
If you have an upcoming milestone to celebrate, why not celebrate with a Spark Session? Saving the date ahead of time could be the biggest gift you give yourself.
Here’s what to expect when you contact us!
- Schedule a free consultation call to have all your questions answered and start planning your Spark Experience.
- Select a Spark Session date that fits your schedule.
- Rock the session like the bright light you are, and create beautiful, tangible artwork to inspire you for the rest of your life.
