I've been organizing my files and came across this photo that one of my kids took of me one afternoon at home--probably taken at least 10 years ago. It's not a perfect photo, but it's me in a happy place and a photo of I think how my kids see me, with a camera and smiling at them. I definitely don't smile at them all the time, of course, because that would be weird, especially when they need to be vulnerable with me and I need to really listen. Our lives aren't perfect, but we are a work in progress, independently and together. I'm not sure why I'm sharing this, but I feel like I need you to see me, and I also want to see you. In your happy place--or not. My goal when I photograph you is to really connect with you and really see who you are. How you are with your loved ones and how you are on your own. I encourage you to tap into your inner confidence and the scary parts that you don't feel comfortable addressing. I take my take time working with you so that the images come out naturally and full of emotion. You may cry. I've seen it, and it's ok! Hells, I’m crying now as I write this. It happens. It's a good release. Anyway, I'm rambling, but wanted to reach out in this new year. It's going to be a good one. I hope you're doing ok.

Love, Charmaine🖤