I hate having my picture taken. Forget about doing a photo shoot.
I’m not young, and I’m no longer thin. My thighs jiggle and my belly is soft. Instead of pimples, I now have wrinkles and jowls on my face. If I let it, my hair would be grey.
Those magazines I used to read, Glamor, Self, Cosmopolitan, they mock me as I walk past the newsstand.
No wonder I don’t like having my picture taken.
Society tells me I’m invisible and my social value has diminished.
I say, screw society, what every woman over 50 needs is a photo shoot. Especially one with friends.
Building Confidence
I went away a few weekends ago with 6 business friends. Jennifer scheduled a photo shoot. My first thoughts included my soft belly, the state of lack in my closet, and the fact that any time I try to smile for the camera my eyes disappear and my face crinkles up.
In walks Faby from Focus, Click, Repeat. She made all of us feel (and look) like the bad-ass women that we are. Being photographed by a professional is much different than having my husband take a few shots of me (sorry Brian). They know how to make you look good. If you have friends around, they make you laugh. It looks and feels natural.
When I looked through all the pictures, I noticed I saw my flaws, but no one else’s. I’m guessing everyone else looked at them the same way, seeing their flaws and passing over mine.
I have no idea how and when I’ll use all the pictures I received. Who cares? They help me remember I’m worthy of being seen.
The Bottom Line
I’ve decided that I will not be invisible. My belly is soft because I gave birth to two children. A crinkly face just means that I can smile. My legs get me to where I need to go, no more complaints about jiggle thighs. Or arms for that matter. I’m going to laugh loud and hard. I’m grateful to be aging, there are so many people who didn’t get a chance.
Book a photo shoot, it may be the beginning of a revolution. Won’t you join me?
Yours in Gratitude,
Angela
Sandy Engels says
Angela, I love you!!! You are beautiful inside and out. This is such a powerful statement! We a no longer invisible….I don’t care who “they” are or what “they” say. Thank you for sharing your story and making me cry and laugh…mostly laugh.
Angela Carillo says
Yes, yes and yes! I’ll be loud from now on. Love you too 😘
Roberta Perry says
So much yes to this!
Angela Carillo says
Yes Roberta, so much yes!
Virginia says
I love love love all of this!! Definitely words of wisdom that is great to hear, thank you for sharing!
Angela Carillo says
I think we’ve always had that wisdom deep inside us Virginia. We need to trust ourselves.
Marilyn Schendel says
Angela you are a beautiful bad ass older wiser woman. We all are . Thank you for posting this and yes we all need a photo shoot.
Angela Carillo says
Marilyn it’s time to schedule one!
KarenC says
❤️❤️❤️❤️ well said
Donna DeRosa says
I love this! You look fabulous.
Angela Carillo says
Thanks Donna. I felt fabulous and when you feel fabulous it shows.
Kim Schimmel says
Beautiful!!!
Angela Carillo says
Thanks Kim!
Cassandra Wisdom says
OMG yes! Absolutely fabulous! 🙂 ❤😍
Angela Carillo says
You have a long time to go to 50 Cassandra. Remember this.
Gerianne says
You are so worthy of being seen! Your beauty radiates from your eyes, your face, and it’s a beautiful thing that you are willing to share that beauty. I’m so glad you took a breath and stepped forward for this! 💖🦋💖
Angela Carillo says
Thanks Geri. 🙂
LakshmiDevi Ethirajan says
You are beautiful in person and in pictures!!
Angela Carillo says
Thanks Lakshmi, and you are too!
La Shonda Tyree says
I think you are America’s Next Top over 50 Model. You look beautiful in all your shots but you’ve always been beautiful. We should celebrate whatever age we are in. Every day is a gift from God.
Angela Carillo says
La Shonda every morning I wake up and thank God for another day.
Nancy says
Excellent advice. You look beautiful my friend. Those pics are exactly as I see you. No flaws. Just pure light and love.
Angela Carillo says
Thank you Nancy. I see you exactly the same.