Bellinda Experience Blog- Wainwright Alberta Photographer
My name is Bellinda and I’m 40 years old. I work for a Ag dealer ship and I do the Financing and Equipment Inventory among many other duties. I was introduced to EFP Studios after a friend of mine added me to the woman’s only FB group and I first I was like.... why? then I saw her posts and her work and knew this was my gal! In the past I had made a weight lost goal for myself four years later I was 4 lbs away from that goal but gained muscle and inner strength and decided that I need to give myself a break and go for it since I had just turned 40 and it was on my bucket list.
A lot of thoughts ran through my head prior my session and when I say a lot, I mean everything ran through my head and I mean Everything! I had almost cancelled three times since my booking. Before my shoot I was nervous as HELL. Scared shitless. I have huge self-esteem issues like most women, and it has only gotten worse since my kids and 2 C-section later. I was a ballerina until my early 20's and I had abs and toned muscles but still didn't love myself after being bullied in school my entire life for being skinny and a dancer. Once my session was finishes, I felt amazing, confident, beautiful. I honestly felt like a boss ass bitch and I wish I could have a mini Erika in my purse and take her everywhere! Going into it I Tried to not have expectations, with my anxiety I find it creates more issues for me. It was perfect in my eyes. She allowed my girlfriend to come in and be my cheer leader. Erika has an amazing heart and a sparkling personality that makes you feel like you can do anything. My favorite part was the reveal and getting to see my images for the first time, there were a few I did not like of myself because I could see my rolls under arms or my 'pouch'. She instantly told me to look at the bigger picture and pushed me to see my true beauty. This experience has been amazing. I have seen myself in a new light. I am a bit more confident in my own body. I have actually taken a lot less shit from some people in my life since my session. I battle depression and anxiety every day of my life and weirdly enough this has helped me come out of my shell a little bit and I find myself a little more confident in different situations.
I traveled almost 3 hours to get to Erika, almost cancelled 3 times but I made myself push through. One of my best friends and Erika walked me through every moment. In my session Erika stop me immediately when I would start to think or talk negative about myself. She is an amazing woman who truly has found her calling. You can see it in every picture see takes. You know it's going to be an amazing picture when she squishes her nose up with her beautiful smile and then she tells you Ooooooo....this one is sooooo good!
Just DO IT! Take a friend if you need to. But DO NOT get inside your own head. You will regret it if you do not do this! Don't wait...do it now. If you are thinking about it, there is a reason why...the reason why...is because you are looking for that one thing that you can see to validate how you feel inside. You know you are a kick-ass beautiful woman but some people or persons in your life have taken that away from you and it's time to put them to the side and not let them win and control your life. Please, please do this you WILL find your inner beauty and be back on the road to finding your 'True" Self again. I wish I would have done it earlier,because Erika is truly the best and your relationship does NOT end when you walk out that door or you are done paying for your package. She is truly invested in every single client!
