Back in February I did a photoshoot with the wonderful Shannon Swift Photography. I'd been speaking to her online for a little while and when the chance came to have my photo taken by her I was all over it. I absolutely adore her work, her lighting in particular is just something else, but more importantly, Shannon is a truly incredible human being. She's political and vocal and always fighting for what is right, and I admire her so much.
I was pretty nervous in the run up to the shoot. I've been taking photos of people for 10 years, but bar for my blog, no one has ever really taken photos of me. Seeing myself how someone else sees me, rather than being 100% in control of my image was terrifying, but I couldn't think of anyone I trusted more to do something amazing with my awkwardness than Shannon. And I was so so right. From the moment I met her I was 100% comfortable, changing outfits in front of her no problem, and doing my best to take direction to get the shot. As it turns out, I suck at not smiling in photos, so if I do this again (which I hope to) I will be practising my expressions before I go! I have Botox, so my face isn't exactly the most movable or expressive, and this is the first time I've really noticed that. (If you want to know more about why I have Botox, read this blog)
We shot several different outfits, all of which I'm utterly in love with. These photos in my mega Plus Equals jacket are definitely my favourite though. The whole look just worked perfectly with Shannon's style and I mean look at me. Even I'm obsessed.
I'm not going to share all the photos from the shoot in this post because I've blogged each outfit individually, but I will share a couple more favourites, because how could I not?
I'm not a show your lingerie off sort of a gal because I do get a bit nervous about my smaller bust (I've written about this in more detail here), but instant comfort with Shannon meant I just kept undoing those buttons!
And the last look we shot in public, in a busy park no less. Something that should have had my anxiety in over drive, because I was posing and clearly having my photo taken in front of dozens of strangers. And you know what, I didn't care at all and did my best to do my own awkward blogger version of modelling. I could not have done that with just anyone!
Can we talk about how sweet this is?! I was blown away to find out that Shannon even really knew my work as a photographer. And she's such a fox, look at her!
Shannon often offers studio days and I highly recommend booking her. She's so unbelievably talented and her work is stellar, she'll give you something truly different for your blog. She loves working with plus size babes and women of colour and I encourage you to go see her out and book her.
Much love,
Kitty xxxx
Disclaimer : This post contains some Photoshop, my skin is not that perfect!
