A letter for my younger readers
Just a few weeks ago I noticed some young ladies that I know following me on social media, and liking photos, it immediately hit my heart I needed to write a post just for those girls. so young ladies, this is for you!
I see you following my social media accounts, and liking the photos I post. I specialize in women’s portraits and many times that looks like boudoir and fitness with women in less than conservative clothing including myself. I’m writing this with you on my mind and the word that comes to my mind is wait. I waited until my mid twenties to start wearing clothes that showed off my body and if we’re being honest, I waited until I was 30 and knew exactly who I was before I wore thong bikinis. I’m not saying a young woman shouldn’t have confidence to wear what she wants but I am saying you will change, and change and change again. Not until your mid to late twenties do you know who you are to the core (and I know that sucks to hear, but something just changes around this time) and even then, life will throw new obstacles your way. I’m 31, and as much as I read and discover things about my heart and know who I am i’m still learning. So wait. I know you see women all over and not just on my page showing off their bodies and they get a lot of attention, but the women I post aren’t looking for attention from men. They’re women confident in who they are, but just need a reminder. Women who already have discovered themselves and went through those years of being unsure. we all go through them, so as you go through those years, just wait.
It’s okay to want to feel pretty and beautiful, but at a young age guard that heart of yours. You are still gorgeous without showing off your body, and I encourage you to wait until you’re in your mid-twenties and know truly how you feel about your mind, body, and soul before you step in front of a camera in something less than. I realize I sound like an old woman telling young girls to wait a bit. But I just want to let the ladies know that we all have a desire to feel seen and beautiful and lovely, but at a young age that should look differently than when you’re a woman.
some women feel empowered covering up and some feel empowered when they show off a little, it’s not for us to judge those women but I do think it’s up to us to be examples young girls, and I know photographs have a huge impact on our minds especially those that leave little to the imagination. It’s never my intention to simply say wearing less makes you beautiful. What makes you beautiful is knowing who you are, being brave, strong, and proud of the body you have. It’s okay to wear sexy little bikinis and lingerie, but there’s a time and a place especially to be photographed in it. It should be when we know who we are, what we believe, and how we truly feel about it. you’ll have plenty of opportunities to go on those trips, wear cute tiny bikinis, and feel sexy but I promise you that where you are now is perfect. Don’t try so hard to grow up, enjoy every moment of being young, wild, and free. and if you’re wondering yes of course we can still have a photoshoot together and you will still feel lovely in front of the camera.
Keep Shining
Shanna Star
