“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” - Maya Angelou

Our Top 5 ways to Lose Weight Before You Photo Session:

One of the biggest concerns I hear women tell me when inquiring into a photo session is that they want to "lose another 10, 15 or 20 lbs" first. The first thing I let them know is that we are good for about 20 lbs in posing alone (which relates to the first biggest concern we get-- women believing they are not photogenic-- but I need you to know that it's not your job to be, its your photographer's job to understand how to pose you and guide you.) The second thing I tell them is that they are worthy now. All of them is worthy of photographing and all of them is worthy of loving... even if we don't always like all of us... which is also ok.

Our society sure has done a number on how we as women believe we should show up in this world. What we should look like, what we should love or hate about ourselves. What do you love about yourself? What is something you dislike? If you are like most women I ask this to, the answer to the first one is most commonly personality related, occasionally its hair or eyes, and even less often but still heard is boobs; and the answer to the second question is most commonly something physical. Was this true for you?

One last thing I need you to know before we dive in. A photograph doesn't come with a weight or size requirement. Do you even consider it when looking at photos of loved ones? There also isn't one to decide you are allowed to see yourself as powerful, incredible, beautiful, sexy or even just finally love yourself in photos. Because I promise, you are worthy to be photographed and seen and loved, exactly as you are.

With all of this said, if you still want our biggest tips on losing some important weight before your shoot, take a look below. I recommend beginning these at least a few weeks ahead.

Here are 5 ways to lose weight before your photo session! 👊

1. Drop 120+ quick!

Drop that person in your life that makes you feel "less than". You know the one, usually a family member, long time friend or even a partner that has you feeling that you are less desirable, or worthy -- even especially due to your weight-- that you feel like you just have to deal with. If a person in your life leaves you feeling like your confidence takes a hit, they don't deserve to be a part of your world or in your incredible space. Time to kick em to the curb.

2. Cut Down on:

Cut down the number of accounts you follow on social media so that you only including accounts that show diverse bodies vs one specific body standard. As I mentioned above, all bodies are worthy of being photographed. We believe what we see, so make sure what you are seeing is healthy for your mind.

3. Remove:

Remove completely: The weight of other people's opinions on how you should or should not look. Especially your own. This is among the heaviest weight we carry and will stop you from all sorts of amazing things in life. Your relationship to your body is heavier than your relationship to gravity.

Remove entirely: Speaking of Mindset, remove entirely the idea that you have to be a certain weight to have beautiful photos of yourself. As someone who has photographed countless women in all shapes and sizes, I can assure you that this is untrue and you deserve to have photos you love yourself in, right now.

4. Build up

Now that you have cut some things we have room to build some things up. Lets add in gratitude and positive self talk. Your body has and currently does some amazing things. Redefine and Refashion what beauty is to you, and start telling yourself that you are beautiful. Consider putting up post it notes that share the gratitude you have for what your body is capable of, and why its beautiful. It's time to start being kind to yourself too.

5. Hire a professional to celebrate and support you through your weight loss journey:

Hire a professional photographer. yep. But not just any professional, hire one that is a professional and personal photographer who understands the intricate connection between body image, self love and photography, so that you can feel confident that they will treat you, your body, your story and your expression with respect while helping you see your best self in photos, and finally have photos you love yourself in.

And there you have it. Our top 5 tips to drop that weight before your session. Because-- as it turns out, you don't actually need to lose pounds off your body. You are worthy, and magic, exactly as you are.