What is Beautiful?

What is beautiful to you

?  It’s different for everyone.

As a photographer I find beauty in love, in the strong bond of family, and within a person’s soul…the very essence that makes them who they are.  Beauty comes in all forms and to me has little to do with what is on the outside: shy, witty, outgoing, peaceful, kind, loving, powerful, reserved…it’s all beautiful.

I recently read an article where a bride was told that her wedding wouldn’t grace the photographer’s blog because he only blogs “publicity worthy” couples. Are you serious?  I was so angry for her.

Some of you know that I have two blogs. This one, and a blog called “Reclaiming Life”.  I haven’t shared my Reclaiming Life blog here, because it’s quite personal, but I’m going to now so you know where I’m coming from.

Here’s my story of losing 90ish pounds.

http://reclaiminglife.wordpress.com/my-story/

Through the years of losing the weight and to this day of keeping the weight off, I have learned…no I have fought to remember…that I am NOT defined by the clothes I wear, by what the scale says, or by how I age as I grow another year older and wiser .

My laugh lines are here because I laugh.

My stretch marks are here because I was blessed to have three amazing children.

The dark circles that appear under my eyes is often because I stayed up late with friends laughing or because my kids were up in the night and needed me.

The reason I have worn the same dress to the last few functions is because I detest shopping. My favourite dress is comfortable and I feel good when I wear it.

I rarely wear heels because I am clumsy and I will fall in public.

I often sport roots because I don’t have the time to spend three hours in a hair salon, but when I do go I love it and have a swagger in my step.

Now…does that make me any less worthy than someone who is aesthetically more “Beautiful” by society’s standards?  Am I anymore worthy to grace someone’s blog at 150 pounds than at 242 pounds?

I am the same person in so many ways, only now I don’t walk with my head down. I walk with my head up…shoulders back…and a smile on my face because I have found out who I am and I make no apologizes for it.  It’s not because I weigh less.

I will blog every single person I photograph (unless it’s their wish that I don’t) because you are all beautiful and you are worthy to be celebrated just as you are.

That’s it. That’s all.

From my heart to yours,

Christine