Live for Yourself

I love sharing my client’s stories through portraits and interviews.

Here are a few snippets from Jennifer’s interview during her 40 over 40 portrait session:.

What made you get pictures done?

Because I saw the advertisement and I thought it was a way that I could tell my story and help someone else get through their struggles.

What is the biggest struggle you have had in your life?

My biggest struggle has been my body image

What has made you become more confident with that?

I have become more confident with my body image realizing that I can only change and please myself.

How do you think the definition of beauty has changed over the years?

Beauty has gone from how we are on the inside to how we are on the outside. There was a time when beauty was on the inside but now it’s even in the advertisements it’s skin deep, it’s just how you look on the outside and that’s all people look at. No one takes the time to see how beautiful you are on the inside it’s always on the outside.

What would you tell your 20-year-old self?

I would give my 20-year-old self the advice of living for myself and not worrying about what other people think of me.

How do you think the younger generation perceives your generation?

My generation is perceived by the younger generation the way my parents were perceived by my generation. They’re stuffy, they don’t know anything, they’re old fashioned, they’re behind the times, they don’t catch up with the lingo, but as the younger generation catches up, they’ll realize that my generation had the wisdom that they don’t have, and even though we are behind the times when it comes to electronics and some of the language or the lingo, my generation had a slower pace, we actually learned to enjoy life.

What do you think your husband would say seeing you all dressed up?

He’s pretty easy going, he’s one of those people who see the inside beauty not the outside. He’s never really cared about that stuff but he probably wished we had somewhere fancy to go, but he enjoys it he loves it but he knows that’s not who I am, getting all dolled up like this everyday is not who I am and he knows that I struggle with the self-image anyways so he’s helped me along with that.

What advice would you give your kids today?

To spend more time with your family, that’s something I wish I would’ve done more with my parent. My mom past away four years ago and my dad has dementia, so looking back that’s time I wish I had.

What is your favorite quote or scripture?

I think the one I hold onto most is Matthew 11: 28-30

“Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest for my burden is easy and my yoke is light.”

That’s one that I’ve held onto for a very long time because it just reminds me that no matter what I am going through that God’s got it and just give it to Him, and even though it’s not easy to give it to Him that He’ll take it from me and it’ll be ok in the end. That’s scripture someone gave me the night I had my first son. He was 10 weeks early, so if I can get through that I can get through anything.

Be sure to click on the video and hear Jennifer in her own words. Hair and makeup by @beautybylizyturria. For more information on the 40 over 40 portraits, please visit www.brandibalke.com/40over40