CHRISTINE, 41
"I feel like I've graced the cover of a high-end magazine!"
The idea of doing a photoshoot to celebrate ‘me’ and to treasure and capture this moment in my life means a lot to me, and serves as a reflection of everything I’ve done and gone through my life up until now. Transforming into the best version of myself was pretty exhilarating! Make-up and hair was professionally done, and my wardrobe was carefully picked out ahead of time. Maya was able to bring out and capture the side of me that was rarely ever seen by others, let alone myself. She was so fun to work with and you can tell she had so many fun and creative ideas in capturing the best version of you.
This was my very first time ever to do a photoshoot and it was such a fun and exciting experience, that I feel like I want to do more! I’ve never seen myself in the way she captured me and it really gave me more confidence in myself. After some people viewed my photos, some have even asked me if I model! I was like, “Wow! I’ve never heard anyone said that about me before!.
TABETHA, 50
" I wanted an opportunity to remind me of the best version of myself ".
My expectations going into the photoshoot were pretty open-ended, but I was mostly hoping to end up with images that would help me see myself in a more positive light. The last several years have been challenging on a personal and professional level, and I wanted an opportunity to remind me of the best version of myself.
The photographs turned out even better than I could have hoped, and definitely gave me a view of myself that I don't typically get to see on a day-to-day basis. I love that any time I'm feeling down about myself I can look back at these photos and remember that I can also be that strong, powerful, beautiful version of me anytime I choose.
SHUNDRIA, 43
“ I felt like a superstar. I can't wait to do this again in my 50s ”
Over the years, I have gotten so busy caring for others, that I had forgotten that I needed to take care of myself. There's nothing like turning 40 and getting diagnosed with fibromyalgia and arthritis to force you to take a long pause. I looked up one day and no longer recognized myself. Not physically, mentally, or spiritually. I very much needed to understand who I was as a woman, and what was my worth and my purpose.
This photoshoot is symbolic of my metamorphosis. It is also a daily reminder of self-love and self-discovery. I needed the courage to step outside of the box and embrace the moment. I was totally in the hands of two amazing professionals. And I just had to let them do their thing. And BOY did they! If there is one thing I know for sure, it is that Mayumi and Art weren't trying to sell me a dream. They were totally invested in making this process the most amazing moment I have ever experienced. I trusted them and they believed in me.
BEAUTY, CONFIDENCE, POWER! This not your ordinary photo shoot. Mayumi has the ability to light a fire in your eyes and soul that embodies itself through the lens and onto canvas. You feel beautiful, confident, powerful and invigorated. This is a life-long cherished experience. I felt like a superstar. I can't wait to do this again in my 50s!
VAJRA, 43
“ Trust, surrender, allow your light to shine. Wear your crown, sis! ”
With this photoshoot I was hoping to see myself in a new light of beauty and queendom. I was hoping to accept my flaws and make peace with my aging process
As someone who strives for perfections, it is daunting to make peace with all the cracks, wounds, and woes. As with everyone Mayumi works with, she saw a light within me and gracefully encouraged me to step forward. I am humbled and grateful.
There is a visceral pain in exposing ourselves and breaking open. A reckoning with worthiness. And yet it is in the breaking that the heart finds its wings. From my experience, we can’t think our way out of discomfort, we have to surrender to it. We have to face it, name it, and sing it a psalm.
Here's to radical vulnerability. Authenticity is a practice! Here's to being alive, and single, and beautiful. (Oh... it was so hard to write that.) And here's to being filled with the life-force of unconditional loving just like all of you.
APRIL
" In the reveal I cried, I couldn’t believe how beautifully she had captured me! "
I feel so lucky to have been able to work with Mayumi! First, I want to mention that her studio is beautiful. You feel very safe and warm as soon as you walk in, which really sets the tone for your entire photo shoot experience! I love how gentle but professional she is. One thing that really makes Mayumi special, is her ability to calmly guide you through the entire photo shoot process. You can tell she intuitively knows how to best communicate with you to bring out your most authentic, confident, powerful self and you absolutely can see this reflected in your portraits!!
I always get so nervous when it’s time for a photo reveal because I tend to be really hard on myself, as most of us women are, but when I had my first reveal of my maternity session with Mayumi I cried because I couldn’t believe how beautifully she had captured me! She doesn’t just take beautiful photos, she pulls your unique essence out of you so that you can see it on the outside the way she can see it in you .. it truly is a magical experience.
MILA, 45
“ I became her eternal muse. I would gladly repeat this experience countless times ”
Stepping into the studio, I was nervous and unsure, but Mayumi's expert guidance and professional approach quickly put me at ease. Witnessing how effortlessly she directed me, I became her eternal muse. I would gladly repeat this experience countless times. Every woman, including my daughters, deserves to feel this way. I am absolutely enamored with the images captured.
To all the remarkable women over 40, I urge you to embrace the power of stepping outside your comfort zone. It's in these moments of growth and exploration that we discover our hidden strengths and unlock new possibilities. Don't let fear or self-doubt hold you back from pursuing new experiences and challenges. Embrace the unknown with courage and confidence, for it is through these ventures that we truly thrive. Remember, age is just a number, and your potential knows no bounds. Embrace the opportunity to redefine yourself, break barriers, and create a life that ignites your passion. So go ahead, take that leap, and witness the incredible transformation that awaits you.
It is time to be captured exquisitely and exactly as you are: confident and beyond comparison
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