This photograph, of me, will always be my favorite from that time.
This is so much of what motherhood has felt like to me. Everything is a foggy memory because I was in constant fight or flight. Something that might seem like a normal inconvenience would send me into a full spiral. I would look around at other mothers and say, “How are you enjoying this? Why did you choose to have another baby and do this to yourself all over again? What’s wrong with me? Am I ever going to enjoy motherhood?”
I wasn’t someone who fell in love with her baby right when they put her on my chest. It took me almost two years to feel that for her. Yes, I had love for her and would do anything for her, but she felt like a stranger to me. I couldn’t let her in because I was actively fighting motherhood every day.
We spent time in their rooms while they showed me their favorite toys. Mom said that some of those toys hadn’t seen the light of day in about a year. There is something deeper in the meaning of these sessions. Having someone pay attention to you as a family, take the time to document it slowly, show you how important you are as a family, but also individuals, and allowing you to explore the past and present. These kids had someone asking about what brought them joy and wanting to photograph that. They had the chance to feel seen by someone other than their parents. They had the opportunity to feel seen WITH their parents. So often we are the ones doing all of the work and when you have someone else see how special your family is, there is so much honor in that.
“My photographs are on our bedroom wall, so I have seen them countless times since they have been hung, but every time I look at the pictures, I am still in awe that it is really me in them. I feel beautiful and sexy looking at them, but ironically, it is actually more of a daily reminder to myself to look internally as much as externally. When I look internally, these photographs make me feel empowered and I remind myself that I am capable, that I can do things outside of my comfort zone, and that I can have self- acceptance and self-compassion, because despite all my imperfections (as a wife, mother, and just person) - I am enough.”
“In this episode of "Capturing Confidence: The Empowerment of Boudoir Photography," host Kimberly Hand sits down with photographer Shannon Griffin to delve into Shannon's inspiring journey towards self-confidence and empowerment. Shannon opens up about her unexpected path to motherhood and how becoming a mom has greatly influenced her perspective on life and her work as a boudoir photographer. Through the struggles and triumphs she has faced, Shannon has learned to embrace her own beauty and strength, allowing her to connect with her female clients on a deeper level. Throughout the conversation, Shannon highlights the importance of women discovering what truly makes them feel sexy and confident. She emphasizes that boudoir photography is not just about pleasing partners, but about empowering women to embrace their unique beauty and build self-esteem. Shannon Griffin is an intimate portrait photographer whose process is S L O W, highly interactive and contemplative. Her photographs evoke a feeling of strength in the rawness of a woman's life. Her clients become their own muse; and Shannon creates experiences where women feel beautiful, important, powerful and most importantly, valued. She gets to know the women that she photographs on a deep level before ever putting them in front of her lens; believing that the truest art begins with feeling and not technicality. Shannon wants other women to feel empowered when they see her work. Instead of comparison, she hopes they will see themselves in the women that she photographs. Tune in to this episode to learn more about Shannon's journey and how boudoir photography can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and self-love.”
