There is more to the story!

I am getting A LOT of questions about why I am no longer photographing babies. So, for those of you that have followed me and the studio for years, you kinda know the story.


For those of you that are new, I will fill you in a bit. 


Since 2003 I have been the "Bellies and babies" photographer for New Hampshire and beyond.  I began the journey when I was pregnant with my daughter and I got a call from someone looking for a photographer to do her pregnancy portraits.  While I had never done them before, I thought it would be fun so I we set up an appointment for her to come in, and we had a blast.  That night at dinner I told my husband that THIS was my calling.  No one else was offering them and I needed to specialize in this.  We came up with the name "Bellies and babies" I registered the name with the state the next day and it began!  It was an incredible 14 years.  I was lucky to be known as THE person to go to for artistic pregnancy and newborn portraits.  It was my passion.

Fast forward to 2015, after 12 years of specializing in this genre I decided it was time to start to change things up.  After all, my daughter (and many of the babies) I had photographed were now hitting the "Tweens and Teens" age.  And, while I had many years of photographing women, and hearing their stories (and their concerns) I guess you could say I had experience and decided I would continue to specialize in women's portraits in the next stage of my business.  I knew it would be a gradual change and for the past 2 years that is what I did.   I thought this would be something fun to "change things up" for me, to inspire me, and to get more creative again.  Little did I know it would  become WAY more than that! 


Now, I am going to tell you..... there is a HUGE difference photographing a pregnant woman and a woman that is NOT pregnant.  And, not in the way you might think.  In fact, I had no idea until I began doing it.  Most pregnant women feel Beautiful!  The have a new glow that they don't have when they aren't pregnant.  They have new found curves that they love and they have an energy around them  with excitement! 


However, as I started to find women to photograph who were NOT pregnant the story was different.   "I don't like pictures of myself." "I need to lose 20 pounds first."  "I have too many wrinkles." "No one wants a picture of me."  "I have grey hair."  "I don't look good in photos." and the one that bothers me the most, the one specific thing that these woman LOVED about their bodies when they were pregnant, they now HATE about their bodies and that is.... "I hate my stomach!"  the Very belly that grew their babies for 9 months is the part they don't love any more.   The list goes on and on.  The mindset of women was completely different than what I was used to!  I'm not going to lie, it is rare to find a woman that is 100% OKAY with who she is or what she looks like.  But, why is this? So I started researching. 


Some of the statistics were sad.   
~70% of Adolescent girls dislike their bodies!
~Body image is one of the biggest concerns for girls (and boys)  between the ages of 15 and 19. 
~{They} think they should look like the models in the magazines they read and if they don't... they aren't good enough!   It wasn't just with children though, that is only where it begins!


This put me on a new mission.  This past December after seeing the movie "Embrace" I became a Body Image Movement (BIM) Global Ambassador. (Sidenote: If you have not seen the movie you can now find it on Netflix.  I loved it so much I sponsored a showing here in Concord!)  I am no longer "Just" a Photographer taking a pretty picture. In one single portrait session I can change the way a girl or woman see themselves! How do I know this?  They have told me. My goal at each session now is not to just take a picture but to bring out each individual personality and the inner glow that makes them who they are!   If I can do that, I have made a change.

The difference that I see in the women from the time I first meet them in their consultation to the point when they come in for their "big reveal" of finished portraits is incredible!  I am excited to say that our sessions are so much more than a photo shoot. It is truly eye opening for some.  The fact that I can show someone how they look from my eyes is inspiring.  That we can have honest and open conversation about how they see themselves vs. how someone else sees them is so much fun.  But then add to that the times that they finally can see it themselves is truly remarkable to me.  I am honored each time that I see this happen!  

While I began simply looking for something "new" to do at the studio to shake things up for myself a bit it has become SO MUCH MORE than that!  If I can make a difference in someone's life or the way they see themselves through photography (something I love to do) than I know, I have truly made a difference. 


If you are interested in seeing some of the transformations and what they have to say please visit my website at www.PhotographyByNylora.com


Until next time,


Nylora

I need to lose 20 pounds!

Would you believe that this is the Number One thing that women tell me when we are talking about coming in for a portrait session?   It really is!  Followed by, "My arms are too flabby", "I don't like my chin", "No one wants a picture of me"  Well, here is what I have to say to that....


Don't we all feel like this one time or another?


I mean, are we ever REALLY happy with our bodies? I have worked with woman that are paid models and they always have something they are not happy with.  I have photographed women that have worked really hard to lose weight and STILL find a part of their body that they don't like. Society may have a lot to do with this problem but I cannot think of any reason to put off having your portrait made! 


Do you have cherished photographs of your mother or grandmother that are no longer with you?   I do and I love them so much! 


When you are looking at those photographs what do you think about?
Do you think "Oh! This is my grandmother and as much as I love this photo I wish she had waited till she lost 20 pounds to have it made!"? I didn't think so.  And, neither do I. 


And do you think that 25 or 30 years from now your children or grandchildren will look at photos of YOU and think that?  I'm willing to bet money they wont. 


I want to tell you a story about my grandmother...


Let me tell you some of the memories I have of her.  I remember walking to her house for lunch (yes, we could leave school for lunch when I was in elementary school!) and she would have my favorite meal waiting for me - ziti cooked perfectly, with butter and tomato soup (or Ragu) with just enough pepper sprinkled on top.  She would sit and have lunch with me and talk about my day.  I can still remember the smell of the kitchen when I would walk in.


She could read me like a book.  She knew when I was having an "off" day and if something was bothering me, and I knew I could tell her anything!  I remember that she called me "Doll".  Funny thing is, I never thought much about it until recently.  I was talking to someone at a meeting I was at and an older gentleman that I have known for a long time and he called me "Doll".  And, it made me stop in my tracks.  No one had called me that since she passed away 12 years ago. And again, the memory came back to me and I realized I missed hearing her say it.


There are so many memories that I have of her and I love that... but what I don't have is many photographs of her in her older years.  The reason is because she had Severe Reumatoid Arthritis and she hated, HATED being photographed because of her  crooked fingers, large knuckles and knees!  We had to be tricky when stealing a photograph (as in sitting the camera in my lap in her direction and HOPE that when I click the shutter she wouldn't notice)  of her because if she had ANY clue we had a camera out she would hold her hands over her face and block you from getting one!


This photograph below was taken at my wedding of her and my grandfather.  It is one of the most treasured photos of her.  It was taken by my wedding photographer.  It might be one of the last "formal" portraits of her that was taken.  If you look close she is trying to hide her hands and she forced that smile!  And, she is probably rolling in her grave that I am sharing this photo with the world (and I am sorry about that Nana) but the truth is I loved her for who she was, large knuckles, crooked fingers and all!

That was the grandmother I loved! And no, it didn't make me love her any less!  In fact, I love that I have that one photograph of her that was HER - the way I remember her! 


The truth is, One day, someone is going looking for a portrait of you and what will they find?  Will they find a snapshot from a cell phone that does not show who you really are (if it was ever even PRINTED)? Or will they find a professional, well lit photo of you, in clothes you felt great in, that shows your personality and the smile that they remember you for?


Let me do that for you.  I promise you will not regret it! Think about it, than give me a call!


In Love and Light,


Nylora

Why It IS important!

Today I want to share a recent session with you with an important message.


This is Nicole.  Nicole works in the Operating Room at the local hospital.  She called me one day for a session and she was really excited about it.  One of her friends had just come in for a session with me and she told me that when she first saw her friend's portraits that she really wanted to do her own session!  She told me "As an OR nurse I usually head to work in jeans with my hair still wet from the shower. Then when I get to work I change into scrubs with my OR hat. Hardly glamorous. However, everyday when I get ready in the morning my husband says, 'you look nice!' or 'cute' or 'you smell good'. Such a nice way to start the day! (and, yes...I'm so lucky to have him!) I thought "wouldn't it be great to surprise him with a gift of pictures by Nylora". 

After talking a bit more about what she wanted and giving her some suggestions on what to bring for clothes we scheduled her an appointment to come in.  She sent me some phone pics of the clothing once she had it all picked out and waited for the day to arrive!  This helps me plan ahead for the day and keeps things running smoothly!

The day of her session she arrived with all of her clothes, along with clean/dry hair and face and ALMOST ready for her shoot!  Rosangela (my amazing makeup artist) talked with Nicole a bit about how she normally does her hair and makeup and looked at the clothing colors she brought with her for the shoot.  They She got to work!

Once she was finished having her hair and makeup done (she looked spectacular btw!) we chose her first outfit for the dayand we were off!  WE ended up shooting several looks and I think it is safe to say we all had a great time! 


In fact, I got a message from Nicole later that night thanking me for a great day and I was thrilled to see that she included a fun selfie of herself with her kids when she got home.  (Don't her eyes look incredible?!  I love this!)

Nicole returned a few days later for her big reveal session where she got to see the images we got from the day and choose the ones to purchase.  These are a few of her favorites and I have to agree...

She had so many beautiful images to choose from.  It is safe to say that the camera truly loves her.  Nicole definitely nailed this session and I think we captured who she is outside of the OR.  :)


This is what she had to say after her visit.  "I was blown away when I saw my pictures! I originally thought I wanted a black and white picture, like Tracey. However, Nylora brings out the best in each woman that she photographs. We are each unique and Nylora has the ability to highlight your best quality, whether it's your eyes or your personality."


"I've shared one of my pictures at work and I've had such positive feedback. One of my friends said "I just got chills, OMG that it so beautiful!" 


What Nicole then told me gave ME chills because she made an amazing point and knows first hand that most people don't think about this until it is too late.  She said  "I hope every woman goes to get her pictures done to capture this time in her life. Being an OR nurse, I see how quickly life can change, whether from a tragic accident or a devastating diagnosis. I think it is important to get pictures of who you are in this moment. Take a time out for yourself to get glammed up and feel pretty! To see the beauty that is already there!"


The only thing I want to add to this is that your family will appreciate it, and they would love to have a nice portrait of who you are and how they see you to have for themselves for all time! 


Thank you so much Nicole for coming in and spending the day with us.  It was our pleasure to be able to capture something so valuable for you and your family! You definitely Rocked this session! 


In love and light,


Nylora

Mom's are Women too!

Happy New Year!

I haven't posted in a while so I want to kick off the new year with one of my favorite sessions from the end of 2016.

So much has happened since the last time I checked in (besides the crazy holidays and the election) I have been busy with reminding women how beautiful and strong, and important they are!  I have become an official Body Image Movement Global Ambassador and started a new Group on Facebook called "EMBRACE - Concord NH and Beyond".  If you would like to join the group please just ask and I will add you.  It is a group made for women to be inspired and empowered.  Please join us.

But, now, I want to introduce you to Tracy.
This is her "Before" image.  Before hair, before makeup, just as she had arrived for her session!

Tracy is a woman, she is a mom, she is a nurse,  she is not a model. But she understand how important it is to exist in photographs for herself, for her husband, for her children for years to come! She knew that we were creating beautiful images of herself that captures who she is at this time in her life and here is her story...


I met Tracy about 11 years ago when she was pregnant with her oldest child.  I photographed her pregnancies for both her children and photographed the kids through their first birthdays.  She contacted me last year when I was working on my "Where are they now" project.  She brought both her children in for a shoot.  You can see them here on my blog.

But in October it was Tracy's turn to get in front of the camera.  She came in with 2 of her friends for a day of beauty.  She new what she wanted from her session and came prepared.  After having her hair and makeup done by one of my makeup artist here at the studio she felt completely glamorous and she was ready for her shoot.  She brought along a few different bra and panty sets and some strands of pearls to use in the shoot.  She was also prepared to bare it all!   About half way through she was really having a great time and was very comfortable in front of the camera!  We shot her both on a white wall and loveseat as well as a dark background for a couple different looks based on what she brought with her for clothing. 

After her session was over she had to run to her son's soccer game.  We joked about how she was a bit glammed up for an outdoor soccer game but she was determined not to miss the game and off se went! 

Later that evening I got a message from her:

"I loved today.  Thank you!  The boys won!  And  <her son> told me I wasn't allowed to cheer sine I looked "ugly".  (He doesn't do well with change.) Ha Ha! But I cheered anyway!"

Tracy made an appointment to come in the following week to view the images from the session.
Unfortunately, that day she ended up in the ER with vertigo!  So she had to cancel and was really bummed!   So we rescheduled her for another day (I was dying for her to see them!)
Here are a few more of the images we got this day...

She was able to keep that appointment and was blown away by her images!  To say she was thrilled would be an understatement.   After she got home, she sent me another message:

"I cant stop looking at them!   I am obsessed!  And T (her son) asked if he could have one printed up for HIS wall!" 

(I loved hearing this since he was the one that didn't want her cheering for him at the game because of the way she looked!)   Nothing makes me happier than a mom with a son that appreciates her! And, if he appreciates this NOW, imagine how much he will love these when he is an adult remembering his mom!  

She continued "I just was looking at my pictures again. I can't tell you how much I needed them this week. I hated my body this week for having yet another weird and drawn out ailment. And I felt doubt in it. So seeing those pictures made me remember how strong and resilient it is. It carried two babies perfectly. It stayed alive when it easily could have given up. It morphed with my cushings but morphed back in due time. It allows me to push it and to work it and while I get frustrated that I eat well and workout hard and yet I don't feel like I am the weight I want to be it is strong and powerful and looks pretty damn good I must say. So thank you for capturing the beauty of it in images that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I can never thank you enough. I think every single woman....especially age 35 and over should do this at least once in their lives. It is life changing. You do magical work."

I am not going to lie.  This made me cry!  What an incredible feeling knowing the gift I can give to someone by creating beautiful photographs of them. No matter what is going on in your life, no matter how you are feeling, Sometimes we just need a reminder that we aren't just a mom but that you are still a strong woman and you should still feel that way!


Lastly, Tracy loved her images so much that she shared this on my "Embrace" Page on Facebook when she got her order home with this comment:
"Santa may not be able to fill the stockings since he will be too busy admiring the new portrait hanging (temporarily) in the living room...Embrace the chaos and love that is this time of year. Embrace yourself and embrace your body as 2017 rolls on in."

Thank you Tracy for your willingness to allow me to tell your story!   You are truly an amazing woman!  <3


#Embraceyourself
#Existinphotographs





In Love and Light,

Nylora