All you need to know about your Women Empowerment photo session- Sedona Arizona Photographer

11 Apr

"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." - Louisa May Alcott

This session was so much fun. The weather report said both snow and rain. I warned Krishna via text that it could be chilly- or rain on us. She was driving an hour for the shoot, and we decided to hope for the best.

This moody Sedona sky and the splash of sun was nothing less than a dream! We met at Secret Slick Rock trail head an hour and a half before sunset (my go to time to shoot), and walked up and down the trail and made photos all along the way. It always feels like it’s over in a flash. It’s both work and fun, and I loose time when I’m doing what I love most.

This blogpost will teach you the process of getting an empowerment session of your own (at the end), as well as telling a little about Krishna’s story of life and this shoot, in her own vulnerable beautiful words.

Words from Krishna….

“I’m a writer, currently working on my first novel which is science fiction/fantasy. I also write poetry and I have a poetry IG page. I’m a disabled veteran. I’m also a recovered addict and alcoholic. I’ve been sober almost 4 years, after battling addictions for about 16 years. Because of my addict lifestyle, I suffered unspeakable traumas that led me to almost end my life.

That I am here at all is a miracle.”

“These last few years have been mostly about healing as I’ve had a host of health problems- many breakthroughs but lots of tears of frustration. I’ve almost given up many times, as I struggle with chronic pain and health concerns that significantly impact my quality of life, with no real answers from doctors. Most of my healing has been divinely led and inspired.”

“Working with you on this photography project was a random occurrence that turned out to be more than worthwhile! You’re spunky, uniquely creative and wonderfully fun ! It was generous of you to throw my boyfriend into the mix and make him a model for a day. Although he wasn’t prepared, I know he enjoyed it and is loving the pictures so far. The breeze, the epic Sedona views, the photographer, and my man being there, hyping me up, was all in all an amazing and unforgettable experience. Thank you for sharing that with me.”

“No matter what has happened in the past or what I currently suffer, I move forward, holding onto all the treasures I’ve collected along the way, many of them people who have changed my life for the better. I am blessed! And I am wonderfully joyous.” Krishna

Krishna’s Mantra….

A favorite mantra currently, that is actually a scripture: “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” Isaiah 54:17

“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” Brene Brown

“Every Day in Every Way, I Am Getting Stronger”

And this shoot was not planned as a couple’s session, but I told her man to hop in at the end for a few. He came along to help, and they are SO in love.

Krishna on love…

“Last year I met the love of my life. I knew beforehand that we would meet. I saw and was able to interpret the signs. I even knew what style he had, and what kind of music he listened to, before I even knew him. I told my sister 2 weeks before we met that I was about to meet him, and I did. I feel strongly that it’s a divine connection. The love is easy. It heals us both.

We are both big into traveling and are making plans to leave the country in the nearish future, God willing. I began a travel IG page a couple years ago and so far I’ve captured Quintana Roo, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Hawaii, although I’ve also been to Cuba, many years ago. My travel IG is not just about capturing cool pictures, but about demonstrating the essence of different cultures, people, places- in particular, nature- and the wonder that inspires. This is a passion of mine.”

Follow Krishna’s Journey

Poetry IG: @waxingcrescentpoetry

Travel IG: @koiwanderer

Personal IG: @krishnalilli

Commonly Asked Questions

Thinking of getting an empowering photo shoot for yourself but not sure where to begin? I got you!

WHAT TO BRING?

If you are a musician, bring your instrument. If you love crystals, sage, bells, anything that is YOU feel free to bring. Wear some flip flops so you can kick them off and be barefoot. Bring a brush and touch ups. Hats and scarves, ponchos, kimonos add texture and change things up. Always keep in mind the landscape colors, and feel free to ask me! There are certain colors that don’t work well on the Sedona red rocks like red- and forest green gets lost in the trees.

“WHAT DO I WEAR?”

This lovely lady brought two outfits for our session that she already owned. She made the hat. I believe she borrowed the poncho:) Hats and ponchos are fun accessories to play with and match the Southwest Landscape, if it suits your style. You can also look at kimonos - another fun thing to add to an outfit. JOYFOLIE is a really great website for dresses and accessories. *more dress ideas below

I have dress recommendations that are affordable. I encourage you to text me your outfit ideas and we can build from there. It is important to match the landscape depending on what backdrop we chose. As you can see, white- ivory- or black create lovely contrast with the Sedona red rocks. If you chose to wear red, you would get lost in the rocks:)

”DO YOU RECCOMEND HAIR AND MAKE UP?”

Some women want to and some are good at it themselves, some go all natural. If in Sedona area, I suggest Abby https://www.instagram.com/abbyelysemakeupartistry/ She is fun and sweet, and does a great job!

“I’m nervous! I don’t know what to do in front of the camera, I am awkward”

NO WAY! I got you. First of all, not to brag, but my superpower is that I am easy to be around. Also I guide you the entire shoot. I tell you what to do with your hands, feet, face, all the things. You can bring any props that are important to you, such as sage, bells, instruments, feathers, crystals, and we can play with those as well. If you want to use any of your images for your personal branding, bring a prop that can add to that.

“HOW MUCH DOES IT COST”?

Currently I charge $950 per session. To save your date, I take a $200 deposit via venmo or Zelle (zelle is my email) and the remaining balance is due the day we shoot. The day after your photoshoot you will see roughly 10 “sneak peaks” via email. After 4-6 weeks you will receive a full resolution gallery with 60-90 hand edited images. From your gallery, you can order prints, books, little photo boxes, or save as you wish.

VENMO ME HERE

“DO I POST THE PHOTOS?”

Usually! If you do not wish to have any of your images posted, please let me know!