I See You —
Navigating Body Image, Acne, and Being in Front of the Camera
If we’ve met, you know I’m not just your photographer — I’m also a person who deeply understands how hard it can be to step in front of the camera, especially when you’re lacking self confidence and battling body image struggles.
I’m writing this today not just as your favourite (lol) wedding and family photographer in Nova Scotia, but as someone who has endured painful acne since 12 years old, stood in front of a mirror picking apart my reflection, and hated looking at photos of myself because of weight gain.
I’ve canceled plans because of breakouts. I’ve stared at photos of myself honing in on my double chin, zooming in on every "flaw” wondering how anyone could ever find me attractive.
So when you tell me, "I hate getting my picture taken" "my skin is terrible” or "I’m nervous because of my weight,” please know — I hear you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Can We Talk About the Awkwardness for a Second?
There’s something wildly uncomfortable and completely UN-natural about being told, "Just act natural!" while a lens is pointed at your face.
It's like your brain forgets how to smile normally. Your body doesn’t remember how to stand right, your hands suddenly feel like lobster claws.
And look — I’ve been there. I spent years convinced that once my skin cleared up or my body changed, then I’d book the boudoir photos. Spoiler alert: life just keeps happening.
But Here’s What Changed for Me
One day, I stumbled across a photo of my parents when they were younger — mom was laughing and mid blink, dad was probably cracking a joke... they were completely unposed. And you know what?
My mom wasn’t thinking about her hair or her skin or if she looked big in her outfit. She was just living. And now? That photo is one of my favourites of them — not because they looked perfect, but because they’re in it.
That’s when it hit me: we don’t take photos because we feel good and look flawless. We take them because these moments — these messy, imperfect, real-life moments — are the ones we’ll want to remember.
Our culture doesn’t make it easy. Social media, unrealistic beauty standards, heavily edited images — it all adds up. Suddenly, what should be a beautiful moment — your engagement, your wedding day, family photos with your kids — becomes stressful because you’re worried about how you’ll look.
But here’s the truth: your story deserves to be told, exactly as you are. You deserve to see yourself in photos with the people you love — laughing, hugging, crying, being present. Not because your skin was clear that day, not because your body hit a "goal" weight, but because you lived that moment fully.
What I Want You to Know When You Step in Front of My Lens
I’m not zooming in on your skin or analyzing your body. I’m looking for connection, light, and the way your partner looks at you when you’re not even paying attention. I’m capturing your child’s tiny hands wrapped around yours, your dad tearing up during the vows, your mom laughing in that way you’ll always remember.
I know what it feels like to feel vulnerable in front of a camera. That’s why my approach is gentle, easy-going, and real. I’ll guide you through it, help you with poses that feel natural, and create an environment where you feel comfortable just being yourself.
Yes, I edit — but my goal is to stay true to you. I won’t smooth away what makes you human. If you wake up with a breakout the morning of your session, I’ve got you — but I’ll never take away the essence of who you are. I believe in preserving your real beauty, not changing it.
You Deserve to Be in the Frame
So many people — especially women — tell me they’ve spent years dodging photos, waiting for a "better" time. And then one day, they realize there are almost no pictures of themselves with their children, or that they can barely find a photo where they feel truly seen.
Please don’t wait. Don’t wait until your skin clears or your body changes or you feel "ready." Because your people love you right now. The way your kids look at you — that’s the magic. That’s what you’ll want to remember, years down the road.
Let’s Make This Easy
If you’re worried about being in front of the camera, let’s talk. Tell me what you’re nervous about. We’ll plan a session that feels like you — maybe it’s barefoot on a beach at sunset with the wind in your hair, or maybe it’s snuggled on your couch with your kids reading a story, eating snacks, or in your kitchen baking cookings. Somewhere you feel safe, seen, and loved.
You don’t have to be perfect to deserve beautiful photos. You just have to be you.
With love and understanding,
Chelle
Your Nova Scotia Wedding & Family Photographer
