Showing The Parts That Are Considered.... Undesirable, by Some - Gabi Shares Her Thoughts.

What’s your story, Gab? Tell me about your story.”

I used to jump at opportunities like this. Being offered a platform to talk about mental illness or body image was always a big deal to me. I’d like to say that I have helped people recognize and communicate their stories by sharing mine. I hope so. I do believe that talking about it can help bring people into the light and maybe even redirect that light for people who don’t have first hand experience. But right now I’m more excited to tell you why I chose Jen and why I think her services can help you, too.

I actually met Jen when a friend of mine asked me to join her in her consultation. Walking in to the studio, there’s an immediate sense of “holy smokes this is for real” but also “this really seems...doable?” I can’t quite explain it. It’s professionalism meets humility. Jen is such a friendly person that the minute you walk in you feel understood and, dare I say, excited! Listening to the two of them talk ‘shop’ and sharing ideas and feeling connected I remember thinking “man, I wish I could do this!” But that’s just it, Jen makes you want to try. Her energy is so contagious you can’t understand it until you meet her in person. She also has a vulnerability about her, you want to open up to her and tell her things just so you can hear what she has to say about it.

Some months later I asked Jen if she would be willing to try a shoot with me that was a little unorthodox. Nothing crazy, except sharing parts of me that have traditionally been ‘undesired’ in some of the photos. The parts you try sheepishly to hide when in the company of a set of eyes, or worse yet, the mirror. And the super crazy part? I love the pictures. I’ll say this again, I love my pictures.

​Our pictures. They are pictures for everyone because the experience is carried into everyone around you. You feel beautiful, desirable and proud. If you let it, this experience can change the way you see yourself and the way you want to be seen.

​It’s easy to say you want to practice self love and self care but if given the chance, how much would you open yourself up? I dare you to be brave, try something new and learn to trust the universe (holy crap, Jen, I’m seeing patterns everywhere. Thaaaanks). Lady Luck helped me see the value in balance, in trust and - I can NOT believe I am about to say this, deep breath - myself. I truly want that for you, too.