the empowerment sessions.

They happened rather spontaneously, magically, perfectly. A group of the most gorgeous women you will ever meet, convening in the woods of Maine, circling and dreaming and manifesting together over the course of four days.

Of course I wanted to photograph them. 

I was the official retreat photographer, and told Hannah about my grand plan to get women outside and naked, envisioning wraps and lace and everything boudoir. We never made it happen, until the day before. I made an announcement. "I'd love to take your photos outside. Just little mini shoots, nothing big. It'd be awesome if you wanted to do nudes but whatever. Here's a sign up sheet. I think it could be fun."

Nerves, nerves, nerves. Mostly about whether or not my technical skills would be match up with this vision in my head, and this promise I was making.

The next day the clipboard list was almost full. A handful of brave women had written "BN" next to their names, to signify "bare naked." I was surprised and excited and extremely nervous.

But the time came and these women stood before me and there was even a line, women in their soul outfits with hair done and flower crowns on their heads and you could feel the energy in the air, buzzing.

I worked my butt off for 2 1/2 hours in the most gorgeous September afternoon light, hiding my jittery hands in an effort to make them feel at ease. We breathed together, we grounded together, and we made the most magic together, ever.

I'm so grateful to all the women who got in front of my camera and trusted me to capture them in all their beauty and vulnerability. I think these are some of the best photos I've ever made, and not only because of my skill but because of these beings who showed up and got brave. 

To them I say, thank you. Thank you.