LIFE: AMBITIOUS: Going outside my comfort zone

This past year has involved a lot of pushing myself outside my comfort zone and trying new things. One of those things involved getting photos taken of myself. I much prefer to behind the camera -- actually quite hate getting my picture taken. But, as someone who once did photography as a side job and preached so often how important it is to get family pictures, I figured my last month in Cali was as good a time as any to embrace the awkwardness and step in front of the camera. I figured I'd capture the joy California brought to my life over the past year. Thankfully, Candice happened to be having mini-sessions, so I jumped on the opportunity and actually had a blast.

I went all out and even got my hair and make-up done. Carina at Flawless Faces in Costa Mesa made me look and feel beautiful! Her studio is so chic - I honestly wished I could have hung out there on a regular basis.

It's still strange to look at photos of myself (and equally strange to blog them), but the photo shoot itself actually made me feel really confident. When someone wants to take your picture and provides positive reassurance about the photos, it's definitely uplifting. So, a big thanks to Candice for making me feel completely at ease and pulling me out of my shell so I could enjoy myself. I love her work and I'm so glad it worked out for her to take my pictures! She is seriously one of the nicest people around, which made letting my guard down that much easier.

I love the pictures Candice took, adored my hair (gosh, I wish I knew how to curl my hair!) and make-up and I'm glad to have some photos of myself. As is my mom, who already has a dozen of the unedited photos, printed off the internet, hanging on the fridge. Thanks, Mom ;)