Who needs the sun with this beauty that shines? {Michele's 40th Birthday Session at Jupiter Lagoon}


-Gloria Steinem


Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. As a wedding photographer, I am pretty familiar with that feeling of farewell to the sun sinking below the horizon as the toasts run a little longer than expected, or the overcast day that just won't surrender that perfect sunset that was pinned in everyones minds. Sometimes the sun just is not down with our plans and we just have to trust the process and know that we are exactly where and when we are supposed to be. 

This was one of those sessions. Mark and I watched the sun fade while waiting for everyone to arrive. Fortunately for us I always keep a back up plan, and I had just started putting the thought out into the universe that I was ready to start exploring a departure from my typical bright and airy exposures. I think deep down I wanted to make these images before I could even envision them as they are, but as the scene started to unfold I was sure that these would be nothing short of magic. 

Michele looked so gorgeous. 

Once again Danny Benz Beauty worked so well to provide flawless hair and make-up. I am so blessed to be able to work alongside such talent. 

But Michele in that dress singing along with Adele in spot-lit darkness while wading through the lagoon under that sliver of a moon will stay with me forever. Every woman deserves to feel that beautiful at least once in her life. Scratch that. Every woman should know that she is that beautiful every day. 

Happy Birthday Michele. I wish you all the reasons to smile.

Shanna McAfee1 Comment