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Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Everyday: Courtney

"Just be yourself". I remember so clearly hearing Jasmine's words as I stood awkwardly in front of her camera.

Be myself? But who the heck am I???

That photo shoot with Jasmine came at a difficult time in my life. I was coming out of a rough break up of a relationship during which I'd completely lost myself. I realized in that moment that I really didn't know who I was. But whoever I was, Jasmine made me feel beautiful that day... in a way that I never really had before. That day was a turning point for me. I look at those photos and they mean something so much more than Jasmine or anyone else will ever know. Much of what is good in my life today can be traced back to that day... to that one conversation with one amazing girl behind a camera.

I know how valuable that day was for me... so when my friend Courtney flew down from Washington to deal with some difficult circumstances in her life, I convinced her to do a little mini photo shoot. It was totally spur of the moment, and we were quickly losing light and in an area that wasn't picturesque. But we made due.

And I watched as Courtney loosened up. And laughed. And had fun. And in that moment... she was herself. She was beautiful!

Here are some of my favorites from our shoot :)






























Did I mention she's a FABULOUS make up artist? She is. She's amazing. Hire her!


























Court.. you are gorgeous. Inside and Out. I love you!

14 comments:

Chels/Catz in the Kitchen said...

Seriously, you are sooo talented!!! She is gorgeous in all these pics! Good Job D!!!

Anonymous said...

So lovely. My favorite is the 5th one from the top.

Megan Mayfield said...

I love, love, love this series! So colorful and fun! And Courtney is beautiful! I really love the location with all those cool weed lookin things! One of my fav shoots Diandra!

Bianca said...

Hollllla'! These are HOT.

Great job :)

Jewelielyn said...

i love these! she is beautiful and these photos prove it. i love the variety--from the ones with true, bright colors to the ones that have a more vintage-y feel. one of my favorite sessions!

. s h e r r y * said...

Gorgeous! I love her eyes!!!

Muir Adams said...

Wow, you made great use of the backdrop and light! These are excellent portraits Diandra! They capture so much personality! I feel inspired.

Jennifer said...

I especially love the ones with grass in front of her face. Beeeyoootiful.

ashleigh said...

beautiful story and even more beautiful images!!!!

-brittany- said...

Wowsers! Love them ALL!

natalie said...

honestly... these are my favorite! the colors are so vibrant and she's gorgeous. you did a really good job :)

Laurie said...

Beautiful shots, beautiful girl! Lurve those EYES!! Wowza. You did a great job capturing her.

Looking forward to meeting you next month at the workshop!

Michelle said...

I love the 9th one! Great job!

Samantha Clarke said...

These are AMAZING! Great work Diandra. My fave is the one where she's holding the grass in front of her face. Gorgeous!