Back in July when I announced The Beauty Project here on my blog and on Facebook, my email filled up with applications from women of all ages and backgrounds and shapes and sizes. After reading all of the applications, I settled on six wonderful deserving women. This month I’m welcoming them into my studio for their day of makeovers and photo shoots. I’m so excited to share with you their stories and experiences.
First up is Valli. Here’s some of what she said in her application:
The last portrait I have of me
is from 20 something years ago, and I truly look like a somber nerd in that
professional photo. My kids most always refuse to take a photo with me or of me,
and it’s broken me down to tears at times. I would love a makeover and portraits
that my children and grandchildren will look at and say, “Wow, my mom/grandma is
beautiful!!” I never remarried in 14 years, so I don’t have husband that will take
photos of me, either.
Valli came into the studio with a fresh face ready for her session:
- Before
My amazingly talented stylist Lauren worked her magic with hair styling and a beautiful makeover.
Then Valli worked her own magic in front of the camera. She was a little hesitant at first not knowing what to expect but was a trooper with all of the posing and followed my prompts to the T.
The physical transformation was one thing…
But what occurred inside of her was my real goal all along. Here’s a little of what she had to say about the experience:
Thank you so much! I felt so excited and happy at work, today, knowing that I was getting these wonderful photos. I got your email, while I was still at work and posted the smiling photo to my facebook, linked in, match.com, and twitter. I feel happy when I see it. You have cheered me up like you can’t imagine, and I feel hopeful again.
Thanks Wendy Wonderful!
As women, mothers, wives, friends, daughters, friends, we spend so much of our lives in the pursuit of doing good things for others that we tend to neglect ourselves. We need to take a moment (or a morning) to remember who we are and that we can be as beautiful on the outside as we are on the inside. I’m so happy to be able to give that opportunity to others through my camera.
Absolutely beautiful!
Already a beautiful woman inside and out, Valli looks fantastic!
Wendy, these photos capture her beauty so well.
What a wonderful thing you have done Wendy, I can see how Valli would be thrilled with her sessions photos. You nailed it!!! Keep up the great work.
What a beautiful woman she is! Nobody deserves it more than she does. Great work! Xxoo
What is see is the transformation of Valli’s inner beauty to her outer beauty … results that I see are the magnified beauty of an outer soul.
I’m just reading and looking at all these photos, now, Wendy. Once again, I am in tears and in disbelief! How can I ever thank you and Lauren for what you both have done for me, here, through the Beauty Project. It’s hard to believe it (the transformation) without seeing it all laid out like this. I felt so awkward getting all made up and posing per your instructions, but I’ve never had more fun or felt more beautiful. Lucky me! You are so talented, compassionate and giving!! I love you, Wendy Wonderful, for being so amazing!!! Thank you. 🙂
You are so talented Wendy! I love seeing all of your work. I also love, love, LOVE what you have done with Valli’s transformation. She is such a beautiful person inside and out. Your work is truly exceptional as well as inspirational! I am so glad you were able to capture how truly beautiful Valli is, for all to see!