A few months ago, I started searching for the perfect gift for a special friend who was turning 30.  You know… the kind of gift that says ‘good-bye 20′s and Hello 30′s…I’m still as Awesome as ever!“  My friend is the baby of the group and was not looking forward to the dreaded 3-0 age bracket, where as, when I turned 30 was relieved to finally be out of my 20′s.  For me, that was a point in my life where my confidence level began to shift more to the belief in my own ability to achieve what I wanted, to ask for what I needed and to know that I am worth every ounce of energy I put into the myself.

I’ve admitted before, that I’m not the most photogenic person and in fact prefer to be ‘outside’ the view of the lens, but when I was searching for a gift that was completely personal, empowering and fun, I came across an article that changed my mental direction. 

Pin Up. 

Marilon Monroe, Rita Hayworth, Greta Garbo, Bettie Page, Veronica Lake…they all exude self confidence.  They weren’t the “perfect size” or the “right age” and they weren’t immune to a  ”bad hair day.”  They were, however, comfortable with their bodies, self assured in their abilities and confident in no ones opinion but their own.  Confidence shows in the sparkle of your eyes, the swagger in your walk and the authenticity of your smile…confidence is magnetic.

Marci Lambert, created Beautiful You Sessions as a way to offer women the opportunity to find confidence in themselves.  To see the beauty in who they are without regard to size, age, shape or other personal misperceptions.  So when I decided to explore this opportunity I was open minded to the experience, but unprepared for the results.  The thrill of thinking “I’m Sexy” even in my panties is a confidence booster while the ‘click‘ of the camera provides the hint of allure knowing this moment is frozen in time…for your eyes only.  I laughed and played (channeling my own inner pinup) so much during the session that I was on cloud 9 for days. 

I must confess, old habits die hard.  It’s never easy stepping out on an unfamiliar ledge, but sometimes we all need to have a little faith.  I have always been confident in my brain…my ability succeed in whatever I choose.  Beauty is not a factor in success and it’s in my own personal image of myself that I can easily find flaws.  Looking at the reflection of myself in those photos I was startled by who I saw.  That couldn’t be me…it looks nothing like me and yet, it was me.  I wasn’t air brushed and my imperfections were not erased…I know, I looked for them.  I found them and I focused on them to the point I couldn’t see anything but the flaws I believe existed.  These are the same flaws that I keep me from accepting a compliment, because surely it cannot be genuine if they see what I see.

The truth is, Marci gave me the opportunity to experience confidence in the beauty of myself.  I have the choice of holding on to that belief or living in the shadow of my flaws.  I cannot say I will stop searching for the ‘flaws’ that make me unique, but I will always have photograph to remind me Confidence is Sexy!

**This post was not sponsored by Marci Lambert Photography and I received no compensation.  I am only sharing my experience as I believe all women should have the opportunity to feel beautiful and confident.  Marci Lambert was extremely professional and went out of her way to make sure I was comfortable throughout the session.  All photos are posted with the photographers permission and are copywrite of Marci Lambert Photography.**