modelccmarie

[modelccmarie]

Underneath the Model: Body Positive Photoshoot

WOW WOW WOW!!!! Today was an incredible blessing. In a world where body shaming, sexualizing, and overall everyday bullying is so prevalent; it is so very nice to spend 5 hours with people that make the world seem like a completely different place. What am I talking about? Well, I'm a full figured model - today was a body positive photoshoot filled with nothing less than love, support, and overall inspiration. Being someone in the category as "full-figured", you could probably imagine the fight between what people call beautiful and how you see yourself... My whole life I fought with myself about my confidence. The way I viewed myself was never positive until about 4 years ago... Even so, I've been on a journey of self discovery ever since realizing - "you know what, i am beautiful - i don't need to put myself down any longer". (that's a whole other blog - go to www.celestialfrequencies.com and scroll to Stop Internal Body Shaming and Embrace the Inner You because you want to read it and see the pictures with it) In my steps toward self-acceptance in the last 4 years, I've gone through bouts of depression, fights with friends, bullying, awkward looks, but so so so many overcomings and laughs that make up for all the rest. During this journey I have really focused on my self-talk and the way i view myself. Honestly, nothing else matters. The only important thing in life is the way you view yourself. This view could set you back or drive you forward. Too many people sit in a funk that can drive them further into a hole of self-doubt and misery. WHYYYYYY is this acceptable?! I have made a point in my life to do everything in my power in the NOW and defeat my own negative self talk and help others realize they can leave their own behind. One of the biggest things helping me in this movement internally and for others is the beginning of a very inspirational and body positive modeling career. If you've followed me at all, you know I am just getting started. The main purpose of me beginning this is to really reaching within myself and becoming more powerful in my own eyes. However, there is so much more than that. This world NEEDSSSS people to step up and say, "you know what - FUCK IT - i AMMM beautiful and I'm going to do this thing... no matter how many times i was called the chubby kid, an oompah loompah, and the fat kid... because i know i have it in me!" Modeling all came to me through my first blog on this subject (link posted in the first paragraph). My childhood wasn't the funnest as i struggled with weight and appearance my whole life. I came along to a photoshoot with a very great friend of mine and was introduced to the Urban Eye Candi family run by photographer Dan Warren (@Iam_honja on Instagram). WHAT A GUY! Seriously, in like point two seconds i was beyond comfortable and able to be myself in front of this wonderful, supportive man. Which, obviously, wasn't the easiest thing for me at times (yay social anxiety due to overwhelming insecurity). The blog I was writing was about how i am overcoming my self-doubt and what had changed within me. The point of going with my friend was to meet Dan and shoot some pictures for my blog to help inspire me. I had no idea what magic was about to come out of that evening. With inspiring friends and gorgeous photos, I opened up and blossomed in front of the camera. I had so much fun just playing around and being myself when i was originally so nervous. This night geared me up for the release of my blog and uplifted me further into believing i can take these steps to uplift others around me. Upon the launch of my blog, i was honored with positive, touching feedback that made my heart glow. People were really touched and it made me want to push further to bring myself up to the person that could really inspire people. A few months later and here we are. I have officially decided to move forward and be the strong role-model I've dreamed of being. On July 20, 2017, i made the decision to start moving toward a full figured modeling career; something i never thought i could even try. Since my decision, i have been embraced with love and support from my modeling community and it just drives my passion even further. That night i was introduced to something i could grow with internally and truly spread my message. The message that you really can do anything - no matter how impossible you may think it is. You really can feel differently about yourself, no matter how down in the dumps you were before. Today, July 29, 2017; I had the pleasure of working with 4 fantastic photographers and 10+ other models. Walking into Studio 52, you are filled with excitement as you walk through various hallways and rooms set up for epic photo backgrounds and effects. But that isn't even where the magic lies. During a photoshoot like the one today - people share a certain kindness you may not see at other shoots. This was a body positive shoot, after all. Models helped each other, shared clothing, and gave advice and complements as others posed. What a wonderful scene to be apart of. Everyone was able to laugh, dance, and just be themselves to the fullest. This is what modeling is all about for me. Building a positive community that is filled with love, sincerity, and sexy body art through the lenses of a camera! I really cannot wait to see what the body positive issue of GEI: The Alternative looks like because i KNOW it will embrace all the value and magic presented in this shoot. Be sure to follow @model_ccmarie . @gei_thealternative . and @iam_honja on Instagram for more modeling and the next issues of GEI: The Alternative Magazine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!