This gorgeous nature session had Emma embracing all the elements around her as she connected with Mother Nature. For this session we utilized Pony Pasture, along the James River in Richmond, VA. This was Emma’s second time booking with me, so I felt honored to shoot her nature session. Emma considers herself a mermaid at heart, so we knew we had to include her being in the water. Any time we have a nature session, Kirsty our HMUA is always on top of sending our model with extra supplies, setting spray, and hair spray.

Once we got to the water, Emma wore a gold dress that complemented her so well. We spent some time there getting some incredible shots, and then I saw the sun was beginning to set. I knew we had to take advantage of the sun peaking through the trees, so we moved into a pathway that had the PERFECT ray of light come down onto Emma. I was in awe of those pictures, Emma truly looks like a sun goddess. We then moved into a more reserved area of the river where Emma got to live her full mermaid fantasy in the water, on the rocks, and tree limbs in the water.

Emma said her favorite part was sitting on the rock at the end of this session, and I totally get that. Embracing the elements of nature around you is such a freeing and majestic feeling. If this session makes you want to embrace the elements too, then inquire here to work with me.

Read about Emma’s experience here:

What made you choose us for your session? 🙂

They say when you know, you know. It sounds so cliche, but it’s true. I have worked with Hannah before, and at first I just fell in love with her artistic style. The way she captured moments of pure confidence, and bliss in the form of a picture. THEN I fell in love with Hannahs energy. She makes you feel vulnerable (in the absolute BEST way), sexy, confident, loved, and SEEN. I chose to work with Hannah (and Bethany!!) because they truly push you outside your comfort zone and create ART with YOUR body.

What were you the most nervous about coming into your session?

The thing I was most nervous about being naked in nature. It seemed so scary and vulnerable, and while it WAS, it was also freeing and exhilarating. Both sets of emotions existed simultaneously. I was nervous to see myself on camera again : was my body significantly different? Yes. And….? Do I have more wrinkles and rolls this time around? Probably. And….? Will I be able to relax and look sexy in nature? YES. Nature IS natural – duh! What I will say for anyone with similar nervousness, is that Hannah and Bethany will make you feel so safe, secure, and comforted.

How do you feel now that you’ve completed the session?

Like myself. I feel reconnected to my body, and to Mother Earth and feel the sense of comparison has melted away. I was so nervous for what I would feel like being naked outside, but it truly was so NATURAL. Never once did I look at anyone else swimming and thought, “I wish I could have a _ like hers.” I was solely focused on myself, which was so liberating. It felt completely free, and at peace with my body and my thoughts. Leaving the session I realized that the body I have is ALL mine and I should be so PROUD of that. The need for comparison has melted away, and although I know I will have bad days, I know that I can look back at my pictures and be reminded of that free-spirit feeling. I feel like I am rejuvenated. This session was less about being “sexy” (even tho I felt like a million bucks!!!), and more about embracing myself for exactly who I am RIGHT NOW.

What was your favorite part of the session?

The rock. If you know, you know. Sitting bare ass on a rock, in a river, and feeling like a damn MERMAID, goddess was hands down my favorite part.

What, if anything, could have been improved about your session?

Nothing. I felt completely valued from start to finish. Hannah and Bethany continued to check in on me to make sure I still felt comfortable and confident. They are the BEST hype team and will make sure whatever you decide to wear (or NOT) is making you feel more confident and not uncomfortable.

Do you have any advice for people looking to book their own session?

DO IT and then DO IT AGAIN. In my opinion, it is completely okay to do this for a gift for someone, that’s what did. BUT just realize that this is going to be a gift for YOURSELF more than it will ever be a gift for somebody else. My advice would be to do the session, and then save up your money, and do a second session. Something about the second session truly was the deal maker for me. You already know what to expect when it comes to working with Hannah and Bethany, so you go into it feeling way more at peace and confident the second time around. It feels like coming home, or getting coffee with your best friends. There is such a stigma that we should not spend money on ourselves, especially such a large sum of money (NOT knocking prices, it is worth EVERY PENNY), but what I can tell you is that the money will come back, but the confidence, growth, self-love, acceptance, and freeness are attributes to yourself that are PRICELESS.

Would you recommend us to a friend?

YES, I have to 5 people <3333333