It happens every now and again…and when it does, I try to soak up every last emotion that comes with it.
Clarity, that is.
I think that may be the number one thing I pray about on the daily…just clarity, contentment, and peace with where I am at in that moment. Rarely do I ever feel all those things at one time, but when I do I am ever so thankful. I’m figuring out as I get older that a lot of those things come when I surround myself with the right people. Friends who are sincere about their love for me, my family who let’s me be exactly who I am, and people in general who have a positive outlook on life and overall good energy. It’s crazy how different I feel about myself when I’m not surrounding myself with good solid people. Do yourself a favor…get rid of the bad energy and surround yourself with people who truly support and love you.
Speaking of good company. Meet my neighbor, Talitha. We’ve lived in the same building the entire 2 years I’ve been here and I have not ran into her once, how is that even possible? I’m really bummed it took this long for us to cross paths because this girl is a gem. Though our friendship is new, I immediately felt I could be myself with her and that is a rare thing for me. A few days ago Talitha asked me if I could snap a few photos of her…her make-up was freshly done and she had just gone shopping…so what better excuse than to take photos am I right?! Still in yesterdays hair and make-up, I made my way downstairs (amazing) and we took about 20 minutes of photos in and around the apartment. The last-minute, unplanned shoots are the ones I always love. No time to think about it or plan all the perfect spots…you just go out and shoot what feels right. I need to do more of that kind of shooting.
What I didn’t know until later that night was that this was basically Talitha’s first time having her photos taken like this. She was freaking out over a few previews I sent over and just from a few of her words, I was reassured in my love for making women feel beautiful. I have talked about it before with my boudoir photography, but it really doesn’t matter if your clothed or not…or even if I have my camera involved or not…making women feel beautiful is a great feeling. Go out of your way today to give a woman a nice compliment, see what it does to her spirits. Be an encourager. The one quality that I see myself attracted to when it comes to friendships, are those who can just encourage me and are genuine about it. I think a lot of people, women especially, are afraid to compliment other women in fear that it makes them look weak. That’s bullshit. Everyone needs and deserves to see themselves in a beautiful light, and sometimes that doesn’t always happen through their own eyes. Be that person to help show them.
Personal thoughts are now over haha. Enjoy my gorgeous neighbor, Talitha. I mean…look at this girl.
xo.
I love all of this! She is gorgeous, you are gorgeous, these photos are gorgeous. Just…GORGEOUS!
Wise words, lady. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and heart. Good read and reminder for this day.
You’re gorgeous. She’s gorgeous. The photos are gorgeous. So much beauty!!
Tonhya, I’ve been following your work for well over a year now. You and Andria Lindquist have been the biggest sources of inspiration and amazement for me. I love the way you capture light and beauty and I’m always interested when you have a new post to see the world through your eyes. I just wanted to leave a note to thank you for putting not only your beautiful images, but also a bit of yourself out there for me (and the rest of the world) to see. Cheesy to say, maybe, but it enriches my life. Okay, enough sap! Bye!
p.s., Hilarious that Nancy (above) and I had the same comment!! I was writing mine before I read anyone else’s, But, it’s certainly true!
Love her! Love you! How have I been friends with you both this entire time, and not put the pieces together that you live in same building? geesh… And hell, yes here’s to awesome woman, being comfortable in your own skin and celebrating one another!
These are bang, bang BANGIN! Love your sweet words- this makes me adore you even more reading this and thinking back to how much fun we had at Beyonce with Dorothy and Allison. So thankful for your friendship and silly love you spread everywhere.
love when you share your heart through words and photos – just lovely!
Tonhya – love these images and these words. I attended the Making Things Happen conference this spring and we were instructed to think of a person in our life who was toxic – I started the exercise thinking “Nobody!” and at the end had a page full of people, habits, etc. that are toxic to me and that I need to eradicate. Saying no to these things and people, although difficult, has allowed me to say yes to amazing, life giving, encouraging, and supportive friends and I am so very thankful. We are all in this journey together and I thank you for sharing your part. xoxo.
Beautiful neighbor. Beautiful words. Beautiful Tonhya 🙂 Love you sweet girl!
T Money!!! You are THE BEST! Like, WOW!!! I love love LOVE how all of these turned out!!! Not a few, but ALL of them!! Thank you for making me feel like a million bucks!
Okay, so Talitha is my best friend, and I am DYING HERE! These are just UNREAL!!!!!! She is so beautiful and you really captured HER! You are an amazing photographer. Beautiful.
The most beautiful girl in the world – inside and out – Talitha that is. We should know, we’re her parents. Tonhya, outstanding job of capturing all of that and more! Alan & Anoosh Bullock
i don’t know you, but i know talitha. thank you for taking these, for your kind and true words and for capturing her stunning presence! the whole thing makes my heart full. bravo beautiful ladies.
She is STUNNING. Love, love, LOVE.