This somewhat personal post is a little delayed but it’s definitely been stirring in my heart for a while.  A few weeks ago, I was talking to my sister about my niece’s upcoming 13th birthday. (I’m still trying to get over the fact that Erin is 13.) We came up with a fun idea to have her and a few of her friends over to the studio for a simple, girlie shoot and then go grab pizza afterward.

As I was planning and organizing for Erin’s shoot/soiree, one song had consistently been on my mind and playing in my car for several weeks, and I knew that when I blogged her fun evening, I wanted to also mention this song— Jonny Diaz: “More Beautiful You”.  This song really resonates with me and I can’t help but think of Erin, her sweet friends and all the beautiful young girls and women I’m so fortunate to photograph.  When I pulled up the video today on YouTube, I was not at all surprised to see that Jonny included a fashion shoot in it. It shows how much work goes into making someone look like a supermodel including the post-session editing where blemishes magically disappear and nips and tucks transform someone…sometimes too much. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun to get glammed up and strike a pose, but I wanted to capture the innocence and beauty of these girls where they are right now in life. In all their brace-face, giggly glory.

“There could never be a more beautiful you. Don’t buy the lies, disguises and hoops they make you jump through. You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do,
So there could never be a more beautiful you.”

I hope you take time to watch the quick, meaningful video and listen to the words.  I mean really listen.

And Erin, from your Auntie H.,  I dedicate this song to you, your friends and all of my friends with girls (especially teens).  What an amazing thing to know that there really isn’t a more beautiful YOU.  Or a more beautiful ME.

View Erin’s fun slideshow here

Again, don’t miss her fun slideshow!