As you can recall (I am sure) from my prior post (Pin-Up Teaser), I promised to talk more in-depth about the Pin-Up party photographed by Jena (of McShane Photography). However, first I need to talk about turning 30.
A few of my friends hit the big 3-0 last year and they all had fabulous parties that exemplified who they were. Felisa had a huge bar crawl bash with a bunch of her friends, that was well organized, beautiful, and a lot of fun. Erin got a surprise 'Grumpy Cat' birthday party at a wine bar, where all of her friends and family were waiting to celebrate with her. It was perfect and very memorable. A few years back, Mark turned 30 and had an ALL NIGHT (I am talking 10pm-6am) laser tag party at Zap Zone with our nearest and dearest. Thus, I really wanted my birthday to be just as unique, memorable, and fun.
I really wracked my brain to figure out what I wanted my party to be like and how it would represent who I am and who I wanted to be. That is a tough order to fill and I am pretty exacting. After going through several options, I decided on Pin-Up party with my besties.
I had so much fun at my Boudoir Shoot earlier this year and I thought it would be a lot of fun to share that experience with my closest friends. I still struggle with my body image (I know that most women do as well) and I hoped the Pin-Up party would be another fun, empowering, and memorable experience for all of us.
Once I had decided on what I wanted to do, it was very easy to figure out who I wanted the photographer to be. Jena McShane has been working in the Lansing area for years and I love her work (read all about her here!). Plus, I knew she was already active in the Pin-Up party realm and I couldn't wait to approach her (plus now she is my wedding photographer as well!).
I met with Jena several times over the months before my birthday. I am a very organized, exacting, and timely person; so, I really appreciated her candor. She was very upfront about her pricing and willing to work with me on what she could offer.
The day of the party, Jena had her studio set up to accommodate us all and brought wine and chocolate for everyone! She was very patient while we goofed off and spread our mess of clothing everywhere; but somehow she still managed to keep us on schedule. My favorite part was how helpful she was during the posing stage. She was great at telling us exactly how to position our bodies (and willing to step in and help get us there if we weren't sure what she was talking about). This really made me feel like I was working with a pro.
Jena gave us a timeline on when the photographs would be done editing and even provided us with some teasers along the way. Unfortunately, due to a statewide power outage, she wasn't able to get them in on time. But I think we can all understand that 9+ days without power (thank god, I was only out 4ish days), might put a hamper on things.
The wait was well worth it! Today she gave me all of the very well edited photos and I super love them! Here are my favorites (of the ones that I haven't already posted):
Even after all my talk about loving myself, my first thoughts were still "oh god, why didn't I suck in?" or "man there is some fun flab" on some of the pictures of me. Look, I know that is stupid. Like I said, I am working on it.
Brandy brought such perfect clothing to the shoot (and like a million shoes). Not to mention, her entire look was perfection!
Cort looked like she stepped right out of the 1950's and rocked it (I basically want to steal her sailor dress)!
Erin was made to wear 'Victory Rolls' and I personally think she should every day!
Laura really should get a contract with coke, as I am sure they will want to use her pic as their next advertisement.
Leah blew my mind with how fantastic her photos were!
Sara's pictures were so outrageously sexy (I mean DAMN!), I had a hard time finding any I thought would be OK to post!
Sarah really brought her sexy fun self to her photos. Personally, I think these are some of my favorites of her of all time!
In the end, it's always about the group shots.
That is all I have today. I really wish I could post ALL of the photo's, but 174 pictures might be a bit much for anyone else's interest. I very highly recommend that everyone does something like this!
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