Shannon's 40 over 40 Story

What is your favorite body part or feature? 
My eyes.

Are you anxious or nervous about anything related to your portrait session?
I want to be able to relax and let myself shine through. I sometimes have trouble doing that in front of the camera.

Why is it important to be part of the 40 over 40 campaign?
I think too many women over 40 try to hide their bodies thinking they are "getting old." We need to learn to love our bodies and realize we are ALL beautiful!

Are we celebrating a milestone, transformation, birthday or another event with your portrait session?
The initial reason was for business....then I learned about the boudoir and thought of my 10 year anniversary.

What do you hope to gain from participating with the 40 over 40 campaign?
Again, the confidence to embrace my age and realize it's not all over for me yet! 🙂  And to meet other women that feel the same way.

What excites you the most regarding your portrait session?
I am excited to see how I can "transform" myself and become more comfortable in my body. I talk a good talk right now but sometimes it's hard to embrace it.

What is the most valuable lesson life has taught you?
I used to lament over past events in my life but now I realize that I wouldn't be who I am today if not for those events.

What wisdom would you like to share with your younger self?
I would like to tell myself to just relax and not sweat the small stuff. Trust in God and everything falls into place just how it's supposed to.

Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
Can I say myself lol? I didn't have a support system growing up and I had to figure out a lot of things on my own. My life could have turned out so much differently if I hadn't made the right choices for myself, by myself.

What's your favorite beauty secret?
I think less is more! Don't put on a "mask" of makeup to hide your self-perceived flaws.

When have you felt the most beautiful?
On my wedding day (the second one). I had grown up so much and finally knew who I was.

What was happening when you were extremely proud of yourself?
When I was a single mom and managing to survive with two kids on my own. It was so, so hard sometimes but I did it!

Describe yourself in 3 words
Dependable, hard-working, supportive

Shannon originally joined the 40 over 40 to obtain headshots for her new career as a realtor, but quickly decided to take advantage of the moment and step out of her comfort zone to celebrate herself with boudoir photos too!  Her 10th anniversary was coming up and it was the perfect gift for her beloved hubby!  However, even though it was a gift for her husband, I think she received the best gift!  I will never forget her comment, "I didn't think I was sexy, but now I see what my husband sees in me!"