Ms. Vanessa: Vancouver Boudoir and Portrait Photoshoot

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO CELEBRATE BEING FAB OVER 40?

I love being over 40. I feel more grounded, confident and alive than I ever have. I was so excited to cross the threshold into my 40’s I wanted to capture that in photos.

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE?

I started out feeling nervous and self conscious but by the end I felt like I was just getting started and I wanted to do more and more poses and photos. It made me feel beautiful, sensual and powerful. I most enjoyed

the feeling of playfulness and freedom to just show up as I am.

HOW HAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOURSELF AND YOUR BODY CHANGED OVER TIME?

As I age I appreciate my body for all that it gives me rather than looking at it as something to control. My body gives me all of my senses to enjoy life with. My body gathers information about my environment and my internal feelings. My body is me just as much as my mind is me. I look at my body with tenderness, appreciation and care.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER OTHER WOMEN?

Life’s too short to worry about how you fit into “beauty standards” – eat

the cake, skinny dip, wear the slinky dress or whatever it is you want to

do ‘once you’re in better shape’. Do it now, you and your body deserve

the pleasure.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?

“Be messy and complicated and afraid and show up anyway.”

~Glennon Doyle