Shona is Fabulous Beyond 40! Vancouver Boudoir and Portrait Photoshoot

Are you over 40? Would you agree that aging can be difficult for many. Not just the newly arriving aches and pains and the constantly changing body parts and functions, but psychologically too! Why does Society say that being older isn’t better? That youth and beauty and being thin is where it’s at. Um, why does Society get a say?! 

Well, I’m here to embrace aging and with that, celebrate women of all ages, including those over 40. Let’s also celebrate all the things that come with aging. Gray hair, wiggly bits, those added pounds etc! We’re living this life which is a gift and we need to be ok with whatever comes our way. Hence, the 40 Over 40: Fabulous Beyond 40 Experience!

Let’s see those grays or the coloured strands. It doesn’t matter and I’m not going to judge you. I’m simply going to celebrate you and cheer you on! I’ll be shooting 40 Women Over the Age of 40 and YOU can be one of them!

At the Fabulous Beyond 40 Custom Intimate Portraits Photo Shoot you will be pampered with Hair & Makeup and treated like the Queen that you are. Your photos will be your legacy for family and friends, and you! Plus, all of the participants will be featured at a gallery-style Photo Exhibit where we can cheer each other on regardless of your age. Women are fabulous. Let’s remember that!

I’ve shared some Client Spotlights for other Fab Beyond 40 women and if you’re curious to learn more and see some other boudoir images, click here to learn about the full experience. 

Ok, let’s now meet Shona.

Shona is Fabulous Beyond 40! 

Age: 40

What Made You Want to Celebrate Being Fabulous Beyond 40 With a Boudoir Style Photo Session?

We are surrounded by this idea in society that women’s worth has an expiry date. I’m here to shatter that fallacy!

What Did You Enjoy Most About This Intimate Photos Experience? How Did It Make You Feel About Yourself?

Working with Michele is freeing; she has a keen eye for the magic of our bodies and the shapes we make. She celebrates life to the fullest and invites you with her. When she explained this project to me, it just made SENSE. It’s not about “40 is the new 20” or that type of rhetoric! It’s about meeting ourselves where we’re at, with all we’ve been through, with all our scars and flaws, and seeing the beauty and importance of our experiences.

What Have You Learned to Appreciate More as You Have Aged?

The little things. The smallest moments. I used to think big events were the most important thing in life, but now I know that recognizing and celebrating the everyday joys is what enriches me the most. Gratitude, in all things, is key.

How Has Your Relationship With Yourself and Your Body Changed Over Time?

I live with chronic illness and have had a difficult relationship with my body over the years. Hitting 40 gave me a new perspective on my physical self, on the way I want to exist in the world. I want to walk in the world with self-love in my heart and project that into everything I do!

If You Could Go Back in Time and Meet Your 18 Year Old Self, What Would You Say to Her?

Oh boy. She’s got a long road ahead of her and a lot to overcome. I would encourage her to always put her own well-being first, especially when others tell her it’s selfish to do so. Trust her gut. Listen to her heart. Read more books.

What is Your Motto or Favourite Quote?

What’s meant for you won’t pass you by.

What Advice Can You Offer Other Women Of All Ages, Around Ageing and Fully Embracing Who We Are In The Moment?

Look inward for answers, not outward. We spend too much of our time and energy on pleasing others, whether consciously or not. You are beautiful, exactly how you are. Perfection is an illusion and a lie. Do something silly. Do something fun. Forgive yourself. Have the cake. Carpe diem!

---

“Women’s worth has an expiry date.” Ugh. Isn’t that horrid?! But Shona’s right. At least that’s how the greater population seems to see things. And that’s why we need to take a stand and make a point of loving on one another and lifting each other up. We, over 40, do NOT have an expiry date. We are not over the hill! In fact, I’d argue that life gets better after 40!

Thank you Shona for taking the time to put the spotlight on you and thank you for sharing these words with us. I truly admire what you said about having love in your heart and projecting that into everything you do. That’s amazing and so inspiring.

Ladies, I’m shooting 40 Women Over 40 and there’s a few Fabulous Beyond 40 spots available, so if you’re thinking about participating, let’s connect. 
Click here for all of the details.

---

Photos shared with permission.

Michele Mateus is a Boudoir, Intimate Portrait & Nude Fine Art Photographer located in Coquitlam, BC. Serving Coquitlam, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley, BC. Studio, Outdoor and On-location Boudoir Photography.

Hair & Makeup By Jenny Valla.