Last week we posted a series of fine art nude photos from Real Woman of Revealed, Sherhara’s early morning shoot along Lake Michigan. This week, we’re featuring her again along with her second set of images from the morning.

Finding Confidence Within

Sherhara is a great example of a Real Woman of Revealed because her confidence comes from much more than her outward beauty. She is a motivational speaker, host, and philanthropist–helping individuals and brands recognize and communicate their message. Her success in this work comes from her own ability to be truthful with herself. When asked about this work, she said, “be honest with yourself, about who you are… your flaws, vices, weaknesses, challenges, imperfections, and mess ups. It’s easy to be honest about your strengths and positive attributes, but you’ll liberate yourself by having the courage to be your full self–flaws and all.”

We did a post-shoot interview with Sherhara to find out what it was like to strip down for the camera, and much more.

1. Describe the day of shoot in your own words:

The shoot was peaceful! Yet I knew something awesome was happening. I felt valued from the beginning to the end. Time went by quickly, but it’s probably because I felt I was being catered to. Without the photos I felt beautiful.

2. What do you attribute to your confidence in not only modeling for these images but also sharing them?

Everyone has titties!! I’m not showing anything that someone hasn’t gotten up in the morning and seen for themselves! Whether those boobs are someone else’s or their own. I’m not bashful about my body because everyone has one, just a different one. And the only way people can get over the taboo of being naked is to be naked. Who makes it a big deal? It’s not, if you don’t.

3. What inspired you to do this shoot?

My husband inspire me to do the shoot! He already wanted me to do some type of sexy photo shoot and it was perfect timing when I met the lovely ladies of Revealed!

4. How did you feel during and after?

I felt confident before the shoot and I felt accomplished afterwards. I was proud that I did something few have the courage to do. It’s great to know I knocked something off of my bucket list (even though it wasn’t on the list to begin with! Lol)

5. Any significance in your tattoos?

My tattoos are a symbol of a moment in time. I can reflect on each one and it takes me back to where I was in life. A photo album on my body instead of on my coffee table.

6. Can you talk about your dance/movement background?

I haven’t practiced dance in forever! It’s been enough time for me to say, “I’m a former dancer.” But movement comes naturally for me and the photo shoot is where I could use it again.

7. What advice do you have for our audience?

I ask that everyone challenge themselves to step outside of their comfort zone. Do something as least weekly that you wouldn’t normally have done! Surprise yourself with your own courage!

8.What lesson have you learned in your adult life that you value most?

Be honest with yourself about who you are i.e. your flaws, vices, weaknesses, challenges, imperfections, and mess ups. It’s easy to be honest about your strengths and positive attributes, but you’ll liberate yourself by having the courage to be your full self, flaws and all!

9. What advice to you have for other clients struggling with image confidence?

So many people have left this earth without truly loving and embracing themselves. Don’t be that person that dies without ever loving yourself. You have a body that’s a vessel for your life! To celebrate that vessel is to celebrate life!

You can find Sherhara on social media at Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Glamour Photography session with the darling Augustina

We just have to share this beautiful Revealed session of our friend, Agustina, with you. Her generous spirit just emanates from these photos. Afterward, we asked her to share her thoughts on the session. Here’s what she wrote:

Before and After

On the experience:

-I would like to thank Maggie Rife and Laurie Peacock for helping me feel relaxed during my portrait session. They helped me let go of my critical and foolish thoughts that I and many women have about their image. It was very inspiring to be photographed by them, especially having them there to help me see the positive things about myself. Nobody is perfect, and most of the time we as women fantasize about being DIVAS or magazine models, but with the girls I understood that it’s ok if I’m not perfect and it’s all about body movement and being yourself.

The Preparation:

-When I arrived to the studio, the first thing I said was: mmm, they are going to have to help me with the makeup cause I don’t know how to do it. A minute passed by and I was sitting on a chair, with a glass of wine while I talked about my life, the day-to-day thing, and my feelings. In the mean time they were fixing my hair. Ahhhhh, what a beautiful feeling for every woman to have her makeup and hair done. To look like a movie star! I have always worried about makeup, beacause I rarely wear it, but the girls understood the concept of natural and simple; when I saw myself in the mirror I felt the most sexy and natural women in the world!

The Shoot:

-During the session, the girls made me feel like “ a movie star,” so much so, that I myself dove into the role by changing clothes over and over again. It was like living the hidden dream of becoming a model or very famous person for a day! I understood that every woman has their own beauty and sensual side, no matter what shape and form they come in. What I really loved about Maggie and Laurie is they taught me to highlight my best features.

Afterwards:

-I still remember finishing my session, getting in my car, and thinking, “Penelope Cruz just arrived in the city,” I got home and my husband looked at me with THIS FACE and said, “GUAUUUU!! Did you do something to your hair? Or your face? You’re gorgeous! Where do you want me to take you for dinner? And then without blinking I said, “to the best place in the city! I would like to go to a beautiful restaurant! “ and every time I got out of the car and I walked over the streets, I felt like the most beautiful woman of Chicago, a super DIVA that just got out of a photo session from a famous magazine!

Additional Thoughts:

-Today I can tell all the WOMEN in this world! Either you are a mom, grandma, aunt, sister, friend, etc DON’T think about the money or whether is worth it or not. I did it and I advise you that there is no better thing to feel like a DIVA! There is no better feeling than spoiling yourself once a while and to know that every penny was worth it. You won’t regret it, and if tomorrow someone comes and ask me what I want for my birthday or Christmas present? I am going to choose a PHOTO session but this time I will include my MOM.

Big thanks to Agustina for sharing her light-up-the-room smile and sincere thoughts!

Tag: chicago women portraiture

Find Your Courage to Be Yourself, Flaws and All

Finding Confidence Within

Agustina’s Experience with Revealed Studios

Glamour Photography session with the darling Augustina