Portrait in Paris - with Carla Coulson

INSPIRATION

Time to Shine in Paris

WITH CARLA COULSON

For many years I have been missing, behind the camera instead of in front. Convinced I didn’t deserve center stage, Carla Coulson your Shine portrait session helped me change all that.

Not only did I find my inner sexy, adventurous, spirited, passionate sense of self again.

I also gave the gift of myself back to my daughter.

A Mum who wears red lipstick, high heels and knows how to navigate the Metro.

One full of laughter, confidence, glowing with happiness that we get to share these moments together.

From the absolute surprise on her face when she caught the first glimpse of my transformation I knew I’d cheated her a little.

Our portrait in Paris with Carla Coulson was a chance to change all that.

We laughed out loud feeding the pigeons at Notre Dame, splashed in the fountains, shopped, danced and sang together.

Total ‘Girl Time’ which was long overdue.

My own Mum and I have an incredible closeness, she raised us after my Dad died suddenly at only thirty nine. I’ve long had a thing for preserving memories, I only have a few photos of my Dad and I together, I was only five when he died.

By taking myself out of family photos I really see how I just disappeared.

How my kids don’t feel they smile the right way for photos.

If I could give you a gift from my heart it would be to let yourself always SHINE.

To not hit delete if you don’t look ‘just right’ and if you get a chance to have a portrait taken go and do it wholeheartedly.

The day we spent with Carla Coulson for our portrait in Paris really did change my life, in ways I didn’t see coming.

She has such a natural, humble. easy way, a clear vision that she brings to life, and she carries you along with her passion and enthusiasm.

I have never felt this way in front of a camera in my entire life.

Swirling, laughing, yep even a bit of strutting……people pausing to watch us, it all seemed on the edge of my joy, hugging my daughter, a bouquets of flowers with their own special meaning for us, feeling like a million dollars.

I even did a few quick outfit changes in a little courtyard, and Boobs…..who knew I had those!

Just Priceless.

A complete and total contrast to how I felt only a few short months ago when I found out I had won.
I turned the camera on to video my thanks and everything went sideways.
I know the video and the post I wrote touched many people who also hide from the camera.

Carina,

My beautiful butterfly girl.

You are my heart,

I know sometimes it doesn’t feel that way when we argue but it will forever be true.

I love you more than a million red M & M’s, more than anything in the world, to the moon and back.

My little girl you are becoming a young woman and I am so proud of you!

You have such a special grace, an inner beauty, a rare gift of resilience, creativity, laughter, cheekiness, and such a Spirit.

I love you Sweet Heart, you are my JOY xxx

Dearest Carla,

You gave us so much more than you could ever know.

Way beyond a Portrait in Paris.

Such a beautiful moment in time together, the grace of a girl becoming a young woman.

I’m incredibly happy that you were the one to capture these moments. I can’t imagine anyone else behind the lens, you have such a gift.

At the end of the day shooting it felt like we had just wandered Paris, soaking it all in, all of us laughing together as girlfriends.

I don’t actually remember you pointing a camera at us, how weird is that?

I just remember Carina in my arms, laughing, relaxing, a feeling of twirling, sharing, her hand in mine as we walked, lots of laughter.

Yes Life Changing in so many ways!

“Freedom, Sensuality, Joy, Movement, Adventure”

thank you Carla from the bottom of my heart xxx

PS Carla I will forever love your little cat, how clever he was to draw my name from that dish.
Give him a big kiss on the whiskers from us says Carina x

PPS Now the boys want to get in on the act….next time you’ll have the entire family LOL xx

Save

and the gang x

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61 replies

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Caterina B says:
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Wow Lisa! You look fantastic in those photos! Your hair and makeup really are beautiful.
I guess I should take your advice and stop deleting my own photos. I have none of me for at least the last 10 years. Hubby is very annoyed with me for doing that.
Also, Carina is growing up to be stunning!
When will you get your 50th birthday trip to Paris? Soon, I hope.
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Sharon Santoni says:
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Hi Lisa

I’m so glad to have found your blog after your lovely comment on mine. What an amazing shoot this was, and how brave and how right you were to put your video up on your facebook page – so moving!
Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous, Carla is very gifted, but it is you that shines through!!
Sharon

xx
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Catherine says:
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Just priceless Lisa. I think it is so important to crystallise moments like this. It’s what life is all about! You are so beautiful and full of joy! I adore the last photo. Carina is gorgeous. You will both cherish this day forever! Xxcat
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Gabriella says:
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Hi Lisa,

I’m loving this photo shoot with your daughter, you are very lucky gals. What a wonderful blog as well, I’m a fan of Italy so I’ll certainly keep up to date here. My blog is about patisserie but I’ll try to find a way (an excuse) to link my photo shoot with Carla Coulson – I’m like you I can’t stop looking at my photos! As you describe your day it’s exactly how I felt. I haven’t had such a wonderful time like that and felt more myself since that day of the photo shoot. Thanx for sharing and your smiles are just gorgeous! P.s how do you link the Pinterest icon to the photos? I know Carla does it too, it’s a clever idea but one I can’t work out how you gals do it.
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vicki archer says:
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FANTASTIC Lisa… these photographs are so beautiful, charming and lovely in every way.
Carla is a very, very special gal… and how wonderful that you have these beautful memories together now… and with your own divine girl… Have a wonderful weekend and bask in the glow… xv
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Oh Vicki it was beyond wonderful and I bet you noticed that gorgeous white dress. Carla has the greatest gift and it was so special to be able to share this with my girl. The reaction has been overwhelming and I am sending all the comments to my Mum in Australia xxx
  sending love xx
Susan Heslington says:
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The photos are stunning Lisa, as is your family. I’m very proud of your progress and achievements in reaching your goal in coming to live here in Italy. Well done xxx
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  It’s good to be reminded of just how far we have come sometimes isn’t it Susan. xxx
  sending love
Dana says:
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Beautiful post, and beautiful photos. Very inspiring.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  thank you so much for that Dana, very kind xx
Debra Kolkka says:
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How fabulous you both look. What a lovely memory for both of you.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Carla captured everything we expressed so beautifully, she is just a genius behind the lens and the whole experience was glorious Deb xx
Amy says:
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Lisa, you did something so important! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and the pictures. When I turned 45 I decided to have photos taken — just me and the photographer, with no one else even knowing I was doing it — and it was an important turning point for me. I wrote an essay about it that only a handful of people have ever read, but you’ve inspired me to dust it off and get it “out there.” Women need the luxury of seeing themselves as they really are, reflecting the glory of all their years and experiences. It’s IMPORTANT. Thanks again for sharing, and God bless!
–Amy
@SlapdashGourmet
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Trisha Thomas says:
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Oh Lisa, Complimenti!!! You and Carina look absolutely gorgeous, and oh so happy and carefee and so Parisienne!! Compliments to Carla Coulson too, I am going to go check out her website right now.
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