LIBBY - 59

HER STORY: I live life with a happy-go-lucky attitude. I am so blessed that i landed an awesome husband that is my best match! My 3 kids are happy and in great places in their lives and are kind to others... yay! I struggled with so much stress in my life - awful! You know...the old corporate grind. . I took control of my life and lost 100 lbs. and that is when Annie Marie wanted to capture this breakthrough in my life. . ON WHY SHE WANTED TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED AT THIS STAGE: 50's is the new 40's. I don't feel as old as I pictured my mom at this age although she was fabulous! I want to stay energetic and young for my kids and grandkids. These images will be amazing to look back on in 20 years! . ON BEING OVER 50: I would say that every decade has it's gifts and challenges! 20's was too much fun - did lot's of dumb things. 30's I got a little smarter, still a little carefree but started to have stress and responsibilities with job and kids. 40's there was so much time worrying about what people thought of me... a waste. 50's I feel that I can be authentically real and I really don't care at all what people think of me. Because I know that I am loved by my family and that is what is important to me. I want to make memories and do what I want to do. . ON HOW SHE FELT DURING HER SHOOT: Honestly, I just got through a personal trial. So I did not feel justified to celebrate myself the way Annie encouraged me to. I was as close to playing dress up as I could imagine! I thought to myself when I saw the photos... "This is really me!" I was smiling like I used to and it made me happy.

ANNIE - 57

You already know most of my story and why this project is so dear to my heart. I figured how can I possibly do a project like this and expect women to get in front of a camera if I hadn't done the same myself. What I thought was going to be full of fear and self bashing... ended up exactly the opposite. The experience of getting dressed up and feeling like a movie star in front of the camera while my hair was blowing in the wind was empowering. And what was more empowering was the feeling I had when I saw the images. I was like... "is that ME?" In disbelief that I would ever see myself as pretty. Especially in the age where youth seems to be fading. But I found that the strength comes from within and It is how we are able to see ourselves... nothing to do with our appearance. So I invite you to allow me to capture the most beautiful photo of you. Because I know it is in you too!! xoxo