Sit like A Dude, That Space Looks Bad on You & Coffee with the Queen of Shui
Happy Eclipse & Mercury Retrograde Season! š³ Just a few of the things that have already gone awry here -
TheĀ studio I rentedĀ for a day of self-portrait, video content creation, and behind-the-scenes footage for Golden B's andĀ No More āBadā Photos community membersā¦had some unforeseen challenges.
Too Much Light. Ā The photos from theĀ PeerspaceĀ listing show the loft located in downtown San Diego with a large building directly across the street. Ā I arrived to find the building torn down and an overwhelming amount of light flooding into the space. Without a way to diffuse the harsh light (fine for video but not so much for photos), I spent an entire hour finding the sweet spot in the studio for the shots.
Hello Life Size Logo. This brings me to the second challenge, a lack of open wall space. Ā The above sweet spot for light was directly in front of a 12x20 foot wall with a life-size logo of the studio space painted on the wall. Cue the search for the sweet spot runner-up (well into my second hour of the shoot at this point).
Tone talk. The space didn't look great on me. If you're as obsessed with theseĀ color-tone styling videosĀ as I am you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Ā I'm a warm white girly and icy tones make me look sallow. Ā Not a great start to the shoot!
I share this with you to help you understand there are so many factors influencing how you feel about your pictures and most of it is subconscious. Ā The tone of the space, for example. Ā You may have thoughtĀ geez I look tired, when really it's just not compatible with your coloring or skin tone. Ā
And speaking of the subconscious, there are 5 truths I share with you insideĀ No More āBadā PhotosĀ that will really blow your mind.
By the way, I shared unedited photos illustrating the above and the massive difference it makes in how you feel about your photos when the light is even and the tones compliment your skin color. Ā Something to keep in mind before you delete those photos! Ā Sending you love and humor for the rest of the Eclipse & Mercury Retrograde Season!
Podcast.
I've got Amanda Gibby Peters, the beloved Queen of style & Simple Shui on the Pod this week!
In this episode, Amanda reveals her initial resistance to Shui and the pivotal moments that shaped her singular approach, brand, and career - one that has earned her a devoted Instagram following.
Key Takeaways:
ā¢ Discover Amanda's quest for understanding and her early skepticism towards Feng Shui.
ā¢ Explore the power of self-compassion and its role in Amanda's journey of self-discovery.
ā¢ Gain insights into Amanda's approach to curating energy in living spaces and fostering holistic well-being.
ā¢ Uncover actionable tips for finding balance and harmony in your home and life, even amidst chaos and uncertainty.
Moodboard.
Watch the way a man sits in his chair. He takes up the space he needs to take, thereās no apologizing or making himself small. Heās like liquid filling in every inch of the seat, knees apart, feet wide on the floor, arms claiming the armrest or dripping off the side of the chair.
You know recognize this when you are in a physical space with him. In fact, most of us subconsciously scoot over to make MORE room for him, keenly aware there is potential for his presence to be even bigger. This shrinking is the energy you are most likely bringing to your current photos. You are natural and liquid until someone pulls out a camera. Notice how you change, watch what your arms do, not how you hide your hands, how you fold in on yourself and become small. You transform into something unthreatening and self-protective, like a hedgehog. āØ
š Donāt judge yourself for it, justā¦notice. Itās interesting how our instincts take over and alter our body language, isnāt it?Ā
š When you are in this moment of noticing (in front of the camera or otherwise) ask yourself āHow can I take up more of my space here?ā.Ā
š Ask how you might be able to be more grounded, and more present. Can you separate your feet, widen your stance, and pop out your elbow to claim that armrest?Ā
š How can you be liquid and expand?
āØPS. You can go the DIY route here with myĀ Pose with PurposeĀ freebie or you can get yourself into theĀ No More āBadā PhotosĀ course and join the 4-week April 15 Mini Challenge where Taking Up Space is the name if the game. xoxo Lisa
*Pictured below, Claiming My Space, Self-Portrait Series