A Glimpse into My Former Life as a Freelance Model
Hey there, friends! Today, I want to take a moment to share a little about my past life as a freelance model before I became the Orlando mom you know today. It’s a part of my journey that still makes me smile and reflect on the experiences that shaped me.
The Early Days
I started modeling in my twenties, primarily working with local photographers. At first, I was a bit nervous. Posing in front of the camera wasn’t something I had ever imagined I would do! But the moment I stepped in front of the lens, something clicked. I felt empowered and confident.
I remember one of my first maternity shoots. I was hired to model for a photographer who specialized in capturing the beauty of pregnancy. We shot in a beautiful garden in Winter Park, surrounded by blooming flowers. I was 7 months pregnant with Lily at the time. The photographer encouraged me to embrace the moment, and as I cradled my baby bump, I felt a deep connection to my growing child. The photos turned out stunning, and I loved how they captured that special time in my life.
Finding My Niche
As the years went on, I found my niche working with boudoir photographers. It’s amazing how liberating it can feel to celebrate your body and femininity! I learned to embrace my own body and appreciate every part of me.
I still have those photos, and they remind me of the confidence I felt during that time. Even though I never became a famous model, I made a good living. It was a unique way to express myself while enjoying the art of photography. You can probably see my photos on 50+ boudoir websites in Florida. Here’s a photo from one of my favorite photographers to work with, Michael Jones, from around 2012.
No shame here.
Balancing Life and Modeling
Juggling modeling with life as a mom was sometimes tricky. I often had to fit shoots around my family’s schedule. I remember one day, I had a maternity session booked for the afternoon. I rushed home from taking Emma to school, quickly changed outfits, and dashed out the door while my husband, James, managed the kids.
After a successful shoot, I returned home to find Jimmy had painted the living room wall with crayon. It was chaos, but it made me laugh. That day was a perfect reminder that life is about balance—finding those moments of joy amid the craziness.
Turning 40 and Moving On
When I turned 40, I made the decision to step back from modeling. It felt like the right time. My priorities shifted toward family, and I wanted to focus on being the best mom I could be. Looking back, I cherish all the experiences and people I met along the way.
The modeling world taught me so much about self-love and confidence. It’s amazing how those lessons still resonate with me today, especially as I navigate motherhood and all its challenges.
So, there you have it—a little peek into my former life as a freelance model! While I may not be in front of the camera anymore, I carry those experiences with me as I embrace my role as an Orlando mom. Life is a beautiful journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next!