Christy is no stranger to being in front of my camera – she’s also a repeat Atlantic Boudoir client! And at 40, she came back for a different reason this time: not because she needs to become someone new, but because life has gotten busy and she needed a reminder of the woman who’s already there.
Christy has worked as an insurance agent for the same family-owned business for more than 14 years—and genuinely loves what she does. Outside of work, she loves CrossFit, shopping, and, in her words, considers retail therapy her love language.
But like so many women, her days are often spent doing for everyone else.
Eventually, you realize you can’t keep giving from reserves you never replenish.
That’s what drew Christy to the 30 Over 30: Proof of Her Project: “I need this for me.”
She wanted the reminder that she’s worthy of feeling beautiful, empowered, and confident exactly as she is. More than anything, she hoped this experience would help her look at herself with a little more kindness and appreciation.
Christy’s independence started developing long before adulthood, as she grew up without a mom due to addiction. It wasn’t easy, but the experience shaped her into someone strong, capable, and fiercely independent.
That strength doesn’t mean everyone immediately gets to see every part of her, though.
People don’t always realize how big Christy’s heart is. She describes herself as an onion—you have to peel back the layers. She doesn’t let people in quickly, but there’s a lot underneath the tougher exterior for the people who take the time to know her.
There was also a time when Christy believed she could never truly be happy in her body…but she’s outgrown that.
Today, one of the things she’s most proud of is her fitness level. CrossFit has shown her what her body is capable of, and her relationship with it is no longer dependent on reaching some hypothetical future version of herself.
In fact, that’s exactly what she’d tell another woman considering a session:
“Do the shoot before the weight loss. Do it before you’re ready. Because when you see the final photographs, you may realize you never needed to change anything first. You were already worthy of being photographed exactly as you were.”
And Christy knows that from experience: She’s done this before. She’s seen herself through my lens before. And she still chose to come back and document this version, too.
When asked how she hopes to feel when she sees these portraits, Christy’s answer was very on-brand:
“Obsessed.”
And the woman she’s become?
“Strong and confident.”
Post-session, this is what Christy had to say…
“My first shoot with Alisha was in 2024. I had 0 self confidence and hated my body. After that shoot I was in awe of myself. I had a new found appreciation for my body and I had found my self-confidence. Fast forward 2 years: I had a hysterectomy, went into full menopause – then lost 70 lbs. So many changes had me feeling lost and so naturally…I booked another shoot. After the shoot and seeing the photos it has shown me that same feeling of appreciation for my body. I was blown away again. Like wow- that is ME – I am still HOT. Big or small- this body is mine and it is beautiful. I think we all need that reminder sometimes.”
Thanks for letting me photograph you again, Christy! 💜
If you’re interested in celebrating yourself NOW, apply for the 30 Over 30 Project here: https://atlanticboudoir.com/30-over-30
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