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I've been a photographer and educator for over 6 years now and have taught thousands of photographers all over the world to find their voice, gain confidence in their work and discover a truly unique photography style all their own.
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Emotional Storytelling

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Inspirational Journey of Self Discovery in Photographs

Filed in: Inspiration

This year in my Facebook group Emotional Storytelling we have been working to inspire and create new images based on weekly themes.

Our topic this month is Muse and last week’s theme was Embody Me. I asked our group to focus on working with their muse to create images that really embody the essence of everything they are. I wanted to get to know them better through their imagery, because I know this is the best way I communicate all those things I never express.

As a photographer that has rarely been photographed, I put a lot of myself and my feeling about my subject matter into my own work. Capturing the connections that matter the most to me and recreating tender moments I wish I had captured of myself with my own children. I love channeling the feelings of carefree adventure I embodied as a child and leading the children I photograph now though those same adventures.

I really loved the rawness and authenticity from this set shared by Leah Brown:

Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me

Leah Brown

I can always count on Dawndra Budd to share the most create, compelling and gorgeous work and she did not disappoint with these inspiring images.

Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me

Dawndra Budd

Jade Chambers Lott shared this gorgeous, backlit beach set that made me wish I was the one twirling around before her lens.

Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me

Jade Chambers Lott

I absolutely fell in love with these two images from Darla Winn and the quote she shared especially resonated with me:

I want to be with those who know secret things or else alone.
― Rainer Maria Rilke

Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me

Darla Winn

Maria Andersen Hildebrand shared some powerful words to accompany her emotive set of images.

“I have outgrown trying to please everyone. I have outgrown society constantly telling me I’m not beautiful, smart, or worthy enough. I have outgrown trying to fix every little flaw. I have outgrown my tendency to fill my mind with self-doubt and insecurity. I have outgrown trying to find reasons not to love myself. I have outgrown anything and anyone that does not enrich the essence of my soul. I have outgrown many things, and I’ve never felt freer.” — Chanda Kaushik

Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me

Maria Andersen Hildebrand

Brianna Nicole shared an image from a personal project she is working on. I love her bravery and willingness to provide a voice for those that may feel they have none.

This year has been a journey of healing for me. A journey of self discovery and a fight for self love. I’ve become my own muse in the process.

“I felt like a bubble after it happened. I just wanted to fly away. I wanted to feel beautiful again like all the pretty colors but instead I only felt fragile at the thought of being touched.”

A portrait for my personal project Birth of a Butterfly where survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse have a safe place to publicly or anonymously share their stories through emotive imagery. A place to not just be a statistic but to share our strength, hope and courage. A place to spread awareness and not be silenced.

Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Brianna Nicole

Bobbi Sue Clark shared her personal thoughts on motherhood, some that I think a lot us can identify with.

When I first became a mother 10 yrs ago, I changed from a free spirit to a person on a quest of perfectionism. I wanted to be the perfect mother and in that quest I lost the real me. A year ago I picked up a camera in desperation to find myself again… and I’m happy to say that my 4 daughters get to experience the real Me. The wild, free spirited and adventurous Mama. I would have never let this scenario happen last night at the park… a pretty dress getting dirty and wet. But now…. it means so much to me. My heart was so full watching my 2 year old live fully… pretty dress, bracelets, ladybug boots, sand and water… all together with happy squeals and laughs… Life isn’t about being perfect…

Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me

Bobbi Sue Clark

And then we have this incredible piece of self portrait art from Jenny Ann Holden. I could stare at this one for hours.

Self-portraiture is my medicine. I can fall softly into myself for hours and hours during the creating/editing processes, witness and learn things about myself and create images that so fully embody me that I am brought to tears. Thank you Twyla Jones and the incredible members of this group for being the muse our world so desperately needs right now. Keep shining bright and embodying your art fully and authentically.

Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me

Jenny Ann Holden

Here for you to enjoy are the rest of the features from this week from some really amazing artists that inspire me every day with their very different, but powerful voices and messages to share.

Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me

Amber Armstrong
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Beth Cagnoni
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Amanda Leann Canton
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Amy Yenny Madson
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Twyla Jones
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Lacy Hilliard
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Kristina Borgstrom
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Caroline Over
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Twyla Jones
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Carla Monge
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Karina Cazares Cantu
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Evelyn Cirignotta
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Lacy Hilliard
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Tamra Smith Horner
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Erin Cummings
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Katy Webb
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Leah Labourde
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Khara O’Neil
Self discovery photos by Twyla Jones Photography, Self discovery images, Self discovery photography, Embody Me
Rebecca Burt

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