You Are Beautiful - Thoughts on Colbie Caillat "Try" Music Video

If you haven't seen Colbie Caillat's new music video for her brand new song "Try", watch it here first:

Also, read a full article on her thoughts and process for this video here: http://goo.gl/Krfe1b

Now, as someone who photographs women for a living, and provides professional hair and makeup for these women, it might seem "strange" that I could love this video so much and still press the importance of these professional beauty services. But here's the thing - I think a lot of people have missed the point.

It's not about makeup being evil, that taking the time to do your hair & dress up is wrong, or that the beauty industry is oppressing women. We can say all these things, blame the media if you want, but the problem starts within each and every one of us.

♫ "Do you like you?" ♫

If we cannot love ourselves as we are, without the makeup, fancy clothes and primped hair, then how can we ask others to even like us, let alone love us? Who are we without the layers of makeup, curled hair, and expensive wardrobe? What makes you, YOU?

Our family, friends, significant others don't fall in love with our hairstyle, outfits, or layers of cosmetics. They fall in love with our smile, laugh, the passion they see in our eyes, in the way that we treat them and others. That is where our beauty lies.

So while yes, the media pressures women to look and act a certain way, it is on US if we conform to their ridiculous standards. Like Colbie Caillat, we need to look within ourselves and find a way to love ourselves AS WE ARE, without worry of what others think.

Are there going to be bad days? Of course! We're only human after all. But we are not alone in our insecurities. And absolutely you can still do your hair and makeup, buy that pretty dress and those killer heels. Heck, we'll always have days where it's FUN to dress up (we've played dress up since we were little!). But we need to make sure that what clothes we wear or how much makeup we wear doesn't define us.

Be YOU. But have fun, too. When I photograph women, I'm not looking for the perfect makeup, or the perfect hair - that's why YOU dictate how you look for your session. I just want to create an inviting atmosphere where you get to relax, feel beautiful, and have FUN, so we can capture the true you!