True beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.
“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”
― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
This past December my Aunt Andrea found out she had a rare form of cancer, so rare in fact that they have no stats on longevity. Signet ring cell cancer is usually found in the stomach, hers was found in her pancreas.
She is in stage 3.
After already seeing her husband and a daughter through cancer battles and losing her son 7 years ago to heart problems, it seems unfair that life would throw such a strong courageous woman this curve ball.
But if anyone can face this down with strength, steel, and beauty of spirit, it is definitely my Aunt Andrea.
On a day in January I went to visit my aunt to take some photos of her while she gathered with her children and grandchildren to celebrate two of her granddaughters' birthdays.
Savannah turned 10 and Emily turned 7.
Love and laughter was overflowing as the family gathered for the happy day.
Being with my Aunt Andrea, her husband Jim, her children,
daughter in law, and grandchildren, made me feel a little sad for myself and I feel very selfish for admitting it under the circumstances.
The unconditional love and acceptance they all had for each other was palpable and something I have always found lacking from my own mother and siblings. Everyone should be so blessed to have a such a loving and supportive family.
It is just one more reason my Aunt Andrea needs to beat this demon, for she and her husband are truly the hub of this wonderful extended family dynamic.
Aunt Andrea is such a life force that her beauty just shines from inside her. I cannot imagine her not being surrounded by her wonderful family whom she clearly loves oh so very much.
On this day my Aunt Andrea asked me to document having her beloved daughter in law Darcy shave her head for her. Aunt Andrea's chemo treatments were causing hair loss and she decided to just be done with it all.
With her family around her, she faced it like she faces everything in life she has found difficult. With dignity and strength, a few tears, and lastly with the beauty and light that shines from within her at all times.
I ask for anyone reading this post to please hold my aunt up in prayer.
Her family needs her.
I need her.
And this world needs more people like her.
Much love to this beautiful spitfire of a woman, Aunt Andrea.
Note: The day these photos were taken my aunt fell in her home and broke her leg. She is still recovering from this set back.
Elegance is the only beauty that never fades-Conceptual
Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.
--Audrey Hepburn
I will never get over the elegance and beauty of old Hollywood glamour. George Hurrell has been an inspiration for years (and if you do not know who he is please google him!)
For this conceptual session, we combined the timeless beauty of old Hollywood Glamour with some Film Noir type lighting.
But I would be remiss if I did not post at least one color image so that you could see the color of Kiersten's stunning eyes.
Enjoy.
I THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT THING A WOMAN CAN HAVE NEXT TO TALENT
IS A HAIRDRESSER.
--JOAN CRAWFORD
Much love and thanks as always to my incredible MUAH and partner in crime when
it comes to conceptual looks and overall beauty- Jennifer Aguilera
And now, born from the ashes, she’s a warrior in bloodied black.
“And now, born from the ashes, she’s a warrior in bloodied black.”
You might say Yolanda has been through some battles in her life. But her vivacity and gorgeous laugh would keep you from knowing that.
From her Boudoir to her Pin Up photos , Yolanda's strength and love for life shines through.
Yolanda is a breast cancer survivor. A battle she continues to fight on a recurring basis.
During her photo shoot, Yolanda was able to leave all her personal struggles behind her. Like the warrior she is.
It truly was a pleasure meeting you Yolanda.
Much love, Nancy Roxanne
Hair and makeup courtesy of: Jennifer Aguilera Owner of Shear Dolls
Fear is stupid. So are regrets.--Pin Up
Fear is stupid. So are regrets.
Marilyn Monroe
Every woman should have a day where they are the center of attention and made to feel their most beautiful.
Other than a wedding day, you really don't get those kinds of days very often as an adult.
From careers to motherhood, our 'me' days somehow get lost in the jumble.
I think that's just one of the allures of Pin Up photography.
After time spent reaping the benefit of having your hair and makeup styled by one of our professional stylists you will be ready to take on the photo shoot--and the world!
And Pin Up is definitely about empowerment.
It's about feeling beautiful in your own skin. Whether you are size 2 or size 22, Pin Up style looks amazing and feels just as good.
I mean,seriously,I could take these kinds of photos all day, every day..
Pin Up is also about attitude. It can be sweet, sexy, bold, brazen and most definitely fun!
Another advantage to a conceptual session based on the woman that is you, is that having your photo taken by a professional photographer can be very rewarding. Seeing your beauty through the unbiased eyes of someone else can be a pretty powerful confidence booster.
It's an opportunity to embrace your womanhood in a playful way that allows you to have fun and not take yourself too seriously.
At the end of day it truly is all about embracing YOU.
And that's something we all need a little more of.
Much love, Nancy Roxanne
Special thanks to my gorgeous client Erica, who was up for anything!
Lead Photographer Nancy Roxanne Art by Roxanne Photography
Hair and Makeup Courtesy of Jennifer Aguilera Shear Dolls
Second Photographer Lindsey Wickstandt Wheeler Moments with Elle
New year, new life-Lifestyle Newborn Session
New Year, New Life
On November 24th I was scheduled to do a maternity session for Marisol...but her little Liam had other ideas and on November 23rd Marisol went into labor. Twenty four hours later little Liam made his debut one month early, weighing a very healthy 7lbs and 14oz and measuring 21 and half inches long.
Arriving at Brian and Marisol's modern and beautiful light filled home I found unopened gifts underneath the Christmas tree.
Apparently having a new baby arrive a month early put's your schedule off a bit haha!
I couldn't believe that this young looking couple have been together 22 years dating back to high school!
They were just as cute and as sweet as could be, and their love for gorgeous little Liam was just precious.
Congratulations to this awesome couple on their beautiful new edition to their family. I hope to see him again and again and witness all his sweet milestones!
