Portrait in Paris - with Carla Coulson

INSPIRATION

Time to Shine in Paris

WITH CARLA COULSON

For many years I have been missing, behind the camera instead of in front. Convinced I didn’t deserve center stage, Carla Coulson your Shine portrait session helped me change all that.

Not only did I find my inner sexy, adventurous, spirited, passionate sense of self again.

I also gave the gift of myself back to my daughter.

A Mum who wears red lipstick, high heels and knows how to navigate the Metro.

One full of laughter, confidence, glowing with happiness that we get to share these moments together.

From the absolute surprise on her face when she caught the first glimpse of my transformation I knew I’d cheated her a little.

Our portrait in Paris with Carla Coulson was a chance to change all that.

We laughed out loud feeding the pigeons at Notre Dame, splashed in the fountains, shopped, danced and sang together.

Total ‘Girl Time’ which was long overdue.

My own Mum and I have an incredible closeness, she raised us after my Dad died suddenly at only thirty nine. I’ve long had a thing for preserving memories, I only have a few photos of my Dad and I together, I was only five when he died.

By taking myself out of family photos I really see how I just disappeared.

How my kids don’t feel they smile the right way for photos.

If I could give you a gift from my heart it would be to let yourself always SHINE.

To not hit delete if you don’t look ‘just right’ and if you get a chance to have a portrait taken go and do it wholeheartedly.

The day we spent with Carla Coulson for our portrait in Paris really did change my life, in ways I didn’t see coming.

She has such a natural, humble. easy way, a clear vision that she brings to life, and she carries you along with her passion and enthusiasm.

I have never felt this way in front of a camera in my entire life.

Swirling, laughing, yep even a bit of strutting……people pausing to watch us, it all seemed on the edge of my joy, hugging my daughter, a bouquets of flowers with their own special meaning for us, feeling like a million dollars.

I even did a few quick outfit changes in a little courtyard, and Boobs…..who knew I had those!

Just Priceless.

A complete and total contrast to how I felt only a few short months ago when I found out I had won.
I turned the camera on to video my thanks and everything went sideways.
I know the video and the post I wrote touched many people who also hide from the camera.

Carina,

My beautiful butterfly girl.

You are my heart,

I know sometimes it doesn’t feel that way when we argue but it will forever be true.

I love you more than a million red M & M’s, more than anything in the world, to the moon and back.

My little girl you are becoming a young woman and I am so proud of you!

You have such a special grace, an inner beauty, a rare gift of resilience, creativity, laughter, cheekiness, and such a Spirit.

I love you Sweet Heart, you are my JOY xxx

Dearest Carla,

You gave us so much more than you could ever know.

Way beyond a Portrait in Paris.

Such a beautiful moment in time together, the grace of a girl becoming a young woman.

I’m incredibly happy that you were the one to capture these moments. I can’t imagine anyone else behind the lens, you have such a gift.

At the end of the day shooting it felt like we had just wandered Paris, soaking it all in, all of us laughing together as girlfriends.

I don’t actually remember you pointing a camera at us, how weird is that?

I just remember Carina in my arms, laughing, relaxing, a feeling of twirling, sharing, her hand in mine as we walked, lots of laughter.

Yes Life Changing in so many ways!

“Freedom, Sensuality, Joy, Movement, Adventure”

thank you Carla from the bottom of my heart xxx

PS Carla I will forever love your little cat, how clever he was to draw my name from that dish.
Give him a big kiss on the whiskers from us says Carina x

PPS Now the boys want to get in on the act….next time you’ll have the entire family LOL xx

Save

and the gang x

61 replies

Jo Febish says:
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Thanks for sharing this inspiring blog and beautiful memories you have created with your daughter! I, too, hide behind the camera- mainly because I love photography. By sharing this wonderful idea, you have changed that for me! I have five daughters 😊
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  It was just such perfect timing for us with my daughter just a teen and my hitting 50. Wow five daughters, you might have to give me some tips on teens lol.
  much love lisa
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April M Lee says:
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beautiful photos. beautiful words.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Oh thanks so much April, it was a magical day for us x
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Frankie says:
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You look truly stunning Lisa!You should dress up and certainly lippy up,a lot more than you do.Your daughter is becoming every bit as beautiful as you!Fantastic,joyful pictures!
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Thanks Frankie, you’ll be happy to know that my Mum has been telling me to wear lipstick for around 30 years lol xx
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michelle@geeyourebrave says:
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What an amazing gift to yourself and your daughter. The photos are stunning. Renoing can be far from glamorous. How lovely to have the chance to re discover your inner glamour 🙂
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  I still love looking at each image, such a change for me being in front of the camera. I feel like I have been covered in dust and paint for years now so it was wonderful being spoiled. The best thing was that I got to do this with carina xxx
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Caterina B says:
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Whoops! Sorry I missed the title of your pretty post. It’s Paris at last!
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  YES arghhhhh Paris at last and it was totally glorious xx
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Caterina B says:
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Wow Lisa! You look fantastic in those photos! Your hair and makeup really are beautiful.
I guess I should take your advice and stop deleting my own photos. I have none of me for at least the last 10 years. Hubby is very annoyed with me for doing that.
Also, Carina is growing up to be stunning!
When will you get your 50th birthday trip to Paris? Soon, I hope.
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Sharon Santoni says:
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Hi Lisa

I’m so glad to have found your blog after your lovely comment on mine. What an amazing shoot this was, and how brave and how right you were to put your video up on your facebook page – so moving!
Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous, Carla is very gifted, but it is you that shines through!!
Sharon

xx
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Catherine says:
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Just priceless Lisa. I think it is so important to crystallise moments like this. It’s what life is all about! You are so beautiful and full of joy! I adore the last photo. Carina is gorgeous. You will both cherish this day forever! Xxcat
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Gabriella says:
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Hi Lisa,

I’m loving this photo shoot with your daughter, you are very lucky gals. What a wonderful blog as well, I’m a fan of Italy so I’ll certainly keep up to date here. My blog is about patisserie but I’ll try to find a way (an excuse) to link my photo shoot with Carla Coulson – I’m like you I can’t stop looking at my photos! As you describe your day it’s exactly how I felt. I haven’t had such a wonderful time like that and felt more myself since that day of the photo shoot. Thanx for sharing and your smiles are just gorgeous! P.s how do you link the Pinterest icon to the photos? I know Carla does it too, it’s a clever idea but one I can’t work out how you gals do it.
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vicki archer says:
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FANTASTIC Lisa… these photographs are so beautiful, charming and lovely in every way.
Carla is a very, very special gal… and how wonderful that you have these beautful memories together now… and with your own divine girl… Have a wonderful weekend and bask in the glow… xv
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Oh Vicki it was beyond wonderful and I bet you noticed that gorgeous white dress. Carla has the greatest gift and it was so special to be able to share this with my girl. The reaction has been overwhelming and I am sending all the comments to my Mum in Australia xxx
  sending love xx
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Susan Heslington says:
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The photos are stunning Lisa, as is your family. I’m very proud of your progress and achievements in reaching your goal in coming to live here in Italy. Well done xxx
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  It’s good to be reminded of just how far we have come sometimes isn’t it Susan. xxx
  sending love
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Dana says:
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Beautiful post, and beautiful photos. Very inspiring.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  thank you so much for that Dana, very kind xx
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Debra Kolkka says:
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How fabulous you both look. What a lovely memory for both of you.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Carla captured everything we expressed so beautifully, she is just a genius behind the lens and the whole experience was glorious Deb xx
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Amy says:
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Lisa, you did something so important! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and the pictures. When I turned 45 I decided to have photos taken — just me and the photographer, with no one else even knowing I was doing it — and it was an important turning point for me. I wrote an essay about it that only a handful of people have ever read, but you’ve inspired me to dust it off and get it “out there.” Women need the luxury of seeing themselves as they really are, reflecting the glory of all their years and experiences. It’s IMPORTANT. Thanks again for sharing, and God bless!
–Amy
@SlapdashGourmet
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Trisha Thomas says:
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Oh Lisa, Complimenti!!! You and Carina look absolutely gorgeous, and oh so happy and carefee and so Parisienne!! Compliments to Carla Coulson too, I am going to go check out her website right now.
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head in the sun says:
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That second shot is an absolute bewdie!
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  wink wink nudge nudge say no more xxx
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Melissa {Suger} says:
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They are EVERYTHING and so much more. There you are, you beautiful, life-filled ladies, in a warmly lit bubble of love. So beautiful. I’m gushing all over facebook. Tell Sam I blame the flu for my sentimentality and the tears, I haven’t gone soft. Haha.

They are beautiful Lisa. Just as we knew they would be. xo
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Annette Piper says:
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Fantastic shots of you and Carina Lisa, just fabulous!
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Thanks so much for that Annette, xxx
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jann says:
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Lisa, I’m so very happy for you, and for Carina. You are both absolute dolls and Carla is masterful in bringing out the real you!!!! What a superb once-in-a-lifetime experience–and then there’s Paris as the cherry on top. xxxxxbacixxxx
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La Contessa says:
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I hope you saw my comment on CARLA’s BLOG!
WOW WOW WOW………………….what a SHOOT!
She is AMAZING that CARLA………..and so down to earth!
How on earth will you pick!You must frame a few!!!
Beautiful words you wrote with STUNNING pictures!!!
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Francesca Muit says:
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Such joie de vivre in all of these. And I love you with some colour Lisa. Sending love xx
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Yes it’s time to ditch all the black in my wardrobe….arghhhh then I’d have no clothes lol xx
  sending love xxx
  your post with your daughter was so moving by the way xx
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Karene says:
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Lisa, I have finally made it to your blog, after slipping downstairs in the middle of the night to see if Carla had posted your pictures yet–and she had! As you know, I’ve commented on her blog, her facebook page, multiple times on your facebook page. But of course I want to complete my commenting here. 🙂 As I told you when you posted about winning, I too am that woman behind the camera, rarely posting a pic of myself and not letting my friends post them either. I delete the ones I do see. It’s hard to get over that feeling of inadequacy, not measuring up to my own or someone else’s ideal “look.”

Your heartfelt, honest post and your pictures made me cry tears of joy for what Carla has done for your self-worth. And for your courage in allowing her! Sometimes we just need a little encouragement (and a little makeup and hair styling doesn’t hurt either for a special occasion) to let our true self shine forth, which is truly captured in the photos.

You radiate Joy first of all, but also all the other qualities: freedom, sensuality, movement, and adventure, yes! I am dreaming now of doing this with my own daughter (19 yrs old). What a gift for the both of us that would be! It may take several more years to save up, but you inspire me!

Love you, xoxo
Karene
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Julie collett says:
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So wonderful , your beauty , love and strength shine through all these photos and Caria is a beauty . You are a inspiration xxxxx
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Awww thanks so much and love to you guys, wish Italy was closer to Australia I so long to see you all x
  xx
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Jenny P says:
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Lisa, your story about the personal significance of these photos was so touching. I’m so glad that you’ll have this day of wonderful memories preserved for your children and their children. All the photos of you and Carina are stunning. I couldn’t pick a favourite, but I could pick the happiness that radiated from them all. Just beautiful.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  I love your new look at the blog, and don’t be scared of wordpress it’s easy once you know how.
  
  Paris was just such a dream come true and to spend time with Carla and have these glorious images to remember it all is such a gift. I hope one day our children can say ‘see that’s your Nana’ you would have loved her xx
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Kama says:
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Gorgeous photos! What a wonderful journey x
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  It was so much fun to be spoiled for the day Kama, xx
  sending love
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Wynne says:
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I love the shot of the both of you in denim. The entire series is just wonderful! You look so relaxed and care-free. What a wonderful treat for you and Carina and a truly special “girls day out” – and in PARIS yet!

SO wonderful. xo
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  I love those as well, I just love them all and so happy to have these memories.
  We’ll always have Paris LOL xx
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Judith of Umbria says:
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Just splendid! I am so happy for you.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Oh thanks for that Judith x
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Lisa Wood says:
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Lisa – Carla took every photo with so much love…she captured your spirit so very well. You are stunning, shinning, beautiful and loving.
Gosh your daughter is growing up so very fast, and is so beautiful…
Every single photo is priceless. Every single photo is more beautiful then the last one.
So very glad you got to have a “Daughter weekend” – so very glad you had a moment to capture a sweet time together.
Hope you are proud of each image because Lisa you are stunning, shining from within xxx
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Peta Lowry says:
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Just fantastic Lisa!! A truly beautiful and unique opportunity and I feel so blessed to have been able to follow your journey of self from when you won this amazing prize to now! You, your daughter and your family so deserve this prize and to see you blossom and grow from it makes it even more special, can’t wait to see the impact this has on your life as you continue to share it with us. Thank you for sharing so much of you and your wonderful life and I hope we can all continue to share, enjoy, grow, learn and love what you do for a long time to come…. Bellissime!!
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Ciao Peta, I’ve actually been in half a dozen photos since the big Shoot with Carla, that’s more than I’ve been in all year lol .
  I love sharing with you, and that sounds wonderful, to share, enjoy grow learn and love xxxx
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Penee says:
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I love love love these photos of you both. Katrina and I ooowwwed and ahhhed over everyone of them. You look so beautiful Lisa. Your life and love really shine through 🙂 carina your growing into such a beautiful young women xx. I know exactly what you mean about life behind the camera and being missed for sometimes years out of all of the big events and small ones too. It seems that I make sure everyone else is captured but I am not. After getting my photo taken for women’s day I realized the same as you, that we do belong in front of the camera and that our lives should be captured also. Much love.
The youngs xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Ha ha Carina was so impressed and we have prints coming so I can hang some in the house. I think our lives should be captured as well and yours is such an inspiration for so many people…..maybe a blog??
  
  sending love and will see if we can skype on the weekend x
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Kris San Lee says:
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Lisa this post is by far your best from the heart. The pictures are gorgeous and so real but your feelings will be forever. So happy for you enjoy every moment.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Awwww that’s such a beautiful thing to say and thank you xx
  I’m aiming to bring so much more of myself to the blog, I”ve been hiding out for a while x
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Leanne from Getaway Guru says:
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Such beautiful photos Lisa and such beautiful sentiments. It has been such a powerful exercise – so much more than photos. Definitely a life changing experience! Something every woman should do to celebrate a significant birthday!
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  thanks so much Leanne, maybe we’ll aim to some more when Carina turns 21 LOL xx
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Anne says:
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Lisa you look stunning and what a beauty Carina looks too.

This post made me cry…happy tears and sad tears. I feel exactly the way you did you had this done. I delete photos all the time. .. I have confidence with my body but not my face ..if that makes sense .. always out of photos of possible. I have been like it most of my life .. ..

. You look beautiful. Xx
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  I still look at them and think is that really me. I had the most angst about Carla photographing my face, crooked nose and severe cystic acne as a young woman left me very uncomfortable but I never even noticed with her behind the lens. Such a gifted woman, and so fantastic at putting you totally at ease. I hope this might inspire you to do some of your own xx
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  - Anne says:
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    I don’t see a crooked nose at all 🙂 you look beautiful Lisa. thank you for the encouragement I hope I can do it xxx
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    - Lisa Chiodo says:
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      ahhhh you are too kind, it’s called “The Burns Beak”
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Lyn - A Hole in my Shoe says:
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Absolutely gorgeous pics, what a beautiful gift to your daughter… yourself and your love! Just beautiful.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  I know she’ll always be able to look at these and remember laughing with the pigeons, and seeing Paris for the first time with her Mum just like I did with mine xx
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Krista says:
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Love this, love you so very much. XOXO Crying with joy and pride. XO
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  How beautiful Krista, love you back xxx
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