Issues with Body Image? | "Seeing You" Event in Grand Rapids

Let me ask you if this resonates with you:

"A conference for women who want to learn about and discuss the effects of body image. Gain insight on how to navigate the rocky road of self-esteem!"

This was the topic of the "Seeing You", an event created by Embracing You Events and presented by WCSG. 

WCSG is a newer client following the celebrity photo shoot with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith and the "Seeing You" event was the first on the 2018 calendar. 

The event topic interested me, but I have to say I was blown away by the number of women who showed up to the event (and some men as well). Ticket sales were through the roof and women came by the busload (at least that's what it seemed like). 

Having a room full of people, excited to hear from your speakers always creates a special "buzz" at events I photograph and the Pinnacle Center was feeling the buzz. 

The event agenda was a keynote talk from Leslie Goldman, a women's health writer, speaker and body image expert followed by a panel discussion with Leslie and four additional members of the West Michigan community.  

She described and helped attendees navigate the world women deal with in today's culture. The topic of body image, eating disorders, self-esteem and self-worth and how the media portrays women were all included in her presentation. 

Who knew so many people would attend an event where they were going to learn about how to have better self-esteem and self-image? Who knew that many people struggle with this idea in their own mind?

But it shouldn't surprise me.

I hear it all the time, from both men and women. It sounds a little different, but it's still the same idea.

What I hear is, "I don't like having my photo taken. I really don't like the way I look on camera..." 

I've learned this statement is code for, "I don't have great self-esteem and if you want to take a photo of me you need to help me relax, laugh and feel confident over the new few minutes." 

I know this issue is rampant in our culture.

Over the past 15 years as a professional photographer, I've done what I can with my camera and hopefully when a woman (or a man) walks away from being the subject of my photos, they're able to stand just a little taller and have more confidence in themselves and how others perceive them. 

Following Leslie's keynote talk, attendees were given a short break and the second half featured a panel of different perspectives. 

Leslie Goldman, Val Lego, Gail Hall, Baylin Riva and Raeanne Niemer all answered questions about body image, eating disorders, self-esteem and how to parent a child through different issues. 

Does this topic interest you? 

If so, be sure to reach out to Patty at Embracing You Events, an event organization encouraging and empowering individuals to embrace who they are and who they can be. 

Do you have a live event in the near future that has an interesting topic? 

Whether your event has 25 attendees or 2500 attendees, a professional photographer will help create a library of images that will help your event live on well past the close of the final speaker. 

That image library will allow you to connect with attendees (and future attendees) about how great the content of the event was and give them multiple chances to say "YES" to coming to your next event.