Poolside with Team19

There’s a popular quote floating around that has found it’s way onto many letterboards and Instagram feeds, and I love it. It says “Want to know how to get a bikini body? Get a bikini. Put your body in it”. YESSSSS! This is so in line with my personal philosophy on inner beauty and personal confidence, and it inspired this special shoot.

I can’t believe I haven’t blogged this shoot yet, because it was one of my favorites. This was our kickoff shoot last summer with the amazing girls of my Team19. We started with professional hair and makeup at 6AM, on a hot and humid August day, at the stunning Valley Ho Resort in Scottsdale (with their permission, of course), to create these images on their colorful grounds. It was a really powerful day for me. I got to watch these eight girls from all over Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, get together to celebrate the skin they’re in, and lift each other up. I didn’t hear one word of negativity about their bodies or anyone else’s, and I wish every young woman could feel this good putting on a swimsuit and having some fun. This is truly why I do what I do, because I want every girl to know how beautiful they are, just as they are, without comparisons and without body shaming. No photoshopping was done on anyone’s bodies; they came as they are, and I am unbelievably proud to share them that way.

I tried to capture each girl individually then we had a ton of fun taking group pictures. We ended the morning with some cool poolside lemonade, and a jump in the pool to cool off! I am so proud of these girls and loved having each of them on my team this past year. I hope this past year on this team helped them build self confidence, acceptance and a spirit of inclusivity. I hope they carry this confidence and joy into everything they do!