Today I’m bringing you something a little more dark & moody from the studio.  Any time I get the urge to do something a little different, I know Karah’s always up for the challenge.    She’s one of the most inspiring people I know, here’s her story:

“I’m normally someone who wears minimal makeup so I was apprehensive as to how the dark side of me would deliver in in the photographs.   Being able to watch the makeup artist (Rachel) transform my freckled baby face, into one bad ass chick was so incredible and invigorating. I remember looking in the mirror right before she was finished and thinking “wow that is me.” (The confidence just a little bit of makeup can give is unreal.)

Although Makayla is my sister, I have generally always have been a very private and modest person.  I have always accepted the challenge to try new things with her for the sake of the art, but this time I was much more comfortable in my own skin, and I was very proud of myself for that. I would tell you before that being in front of the camera was scary and vulnerable for me, but I did not feel that way this time.   I have struggled a lot with handling adversity and overthinking experiences that have happened to me. I have a tendency to swallow my emotions and let that eat at me.  I like to use writing and painting as a way of expression.  The best way I have learned to overcome my struggles is to think of all those painful experiences as a test to my strength and just another character builder to help me grow. Without these struggles, I don’t believe I would not be nearly the person I am today.  They have allowed me to see the world much differently they have allowed me to be kinder, more empathetic and stronger. We gain and learn a lot about ourselves when we are put in difficult and often painful situations.  These obstacles allow us to reflect on what’s truly important in life.

Being able to identify those emotions gives me peace and makes me proud. Not only for whom I am today but who I will become in my future.  I have gained a totally new set of values because of my story.  For anyone struggling to find who they are or just struggling in general, I would tell  them that they will be a better person because of what they’ve been through & don’t ever be afraid, because life works in mysterious ways. “