Hi! I’m Linda Johnson, a recent KSP Influencer. A little about me, I have loved dabbling in home decor since I was a young girl. I was constantly rearranging my bedroom furniture and experimenting with different styles and looks to make my room unique. That passion led me to open my own retail store in 2013 featuring “once loved” furniture and home decor.
Lately, I have put my creative efforts into remodeling my childhood home where I now live. I recently started investing in real estate and will soon be working on my dream job of flipping houses!
So here I am 54 years old, but far from sitting back and letting opportunities pass me by. I am excited to embark on this new adventure as a KSP influencer.
My first experience with Kent Smith Photography was last year in a couples shoot. I have had a fear of having my picture taken ever since I can remember. The only day I dreaded more than school picture day was the day we actually received our pictures and everyone was asking to see them! I have never been very photogenic and I have many unflattering photos to prove it.
Fast forward to 2018 in the KSP studio. Amanda was so personal and fun- I started to lose that insecure feeling. She played upbeat music and directed our poses flawlessly. By the end of that 30 minute session, I was laughing and having a genuinely good time.
I was nervous to see our images for the first time- but was very happily surprised. They were the best photos I had ever had taken! Amanda is an exceptional photographer who totally put me at ease and captured my personality in photos that I am proud to share.
My influencer shoot was a “before/after” theme. When I spoke with Sherry about this I was a bit confused on the details. I did not realize the “before” shot would be me with absolutely no make up! Things got “real” very quickly. I do not go anywhere without make up- not the store, gas station, or even a quick drive thru trip. I was instantly sick to my stomach. Why do we as women hide our insecurities behind such things as make up? I felt stripped of any self confidence l may have had and my long time fear of having my picture taken resurfaced immediately. So even as I write this I have not seen my “before” picture and I am terrified at the thought of it being on social media. This is real and raw and one of the hardest things I have ever had to face. Make no mistake this is completely out of my comfort zone.
As Jen started talking to me while applying my make up and Chloe was encouraging me as she set up the camera to start filming for my “time lapse”, I started to loosen up a bit. These ladies told me I was beautiful even without a stitch of make up on. They supported and reassured me. I started to realize that I am who I am. I am not 18 years old with beautiful skin and full shiny hair. I am an older version with natural aging characteristics like wrinkles and darkened under eye circles.
As I watched my make up artist, Jen, transform me with her impeccable skill- I experienced my confidence slowly returning. I felt excited to do the shoot with Amanda. By the time my hair and make up were complete…I was like a different person. Full of excitement and self confidence.
So I “ took one for the team” to encourage women in their 50’s, 60’s, and older to stop avoiding having your pictures taken with family and friends. I encourage you to embrace your memories and capture them on film for your loved ones to enjoy for years to come. YOU will not be required to have your “before” look captured on film for all to see- you will just have the gorgeous “after” look to reassure you that you are beautiful at any age.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a KSP Influencer and I invite you to follow along with me on my social media accounts.
Instagram:@lindabrennanjohnson and Facebook: Linda Brennan Johnson
