Adam Bird Photography & the Susan G. Komen Project

A few weeks ago I received a phone call that took my breath away. I was asked if I would be interested in doing a photo shoot for Michigan's Susan G. Komen. I was so flattered they would want to do a photo shoot with me and having me represent the younger generation of breast cancer survivors (diagnosed two months before my 37th birthday).

I am thankful EVERYDAY the cancer was caught in time and I do not have to do radiation or chemotherapy. Just a small pill for about five years. Although having to go through this, no matter what your treatment outcome, is not easy. It messes with your brain/emotions/attitude. Losing a part of what makes you a women, and having it totally replaced with something fake and foreign, is not a journey anyone wishes for.

I met up with Adam Bird Photography downtown taking along my best friend for support.  We asked Adam's permission to take pictures, of him taking pictures, so I could share with you my experience. We selected a place downtown, Biggby Coffee, and they were very compliant in letting us set up outside their doors. Thank you Biggby!

Adam has had his images appear in the New York Times, USA Today, Men's Journal and Women's Health.  Adam is also on the marketing committee for the Michigan Susan G. Komen Foundation. He had expressed to me that breast cancer was a "hobby" in his family so it meant a lot to him to be a part of this amazing organization.

He was quite fun to work with. He dealt very well with my shyness in the beginning. Yes, I was shy. Shocker? When working with someone new, it's a bit intimidating, but Adam was very professional in getting me to relax. And my BFF in the background making me laugh, helped as well.

We did sitting shots, standing shots, and some of me being "powerful and full of life" bursting out of the doors of the coffee shop.

It was so important to me I stay with who I am and not conform to what I thought someone would want to see. My strong Christian values come out in my tattoos and I have always been one to push the envelope a bit. After working out for years, and seeing first hand the fitness industry, I wanted to represent just that. I was excited when Adam saw my outfit of choice and said not to change a thing and it was perfect.

Breast cancer doesn't care your height, age, weight, or your core values. It didn't even care if I felt it my life's goal to help women be healthy, when I found out I was not.

I am so excited to see the final outcome of these pictures and will share them with you when I can. I will be in the Susan G. Komen newsletter and am hoping to make their book of Hope! I want others to know that no matter who you are, you can come out victorious. Each day may not be that of bright sunshine and fresh smelling roses, but we can make it through. Finding a good support system and keeping a positive attitude can make all the difference in your recovery.

If you are in the Michigan area, then I highly recommend you calling Adam Bird for your next photography shoot. He does some amazing work as you can see on his website!

From my heart to yours ~Angie Christine.