Why I became a photographer

 

Quick Answer = My beautiful wife.

She’s my inspiration.  Back in May 2009 weighing nearly 100 lbs more, we decided to pursue a healthier lifestyle together.   During that time, I watched her transform spiritually, mentally & physically – it was incredible.  Her joyous tear filled reactions to seeing her images every time we took photos was akin to opening Christmas presents on Christmas day.  I watched her self confidence, inner bad ass, & strength come out.  I realized through our experiences that  some people don’t have a support system to encourage & empower them.  We believe that through the gift of photography, we can help fill that void, uplift the human spirit and expand horizons.  

 
 
Name –  Rhonda Allen
(Co owner of WEA Photography)
 
Starting weight June 2009 250 lbs (Size 18 – 20)
 Current weight: 140 lbs. (size 4)

Total Pounds lost: 100+ lbs.

Height: 5’7

Web site:  http://www.virginaperture.com

Weight-loss method:  Primarily prayer and determination – supplemented with a sound diet, weight training, yoga and cardio. For supplements, I take omegas, multi vitamins, protein powder.

How long you’ve kept it off:  It will be 10 years as of May, 2020. My starting weight in May of 2009 was 250 lbs. and by May of 2010, I weighed in at 137 lbs.  Currently, I weigh 140 lbs.

Turning point:  It was time to get it right.  I didn’t feel attractive and I was going up in clothing sizes.  My husband was trying to diet, however I didn’t cook healthy meals so his efforts failed.  I used to lie on the beach or on a pool chair and never get up because I was self-conscious of my weight.  My husband and I had a deep conversation and it started with one question – “Are you happy with yourself?”  Both of us answered “no”.  We prayed about it and our journey began.

Diet plan:   Our diet centered around lean proteins, vegetables and “good” fats (almonds/natural PB) We started off cutting out sugars. We ate smaller portion meals throughout the day, as opposed to the standard “breakfast, lunch and dinner” meal plan.  Now we intermittent fast (16/8) 

Exercise routine:   Weight training: 2-4 days a week, Yoga: 2 days a week, Cardio: 2-5 days a week

Secret to success:  Prayer 1st , then consistency and momentum – as they pertain to our diet and workout activity

How life has changed:  So much for the better. I love being able to go into any store and find clothes that fit.  My husband and I have grown closer because we did it together and we are setting a great example for our daughter, friends and family members, encouraging them to take care of their health.

“I grew up the third youngest of four children in your typical southern household, with traditional “southern” foods being served on a daily basis. The only physical activity I did through elementary and secondary school was participating in gym class. In high school I played basketball. My eating habits where all over the place, sweets, heavy starch, some vegetables and little protein. I didn’t really notice my weight until I hit middle school, when I started to receive remarks about my size here and there. In high school I got attention from some boys, but I was considered a “big” girl. I can’t say I had self-esteem issues, as I guess I was oblivious to my size at that time. “
 
 
Later on, I started to develop some lower back issues and I hated to go shopping because I could not find clothes to fit in regular stores. I had to shop at the plus size stores. In May of 2009, I really started to take notice of how big I had become and the fact that my husband was obese as well. He had tried to diet (unsuccessfully) however since I did the majority of the cooking, I didn’t always make the healthiest of choices. We both talked about our physical conditions, prayed about it and decided to make immediate changes the next day 
 
 
 Be encouraged and stay inspired. I know that if I can do it, you can do it. Don’t give up, if you fall down, get right back on the horse. Look for people and stories that you identify with and learn from their journey’s 
 
Learn about nutrition, keep a food journal, learn how different foods affect your body. Experiment with different activities until you find the one’s that you can do for life. I pray for anyone out there, that is about to take the first steps of their journey to better health. You can do it, even if you don’t have a support system in place, it can be done. 
 
WEA Photography Portrait session
WEA Photography Portrait session

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    1 Comment

    1. Ever since moving to Atlanta a year ago, I’ve worked closely with WEA Photographery. It seems like every time we collaborate the images amaze me more and more! He is both professional to work with and easy to be around giving friendly direction and positive feedback.

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