You Still Deserve Joy: Why Booking a Self-Care Photoshoot Isn’t Something to Feel Guilty About

Hey loves, it’s Des here.

I want to talk to you for a minute on a real personal level.

Yesterday's post was about me shedding light on my feelings as a creative in today's chaotic world. I then asked myself, I wonder how people booking these experiences may feel during this time. The world feels heavy right now. There’s chaos everywhere, and it can make doing something just for you feel… kinda wrong. I know some of y’all are thinking:

“Is it selfish to book a self-care photoshoot right now?”

“Should I really be treating myself when so much is going on?”

And I totally get that. I actually saw a post the other day where someone was kinda vilifying folks for spending money on travel or experiences, basically saying people shouldn’t do that if they don’t have all their ducks in a row.

And look, I understand responsibilities. But I also believe how you live your life is up to you. We can’t take these material things with us, and none of us know how long we have. So why not create memories and experiences now while we can?

1. Your joy is your own.

Nobody else gets to decide what’s right or wrong for how you spend your hard-earned money or how you choose to find a little light in your life. If a photoshoot is part of your self-care routine and brings you joy, that joy is valid.

2. Memories over materials.

We all know we can’t take material possessions with us. But the experiences, the memories, the moments of feeling beautiful and alive? Those are priceless. They stay with you. And if that’s what you need right now, then that’s exactly what you deserve.

3. Living life to the fullest is never something to apologize for.

If the money is there and you want to use it to create a beautiful experience for yourself, go for it. And if things are tight and you still choose to carve out a little joy, that’s okay too. We all do what we need to do to keep our spirits lifted.

4. You’re allowed to live your life and create your joy, even when the world feels uncertain.

It’s not about ignoring the world’s problems; it’s about making sure you’re taking care of your own heart so you can keep showing up in the world.

So if you’ve been feeling that guilt, let it go.

You deserve to feel good in your own skin, to create memories, and to capture your joy.

I’m here to help you do just that — no judgment, just love.