When you hear the phrase "divorce photo session," you might picture popular shots of warring couples, couples caught cheating, and sexy headlines like "Headed for Quitsville!" But the 37-year-old photographer, Ali Sijarto, provides the spiritual contrast to these paparazzi shots. Instead, her "Divorce Photo Sessions" provide a healing and healing service for newly single women looking for a fresh start and confidence boosting in the form of self-asserting singles shots.
Siarto customers may use their new photos for dating on app profiles, to start a new business, or simply as an Instagram post to clean up their timeline. Bustle spoke with the photographer in Lansing, Michigan about what inspired her to start submitting divorce photos and how these sessions help women rediscover themselves after a major life change.
When did you first file for a divorce photoshoot, and what inspired you?
your car: I just launched it in February of this year [after 12 years as a wedding photographer and two years doing branding photography]. It started because some of my favorite brand clients were women going through a divorce, and they were using brand photography to reinvent themselves. I realized it was a truly empowering experience for them. [Post-divorce]They're going through a really tough transition, and a lot of the energy goes into everything but themselves.
A divorce photo session is not just something for them that makes them feel good; It's also something they can use for that [personal] renewal. I put the word in a local Facebook group called Not Your Mother's Networking Group, and people loved the idea.
Head over to us during a typical divorce photo session.
your car: I compare it to a spa day: a day for you. They get their hair and makeup done - I can show it, or there's Annie Katherine's Hair + Bridal's studio across the hall. They bring the clothes and we choose the clothes they are going to wear and we pair them with the backgrounds. We are talking about [the divorce], but we don't make it all about that. It's more fun: I tell them, "You deserve a fun experience. This will be fun."
Can you talk more about image design?
your car: It's a studio, so it's mostly black on black or black on white wallpapers, and then we have some furniture and plants in there, so we do a few natural interior wallpapers. But these are all interior photos inside the studio.
Is there any wardrobe guidance?
your car: When I give them direction, I like to do everything in black, or black and white, so I have them bring in some neutrals. But then they also brought in brighter colors - like a light blue velvet dress or some bright pink. I give them advice and have a design quiz they can use, style and choice, where they put together the size, color choices, and overall style, like formal or boho, and give them the exact clothes they can buy or they can use that as inspiration.
Is there a reason to lean toward a more neutral color scheme?
your car: I guess it's just a personal preference, just keep it simple. I love the drama of all blacks. It depends on the person, but I think it looks good for everyone.
Since some women will be posting these pics on Instagram, what do you think of the perfect post-divorce shot to share?
your car: It really is that image that makes you feel good. Women love to share a really cute picture of themselves. They've had their hair and makeup done, but nothing above that - they still look like themselves, just a put together version of themselves.
It's that bright light in a lot of difficulty. It gives them a chance to honor themselves and get something positive in the trenches of a tough time.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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