Skin Deep Exposures Issue 1 by SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES MAGAZINE

ISSUE [1]: MAY 2013

SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES EXPOSING BEAUTIFUL FROM THE INSIDE OUT 2013 © NAOMI MAUTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Mother’s Day

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[MAY 12, 2013]

Celebrate the special mom in your life. Nominate her for the

Picture Perfect SWEEPSTAKES SUBMIT NOMINATION Visit Naomi Mautz Photography on Facebook May 6-10 and tell me why your mom is Picture Perfect.

fffff GRAND PRIZE: 2- hour photo shoot* Pre-shoot professional hair styling $20 gift certificate for Pink Papaya $40 gift certificate for the online store ** Professionally assembled hard cover 20 page photo memory book Professionally edited DVD slideshow with music

SECOND PRIZE: 2- hour photo shoot* $15 gift certificate for Pink Papaya $20 gift certificate for the online store** Professionally edited DVD slideshow with music

Sweepstakes nomination dates [ May 6 – May 10 ] *Portrait shoot for up to 10 people ** Good towards the order of any size prints, royalty free digital copies and any of the hundreds of unique photo products available. 2

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SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES I reflections

“Sometimes people are

beautiful .

Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are.” -Markus ZusakI am the Messenger

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Exposing Beautiful FROM THE

INSIDE ,

OUT.

ÂŠNaomi Mautz Photography 5

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mother’s day PICTURE PERFECT SWEEPSTAKES

reflections

letter from the editor

in loving memory RICK ASBELL: A FIGHT WITH BRAIN CANCER

contributors

the project LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SKIN DEEP EXSPOSURES PROJECT. FIND OUT THE MOTIVATION BEHIND IT AND THE VISION FOR ITS FUTURE.

join the project

a self portrait QUID PRO QUO; I OPEN UP IN MY OWN EXPOSED ARTICLE.

brandi MEET THE FIRST LOVELY LADY OF SKIN DEEP.

book club

a sneak peek

credits

on the cover

SEE WHAT IT COMING UP IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES.

BRANDI [page 24] SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES PROJECT PHOTO BY NAOMI MAUTZ

JOIN ME AS I READ THE BOOK, CAPTIVATING. WEIGH IN ON THIS MONTH’S DISCUSSION

Contents

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09 02 13 “BOOK CLUB” JOIN ME IN READING

CAPTIVATING

-Unraveling the mystery of a woman’s soul-

BY JOHN & STASI ELDEREDGE

19 7

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SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES

This is a project that is very near and dear to me. I have developed a passion for the issue of how women and girls are encouraged to see themselves since my daughters were born. I want to show them the beauty they hold inside of themselves and see them grow into healthy, strong and confident women! I am certainly familiar with the struggle of insecurity. As I live my own journey of discovering myself from the inside out, I want to reach out and ask other women to join me. As a Photographer, I am constantly exposed to this issue. I work with women who imprison themselves within the bars of industry standards for beauty. Despite the absolute beauty of some of these amazing women, they are living lives full of anxiety and insecurity judging themselves and comparing themselves to an impossible ideal. This project is my small effort to give this issue a voice and take steps towards changing womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perceptions of themselves. As you are reading this, I hope that you will take the time to recognize your own unique beauty, and the purpose that you were created for that no one else is able to fulfill. God Bless,

Naomi MAGAZINE EDITOR Naomi Mautz

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in loving memory RICK ASBELL

Rick in 2003. An usher in my (Naomi) wedding, he was so full of life. It makes me smile to remember him this way. He put so much energy into making sure my day was perfectâ&#x20AC;Ś for me.

Join the fight against Cancer!

Support these and other amazing foundations by volunteering, raising awareness and donating.

After a very emotional and heroic five-year battle with Brain Cancer, Rick bravely went to be with his Savior in 2008. As a child, he was fun loving and was constantly laughing, playing pranks and getting into trouble. As a young man he was full of life and love. He was extremely loyal, always happy and he carried sunlight inside of him. He was a strong Christian man and a devoted cousin, nephew, grandson and son. Raised by his single mother, Mary, he became a man of integrity. Like his mom, Rick was known for his contagious and boisterous laughter, his playful nature and his tendency to throw caution to the wind with hobbies such as skydiving. Loved in life, Rick is desperately missed in lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end. He would have been 30 years old this year. Those who loved Rick have vowed to never forget as we continue to celebrate his life. In memory of Rick and so many other cancer victims, I encourage you to learn more about cancer research, causes, early detection and preventative care. Visit the American Cancer Society to learn about these things and more.

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“Don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do So there could never be a more beautiful you.” -MORE BEAUTIFUL YOU. JONNY DIAZ-

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SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES

-CONTRIBUTORS-

EDITOR Naomi Mautz

PRODUCTION MANAGER Michael Mautz

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Would you like to join the contribution team for Skin Deep Exposures?

Joe & Wendy Carns

DESIGN COORDINATORS Michael & Naomi Mautz

CONTACT ME ADVERTISING CONTRIBUTOR Ashley Roe

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NAOMI MAUTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

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SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES

What is the Skin Deep Exposures Project? the Project the Women Each Exposed article focuses on one normal everyday woman. These women are not selected based on their extensive portfolios or their ability to be photogenic. Each of these ladies has bravely stepped forward, in all of their flaws and imperfections, in an effort to make a change. There is a change that needs to be made in the example we are setting for each other as females and the generations looking to us for guidance and mentorship.

the Biographies As I sit down to interview each of these ladies, I ask them to open up to me about what inspires them. The interview is designed to shine a light on each womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individuality. The focus is on the gifts and traits that set her apart as an intriguing person shaped by her own unique experiences. A very simple, very raw photo shoot follows the interview. The goal of the shoot is to capture the underlying radiance that shines through, from the inside, out.

There is no denying physical attractiveness. There are people in the world who are extremely pleasant to look at. They are the faces coveted for the cover of magazines, ad campaigns and commercials. But those faces, those photographs we see in mainstream media, [most of which have been manipulated and air brushed into something fantastical] do they hold the key to what it means to be beautiful? Is that the real life standard that we are to hold ourselves up against? Each of us has been created in such a unique way. The cookie- cutter mold that we are encouraged to cram ourselves into eventually becomes a prison of either shame or false pretense. We have so much more to offer than a perfect body and a gallon of makeup! Why does our outward appearance so often become our quantifying quality? We often become weighed down from a young age by the perceptions of who and what we should be and we find ourselves constantly falling short. As we develop, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to see ourselves for who we really are. Our appearance is constantly changing, yet we are encouraged to throw all of our eggs in that basket even as we are all but guaranteed front row seats to its gradual unraveling. It is no wonder that crippling insecurity haunts so many women and girls. For the most part, many of us have no idea who we are. There are so many complex layers that make us the daughter, the sister, the wife, the mother, the friend who is loved and cherished by those around us. What we look like on the outside is always changing, often outside of our control. As we live in the insecurity of that change, we pass a message of unhealthy identity on to the next generation. I would like to make it clear that I am under no impression that I am making some sort of novel breakthrough here. This is an issue that has been recognized and fought against on many a battleground! I do not presume to think that through this humble project I will somehow change the world, that is not my goal.

{ continued on page 16 } 13

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NAOMI MAUTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

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Find out how to Re-Rock your wedding dress NAOMIMAUTZPHOTOGRAPHY.COM15

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SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES

WHAT IS THE SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES PROJECT [continued]

My goal is simply to affect a handful of lives, giving a few women a small nudge in discovering themselves and emitting that discovery to those around them. I hope to inspire a few to become an example to those watching them, learning from them and developing a sense of identity in regards to them. As a mother of two absolutely beautiful little girls, I want to do what I can to break the chains of unhealthy self-perception. I know I cannot do it alone, but for those two precious little ones, I will step up and do what I can to show them the truth of what it means to be a beautiful woman. Beautiful, not because I can walk a runway and wear a bikini in public (because, YIKES, just the thought of either of those things gives me anxiety!). I want to live in the fullness of who I am below the surface where there is a lasting beauty that does not fade with time or droop with gravity. I very passionately want to instill in my children a solid foundation in which to discover themselves. I want to set an example of the courage it will take to embrace their own unique identities even through their brokenness and imperfections. As a Photographer, I have developed a passion for peeling back the layers of a person and exposing the unique qualities that lie beneath the surface. I am never satisfied simply snapping pictures of people. I want to know them, come to understand them in some small way and have that understanding be reflected through my photographs. This passion has come to be the inspiration for taking my personal journey of “finding myself” and expanding it into the Skin Deep Exposures Project. I see so much insecurity in clients as they stand before the camera. And trust me when I say, I can identify. I like it very much on MY side of the camera, thank you very much! J But as I watch a client fidget and blush, so many times I want to scream, “do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” We often have such a skewed self- perception. I want to make a statement for as many girls and women as I can reach, as well as create a constant reminder for myself. I want it to be a statement of self-discovery that proclaims; “I am so much more than what you can see. My skin only goes so deep, and it is not my identity!”

Be sure to subscribe to stay updated on the progress of the project! Subscribers will receive 1. A copy of each new release of Skin Deep Exposures in their inbox. (PDF format) 2. Exclusive insider information and opportunities about the project. 3. Special coupons and discounts on future SDEP publications.

Have any thoughts, comments or suggestions for the project? I would LOVE to hear your input. Utilize the comments section of my blog, facebook page or email me anytime! CONTACT ME 16

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SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES

JOIN THE SKIN DE EP EXPOSURES PROJECT!

There are a few ways to get involved

Be a part of this exciting project. Fill out the online application by visiting Naomi Mautz Photography on Facebook.

Apply

You or someone you know could be featured in a future Exposed article! I would be honored to have you as a part of the Skin Deep Exposures Project! Just fill out an online entrance application form, answering a few questions about yourself and what inspires you. As you answer the questions, please be open and honest. You are absolutely NOT being judged on the extremity of personal experiences or on your affinity for world peace. There are no right or wrong answers. You have your own unique experiences and circumstances that have shaped you. These are the things that make you exceptional, the things that make you an inspiration to others.

Do you want to be a part of the project without having to be front and center?

I become immediately uncomfortable as soon as a camera is pointed at me, so if that sounds familiaryou are NOT alone!

This is NOT a beauty pageant! Trust me, I do not posses the credentials to be judging any of that! The point of the project is to get to know you, the real you. So, just… BE YOU! J

>Join the project by sharing it. The more it’s shared, the bigger its impact! >Establish a voice! Make sure to comment; offer encouragement, support and constructive ideas for improvement.

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When I was sixteen, I went to the doctor for what I believed to be a kidney infection. A few hours and several tests later, I left the hospital with a diagnosis of ovarian rupture and the news that I would never be able to have children. Devastating is an understatement. Five years later, I married an amazing man who loves me for everything that I am and everything that I am not. He was willing to give up his own hope of having any biological children for me. Soon after we said “I Do”, I went to the doctor, and for the second time in my life, I received lifechanging news. Much to everyone’s shock I was told that I was pregnant. It was such an amazing blessing and it was one that God bestowed on my husband and I two more times over the next 5 years! Every doctor I have ever seen continues to be completely baffled.

SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES

Though I would not hesitate to do it all over again, pregnancy was extremely hard on me physically. By the time our third baby arrived, I was strongly advised by my doctors and my family to call three the final number, my body could not be pushed any more. I took their advice, but my body has not been the same since! Aside from missing whatever magic gene it is that some women have, allowing them to completely bounce back from having children, physically unaltered, (NOT FAIR… at all!) I also developed several health issues. It has been a little over 4 years since my last pregnancy and I am now the owner of many scars including, three C section scars, two cysts removals, a handful from my emergency hysterectomy and one very lovely scar across my throat from having my thyroid gland removed. Needless to say, I am a far cry from the person I previously was physically. There have been too many days in the last few years of looking at my reflection in the mirror and asking “who are you?” It is an uncomfortable question and one that I successfully avoided for a long time. But as my kids got older and I began to realize the fact that for better or worse, I was the example they were looking to while developing their own self image, it became a question that I could not longer avoid. Thus, I reluctantly allowed the question to surface and began actively searching for the answer. 19

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A SELF PORTRAIT [continued]

I want to be someone they can emulate themselves after. I want to be a strong example of integrity, morality, character and beauty. I don’t want them to find themselves buying into the impossible guidelines of what a woman should be according to mainstream media and modern society. But I knew I couldn’t do that for them until I learned to stop buying into those very standards myself. As I began to prayerfully examining my own life, it became very clear that I was an extremely flawed, imperfect and broken person. I was stretched and scarred and God knows I was a long way from super model “I have numerous irrational fears, especially when it comes to my kids. I am working to not allow them to cripple me.”

material! But I also began to realize that in the midst of all of the brokenness and imperfection, there was a lot of pretty amazing potential. That realization has been empowering, regardless of how often I have to remind myself of it! J I still have a love- hate relationship with mirrors, but I am learning to see myself as more than my physical reflection. God is teaching me that sometimes the scars and the broken pieces and other “imperfections” are exactly what make a person immeasurably and uniquely beautiful.

“I am an emotional reactor. Thus, I am forever trying to pry my foot from my mouth.”

Beautiful in a way that no swim suit competition or make-up or air brushing could ever replicate. It is a beauty that transcends all of that, a beauty that comes from life, and love, happiness and pain, blessing and loss. That is the legacy I want to leave for my kids. I don’t want them to know me as the most physically attractive person in a room, though I would be lying if I said that wouldn’t be pretty AWESOME! J I want them to know me in all of my imperfections, mistakes and scars. I want them to see a life that overcomes obstacles a life that perseveres through challenge and adversity and hopefully comes out stronger and wiser on the other side. I want to be a source of hope and love and a testament to a grace that is beyond understanding. I want them to never be able to look at me without being enveloped in a light so radiant as it spills through all of the cracks, that it testifies to a beauty that comes from a place far deeper than my skin!

““I lose my keys, burn dinner, wake up late and make more than my share of mistakes. But at the end of the day I try to focus on my victories... or I just promise to try again tomorrow!”

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SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES MY PHOTO ALBUM

My beautiful kiddos

My amazing husband

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Because these are YOUR moments… VIDEOGRAPHY / PHOTOGRPHY ALL IN ONE PACKAGES FOR YOUR BIG DAY. ©Naomi Mautz Photography

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Capture lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moments Naomi Mautz Photography 23

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I had never met Brandi before I sat down with her for this project. From the moment she walked in the door, I swear she brought the sunshine with her… literally, the clouds moved away and the sun shone through the windows almost spontaneously when she arrived. Talking to Brandi was so easy. She was so open and outgoing and she exuded no insecurities what so ever! To say that she is a happy and playful person is an understatement. The photo shoot was so much fun. I don’t think I have a single shot of her without a smile on her face. She had so much energy; she literally danced around the studio the entire time. Her positivity and light- heartedness was contagious. During both the interview and the photo shoot she laughed, and I laughed. We both laughed… a lot. By the time she left, it was hard to believe that I had only known her for a couple of hours. I look forward to having another opportunity to work with Brandi; she is truly a radiant person.

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My interview with Brandi

ME: Give me a brief description of yourself and what is important to you. BRANDI: I am a dancer and a passionate family oriented Christian woman. I would describe myself as being a generally happy, patient and driven person. I don’t often need outside motivation to achieve my goals. I believe in hard work and I strive to live my life in such a way as to be faithful, easy going and focused in all that I do. I hope that those closest to me would describe me as an outgoing optimist with a playful and positive spirit. Besides dancing, I love to play, eat, watch movies and be out in the sun. My priorities in life all revolve around family. When I am ten years down the road I want to be surrounding by laughter and love shared with my husband and children. ME: Describe what makes a person beautiful in your opinion. BRANDI: I think being beautiful can be a lot of things. The most beautiful qualities in my opinion are; patience, humility, selflessness, kindness, faithfulness and passion. I also find well-placed ambition, leadership and God- fearing passion to be rare and beautiful qualities in someone.

“I can’t think of many things more beautiful than to watch someone step out of being an irresponsible kid to being an absolutely selfless and extraordinary parent.”

ME: Briefly describe an experience that you have had that caused you to recognize unique beauty in yourself or someone else. BRANDI: My brother is an awesome dad to his four kids. I am always amazed by his patience, playfulness, love and the focused attention he gives to each of them. For me, I can’t think of many things more beautiful than to watch someone step out of being an irresponsible kid to being an absolutely selfless and extraordinary parent. ME: Do you have any fears, phobias or inner struggles that you feel are holding you back in certain areas of your life? BRANDI: I have a really hard time speaking my mind when I feel like it might ruffle feathers. I very much want everyone to like me. I obsess a bit when I feel like someone takes issue with me. ME: Tell me something fun about yourself that doesn’t often come up in everyday conversation. BRANDI: Well, I seriously love ice cream; it is a struggle for me to not eat it everyday. Oh, and I have been to China!

ME: Tell me about something or someone who takes your breath away or causes you to stop and be thankful. BRANDI: I am thankful for my nephews and my niece. They have taught me to love in such a big way. They often take my breath away when I think of the blessing they have been in my life. Just being with them brightens my day, no matter what! 25

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“A woman whose smile is open and whose expression is glad has a kind of beauty no matter what she wears.” Anne Roiphe

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BOOK CLUB I

captivating

“Then the time came when the risk it took to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” -ANAIS NIN-

BUY JOURNAL

BUY BOOK

I READ THIS BOOK SEVERAL YEARS AGO WHEN IT WAS FIRST PUBLISHED. IT WAS A LIFECHANGING EXPERIENCE FOR ME. I GIVE THIS BOOK A GOOD DEAL OF CREDIT IN HELPING TO POINT ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ON MY OWN JOURNEY OF SELF DISCOVERY. BY THE END OF THE BOOK, I HAD THE ADDED PUSH I NEEDED TO SEND ME ON MY WAY. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK AND I RECOMMEND IT ADAMENTLY AS A MUST READ FOR ALL FEMALES OF ALL AGES! I FOUND IT ON MY SHELF RECENTLY AS I ENGAGED IN A BIT OF SPRING CLEANING AND WAS IMMEDIATELY HIT WITH AN OVERWHELMING NEED TO CRACK IT OPEN AGAIN. AS IT HAPPENS, THE TIMING OF MY RE-DISCOVERY OF THIS WONDERFUL BOOK PERFECTLY ALLIGNED WITH THE LAUNCH OF MY SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES PROJECT. IT SEEMED LIKE PROVIDENCE. SO AS I DIVE INTO THIS BOOK AGAIN, I BEG YOU TO JOIN ME, YOU WONT REGRET IT! AS YOU READ, PLEASE JOIN THE BOOK DISCUSSION ON MY BLOG. THESE THINGS ARE ALWAYS SO MUCH MORE EXCITING WHEN DONE WITH FRIENDS. J I LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING THIS WITH YOU!

Happy Reading. J

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Be sure to catch the next issue of the “SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES PROJECT” for your chance to meet these LADIES. You don’t have to look too closely to see the resemblance running through these three! A mother and her two daughters, these girls are absolutely AMAZING! Of the handful of my favorite people in the world, these three make the cut. There is so much beauty running through this family of women. They are each so upbeat and uplifting. It is impossible to walk into a room with any one of these ladies without just feeling happy. The three of them have been so inspiring to me over the last several years and have encouraged me through some difficult times, each in their own way. I am so excited to be able to share their beauty!

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MEDIA: WITH A HIGHER STANDARD

VIDEOGRAPHY SERVICES CREATIVE CONSULTING . VIDEO EDITING . VIDEO PRODUCTION

WWW.MJMMEDIALAB.COM 30

SKIN DEEP EXPOSURES

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CREDITS . A MORE BEAUTIFUL YOU BY JONNY DIAZ . . CAPTIVATING BY JOHN AND STACI ELDERIDGE . . CHRISTIAN BOOKS.COM . . AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY . . NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR SOCIETY . . GRAY MATTERS BRAIN CANCER FOUNDATION . . ASHLEY ROE FOR PINK PAPAYA . . MJM MEDIA LAB . . ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAOMI MAUTZ PHOTOGRAPHY .

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Skin Deep Exposures ÂŠNMP In a world where the beauty of an individual is often judged purely by what can be seen from the outside it is important to be able to look inside to find true and lasting beauty. When that beauty is realized, a self worth emerges that cannot be taken from us. It brings strength and a magic unlike any other that shines through and becomes an inspiration to those around us.

Naomi Mautz Photography Saddle Blanket Lane Peyton, CO. 80831

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