Sometimes, a person tells you something that leaves you feeling humbled. This was one of those times, ...

...and this is how it started.

A woman takes part in a photo session featuring vintage clothing for dressing up with Myra Hencher near Truro, N.S.

Nancy and I met this spring when she brought her pups in for photo sessions, and she asked if some day we could do an old fashioned "dress up" session. Well, yes, and the sooner the better!


First we had to find the perfect outfits. We dug through our own closets and boxes of vintage costume jewelry, and each of us hit the thrift stores. That old steamer trunk I had out in the shed was put to good use, too.

And then we just had fun!

Woman in yellow hat and green pants sorting through an old trunk full of vintage clothes and jewelry.
Woman in green pants and floral top examines sequined dress while seated among vintage accessories and jewelry.
Woman in yellow hat and green pants sorting through an old trunk examining a white lace garment
Woman in black hat holds yellow beaded necklace from vintage wicker basket, wearing green pants and floral top.
A smiling person in a colorful striped dress and black fedora poses confidently beside vintage steamer trunk and accessories.
Woman in black hat and green pants holding pearl necklace from gold basket, surrounded by bags and jewelry on floor.
Woman in colorful striped dress and black hat posing in a photography studio with props and lighting equipment.
Hands holding multiple strands of white costume pearl necklaces.
Woman wearing a burgundy cloche hat with bow, and pink scarf, looking downward while holding up a mulit strand pearl costume necklace.
Woman wearing a red cloche hat and pink scarf over a striped top, posing confidently indoors.
Woman wearing a burgundy cloche hat with bow, and pink scarf and clutch bag while holding up a mulit strand pearl costume necklace.
Woman wearing floral heeled sandals seated near a gold Elite chocolate box on a patterned rug near a vintage steamer trunk.
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Pippa the Golden came along to spend some girl time with her mom.

Woman in red hat and black gloves holds beaded necklace for a golden retriever dog in a studio setting.
Woman in red hat and black gloves petting a golden retriever dog wearing a straw hat and pearl necklace.
Woman in striped shirt laughing with golden retriever dog on couch.
Woman in red hat and striped top kissing a golden retriever dog wearing pearl necklaces.
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At the time, I didn't realize the whole importance of this session, or the others. I saw a confident person having a wonderful time with seemingly few worries.

Woman in black skirt, gray top, red scarf, and black top hat poses with arms crossed wearing red heels.
Smiling woman wearing red cloche hat, black gloves, striped dress, and floral tattoo on shoulder.
Smiling woman in floral dress tipping a wide-brim straw hat, posing confidently against a neutral background.
Woman in floral green dress and straw hat laughing joyfully, profile view against neutral background.
Smiling woman in floral dress adjusting a beige straw hat, posing against a neutral brown backdrop.
Smiling person wearing a straw hat and floral green top, posing cheerfully in a studio portrait.
Woman in floral green dress and beige hat poses barefoot against neutral backdrop.
Smiling, cheeky looking woman in floral green dress tipping a straw fedora hat, posing against a neutral studio background.
Woman in floral dress and tan hat laughing, posing barefoot against neutral studio backdrop as she twirls the skirt of her dress.
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When Nancy came back to see her images, we had a chance to chat.


Nancy explained the impact of our photo sessions and gave me a hand written note with full permission to share. There are no words for how this made me feel. What an incredible gift to receive.

Nancy wrote:


“I was sitting the other day thinking about how much fun it was, as a little girl, playing dress up. I reached out to Myra and asked if she would be game to help me relive a moment in time, going back 55 years. She did not hesitate with a “Yes, we can do that!”


I cannot say now much this session meant to me. I have struggled lately with some health issues resulting in hair loss and weight gain. This led to depression. Until Myra came into my life. She has kindness and compassion that puts you at ease. Photo sessions with her have been my best medicine.


Wear what you want. Be who you are. “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”


Nancy. Who will always be a child at heart."

Her words just blew me away, and I'm so grateful for whatever small part I can play in Nancy's journey.

At the end of the day


For me, this is now the most meaningful image. The one of Nancy lifting her hat. Ready to move forward. Ready to feel in charge and happy again.

Silhouette of a woman in a dark outfit touching her decorative hat against a moody studio backdrop almost revealin the effects of hair loss.