What is a Divorce Photoshoot? And Are You Ready for Your Close-Up?

You may remember the “Drive-Thru Wedding” trend that was so popular for couples during the pandemic, where lovebirds got hitched without ever leaving their car. But now, the latest hot trend is for divorced women—introducing the divorce photoshoot, a celebration of new beginnings after one of the most difficult times in their lives.

As they say, when life throws you lemons, make lemonade. That is exactly what these bold and beautiful women are doing after what has most likely been one of the most difficult times in their lives. They are choosing to mark the often frowned-upon divorce milestone, as a fresh start and a new chapter in their lives.

Instead of sulking and sitting in front of the TV watching a sad romantic Netflix series, they are taking a stand and deciding to celebrate the milestone instead. Sound crazy? Maybe, but maybe it’s also a fantastic way to change a woman’s outlook after such a horrible experience.

At SAS for Women, we wanted to find out more.

What is a Divorce Photo Shoot? Unpacking the Trend

The more we researched the topic, the more it seemed pretty awesome. A divorce is the end of a chapter in your life and why not celebrate what is to come? Sure, maybe some women wanted out of their marriage while others had a difficult time accepting it was over. Whichever side of the fence you’re on, we can still recognize that life does go on, whether we like it or not.

Divorced women are beginning to embrace this new trend with an excitement that is contagious. They are celebrating their all-around fabulousness with a camera! 

They buy their favorite designer dress, go to the hair salon for a brand-new do, and take several snapshots with their favorite photographer to capture their new solo identity.

Places like California are finding the divorce photo shoot especially popular. California girls are all about self-expression, right? And this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Women are making a statement and doing it with a bold smile and maybe a new killer designer outfit to boot!

Why Would You Do a Divorce Photo Shoot?

If we’re being real, divorce isn’t exactly the party that anyone planned for. Divorce is the person that shows up to the party, without an invitation. So why in the world would you do a divorce photo shoot after such a terrible life happening?

Women tell SAS for Women that it’s a way to say, “I’m back and I’m better than ever.” The photo shoot is not all about making your Ex jealous (although that has happened), but it’s more about letting yourself know that you’re back. You are reclaiming your place in the world and remembering who you are as a person, without someone else telling you who you are. You get to pick the scenery, the fashion, and the look you’ll give the camera. 

You get to call the shots––literally, and that’s empowering for women after going through one of the most traumatic experiences of their lives.

The divorce photo shoot is also an expression of freedom and this can help with the healing process of surviving divorce. It can also increase your confidence, and who isn’t on board for that? You’re flipping the script from “I survived” to “I’m thriving” and it will help you move through the stages of grief that much faster.

For more on reclaiming YOU, read “100 Must Do’s for the Newly Divorced Independent Woman”.

At SAS, we’ve seen women like Sarah, after her divorce was finalized. She felt like she’d lost herself, but then she took a solo trip, hiking in Portugal, and when she came back, booked a divorce photo shoot. The moment she stepped in front of the camera, something shifted. It wasn’t just about the photos. “It was about rediscovering my power,” she says. “And I realized I have a whole new chapter ahead of me. It’s waiting for me to realize. And I am DOING IT.”

A divorce photo shoot is a great way to close the book on a dark chapter of your life. Can anyone say closure? We all need it and this is a fabulous way to close the book and find a great “new read” on life! Whether you’re emerging from the fog of the past or just starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, capturing this moment can be incredibly empowering.

Creative Ideas for Your Divorce Photo Shoot

You’ve decided you’re going to give it a go, so how do you make the divorce photo shoot uniquely you? If you’re a beach lover, a city gal, or you love hiding away in a cozy mountain cabin, the sky is the limit. You get to decide and make it a personal and memorable experience for yourself.

If you’re all about moving forward––literally, then maybe a travel theme would be a good fit. Put a map in your hand, show off your new Louis Vuitton luggage set or REI backpack, and hang a beautiful mural of the Tuscany hills behind you.

If you’re lucky enough to be somewhere warm like California, the options are endless. Do an outdoor shoot on the beach with the Pacific Ocean waves crashing behind you and your pale pink dress fluttering in the breeze.

Think about all the hobbies you love. If you’re a fitness freak, why not put on that great pair of Lululemon yoga pants and tank top and show off the body you are reclaiming – the one you are coming to love? Not into fitness and are more of a homebody kind of girl, then choose your favorite ripped jeans and t-shirt and show the world you’re comfortable in your skin. This is all about you and nobody else, so give yourself the gift of you and the incredible woman you’re becoming.

Not Feeling the Divorce Photo Shoot? That’s Okay, Too

We also understand that for some women, divorce is not something to celebrate with a divorce photo shoot. Just know, you’re not alone. Women we have worked with, tell us that they feel as though their entire life is over after going through a divorce, so we get it. Divorce is not a carnival and it can often feel like The House of Horrors. It is an event in women’s lives to grieve, process, and eventually heal from.

Take solace and read “The Stages of Grief in Divorce and How Long They Last”.

You may not be ready or even want to engage in a divorce photo shoot and that’s okay. It may seem a bit too dramatic for you and you’re the type of person who would rather heal behind closed doors rather than announce it to the world. 

The silver lining is you get to decide what’s right for you. No one else gets to tell you what’s right for you.

There are other ways to heal. Some women choose a personal spa day and get every treatment they used to be too afraid to splurge on for themselves. Maybe you simply just want to be alone for a change? Or, go ahead and take that solo trip on an African safari that you’ve always wanted to take.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is surround ourselves with the people we love the most. Grab a cozy night in with your best friends binge-watch Sweet Magnolias and remind yourself you’re not the first woman to ever go through this. You have to do what’s best for you because every woman will walk through the stages of divorce in her way.

How do you help yourself heal? Learn about you and what this stage is truly  about by reading “46 Steps to Ensure Your Divorce Recovery: A Definition and a Guide.”

Embracing a New Chapter in Your Way

The Times They Are A-Changin, as Bob Dylan says, and divorce is no longer something people only talk about behind closed doors. Women are openly sharing their difficult divorce experiences out in the open and some are even celebrating the milestone. Women are using the divorce photo shoot as a means to reclaim themselves and their own stories. This divorce journey is yours, so embrace it in the best way possible for yourself. Even though it may be hard, find your resilience and let your light shine. Here’s to celebrating new beginnings––however that looks for you.

NOTES

This article was written by Lori Ann Feeley who loves helping others find hope in the darkest corners of life. She is a freelance writer, adoption advocate, Certified Life Coach, and Founder & CEO of Faith Revolution Creative. Connect with Lori Ann at loriann@faithrevolutioncreative.com.

Since 2012, SAS for Women is entirely dedicated to the unexpected challenges women face while navigating the divorce experience and its confusing afterward. No matter where you are, SAS offers you six FREE months of email coaching, action plans, checklists, and support strategies for you and your precious future. Join our tribe now and stay connected.

*SAS continues to support same-sex and nonbinary marriage. In this article, however, we refer to your spouse as husband/he/him.