Meet Belinda Gaines

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Belinda Gaines. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Belinda, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

As a kid—and honestly, well into adulthood—I was bullied for my weight and countless other things. My own father used to call me fat. I’ll never forget the day he grabbed my wrist and said, “See? You’re not big boned, you’re just fat.” I was just a child, confused and hurt. I didn’t understand how a father could say something like that to his own daughter. And the wild part? I looked just like his side of the family. Pot calling the kettle black, I guess.

As a teen and young adult, the bullying continued—this time from the people I dated. I found myself in relationships that were emotionally, physically, and sexually abusive. To be real, I hated myself. At 19, I got pregnant with twins. I gained 80 pounds, was swollen and miserable, and hated my body even more.

Years later, something unexpected happened. I won a free photo session with a local photographer in my hometown. I was terrified. I tried on outfit after outfit, picking the ones that covered up all my “problem areas.” I didn’t think there was a chance in hell those photos would look good.

Then I got them back. And I was shook.

There was no way that was me in those photos. No way my fat ass could look that pretty. But it was. It was me. And I was gorgeous.

That session didn’t fix everything overnight, but it cracked the door open. I got a glimpse of myself the way others saw me, and for the first time, I started to believe I could be beautiful at any size.

I kept modeling for that photographer for the next 10 years. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with who I was. I did the inner work. I stopped listening to that little voice inside that told me I was never enough, never skinny enough, always the biggest one in the friend group.

Around 25, I bought my first two-piece swimsuit. I wore it, and I loved how I looked in it. My sister texted me later saying that my almost-teenage niece saw the photo and said I looked powerful. That moment hit me hard. I realized I had eyes watching me—twin daughters looking up to me, watching how I talk about my body and carry myself.

I had to do better for them. I had to be the love and encouragement I never got from my dad. So I started wearing the swimsuits. I posted the boudoir photos. I became the advocate I needed when I was younger.

Fast forward to now: I still love myself. I’ve got two teenage girls who are figuring out their own confidence. I’ve got a husband who sees my beauty every single day and reminds me of it. I’ve got a life that’s not perfect, but it’s full of love and healing.

And if no one’s told you today:
You are beautiful—no matter your size.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Belinda, the creative eye and chaotic-good energy behind Belinda Gaines Photography. I specialize in wedding, elopement, and editorial-style photography—with a love for the bold, the moody, and the wildly in love. My work is all about capturing real, unfiltered moments and turning them into art that feels like you—messy, beautiful, emotional, and timeless.

What makes my work special is that I don’t just show up with a camera—I show up as your biggest hype girl, your calm in the chaos, and someone who truly sees you. I’ve been on the other side of the lens, in a body that the world told me wasn’t “good enough.” So my sessions are built on trust, empowerment, and creating images that help you see just how stunning you are—right now, as you are.

I also have a huge heart for high school seniors. That phase of life is so full of pressure, comparison, and trying to figure out who the hell you are. When I was in high school, I didn’t feel seen. I didn’t feel celebrated. Now I get to change that for my seniors. I show up to every session ready to pour love and confidence into them—to create photos that remind them they’re worthy, powerful, and already enough.

Right now, I’m deep in launching one of my most exciting projects to date: Pop-Up Weddings. These are intimate, styled, stress-free wedding experiences for couples who want something meaningful without the months of planning. Think: dreamy locations, curated details, and beautiful photography—all handled for you.

If you’re looking for a photographer who brings big energy, real emotion, and a touch of editorial flair, I’m your girl. Whether you’re saying “I do,” celebrating yourself, or just want to feel seen—I’m here to turn your story into art.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three things that impacted my journey the most weren’t things I learned in a classroom—they were earned through struggle, failure, and showing up anyway.

1. Resilience.
I’ve been through a lot—abuse, self-hate, rejection, silence. But I kept getting back up. Resilience isn’t about never falling down; it’s about getting up one more time than you fall. If you’re just starting out, remind yourself: you don’t have to have it all figured out to keep moving forward. Let failure teach you, not define you.

2. Empathy.
My experiences—especially the hard ones—helped me connect deeply with the people I photograph. I see the quiet insecurities, the nervous energy, the need to feel beautiful and safe. That empathy is what makes my work impactful. If you’re building a brand, lean into your humanity. Be the kind of person your younger self needed.

3. Creative Vision.
You don’t have to shoot like everyone else. You don’t have to follow the trends. What makes you different is what makes you valuable. For me, that meant leaning into editorial, emotional, sometimes raw storytelling. If you’re early in your journey, give yourself permission to experiment. Try weird lighting. Play with color. Find your voice, and then let it roar.

My advice? Start messy. Be stubborn about your worth. And above all—keep going. Someone out there is waiting to be seen the way only you can see them.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes! I’m always looking to collaborate with creative, passionate, and slightly rebellious souls who believe in the power of storytelling.

Whether you’re a florist with a flair for the unconventional, a venue that’s dying to break out of the cookie-cutter wedding scene, a makeup artist who wants to create editorial magic, or a local business that wants to showcase powerful, inclusive imagery—I want to hear from you. I love working with people who care deeply, dream big, and aren’t afraid to do things a little differently.

I’m especially open to collaborations that lift up women, the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone who’s been told they don’t fit the mold. Let’s create something that makes people feel something.

If you’re reading this and feel a spark, let’s talk. You can reach me directly through Instagram at @belindagainesphotography, email me at [email protected], or head over to BelindaGainesPhotography.org and fill out the contact form.

Let’s make something beautiful—and maybe a little badass—together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.belindagainesphotography.org
• Instagram: Belindagainesphotography
• Facebook: Belindagainesphotography