2025 40 Over 40 Series: Darlene Allen
“I am beside myself with appreciation, standing here in a mound of my own flaws and unique perfection. I am free knowing they just love under-dressed, waterlogged, playful, lyric-chasing, awkward-in-a-crowd, over-thinking, over-sharing, touching & hugging-too-much, over-salting everything all the time – me.“
Darlene’s story:
Hi there, Gorgeous! I’m so happy you’ve turned up for Brandi and her tribe. I’m Darlene and I’m turning 50 in the South ‘Sip on Black Friday, 2025. It’s gonna’ get fabulous, festive, and fun-lovin,’ but FIRST – We gotta’ get classy. Enter Brandi Stage Portraiture! …because some of us need a little help with our outer CEO.
My highest and best use these days is to be collaborative & happy and to keep learning. I try not to assume things, but listen close to evidence. I am very delicate in how I hold those closest to me. The door to this bird cage has been removed and will always remain open. We can make as much room as needed, so bring friends! You were given wings for a reason, and you’ll always be able to find home. Just fly true South. You know the way… Your flight (plight) will never be used against you here, Love.
What are some of the rewarding parts of the current decade you are in? The challenges?
AI has certainly opened up a whole new realm of possibilities and evolution. I do get exhausted with receiving SO many responses from friends and associates that excessively use ChatGPT/AI, but I get the lure/allure (lure being more artificial, but allure being powerful fascination…pick your poison, lol). I will say that I have a deep appreciation for authenticity AND AI. Know when to use each. Know HOW to use each. Master both as much as one can. Personally, I have quite a lot to learn with both…as I sit here pounding out my survey from the feels and fringes of all things, like I’m back in the 80’s. 😉
Referring to my life phase, where my adorable offspring(s) are now structured yet messy young adults, and me and my life/business partner are staring at each other with big eyes wondering what to do with all this potential we’ve been pouring into for decades…yeah, it’s pretty cool rediscovering each other and the ventures we’ve founded. I have been so blessed to have a family that is confident enough to leave home, and also to return randomly and predictably. I don’t just love them – I enjoy them, trust them and build with them. The best thing they have ever given me is to love me without needing me. I am beside myself with appreciation, standing here in a mound of my own flaws and unique perfection. I am free knowing they just love under-dressed, waterlogged, playful, lyric-chasing, awkward-in-a-crowd, over-thinking, over-sharing, touching & hugging-too-much, over-salting everything all the time – me.
What has been your favorite decade you have lived through and why?
The one I got to be a kid in… ALL of them! They all had their own challenges, but as I age I continue to see more beauty and serendipity that I was unable to appreciate in the moment. Actually, I can’t wait to look back on this decade (currently 2025). This one has been really amazing and it’s flying by way too fast.
If given the opportunity, what would you do differently?
The one I got to be a kid in… ALL of them! They all had their own challenges, but as I age I continue to see more beauty and serendipity that I was unable to appreciate in the moment. Actually, I can’t wait to look back on this decade (currently 2025). This one has been really amazing and it’s flying by way too fast.
What was your top life lesson that you’ve never forgotten and have lived by?
Others valued me MORE for my friendly ability to bring up the value of the whole group or the project we were collectively working on, and NOT so much as an individual with credentials from the past.
What has bought you the most joy in your life?
My connection with God.
What was your experience like working with Brandi Stage Portraiture as a part of the 40 Over 40 Project?
In one word, “rejuvenating!” But I’ve got a BUNCH of words, so here we go… 😀
When it comes to fashion, I’m challenged. I’ve got a bit of anxiety over body image and that just adds to my struggle to SHOP successfully. It’s not impossible, but it doesn’t spark joy for me, especially while shopping alone. A few weeks earlier, Brandi contacted me about our studio session and she let me know everything to expect, how to prep and what to bring with me. Lord knows I tried, but I did NOT feel like I did what was ask of me when it came to the clothing. She clearly said FIVE outfits. I clearly ended up with ALL the laundry in South Mississippi stuffed into the back of my car due to sheer last-minute frustration with trying to create five respectable outfits. Maybe I didn’t succeed, but Brandi definitely did! She immediately set me at ease and introduced me to Patricia Arroyo, who got started on giving me the best hair and makeup I’ve ever donned. Meanwhile, Brandi was not only sorting through my laundry madness – tags and all, she displayed all the jewelry that I unceremoniously dumped into a travel bag, because – Why Not?! I’m on a roll… 😉 When I walked into the dressing room, it wasn’t as much that I felt like a princess, but that I felt seen, met and understood. She could see what I meant…what I was TRYING to do. She saw exactly what was giving me trouble and soothed my anxiety through organization, style, and her ability to learn about my personality through my plethora of little pieces yet to be sensibly tied together. Low and behold, Brandi had hanging there before me, the FIVE outfits with accessories to pop!
*Buh-bye Anxiety*
Meanwhile, in the same galaxy and not-so-far-away, my hubby was selling a home in the area and decided to swing by at the end of the session. Brandi took the time to work in extra poses with us together and even a few of him alone and they all turned out so handsome! I wasn’t sure if Justin’s schedule was going to allow him to make it at all, but if I had known just how incredible these portraits would turn out, I would have insisted he be there beginning to end. *Darlene’s UNSOLICITED ADVICE* It’s worth the effort on your part and theirs to bring your family/friend/loved one/pet if you are able, or even make a plan to have them show up later into the session. You will LOVE it.
Brandi, thank you for sharing your friendship, craft, compassion and guidance. You truly have a gift, and spending this time with you has been REJUVENATING.
You are more beautiful than you know!
To book your own fabulous Portrait Session, contact us through the inquiry form below.
Much love,
Brandi
International Award-Winning Portrait Photographer
Brandi Stage is a portrait photographer recognized by the prestigious International Photography Awards and based in Diamondhead, MS. She creates an exceptional magazine-style photo shoot and timeless heirloom portraits for women, men, children and pets in her studio or on location.