Sometimes I find it hard to put into words why I shoot boudoir photography. To me, it is so much more than photos. It’s about self-acceptance, body positivity, and art. It’s about getting glammed up and laughing your ass off. It’s about the transformation that takes place in between the time you walk into my studio and walk (no, STRUT) back out the door. It is about feeling beautiful, and that’s something I believe every person deserves.
I started shooting boudoir photography because I saw the beauty in everyone that came in my door. I believed I could show any person what I see through my lens. Women tell me they feel they can’t look “that beautiful” because they feel too tall, are unhappy with their weight, hate their stretch marks, or worry that their age excludes them from this experience. I love showing them their photos and that they CAN, in fact, feel beautiful. Seeing their reactions to their photos changed me. From the first time I reaped the reward of elevating another woman with a boudoir experience, I knew I had found my passion.
It was now my job to be the magic mirror for all of my clients. Not the mirror that the world shows you that shames you, but the mirror who sees past all of the imperfections that you notice. The one that shows you your sparkle.
The Transformation
The transformation that takes place in my studio is the best part of the whole experience for myself and my beauty team. When a client arrives in my studio, most of the time they’re nervous, sometimes even visibly. Shaking hands and nervous glistening are things I see all the time. Once they’re in the styling chair, my beauty team works their magic both with hair and makeup, and with their wonderful energy and love for my clients. Sure enough, clients find themselves easing into conversation and some laughter with myself and the stylists, and before we know it, the client is glammed up and ready to smolder on camera.
Then the shoot begins. Some of my favorite moments are when I show the client themselves on the back of the camera after the first few shots. There is usually a moment of, “Holy shit, that’s ME!!”, and that’s all the evidence they need to really hit the gas and get into the session.
By the time we finish the session, we’re friends and sometimes confidants. We’ve just created an experience that the client will always remember. We’ve laughed, shared stories, and found a connection like no other experience will provide.
At the Reveal, there are usually some jaw-drop moments, sometimes even tears of awe, and I live for those. Finally, the client sees themselves as I do! This is one of the amazing things about boudoir photography- I get a chance to show them how I see them, and how special they are!
A Little Piece of My Story
Ten year ago, I was a very different woman. I was in an awful relationship that encouraged disordered eating. It started my troubled relationship with my body. Even when that relationship ended, and I married the most amazing and supportive man, I still struggle to appreciate and love my body for all that it is. For years, I have struggled with infertility. My weight skyrocketed with hormone treatments and surgeries left scars that constantly reminded me of what my body couldn’t do.
Yep, that’s me at my own boudoir session!
Even as I grew to accept my body as it is, self love and appreciation is still a daily mantra I have to practice. It took many years, and being a boudoir photographer for a few of those years, to become brave enough to step in front of the camera for my own photos. I wanted to practice what I preached, and I was continuously inspired by the stories and bravery of the people I worked with. The feeling I had during my boudoir session was absolutely life changing, and one that I scream from the rooftops. Falling in love with your body’s story sometimes is not an easy journey, but it is one worth walking.
For me, boudoir is a celebration of your body and who you truly are. I take pride in being able to help show people how to celebrate their bodies, their battles, and their victories that they have been through. Let me show you your sparkle. Let me help remind you how to love and be proud of yourself.
Interested in booking your boudoir experience with us? Get started with setting up a complimentary consultation call!
