Why Boudoir Photography?
Sometimes it's difficult for me to put into words why I shoot boudoir photography. It's so much more to me than just photos. It's about self-acceptance, body positivity, and the power of art. It's all about getting dressed up and laughing your a$$ off. It's about the transformation that occurs between the time you walk into my studio and the time you walk out the door. It is about feeling beautiful, which I believe every person deserves.
I began shooting boudoir photography because I wanted everyone that walked through my door to see the beauty in themselves. I thought I could show anyone what I see through my camera. Women tell me they don't think they can look "that beautiful" because they are too tall, too heavy, or have too many stretch marks. I love showing them the photos from their shoot and showing them that they CAN feel beautiful. Seeing the reactions to their photos has changed me. I knew I'd found my calling the moment I recognized that.
It was now my responsibility to serve as a mirror for my clients. Not the warped and distorted mirror of the world, which tries to fill you with shame, but the one who sees past all the lumps, bruises, and imperfections. The one who accentuates your radiance!
The Transformation
The transformation that occurs in our studio is the most rewarding aspect for me. When a woman walks into my studio, she is usually nervous, sometimes visibly so. I see sweaty hands and hear shaky voices, but the transformation begins when they sit in the chair and begin getting their hair and makeup done. The woman in front of me gradually stops being nervous and begins to change. By the time the shoot begins, we're having lots of fun!
When I show the client the back of the camera after the first few poses, I usually get the response, "OH MY GOD, that's me?" NO WAY! That's not me!" As we move on to the next series, and then the next, the laughter and smiles begin to flow. She then begins to feel herself, and her confidence begins to come out.
We're friends by the time we finish the session and enter the reveal. We've just shared an experience that they'll never forget. We laughed (and sometimes cried) over stories we’ve told each other about our lives.
On the day of the reveal, their jaws DROP when I show them their photos on the computer screen! They see themselves as they have never seen themselves before. This is one of the most incredible aspects of boudoir photography. I get to show them how I see them, how their spouse sees them, and to serve as their mirror. When they walk out the door, their smiles are contagious, and they can't wait to tell all their friends about what they've just done.
A Little Snippet of My Story
I didn't understand how having a distorted self-image could affect every aspect of your life. At a young age, I began to struggle with self-image and body issues. This manifested in a slew of unhealthy and toxic behaviors that I can clearly identify now, but that I mistook for fun, youth, and freedom at the time. This struggle led me later in life into an abusive and corrosive relationship, which had transformed into marriage before I knew it. It caused me to question my will, my identity, and my sanity. I became estranged from my friends, family, and church. Thankfully, Grace intervened before things deteriorated to the point where I might not be able to recover, and I found the strength to end it. However, divorce was only the beginning. Although leaving was necessary, it was insufficient to restore the self-esteem I had before shame and judgment took over.
Yup! That’s me at my Boudoir Shoot!
I reached out for help to a lifelong friend and ended up temporarily relocating to Washington, DC. A few years earlier, her daughter had opened a Boudoir Studio in the city and when I got there she offered me a session. I had NO IDEA what kind of gift this would turn out to be! I was nervous at first, but as soon as I walked through the door of the studio I felt completely comfortable. As the session went on I begin to have so much fun, and really enjoy myself. I suddenly realized how distorted my self-perception was, and how critical it was to see myself with loving eyes! This gave me back a sense of empowerment that I hadn't felt in years. I knew right away that I wanted to do this for as many other women as possible.
For me, boudoir photography is about recognizing that when you find the courage to be vulnerable, and let someone see your inner beauty, you discover the freedom to embrace who you really are. Past your fears, and illusions of inadequacy you find your greatest truth: You are enough!
I feel so grateful for the honor to be able to show others how to celebrate their bodies, their battles, and their victories. It is an absolute privilege to help women reclaim the definition of beauty and femininity to their own standards, and under their own terms! Let me remind you to love and be proud of yourself, and that while we all may be works in progress, we are also The Masterpiece!
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