What really comes to mind when you think of a boudoir session? You might imagine it to be an opportunity to get some really hot photos of yourself... and hey, sometimes that's all it is, but most of the time it's a hell of a lot more. At first glance, it's easy to see why it looks like nothing more than "just photos" but what if I told you how some women have found themselves through doing a session, or that some have reshaped the way they speak about themselves and the other women and girls in their life? I've heard countless stories from the women who have trusted me behind the camera; each one just as important and as authentic as the last. This isn't just a chance to get a really nice photo of your ass, oh no, it's an investment in your own self-empowerment. I'm about to break down what you actually get from a boudoir session... are ya ready for it?
Acceptance
Right out the gate I'm going to say that a boudoir session is about welcoming you into a space of acceptance. No matter what's going on in your day-to-day life, you are free to just be when you arrive, and without judgement. That may seem like an out-of-this-world concept as we usually go about our days being blasted with criticism and comparisons, but that doesn't happen here! I've had so many women tell me how surprisingly comfortable they felt during their session even while being practically naked, and that energy always cultivates the best experience!
Personal Attention
When is the last time you really took time for yourself? Women don't do this very often for a heaping load of reasons like work, kids, meetings, and errands. Sometimes life just gets mundane and unless you prioritize your "you time" it usually doesn't happen. When you book a session, though, everything is about YOU, baby. If you're someone who absolutely hates being the center of attention (*raises hand*) I can totally understand how that might sound like the worst, but I promise it's not. You deserve a good solid day for yourself!
Complete Guidance
Let's say you have no idea how to: choose your outfits, select a lip color, pose, relax your face and breath, select the perfect product, or decide on a killer wall art image, well, babe, I guide you every single step of the way! One of the biggest advantages of hiring a seasoned professional to capture your intimate portraits is that you aren't left to your own devices. If you have no idea how to do any of the boudie things, don't worry, I'm right here! If you're having a hard time navigating your own self doubt, you better believe I'm right there to hold your hand through it.
A Fun Time
I didn't know how else to label this one, so "a fun time" it is! Even though a lot of my client's images look very sensual and nuanced, there's actually quite a bit of laughter going on behind the scenes. One thing I'm definitely NOT is a stuffy photographer - my sessions are always light-hearted and silly, so don't feel anxious about the energy being too intimate. Chances are, in between every shot I'm murmuring something ridiculous to ease those nerves!
An Artistic Perspective
This one is my favorite! Elevating your self-image from an artistic vantage point is one of the coolest aspects of my work. If you think about it, the majority of photos you see of yourself show you cheesing for the camera - but what if you saw yourself as an actual work of art? Imagine seeing a photo of yourself that literally makes you gasp out loud.... YEAH, that's what I'm talkin' about!
A Badge of Bravery
Immediately after typing that, I thought about how to get my hands on actual badges because here's the thing, I hear and see compliments all the time about how confident the women in my photos look. However, 99% of the time if you ask these women if they felt confident coming into their session they would say, "hell no!" What you're actually seeing are brave women. They come in with self-doubt, and do the dang thing, anyway. So even if you're shitting your pants about the idea of well... not wearing pants in front of someone you maybe just met - know that you're fucking brave for doing it!
What you actually get from doing a boudoir session is a lot more than the physical photographic outcome - it's a very personal and vulnerable journey for a lot of women, and I feel so incredibly honored to be a part of it. If you've ever looked at the investment of a session like this and thought it was an outrageous price tag, I hope you'll reconsider all of the personal benefits! Want to learn more? Just shoot me a message!