THE DRESSING ROOM
Thoughts
&
Musings of Sirens
Give the Best Valentine's Day Gift of All: YOU!
Finding the perfect gift can feel like the hardest task of all. When you’re young, there are new trends, new hobbies, and new toys that always make great gifts. But there comes a point in our lives where it takes a lot of creativity to find the perfect gift—especially when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Maybe you feel like your partner has all the things they need and want. Or, maybe your partner is just the most difficult person to shop for… and you have run out of all your “go-to” gifts. But I have the solution for the best gift of all. What a better gift to unwrap than having them unwrap you!?
Give the Gift of YOU with a Boudoir Session
Be the gift that your partner unwraps. When they pull off the bow and tear off the wrapping paper, they open the package to reveal a saucy, confident beauty. This gift is so much more than an album, and so much more than a photo. A boudoir photography shoot can peel back the layers that you have wrapped yourself up in. The layers that you have put onto yourself that no one else sees.
As women, we can bury ourselves in insecurities and self-consciousness. Boudoir photography can help you to peel back those layers. You can begin shedding the less-than-wonderful comments and criticisms you have given yourself over the years. Leaving them behind can be a huge release! Seeing yourself as a beautiful and fierce woman can lift your perception of yourself to a higher level!
I myself have struggled like everyone with body image. Why is it we only see our flaws? Every morning as I get dressed, I look in the mirror at my body. I make sure to say positive things about how I love this and appreciate that. I have not always been like that towards myself. I have noticed, the more I tell myself that I love myself and my body, the better I actually treat it. The more you say it the more you believe it! So, start saying it. Would you be friends with someone who said the things you say to yourself? Be kinder to yourself. Love yourself.
Confidence is the most beautiful thing you put on in the morning.
A collection of tasteful boudoir photography images is a tangible reminder of who you are underneath all the outfits you own. A reminder of your core beauty. This is a truly unique gift that cannot be purchased online, and it shows effort and thought. You made a huge contribution to the making of the gift. Without your time, bravery and vulnerability it cannot be done.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and there is still time! I have THREE SPACES left for boudoir sessions. That is just the perfect amount of time to have a gift placed in his/her/their hands for that weekend of gushy romantic gestures.
Ms. S
On July 14th, I met up with the lovely Ms. S at Studio 1020 to capture an empowering boudoir session for this beautiful woman.
Boudoir Photography at Studio 1020
When Ms. S reached out to me to book this session, she shared the following information with me:
"I recently lost about 80-90lbs and have struggled with my weight and my confidence my entire life. Learning to love myself and believe that I am beautiful is still a struggle, but I have gotten better and have gotten more confidence since the weight loss."
Knowing this about Ms. S, when I got the chance to meet her face to face, I was surprised felt this way. Even as a professional photographer, I didn’t see the things she was worried about. I didn't see the extra skin causing her to feel self-conscious, but there is no doubt in my mind she sees it.
We can be so self-sabotaging. Ms. S is so extremely gorgeous. I really wanted her personality and interests to shine during her boudoir session. One of my main goals in every photography session is to help women feel comfortable and beautiful in her own skin. To do so, I got to know Ms. S more. I wanted to find out ways to incorporate who she is in her photoshoot—her hobbies, her likes and the things she enjoys. Once I got to know her… I discovered she’s a little bit country! So, I asked if she would like to have a few photos that had a bit of a country vibe.
It turns out she wore boots on her wedding day! “BRING THOSE!” I quickly insisted.
Those boots added just a touch of country fun to the shoot. They added a vibe that was so true to who Ms. S is. I love when I can find a way to personalize a boudoir shoot to make it unique to my clients! Whether it’s incorporating a favorite pair of shoes, a husband’s favorite shirt or a romantic hand-knit throw, finding a way to personalize a boudoir shoot helps to make clients feel more relaxed in their own skin.
I am sure that you would agree that these photos of Ms. S are truly exquisite. There is beauty in self-love, and I hope these photographs help to bring you to a place where you can continue to feel beautiful. Thank you for letting me share these images today. Special thanks also to Kat St. John for the amazing hair and makeup artistry.