Defining your Unique Self Image and Beauty

Defining Your Unique Self Image and Beauty

Boudoir photography is a fantastic way to celebrate your unique self image and beauty. Whether you are looking to capture a special moment in time, or simply want to create a beautiful and unique art collection of images, boudoir photography is the perfect way to do so.

Boudoir photography allows you to express yourself in a variety of ways, whether it be through sensual and sexy poses, or more demure, romantic and intimate shots. No matter what your style is, boudoir photography is all about celebrating YOU and your unique beauty.

So if you are looking for a fun and empowering experience that will leave you with gorgeous images to cherish for a lifetime, look no further than boudoir photography!

It's okay to be nervous about doing a boudoir photoshoot

It's okay to be nervous about doing a boudoir photoshoot. In fact, it's perfectly normal! Boudoir photography is intimate and personal, and it can be daunting to bare yourself (literally and figuratively) in front of a camera. But remember that your photographer is a professional who is there to help you feel comfortable and look your best. Trust them, relax, and enjoy the experience. You'll end up with beautiful, empowering photos that you'll cherish forever.

7 Questions to Ask Your Boudoir Photographer

While I cannot answer for other photographers I can answer some of these questions about myself for you

1. What experience do you have with boudoir photography?

I started photography at a young age, it ran in the family. By high school, I was doing photoshoots with my girlfriends, and it was affirming then. In my mid twenties I took photography seriously and began my career. I started with weddings and naturally worked with a bunch of women. Women were always nervous about how they were going to look. I reassured them with the right pose no matter what they would be stunning. I came into boudoir because not every person has a wedding, and honestly it isn't just brides that need to be lifted and empowered. There are people of all walks of life that boudoir and intimate photography helps, and I wanted to serve everyone. As a woman and a professional boudoir photographer my goal is to put all clients at ease. It is through a safe space that clients may blossom and we create stunning boudoir photography.

2. What style of boudoir photography do you specialize in?

The loaded question of what style is my style. First off, I am always learning, improving, expanding my style. I love the romantic, light airy, demure, elegant and beautiful boudoir styles. I also really dig the edgy, dark, moody sultry saucy and stunning boudoir styles. I have two studio spaces that I love to design. Color is so fascinating to me and the second you step into my dark and moody space you will see where I express my artistic passion for color.

3. What is your process for a boudoir photo shoot?

We will hop on a consultation call and go over a brief explanation of the process, and you can ask any questions you have. In the consultation we talk about our professional hair and make up services, wardrobe client closet, lingerie guide, posing tips, post-processing methods and options for wall art, albums or digital images.

4. How do you make your subjects feel comfortable during a shoot?

When you arrive, you are going to realize I am just like you. I will be in my shooting attire, comfortable and no make up face. You are going to tell me more about yourself as you pull out all the amazing pieces you have brought with you. Then you are going to get comfortable with hair and make up, she will get you relaxed, ready and absolutely gorgeous! We will connect and that is going to help you feel as comfortable as possible during a shoot. We are an open environment and really do work with every type of person under the sun. We embrace uniqueness and diversity, so show me what you got! When we start shooting I will provide you with a couple of tips and really I will be guiding your every pose. I also make sure to let them know what I'm going to be doing during the shoot so they know what to expect. I find that if my subjects are comfortable and relaxed, they tend to look their best in the photos. The most successful boudoir photographers are the ones that listen and allow a safe space for self expression.

5. What should I expect during and after the photo shoot?

We get started in the morning and you will be finished early afternoon. Professional hair and makeup takes anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half. The session itself lasts about 2 hours. I use a combination of natural light and artificial light, mostly it depends on your style. The shoot is so much about you that I never plan YOUR shoot before I meet you. I want your photo session to be a reflection of you.

6. How long will it take to receive my photos?

Did you know that great boudoir photos start the day of your shoot. You are the main part of the boudoir process, because it is all about you. Most of the magic is the efforts of your make up artist, myself and YOU. After we do your boudoir photo session, you will return to the studio in 10-14 days following your shoot. Depending on how you want to display your photos is the next step. That process can be take more time depending on your vision.

7. Do you offer retouching services?

Yes, we offer retouching services included with every session. We can remove blemishes, scars, wrinkles, and other imperfections from your photos. We generally try to keep you natural and in the decade you are in. I do not believe in altering your body, and I promise through posing you will be amazing how incredible your body is.

7 Reason people tell me why they are not ready for a boudoir shoot

There are a few reasons why people tell me they are not ready for a boudoir shoot.

1. The most common reason people say they are not ready is they may feel like they need to lose weight or get in better shape before they can feel comfortable in front of the camera. I can tell you that women of all sizes, shapes and heights come into the studio. Some have accomplished their objective, and others have just begun. Everyone single person has a unique perception of themselves and no one person is the same. We would be awfully boring if we all looked the same, and frankly there would be no purpose for art. Humans are the most diverse species and we should celebrate our bodies and our physical state at every stage. Every pose for boudoir I use accentuates your best features and assets.

2. Secondly, they may be concerned about how their skin looks and whether or not they need to get a professional makeup artist. Blemishes are part of life, and so are scars and stretch marks. I have a bunch of scars and stretch marks, and some how in my mid 40's I still struggle with break outs. The best part of seeing a professional photographer is that we also know high end retouching that will look more natural. The majority of us need some form of skin editing. These dslr cameras and zoom lenses pick up on every detail. While these told are exceptional for luxury boudoir photography, post processing and skin retouching are standard in the process as well. You will always be you, I'll just polish your boudoir images to be the best version while still maintaining the most natural look.

3. A common obstacle I hear is about wardrobe. Many women feel daunted by the thought of lingerie shopping, and rightfully so, not all bodies are the same and not all lingerie is the same. How many times have you stepped into the dressing room and been disappointed with everything. It happens to all of us. I am going to help you pick out items that will look amazing on you, and the boudoir poses that I put you in along with the perfect garment are tried-and-true methods. You are not the only one that fears their midsection.

4. Additionally, many of us feel anxious about our bodies and how it will look in the photos. "I never look good in photos" Okay, fair enough, except one thing....the camera that usually is being used is on a phone. Phone cameras are not forgiving, and neither are point and shoots. The camera on the phone uses a wide-angle lens, and wide-angle shots are meant for landscapes not portraits. Without getting into the physics and science of what that means, the quick answer is that lens is not meant for portraits. I use some very expensive lenses that are specifically meant for taking portraits that flatter people.

5. There are times when I hear individuals fear they will judged by others for doing a boudoir session. Well isn't that the case with everything? I have been judged a million times over and only once in front of an actual judge...ehh emmm....my divorce. I have been judged from kindergarten all the way since yesterday. People love to judge us and you know what, so what. You are you and the only life you have is this one. There will be people that judge you, but they are just jealous that you have to power and gumption to step out and step up. Also you don't have to scream it at the top of the mountain if you don't want to. Some blast it on the evening news and others keep this to themselves forever. I fall in the middle with mine.

6. A super common reason I am told that a person is not ready is they have never done anything like this before and feel scared and intimidated by the whole process. Most people have not done it. You might have done some selfies at home, but to bare all and expose your sensuality with a stranger, well most people have not had that boudoir experience. Now let me ask you, when was the last time you had a professional photograph taken of you? When was the last time you had professional hair and makeup services done on you? Really there is not much to be afraid of, you get pampered and transformed into fine art.

7. Finally, they may simply not be in the right headspace for a boudoir shoot at this time in their life. Here is something that no matter what I say, if you are not in the right space then you are not in the right space. I still encourage you to search for the love and passion within to celebrate your body. You can start with simple self love daily affirmations and actions to lift your self image up. When you sign up for our newsletter we talk about self love and ways to treat yourself with respect and honor your body.

Let Boudoir Empower you in 2022

In 2022, let boudoir lift you. Boudoir is a French word meaning "a woman's private room." It is a place where a woman can feel comfortable and beautiful in her own skin. In a world that is constantly telling women to change their appearance, boudoir is a place where you can be yourself. It is a place of self-love and self-acceptance. When you love and accept yourself, you are powerful. You are able to take on the world with confidence. Let this be the year to let boudoir strengthen you. Let it be your place of refuge and strength. Let it be the place where you learn to love yourself unconditionally. Don't hesitate another minute, book your boudoir shoot today!

What if lingerie is not my jam?

Feeling beautiful doesn’t not require lingerie. You can totally celebrate your body and be modest at the same time. To take the bedroom out of boudoir, I call these beauty sessions.

A beauty session is one that celebrates your beauty and your body while being showcased in your favorite attire. Celebrate and express yourself how you want to.

If lingerie isn’t your style, consider wearing your favorite oversized sweater, a slinky dress, a cozy button-down shirt, or even a tailored suit. These outfits can be just as intimate and alluring, showcasing your unique style and leaving plenty to the imagination

How do I Pose Plus Size Boudoir

Posing for the Curvy

Plus Size Boudoir Session

I get calls all the time from women who ask if I can or will pose plus size. First off, I pose all people. You can be any size or shape and I got you. If you really want to know my secret on posing plus size curvy women, I pose them the exact same way as anyone else. All women want curves in the right places, and it does not matter what their dress size is. Pop a hip here and drop a shoulder there.

A lot of of what I have everyone do is all about putting the individual in the best light. If you can follow direction well you got this, and even if you cannot, I’ve got you.

As a woman myself, growing up as a teenager in the 90’s with the waif look in fashion, I was always super critical of my own body. Thankfully we are in a time of body acceptance and learning to move past those mentally damaging views. All the same, we want to feel saucy and accentuate the curves we love. Always communicate with me what you want and what you don’t want.

The secret is getting the right pieces and the right poses. I can guide you on what to wear and how to move your body.

What is Erotic Photography?

Erotic photography is a form of art that captures the beauty and sensuality of the human body.  The term “erotic photography” is used to describe a type of photography that captures the beauty and sensuality of the human body.

By definition the word erotic pertains to “relating to arouse sexual desire or excitement”

When the term erotic is said it does not always infer explicit.  Many things can provoke sexual desire, the things that provoke sexual excitement do not have to be profane. It is totally possible that erotism is found in subtly, hidden between the lines, as well as blatant sexual content. Everybody has a different opinion regarding the meaning of eroticism. In general, the erotic word is also used to describe the action of any emotion that is revealed on the human face. To be more specific, it is a sexual expression. Although, you might find that there are other less sexually related things that are called "erotic" so this term is not written in stone.

What are you turned on by?  What do you find provoking? What draws you toward another person or even toward yourself?  

One night my partner and I were lounging in bed, just resting in our sweats, just scrolling through our digital devices, and he asked me, “Is your check engine light still on?”  Right there at that moment, I feel compelled to fervently attack him, he was the most sexy hottest being ever at that very moment.  You must realize that Acts of Service, is my number one love language. A few days prior he had replaced the battery in my car, and all he was doing was checking up to make sure everything was running smoothly.  That lingered in my mind for a few days, and when I shared with him my experience he chuckled. 

Another totally non explicit thing that is a total turn on is the voice of Sam Elliott that is deep, robust yet velvety and romantic all in one. To hear him speak ignites something in me. 

Erotism is not always bare flesh.  

Now that you have an idea of what really is erotic you can visualize what that means to you. With the birth of the photograph so was the birth of erotic photography. This was not a profound discovery, nothing really ground breaking. Before erotic photography we had erotic painters. Look at anything produced during the renaissance and you will find erotism. Travel even further back in time and you will find it too. 

Erotic photography can be emulate romanticism with slight suggestion or border on the lewd and downright obscene. As the famous saying goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” 

I challenge you to think about what feels erotic to you. Are you looking for a more sublime hidden message or are you overt and blatant?

Think about what has drawn you to individuals. What propelled you to desire them?  What brought them to you?  Are there aspects of yourself that excite you that attract others. There is nothing like loving something that you do yourself, and also having that excite others. 

Are you ready to explore your own session and create something erotic for yourself or for someone special.

Spicy Day Date - Couples Boudoir Sessions

Looking for a creative way to celebrate?

If these past couple of years have brought us anything, it really has tested our ability to be vulnerable and spend a lot of time with one another.  As we have slipped into new routines of social distance we are pushed closer to our immediate circle of intimacy.  Have we learned to distance ourselves or have learned to strengthen our  bonds with our partners. Either way it never hurts to focus on your intimacy whether it be emotional, mental, spiritual and yes of course physical. 

Boudoir photography is a special type of photography that is taken to promote self-esteem and body acceptance. Typically it is viewed as an empowering experience for women who are looking to celebrate a milestone in their lives. The reality is men can benefit from it too, and together couples can experience this journey as well.

You might be asking yourself, who does a couples boudoir session? Just ask yourself…..

Do you want to spice up your relationship? Do you want to do something that will be fun for both of you? Do you want to create a bond with your partner that you both can enjoy?

This article will cover some tips on how to prepare for a couples boudoir session to make the experience all the more enjoyable for both partners.

For the couples who are about to take this journey together, I want them to know that they are not alone.

It often starts with an impulse buy - you see an Instagram post of a boudoir session and think that it would be a good idea for your partner.

A professional photographer will teach you how to feel confident in your skin while capturing these moments in the most beautiful way possible.

It's all about taking charge of our sexuality, being comfortable in our own skin, and being able to share this with our partners.

Planning a couples boudoir session can feel challenging for some because we are working with two bodies, two minds, and three relationships. You have the relationship of the two people, and then their individual relationships of self. One partner might be a little more timid and shy than the other. Through a series of questions and getting to know you we discuss how to overcome any nervousness.

As with all sessions, I am here for you along the way. You can ask me anything. The most important thing is that you feel heard int he process. Like all relationships, communication is key. From the moment you inquire I will help guide you through the process. The session and the images are not the only part of this experience, but also the preparation leading up to your session. I have great tips and tools that will help ease you into the day of the shoot.

I have a guide specifically tailored to you and your partner.

What are your self-love resolutions for 2022?

The new year is always a great time to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. Review the last 12 months or beyond. Think long and hard about how you treated yourself.  Were you being nice to the body that carries you through this journey of life, or were you over critical of yourself? It’s important to take care of yourself rather than be overly critical. We can all improve on how we treat ourselves, and it’s usually easier to start at the beginning of the year. .

Last year I made a list of resolutions for myself for the new year. I wanted to be more organized, more patient, more honest, more understanding, and more loving. I wanted to make healthier choices, take more time for myself, be more vulnerable, and be more conscious.

Self-love resolutions 

I resolve to love myself more. I resolve to be kinder to myself. I resolve to forgive myself. I resolve to believe in myself. I resolve to be present for myself. I resolve to be the best version of myself. I resolve to love myself.  I resolve to love the skin I am in today!  . I resolve to love the skin I will be in tomorrow. I resolve to love the skin I was in yesterday. I resolve to make choices that help me love the skin I am in. I resolve to do this now."

Tips to implement your self-love resolutions

I know it can be hard to implement resolutions that are about self-love, but it's worth it! It's important to remember that you are worth it. You deserve to be loved and respected. The best way to show yourself love is to be kind to yourself and dedicate time for yourself.

You may want to try meditating, or perhaps taking a bath with some lavender oil. When I come home from a long day there is nothing like a hot bath and my audible book. I grab a cold glass of water that is so refreshing in a hot steamy bath. I tap into one of my favorite audibles or grab my kindle and dive into another world. 

Solid deep sleep is vital to self care. There is a healthy medium somewhere at six to eight hours, find your balance. The mental and physical rest is so important and required. I wake up feeling rested and refreshed. For my emotional care,  I use my journal to express my feelings. In my journal I express my frustrations, but I create a list of the things I feel thankful for. I do this on a daily, and I have for many years. 

I dedicate time at the end of a day to me and start my day with accessing where I am, and where I want to be. I take time to consider and give myself permission to be happy. I practice light meditation and gratitude on a regular basis. I clear my (private) space of clutter and I keep it organized. Trust me, life has not always had this balance.  Over the years I have dealt with my struggles, but I grow every year I am alive. I learn how to love myself a little more every year. 

1. Learn to decompress after a long day through a exercise, a hot bath or reading your favorite book…UNPLUG

2. Get a good of uninterrupted deep sleep….Catch some good zzzz's

3. Wake up and write in a journal to put your emotions on paper, list all the things you are grateful for

Take some time to be gentle and kind to yourself. This will help you love yourself and respect yourself. You are wonderful right now. You are good enough. You are smart enough, you are kind enough, you are strong enough, and you are brave enough. You are not broken. You are not less than. This will help you love yourself and respect you and your body. This will help you be more confident and empowered. And I promise you that this will help you be healthier. I promise that you will start feeling better. I promise that you will start.

Self-love resolutions from others 

I've been seeing more and more posts about people making resolutions to love themselves more. I think it's a really great idea. It's so easy to focus on the negative things, but it's so important to focus on the positive. Also, I'm so guilty of it. I think I'm a pretty good person, but every once in a while I'll think something pretty bad about myself. I'm not great at letting those thoughts go, I'll admit, but it makes me so sad to think that someone might be thinking that way about themselves. It's so hard (and maybe impossible) to be perfect all the time. Like, I don't think I'd ever feel completely comfortable with myself

Conclusion 

We are all at different stages in this journey of self love. Whether you are coming out of a toxic relationship, or maybe still in one, it is vital to find the help and the tools that enforce healthy emotional, mental and physical actions. A toxic relationship doesn't always involve another person, it can also be with ourselves.  

We entered this new decade with so many challenges. So many expectations are put on us everyday. The last thing you should do is project unrealistic demands on your own self image. Start this day by loving the person you are right now

Stop saying you are an ordinary woman, you are extraordinary.

I do not photograph everyday women, I photograph extraordinary women like you. I have yet to meet a single woman who is just an everyday woman. Every woman has a story that is worth telling and I am sure you have one too. How can you be extraordinary?

You are not ordinary!

I'm not going to say that you're an ordinary woman, because you're extraordinary.  I'm not going to tell you that you're just like other women, because you're not.  I'm not going to say you're like other women my age, because that would be a lie. The truth is, you're unlike anyone I've ever met, and I have not even met you yet. 

I know this because every woman I meet is totally different and unique from the last woman I met. While the knowledge I possess to create and craft an image of you in the best light carries over and grows with each person, not one of my sessions are the same. Not one of my sessions are the same because each of you speak to me differently. While I keep the core elements, the flavor of the recipe changes from person to person. 

Seriously like each snowflake is unique, each woman, each session is totally unique and special. 

I hate seeing people use the term that they are the boudoir photographer for the ordinary woman.  That really rubs me the wrong way. Ordinary refers to blank white copy paper, not a human being. Human beings are complex, vibrant and colorful. Stop thinking of yourself as a carbon copy of just an ordinary woman, because I truly believe there is no such thing as an ordinary woman. 

The boudoir genre is truly an art from within that takes a lot of thought and talent to pull off. It is not for the faint of heart and pulls in a lot of emotion and experience. It goes beyond what you see in the photos into the real life of the subjects. The individuals are strong and beautiful. They are every woman. Every woman has shared their story, and no two stories are the same.  There is nothing ordinary about about that. 

There is nothing ordinary about a single soul I meet. We are faceted in the most brilliant ways. Not one single person leads an everyday life and we all have a story.

What is your story?

The Perfect Role Model to Follow - Ms A

So many women that walk through my door come in with a slice of apprehension. That is totally normal and 100% okay. You are probably meeting me for the first time and I am asking you to be vulnerable. You have chosen to walk through the doors and share a side of you that rarely gets seen. If you are struggling with self image ideals of yourself that makes it even harder. While our perception is that plus size women struggle the most, I am here to tell you that all women struggle. This story is more about it being a state of mind than anything.

The tub is a fun set and addition to your session

So much of our worth has been tied to body image. While women are mostly impacted, I do want to recognize men go through it too. So if you are man reading this, know I hear you and I see you. The majority of individuals I work with are women and I can empathize with my gender. As a woman myself, I understand all of the things in life you are asked to do and maintain. I feel like a superhero on some days and then on others I feel like a complete failure. When it comes to my body that is a constant love and hate. I will admit that lately it is mostly love.

So on with the story of Ms A. When she contacted me she told me that she had done another session a few years ago. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t curious. I wanted to know about her previous experience. She told me she loved it and wanted to do it again. She wanted a different look. There was a dark and moody sultry vixen waiting to be unleashed in my studio.

When Ms A came to the studio I was blown away by her excitement. She was ready to go and she was the most prepared of anyone I have ever had come in. This was not her first rodeo and to top it off she is a total lingerie connoisseur. Plus size lingerie is not as readily available or easy to find. Thankfully in the past 5 years we have had a really amazing influx of great brands emerge. I will cover that later on, back to our story.

Ms A, opened up her suitcase and it felt like a steam trunk of glamour gasped for a breath of fresh air. If I asked “Do you have fishnet thigh highs?” She said YES! “do you have a black garter to match? “ She said YES!

This chic had everything. She was ready to flaunt her assets and 100% trusting in my ability to mold her into the light.

Right at that moment I knew this session was going to be an explosion of fireworks and she was a masterpiece in the making.

The most important thing you can do for your session is relax and learn to love an appreciate your body as it is today. It is through truly loving your skin, truly appreciating your shape and loving this vessel that carries you through this life. We cannot exchange it for a different model so learn love yourself.

Many women will ask how I pose them if they are plus size. I will pose you just as I pose anyone else. If you can do the pose I will put you in it. The most important thing in this case is bringing the right size lingerie for you. Don’t bring in a baby doll that is going to look like a tent, get a form fitting bodysuit, bustier or anything that shapes your body. Ms A wears a piece that forms to her body and I posed her in my favorite floor pose.

All Bodies are beautiful

And no matter what angle or pose I wanted her in she was game. Communication is key and I want to know if I put you in a pose if it is uncomfortable. The other really important thing you being on the day of your session is your voice. Let me know what you are thinking. I am not a mind reader and when you tell me what you are thinking or feeling I can serve you better.

Bring in something fun that you might have thought of! Want to feel like a Queen? Bring in your crown!

Not everything you bring in needs to be lingerie either. It was a last minute decision that Ms A made to throw in this fun tulle skirt. We ended up totally getting this Betsy Johnson moment! If there is something you think might be fun, bring it. You have your chance to shine and express your personality in a safe open environment. If you knew the childhood I had you would know it is pretty difficult to shock me.

Ms A is free in the moment and feels like diva and lets it all out. Her express is of total power and comfort. This is why this image is so successful. She believed in herself then and continues to do so today.

We all have insecurities we want to overcome. Some things may sound trivial to one person but are everything to another person. You are free to share those blocks with me.

My goal at the end of the day is that you feel like a Pretty Woman! While I know that looks are not who we actually are, if you feel happy about your outside it does help your inside.

If you look closely at her shoulder you will see her daily affirmation “Pretty Woman”

The Perfect Gift - Seattle Bridal Boudoir Session

Wow your Love on your Wedding Day with Bridal Boudoir!

Bridal Boudoir in Seattle

Let me make this easy on you, a bridal boudoir session is hands down the best gift you can give your soon to be and it is also the best mood booster for you.

The white studio is the perfect backdrop to show off your beautiful lingerie that you have picked out. If you have not picked anything out I can help you. I also have this great guide that helps you find the perfect piece. If you still cannot find that primo piece let me help you.

I have been a part of the wedding community for many years. While I rarely shoot weddings anymore, I am still deeply connected to many of the individuals that plan, cater and orchestrate amazing heart felt wedding day celebrations. I have continued to participate in many of our community events, as I feel boudoir is still part of the process. I understand every step of the way as I was present in hundreds of weddings for nearly two decades. If you have any questions about your up and coming wedding I am happy to help and point to in the direction of some amazing DJ’s, florists, bakers, planners, and venue coordinators.

3 Best Tips for your Boudoir Session

When you come in for a boudoir session with us, we will help guide you so you feel prepared. I also know we all have super busy lives and sometimes we just cannot accomplish every task we set out to do. If you find that life takes over and you show up with nothing, these three tips are are going to be your savior and hopefully only a day or two of preparation.

You might be surprised to find out, but none of these tips require lingerie to be purchased or really any money to be spent. All of these tips are self care that can be done at home.

1. REST - get a good nights sleep, stay away from alcohol the night before your session. A solid 7-8 hours sleep will provide you with a fresh well rested face.

2. Hydrate - Drink lots. of water in the days leading up to your session. Take a bath, moisturize your skin. Especially if you are prone to dry skin make sure you do these simple things to help you skin look supple and fresh.

3. Manicure - This doesn’t have to be fancy at all. You don’t even have to do polish. Of course I recommend that you treat yourself to the salon, but not required. You can do a simple home manicure. Make sure your nails are clean and even. I incorporate your hands a lot and you don’t want to have jagged ripped nails. If you are curious about nail colors check out my blog article on manicure ideas.