I'd like to take this opportunity to request that any RECIPIENTS of boudoir photos take the time to write in to us right now! Once your read this interview you'll know exactly why. When boudoir is given as a gift I rarely get to hear the opinions of the recipient! My favorite part of this session, outside of having an absolute blast with this client and really being able to create a gorgeous set of images for her is that she let her husband chime in on some of these answers. We are getting a GEM of information, and just try not to 'awwwww' as you read his words. 

When this lovely women walked in to my studio I knew she was nervous, but most clients are! We had been planning her session for a while and even though she was nervous she told me that she was down for whatever because deep inside she knew that she 100% trusted me! Her images reflect that trust, and no matter what kind of medical history or physical history she had she knew that she was in great hands. Her session was so much fun and by the time she walked out of the door you never would have known she was even a tad bit reserved about having a boudoir session. 

Read her interview (along with her husband's comments) below,

-Sarah

1) How old are you... or if you prefer, who were you listening to at age 14 :)?

32

2) What do you do for a living?

I work in business development in the healthcare industry .

3) What/who made you decide to book a boudoir session?

A few years ago my girlfriend started looking into a session as a gift for her fiancé for their wedding. I thought it was a great idea (obviously!) but more than that thought it would be an incredible experience. Since then I’ve been looking for a reason to book a session. 

When I got engaged I thought ‘This is it! I’m booking!’ It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for myself for a long time and I would encourage anyone remotely interested in the idea to not wait. It’s so empowering. 

4) Did you have any obstacles or fears about boudoir?

Sure! Everyone has their own insecurities. My weight has fluctuated throughout most of my life in part because of health issues. Doing this shoot was an important reminder to me that my goal should always be to be proud of the body that I have. Sarah did an amazing job bringing out that confidence in me. 

5) Why did you choose OWN? 

Sarah highlights the beauty in each person that she photographs. I found myself looking on her Instagram several times a day leading up to the shoot. And every picture she posted I loved more than the one before.  She truly brings the best out in people. 

6) How was the actual session different from what you expected (if at all)?

I had a feeling it was going to be a great experience. And it was.  The only thing that might have been different from what I expected was how comfortable I felt as soon as the shoot started.  I thought it might take me a while to feel at ease with the process but that didn't happen.  I thought "I've been waiting for this for a long time and I just need to enjoy every minute of it.  No need to be nervous!" And of course Sarah made it easy. She makes you feel like you've known her forever and has personal touches that instantly make you feel more at home...music you like, food you enjoy and your favorite drinks!

7) What was your favorite part of the entire experience? (priming, the shoot, seeing images, giving the images..etc)

The shoot for sure! I was definitely nervous the morning leading up to the shoot but once I got there it was just a blast. Getting makeup and hair done is always so fun and then shooting the pictures was such a unique experience. It is something I've never done before and having Sarah show me some of the pictures as we went along was awesome!

8) How has the response been to your images?

I went straight to the source and asked my new husband for his thoughts...

"There was never a doubt from myself or anyone that's met her that my wife is absolutely stunning both inside and out. Her personality, smile and beauty light up any room she walks into. Sometimes it might be hard for her to see what others do from her own perspective, but the pictures from the shoot served as an affirmation that allowed her to appreciate how beautiful she is in a way that everyone else sees on a daily basis. It re-instilled a confidence that truly needed no affirmation to begin with, but once in a while it's ok to have a reminder that we need to appreciate and love ourselves and our own beauty, and these pictures allowed her to do that in a very positive way"

9) What is your advice for women interested in such a session?

Do it.  Just do it.  Start to finish it is such an empowering experience. I know I've said 'empowering' several times in answering these questions but it is the best word to describe a shoot with Sarah.  She's the world's best cheerleader and makes you feel completely comfortable with yourself.  You leave feeling like you're on top of the world. 

10) Did anything change about the way you see your own beauty as a result of this session?

I have my album out on the coffee table!  Sarah made me feel proud of myself and my body. I'm incredibly thankful for this experience. 

"I'm going to be that one woman that you can't photograph" and other boudoir fears.

Repeat this in your head about half a dozen times an hour between now and the end of the day and you'll have an idea of how much I hear this statement.

Your greatest fear is that you're unique; that you're the 'chosen one' to resemble 'Sloth' from The Goonies.

In your fabulous uniqueness you begin to retract so that you can look like the models on my website. The thing is, NO one on my website is a model. The women you see, that I meet and share with everyday, are you. They are nurses, they are mothers, they are cancer survivors, festival go-ers, cosplay enthusiasts, and abuse survivors. They have trust funds and they have debts, they are divorced, they are about to get married, they are unable to have children, and they are dog-hoarders. They are unique and they are themselves.

 

Be unique for me!

As you try to fit yourself into an idea of how things 'should be' you limit yourself on how things CAN be. Let me guide you. Let me photograph the qualities that are there.. Even if it's been 10years since you've been able to see and feel what's inside.

Take heart in knowing that it is in my best interest to photograph you perfectly. I want you to show your friends so that they come see me, too. That won't happen if I screw up. 

So take a deep breath, start looking at yourself in the mirror and naming the qualities that you love about yourself. Give yourself 3 positive compliments before you start zeroing in on your split ends and splotchy skin (the camera won't ever see that).

You won't be my outlier!

There is so much preparation that we will go through together in order to make sure your boudoir session is 100% successful, but we can't start your preparation until you book your session! Ready to get on our calendar and start the process? Get in touch here!