This interview has got to be one of my favorites to date because of how well it describes the mission of OWN: to be your OWN beautiful. She lets us all in to some of the mental changes that can be an effect of your boudoir session. Of course... there are some *ahem* other benefits that she hints at, but you'll have to read ahead for those. :) 

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

I am 26 years old & proud of it!

2) What do you do for a living?

I am a teacher. Yep - teachers can look and feel sexy too.

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

I've always loved boudoir photographs. I think that the women in the pictures always look naturally beautiful and confident. With that being said, I have known for years that whenever I got engaged/married, I would give my man photographs of myself as a gift to him, so I gave the photographs to my fiance as his pre-wedding gift. And let me tell you - he LOVES the pictures. 

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

Of course! I was worried about my "bad sides" and how they would look in the photographs. However, these worries faded away quickly after the shoot began. It was such a great experience. 

5) Why did you choose OWN? 

I chose OWN because Sarah's online portfolio is amazing! The pictures she takes (and her subjects) are beyond beautiful and she perfectly captures the beauty of womanhood in many different ways. 

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

The session was super laid back and less intense than I thought it would be. Sarah gives great directions and made sure I was having fun by serving champagne and playing great music. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. 

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

My favorite part of the experience was seeing the images and giving the images to my fiance. Sarah showed me one of the first images she took at the beginning of the session and I was blown away at how awesome I looked. It was such a great confidence boost! And of course, seeing my fiance blush and 'ooh' and 'ahh' over the pictures was fun too. 

8) How has the response been to your images?

Instead of explaining, I'll provide you with a few comments that people have made when they see my pictures.

My mother: "These are the most beautiful pictures I've ever seen. Everyone but your father needs to see these."

My sister: "My gay best friend says they are amazing. So you KNOW they are amazing."

My other sister: "You look like a legit Victoria's Secret model."

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

DO IT. Seriously, don't walk - run and book your session. It is so great for body confidence. I cannot speak highly enough of this process, Sarah as a photographer and human being in general, or the quality of the pictures. You will certainly not regret this. I wish I could do it all over again - that's how amazing it was!

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

Absolutely. Before the session, I wouldn't say that I had any serious body image issues or anything like that - just the usual insecurities and grievances with my thighs and whatnot. I will say however that I never saw myself as the 'sexy girl' or anything like that. Not to say that I didn't enjoy being sexy and looking good, but it just wasn't part of my identity. I've always been the smart, cute, funny girl, which is fine, BUT... After the session, I felt SO good about myself. 

My fiance said something that really resonated with me regarding how I never really feel sexy. He said, referring to the pictures, "This is what I see when I look at you and I'm so happy that you are finally able see yourself in that way too." 

He also said "If I ever hear you complain about 'being ugly' when you're getting ready again, I'm making you sit down and look at your photo album." 

So, in conclusion, I walk with my head a little higher, and I feel much more confident in bed as a result of these photos (this could be TMI, but is that even possible with Sarah/this type of photography?).

You get tired of hearing from me, right? Of course you do! Let's change it up a bit and let you hear from a real person (not that I photograph artificial persons, haha!). 

It's so refreshing to hear from other women that have gone through this boudoir experience. Boudoir does have the power to enhance your view of yourself, read for yourself! And if you're interested in finding out more about boudoir, get in touch! I'll do my best to answer all of your questions and I can even help you find the right photographer should I not be the one for you!

Thanks for reading! Now.... on to this lovely woman's personal account: 

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

Well I’m 28… but at 14 I believe I was in love with N’Sync, Backstreet Boys, & Britney (I still am)

2) What do you do for a living?

I am a sales profession in luxury retail.

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

I wanted to do something special for my fiancé for his wedding gift. I also wanted to do it for myself. When I was tossing the idea around, I came across Sarah's website/blog and immediately fell in love with the photos and thought “could I do that?”. I thought “What the hell… if it’s a total disaster, I’ll pretend it never happened."

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

I’m not 100% with my body/self-confidnece, but who is really? I was nervous of having all of my imperfections highlighted. I don’t look in the mirror and think “Damn I look good.” So I was hesitate to believe I’d actually like the photos. (Not to mention getting down to my bare ass in front of another person whom was not my fiancé) 

5) Why did you choose OWN?

I chose OWN because Sarah's photos are absolutely stunning. EVERY SINGLE shot I looked at on her blog was phenomenal. Each and every one of those women were not only beautiful, but looked like they FELT beautiful. Her shots are artistic and classy. Each looked catered to the own individual woman with Sarah’s own artistic touch.

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

It was actually a lot different than what I had imagined… for the better! I was worried I wouldn’t do it right and that I’d be uncomfortable the whole time. But from the very second I walked in the door I felt at ease. While it was a total BLAST, it was also hard work. I have a new appreciation for models (not that I’m comparing myself to a model) but all the posing and tilting and arching… I was sore the next morning. Barre shakes take on a whole new meaning when you’re doing a shoot with Sarah! 

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

While seeing the images was AH-mazing, I think the best part was the actual shoot. She would give me some sneak peeks here and there and I’m over here like “WHAT?! OMG I’M SO PRETTY!” And that gave me a confidence boost to strut my stuff for her camera! I left that day feeling like a million bucks. We laughed and had champagne (which calmed my nerves a lot, but really I just LOVE champagne) and had an unforgettable and exceptional experience together.
 

8) How has the response been to your images?

While I haven’t shown them to my fiancé yet (SHHH! — He’ll see them the night of our wedding) I’ve shown some close friends and family. EVERYONE is dying over them! I haven’t had one negative response or anything short of absolute awe over them. I cannot wait to see his face when he sees them! (I’m literally having to force myself not to show him early).


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

DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! I originally did this for my fiancé, but really now that it’s all done… I got more out of it. I feel sexy and glamorous. If I am every feeling down about myself or having a rough day, I look at those photos and instantly smile. It might sound a little conceded or egotistical—but women today (myself included) are so body-concious and we get caught up in the day-to-day grind that we forget to take time for ourselves. We need to love ourselves and appreciate our bodies. This helped me do that, and still does.


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

As mentioned above, Sarah has helped me to see my own beauty. I am comfortable in my skin and proud of my body. I would totally wear lingerie to work if I could! Ha!