A (Midsummer's) Boudoir Day SNEAK PEEK - 7/12/16

This past Sunday's A Midsummer's Boudoir Day was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen, and inspired confidence in some very amazing women. There's a lot of editing ahead of me, so while I catch up on things here is the first "sneak peek" from the event. Keep checking back, there are more photos coming your way.


Would you like to have a boudoir shoot? Our next event is August 28. Find out more information here.

Boudoir Photography FAQ - 5/24/16

 There are a lot of questions I get asked again and again when it comes to Boudoir Photography, and it's totally normal! I've decided to answer a few of the more common questions, and while I will happily answer them anytime for anyone, if you were curious about boudoir photography, this post is a great way to find out answers to a bunch of questions all at once! You might not have even realized that this is a question you have, yet.

I'm not comfortable sharing my images online, is that okay?
YES! Absolutely! This applies to ANY portrait session, not just boudoir. Of course I love when my clients sign model releases--it allows me to promote my business, keep an updated portfolio, and share how awesome you look with others. You are in these pictures, and if you don't want them online I will not share them. Your privacy and comfort is of utmost importance.

Do you offer retouching?
Yes! I do a basic treatment of the skin with everyone. I don't go crazy with airbrushing as I want you to look natural, still. Taking off body weight or reshaping your figure is something I don't do. If there is something you are particularly self-conscious about, let me know!

Can I bring a friend?
One or two friends are more than welcome, as long as they don't distract from the shoot! Friends can help you feel happy and comfortable, and as long as you don't bring an entourage, the more the merrier! If it's a boudoir day, please make sure your friend is female as sessions overlap and are back to back. I don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

Are hair and makeup included? Can I do my own to save money?
Professional hair and makeup are ALWAYS included with my boudoir sessions. I find this amenity a necessary service as part of an experience and high-quality product. You may come in with your hair and makeup styled as you like it, but the makeup artist will accent your look and make you camera-ready. This service is not able to be deducted from session fees.

Will it feel as though there is a lot of makeup on my face?
Probably, that is a typical reaction. However, the amount of makeup will not impact the photos. Our makeup artists specialize in camera-ready makeup that accents and complements your already-gorgeous self. Please let the makeup artist or myself know if there is any concerns. Remember that some makeup may fall away during the shoot and not all of it will be picked up by the camera. What you see inches in front of you will be very different a few feet away from the lens.

How long does the shoot take?
Most Boudoir sessions only need 30 minutes to 2 hours and you will get plenty of images to choose from in your edit.

Do I get all the files to my images?
I do not include images, all digital files are sold separately or offered as bonus incentives depending on the session or the event.

Do you provide the wardrobe?
I may have a few props on hand, but please bring your own wardrobe! Bring as many options as possible, we will work together to figure out outfits and how many we can do! If you need help with what to wear, bring whatever you wish to try or ask us for ideas beforehand! We're open books and happy to help!

I'm not photogenic, will you help pose me?
YOU ARE photogenic, as you will learn, and I absolutely will. I have a questionnaire that helps figure out what you are comfortable with in terms of your personal body confidence and awareness and I will always pose you to flatter your body type. It's important to remember that no body is the "perfect" body shape. There is short, tall, curvy, skinny, and so many other adjectives to describe a human body. Also, it's whats on the inside that counts, and this is about loving yourself in your own skin. I promise that you will look nothing short of fantastic.

Do you photograph nudity?
I only photograph implied nudity, and keep everything very tasteful. This separates boudoir from pornography. I'm not trying to censor anything, I'm just trying to make sure the images remain artful while showing as much skin as possible.

How much skin do I have to show?
If you want to be practically naked or are just comfortable prancing around in a sundress, that is fine. We will do whatever you are comfortable with, and our questionnaire will help with that.

How long will it take to get my pictures back?
It can take 2-4 weeks to get photos back depending on how long your shoot was and how much retouching is necessary! Prints take anywhere from 2-4 weeks, and press products like albums or fine art (canvases, etc) can take 6-12 weeks.

New questions will arise, and honestly...I probably forgot a few of them on here. I never want a client to feel afraid to ask me anything. There is no such thing as a stupid question, and the more you ask, the more comfortable you will feel when it comes time to do your shoot! :-)

xx emily

Kat's MayDay Boudoir Day Photos (Session #3) - 5/1/16

Session three? Correct. Session #2 must remain secret until a certain time, therefore we will skip ahead to the third session from MayDay Boudoir Day!

Kat is a dear friend of mine, and happily offered to attach her name to these photographs. Our friendship started from an introduction of a mutual friend (of course, another photographer) and we connected during a time in our lives where we were both trying to find new beginnings. She did this shoot for herself, to have fun, and to clearly look AMAZING! What I like most about Kat's photos are that you see many sides to one person: someone soft, sensitive, eclectic, spirited, vivid, edgy, sweet, and down to earth.

Kat knows herself well, and her originality is what makes her so uniquely awesome and gorgeous inside and out!

Signifigant Others React to their Partner's Boudoir Photos - 4/29/16

Yesterday we talked about why you should get boudoir photos done for yourself, and above everything else, you should consider that as your main reason.

However, boudoir photos are a common gift to a partner for an upcoming wedding, anniversary, birthday, or whatever occasion you both may celebrate. Like any woman, you might have considered this as an idea of an experience with whom you'd like to share your "results" aka prints, so to speak. You may know that your partner loves you very much and will still accept you and think you're beautiful no matter what. Despite what you know, it is still normal and perfectly alright to feel self conscious.

I recently asked a couple husbands of former Boudoir clients about what they thought of boudoir, especially when their awesome ladies brought these photos home to them. I have kept them anonymous, different answers from different guys are recognized by different colors.



1) Did you know what Boudoir Photos were prior to your lady bringing them home? If so, what were your thoughts on it back then?


No, I had no idea.  I was pleasantly surprised when I saw them. 

 I didn't know what Boudoir Photos were, but she explained what it was when she told me that she was getting them. I didn't really have any thoughts on it since I really had no idea it existed.

2) Did you ever expect that your lady would ever do this?

No, I was very surprised my wife would ever do this. 

 

No.

 

3) Did you receive these photographs as a gift for a particular occasion? If so, what was it?

Yes, my 30th birthday.

No particular occasion. 

 4) Before you even saw the photos, what were your initial thoughts once you figured out what your present was?

I did not know what the present was until after I saw the photos.  Once I saw them I was surprised she did this and amazed at how well they turned out. 

I was pretty excited to see how it went for her. I had no idea what to expect really.

 5) How did your significant other give these to you (ie: prints, flash drive, album)?

I received a fold out album, a wall print, an 8x10, and a flash drive. 

 

Prints and a little accordion book. 

6) What were your thoughts as you were looking through the photos?

I was very suprised she did this for me, and also impressed how well the pictures turned out. 

 

I was in awe at how beautiful my wife was. I mean I knew she was beautiful, but her pictures really showed it off.

7) Would you say your lady gained any self confidence or self esteem from the photos?


I would say she did, especially after my reaction to the photos.

I would say so.


 8) Do you still look at the photos?

Yes, I look at them often.

Yes.

 9) Do you think Boudoir Photos make a great gift? 

This was the best gift I ever received.  I would definitely recommend anyone considering doing thus for the significant other to do so.

 

Absolutely.

 

10) What are your thoughts on boudoir photography overall now that you've received this gift?

I was always a fan, so it hasn't really changed, but I was very happy to receive this gift.

 

I would say it's pretty awesome.

Now, I don't know a single person who is truly awesome, genuine, and kind who wouldn't love to receive photos of their partner looking amazingly gorgeous and sexy. In fact, the proud self-confidence that has a tendency to emit from the photographs is almost more meaningful to the partner receiving the photographs. In my opinion, self-confidence is one of the sexiest traits ever.

 

xx emily bee

The Best Boudoir Products - 4/27/16

So, you are getting/got boudoir photos done. Now what? What do you do with them?

• Photographs are precious captures of memories. While I offer digital files for purchase separately from session fees, I encourage all of my clients to get their photographs printed. We are in the digital age, and I do understand keeping photographs for archival reasons. However, when it comes to giving a gift or immortalizing beautiful you, I believe it is best to have the photographs delivered in the best way possible--with high quality printing.

Now, I offer much more than 8x10's...in this particular entry I'm listing the products I have available for Boudoir. There are so many more products than you see here, but these are the ones that I have found to be particularly good for Boudoir, and have priced differently for Boudoir Day as "Featured Products:"

1) His/Her Little Black Books
These little books (about the size of a business card) come in sets of 2 (one for him, one for you) and are tiny and discrete but hold 10 images! They fold up like an accordion and close magnetically. They can come in a variety of colors and fabrics for the covers--although I am partial to classic black. These books are my bestselling product, as they are discrete, high quality, and adorable.

2) Unicorn Portfolio Box
This product is my personal favorite, but it is a fabric wrapped portfolio box that is tied off with ribbon and fits 10 8x10" matted prints. You can hide intimate photographs in here and keep them around and no one will know what's in your beautiful box--it's a great keepsake! Prints are also ready to frame if you ever chose to do that.

3) Unicorn Flash Drive
I don't include digital files with my portrait session fees and packages, but I have them available for purchase if people want them! They are priced according to how many images you want: 10, 20, or full inventory and come with a reprint release form.

4) Boudoir Unicorn Album
Albums come as 5x5 or 8x8 and like the little black books, they come with fabric covers. These books fit 20 of your favorite images, and are a classic way to display and keep photographs.

5) Unicorn Keepsake Box
I have set up a keepsake box with sets of prints as well as a little black book. The gift box includes the following:

• (2) 8x10 prints
• (4) 5x7 prints
• (16) wallets
• His/Her Little Black Book Set

Of course, the lab I use has many other products, and I offer many more on my regular product and pricing guide as well, but the above options I have cataloged as I find they are particularly good for boudoir. The labs I use are ProDPI, White House Custom Color, and Finao (Portfolio Boxes) and they both offer amazing, high quality products and I am extremely proud to have a relationship wtith them and provide their products to my clients. If there is anything you are looking for that you do not see or are curious about, don't feel afraid to ask me. I want you to have your photos the way you want them! :-)

xx emily

 PS: Below are photographs of the portfolio box studio sample I have as well as a sample of a Little Black Book!

Boudoir Photography & Your Privacy - 4/26/16

I did my first Boudoir Day in 2013. Everything went great and the clients all loved their photos. Nine months later I received the following email from a person (another photographer) I didn't know:

Hi,
I am emailing you to inform you that your boudoir galleries have been hacked by internet voyeurs. 

My heart raced. At first I wondered if this must be a joke. Regardless, I took down all of my clients' galleries that were password protected with passwords they had chosen themselves and had been up for months at this point. I emailed each of them that I was taking the galleries down as a security measure, and searched Google to see if this happened to anyone else.

It sure did.

As a business owner, this is was one of my worst nightmares that had just come true. My clients' safety and privacy is my strongest values as a photographer and this could affect my integrity as a business owner. There were some clients who opted to release their images to the internet, but for these voyeurs, it was a game to try to get into the galleries of clients' who wished their images to be kept private. It was disgusting, and I hated that this happened to thousands of photographers and their clients.

The forums were eventually taken down, many photographers teamed together to shut down the perverts' operation (I believe the FBI may have even gotten involved). Thankfully, everything turned out alright and this situation brought awareness to boudoir photographers and business owners.

The internet is a big place, though. Never risk putting content online if it is meant to be private. This is exactly why I don't host boudoir galleries online anymore. The clients' privacy and my business isn't worth the convenience of hosting an online gallery. Aside from security reasons, I found I liked the in-person viewings 1000 times more than hosting a gallery...I didn't ever expect this. I made separate appointments with clients where we sat with coffee and I got to see the client react to their photos right in front of me. I saw beaming smiles, laughter at remembering how much fun they had, tears shed for how beautiful they saw themselves, and hugs shared for the experience boudoir photography gave us.

xx emily bee

Boudoir Unicorn: Boudoir Shoot Flight Plan - 4/25/16

Hello Lovely Unicorns!

So....you've booked a boudoir shoot. You've never done this before. What can you expect? What do you do besides show up and get your pictures taken? Well, I've designed a little guide here to help!
I've written this specific to my Boudoir shoots and the clients that have already booked, but I think that this post will be a great for any prospective clients who are interested in getting a boudoir shoot done with me or another artist. You can never be too prepared!

FAQ....

Here are a few repeat questions I've gotten from clients everytime I've done Boudoir shoots. I'm always happy to answer them, but naturally I'll list a few here for convenience, and as always...if YOU have any questions, just ask! :-)

Do you provide a wardrobe, or do you provide one for us?
Our unicorns dress themselves!
Other photographers may provide wardrobes if they've accumulated a collection, but personally I do not provide anything. Women come in all different shapes and sizes, and keeping your shoot personalized with your style right from your own wardrobe! Some ladies choose to go lingerie shopping for their shoot to treat themselves to something new and pretty, but if you have a budget to keep in mind, I am sure that you have more than enough clothing to work with. We will get into specifics later!

Do you provide digital files?
Usually not, but occasionally I do. As a photographer, I choose to not offer digital files with sessions. I always outline this in all my contracts and emails, but they are always available for purchase. If I include them, it is for a special reason such as a booking incentive, and that will be outlined.

How long does it take to edit a boudoir session?
If I'm editing a Boudoir Day, it can take a few weeks to a month. I always outline this on the individual session contracts. If you have a special request, let me know!

 How many files do you deliver?
Boudoir Day shoots are usually culled to an edit of 15-30 images. Quality over quantity!

How long will this take?
Boudoir sessions typically take 30 minutes to an hour. You'd be surprised with how many shots we get in such a short amount of time! Normal on-location portrait shoots typically take longer because you have to move around from location-to-location!

I bet you didn't know...

You don't need to worry about self-confidence for this shoot! IT IS OKAY TO BE NERVOUS!
You could be second-guessing yourself, shaking, or crying...WE'VE GOT YOU, GIRL! We're here to make you feel gorgeous and look amazing. Just be yourself, and let us do all the hard work! It's natural to feel a certain reluctance in bearing skin. Most of us don't walk around like this everyday, and it's okay to feel vulnerable. I've never had an experience where a client didn't eventually loosen up, relax, and have fun!

If you're doing this as a gift to a signifigant other, don't forget yourself!
This is SO IMPORTANT. This is why we try to pamper the living daylight out of you at these sessions! Besides, your loved one adores you and wants you to see yourself through the same lens. They see amazing things in you, and if you have the same mindset...it'll show even more in the photographs.

In the end, it doesn't matter how much skin you bear.
Boudoir is not just sexy photography. Boudoir is about the experience. If you are just interested in dancing around in a sundress, that's more thank okay! You do you, girlfriend.

Getting Ready & Prepared!

 Like everything, it's best to plan ahead and not leave things until the last minute, and for a boudoir shoot getting ready is REALLY easy! Procrastinate if you will, I know a lot of us are awesome at that, but in the long run this will go better for you if you take the time to get ready mentally and otherwise.

• Don't worry about your body! No crash diet or last minute hitting the gym will help! It does not matter to us, or ultimately you if you kill yourself over how you look physically. While this may be a weight-loss or fitness reward to yourself, it is important to love the skin you're in. We're here to make you look amazing no matter what. Above all, being okay with yourself is best for YOU!
• Don't worry about a lingerie shopping spree if it's not in your budget or you don't want to! We can work with what you've got! Seriously! I'll list some ideas below, but bring as many things as you wish! We may not use them all, but we are happy to help you with styling! If you have any ideas prior to the shoot, we're happy to discuss them with you.
• Drink lots of water before your shoot! Stay hydrated! Water is also great for your complexion, and occasionally clients will hold some difficult poses for lengthy periods of time (we'll never do anything outside of your comfort zone) and having enough H20 in you will prevent dizzy spells and so on
• Avoid foods that cause bloating! Avoid any excessively fatty, sugary, cheesy, or carbohydrate heavy foods before your shoot if you are concerned about your tummy in the photographs. Stick to fruits and veggies, granola bars, yogurt, cereal, and other healthy foods. We will even have some refreshments on hand that will cater to this. PLEASE DO EAT, before your shoot!
• Bring your foundation or cover up! This will help the makeup artist match her makeup to what you use and best match your complexion. If you have any allergies, please let us know

Wardrobe Ideas:

Below is a list of a few wardrobe ideas and props that are commonly used in the past and also some suggestions. No idea is a bad one, and there are many more possibilities on this list!

• A boyfriend's flannel, button down, jersey, blazer, or hoodie.
• Your favorite bra/panty set
• A slip or nightie
• High heels
• An oversized tshirt or sweater
• Garter belts and tights
• Lace, or textured fabric
• Pajamas
• Bridal jewelry
• Fashion jewelry
• Blanket
• Bridal Accessories/Veil
• Boots
• Hats
• Dress or gown
• Corset or other lingerie set (there are so many kinds!)
• Button down shirt, pencil skirt, "pinup" clothes--props: old rotary telephones, sassy glasses, headscarves, vintage suitcases, perfume bottles, etc!
• Long pearls
• Your favorite things: Books, makeup, your yoga mat, ball (if you play any ball), art, musical instrument, photos, whatever! Sky's the limit here!
• His tie!
• Wine glasses
• Handheld mirrors

Errands to run beforehand!

These aren't required by any means, but if you've got the budget you may want to consider:

1. A haircut, color, or trim! Freshen up those glorious locks! 
2. Brow waxing/threading or waxing in general ... if you do this. 
3. Paint/trim your nails or get a manicure/pedicure--just one of the details to take into account! Fingers and toes occasionally show up! Especially if you're showing off wedding jewelry!
4. Lingerie Shopping--Hit up Victoria's secret or another store that specializes in "pretty little sexy things"- You can find suggestions for online stores here. I am also a big fan of Fredrick's of Hollywood and Aerie!

The Day Of

 You're probably going to be the most nervous this morning or a couple of days before! Take a deep breath, and relax. Take this time for yourself and take care of yourself. Go to the spa, read a book, go for a nice walk, take a bubble bath! EAT SOME PIZZA! We'll do whatever it takes to give you an enyoyable, relaxing, empowering photoshoot (we usually have goodies for you) but you should take care of yourself to! You deserve it!

After The Shoot 

After the shoot is over, you'll anxiously be waiting for your images! We try to be as efficient as possible with editing, but we want to do a polished, good job too. We'll set up an appointment with you to view the images and talk about products and which ones to order! Coffee's on us! <3

Lastly, don't forget how beautiful you are whether you have seen your images or not. Even when those photos aren't hanging on your wall or in a little discrete book on the nightstand as a reminder, you are amazing, beautiful, and perfect just the way you are. We can only hope that the empowerment you received on this day will last a lifetime.

xx emily

12 Reasons to get a Boudoir Session - 4/11/16

We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle. -Marilyn Monroe

One of my favorite ladies couldn't have said it better (and she is much more charming and eloquent than I). Of course I say you should get boudoir photos done. I'm a boudoir photographer. Beyond what is obvious business, there is a reason to shoot boudoir beyond the fact that it is trendy and beautiful. If anything, that is the reason that matters the least to me. The reasons why I think you should do are the reasons I'm in this line of work.

I've done this post before, but in the spirit of rebranding and kickstarting my freelance business....why not revisit this subject? I'll keep it simple. ;-)

1) You're celebrating a milestone
Perhaps you just reached your weight-loss goal, or maybe you want to embrace your post-partum body. These are just a couple of examples, and every milestone is one's own individual experience. Why not treat yourself and make record of this accomplishment or time in your life?

2) Getting Pampered
It's not every day that you get to go to a fancy hotel room, get your hair and makeup professionally done,  sip on champagne and raspberries, and then get professional, glamorous photographs of yourself that make you look like a badass, beautiful, Hollywood Starlet. For many, this can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You deserve it.

3) They are a great gift for a significant other
Perhaps you're getting married soon and this is a perfect wedding present, or it's an anniversary, birthday, Christmas, or Valentine's Day present. Whatever the occasion, your significant other is certain to love images of their favorite person in the world looking sexy, beautiful, and confident.

4) They are a great gift for yourself
In the past, I've had a lot of single clients book themselves for boudoir day! Clients who were gifting the photographs for their signifigant other mentioned more than not that these photographs were also happening for themselves. Without saying, I know you're an awesome lady that deserves rockstar experience and a record of themselves looking beautiful.

5) For Memories
Have you ever looked back at old photos of yourself and remember what such an amazing time in your life it was? You'll have plenty more amazing memories yet to be created, but why not cherish this time and who you are in this moment? Wouldn't it be awesome to share these photos with your grandkids someday and they will be like "DAMN Grandma! You were hot!" You could look back to the photos yesterday and smile at how beautiful you were than and still are now.

6) An excuse to wear your lingerie
Other than the obvious.

7) For a self-confidence booster
It's sad, but I read a statistic somewhere a while ago (pretty sure it was with the Dove campaign) that said only 4% of women could truly admit that they find themselves beautiful with no hesitation. This is sad, and the main reason I shoot boudoir. When you are in a position where you feel very exposed and vulnerable, physically and mentally...but are dressed up and brought to a place where they can be empowered. It's an incredible experience for me, but especially for the client.

8) Embrace Womanhood
Women are majestically magical creatures, like Unicorns (hence where the branding came from) and this is a great opportunity to bathe in your individual femininity.

9) Discover new assets
Sure, you've got that beautiful face...but have you ever even thought there are other parts of you physically and mentally that can be found and worked in these pictures? Back to the reason of Boudoir as a self-esteem booster, self-discovery can help with this.

10) Because, why not
You don't need a reason to get boudoir photos done. If you simply find this experience intriguing and you want to give it a shot, that's all the reason you need. You never know what you'll get out of Boudoir unless you do it yourself.

11) Get comfortable in your own skin
Typically boudoir means you're getting pretty close to being naked, which can be a scary and exposing thing for many people. It doesn't matter how modest you are, it's important to love the skin you're in and we can pose you in flattering ways for you awesome body type.

12) Because you're scared
It's okay to be afraid. I know what it's like to go into a foreign experience feeling uncertain, self-conscious, vulnerable, nervous, and uncomfortable. It's a cliche, but how great would it be to conquer your fear? As the photographer, my only goal is to make you feel happy, comfortable, relaxed, having fun, and feeling beautiful. I'll be honest, even though I am confident in my skills as a photographer, I get nervous about making my client uncomfortable and delivering photos that will not be happy with. But you know what? We're in this together. Between myself, my team, you, and the people that love you...there is nothing to be afraid of.

Still hesitating? That's natural. I can only hope for an email with the subject line "Boudoir Photography" and become ecstatic over an opportunity to create images with an amazing, powerful, beautiful woman such as yourself.

Interview with a Boudoir Day Original - 3/9/16

As I advertise my Boudoir Day event, I try to really jump in the shoes of the prospective client. Within this mindset, I realized I'd feel very nervous and self-conscious to get practically-naked in front of a camera. I always tell people one of the reasons I get behind the camera is so I don't have to be in front of it. When I say this, I'm mostly kidding but honestly...a part of me is not. I wondered what would ultimately convince me to be brave and do it? I realized I'm not the only girl with self-confidence and body image issues. The reason I take these pictures is to help women feel beautiful and be happy and strong in their own skin.
I did my first Boudoir Day in 2013, and lucky for me my first client was Clarissa, a dear old friend of mine. I asked her to share her experience, and she agreed--reminding me again of why I do this.

 What interested you in getting boudoir photos taken?
 I was newly single and needed a bit of a boost of self-confidence. I figured, what better way to feel better about myself than to get some fun photos taken.  

 

Were these photos a gift to a signifigant other, or did you get them done for yourself?

I got them done for myself. 

 

Were you nervous prior to getting photographed? If so, what were some things you were mostly nervous about?

Wow, was I nervous!!! Even though I had known Emily, the photographer, since early in high school, the thought of being nearly nude in front of her, much less in front of a camera, was so scary to me! Thankfully, Emily's friendship was actually what helped me to relax. As soon as she started shooting, we got into a flow. She helped me to forget that I was in my underwear, and made it like we were just hanging out. I was so self-conscious that I would be judged for my body, or made fun of. Nothing like that happened. In fact, I left my shoot feeling so proud of myself for conquering a fear, and going out of my comfort zone. I can't wait to do another shoot like this!!! 

 

What helped you decide your overall look for your shoot? How did you decide how you wanted your hair/makeup done and what you were going to wear?

It was easy for me to decide on makeup, as I am a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, as for hair, I wasn't sure what I wanted. Recently before the shoot I had gotten a hair cut which I was quite fond of, so I let the hair stylist help me to flat iron it and make it a bit more "floofy" for the shoot. The overall look was really a combination of my own personality, suggestions from Emily, and a bit of research done on looks that I would like, beforehand. Since this shoot was really about me rediscovering myself, I gladly accepted suggestions from Emily. She never forced me to do something I was uncertain or uncomfortable about, she guided me and helped me feel beautiful! 

 

Everyone gets self conscious. What were you mostly self-conscious about?

I've never been the "skinny" girl, in fact, I'm slightly curvy. I have a bit of a beer belly (comes with the territory of living in Milwaukee, I guess!!!). My thighs touch. I have flabby, un-toned arms. My butt and thighs have dimples from cellulite. I wanted to wait until I lost weight, until I was skinnier and in better shape. I was so worried that Emily or the rest of the team would bad mouth me behind my back, make fun of me, etc. The exact opposite happened. Emily and the rest of the staff were so kind, encouraging, and unbelievably wonderful through the entire process. They made me feel so calm, confident, and beautiful. THANK YOU!!! 

 

If you hesitated on getting photographed, what helped your to finally decide to take the plunge and do it?

Honestly, I didn't know if I could. Then once I saw the spots beginning to book up, I knew I had to do it. For me. Not for anyone else. It was worth it. Completely. 

 

In the days preceding your photo shoot, how did you prepare yourself mentally and otherwise?

For me, I knew I was going to be nervous until the shoot was over. I could tell myself anything and everything to try and prepare, but I knew that I was still going to be a wreck. I just kept looking forward to the end of the shoot - how good I was going to feel for doing something new, something I've never done before. 

 

Were you as nervous at the end of your shoot as you were in the beginning?

By the end of the shoot, I was actually upset that it was over! I was having so much fun, trying new positions, wearing so much different lingerie, I felt so comfortable in my skin again! I didn't want that courage-building experience to end! 

 

If you got more comfortable as the shoot went on, what helped you overcome your fears?

Emily's kind words - which I knew were not "just something to say and fill the time". She HONESTLY made me feel like a million bucks. It doesn't matter that we were friends already, she could see the trepidation on my face, and I'm sure it showed in the photos. Emily kindly encouraged me, complimented me, and made me feel so calm and comfortable.  

 

What was the overall experience of your photoshoot?

GREAT! I had a fun time, looked beautiful, and can't wait to do it again!!! 

 

Were you worried about seeing your photos? How did you feel when you finally saw them?

I was worried at first, but then got really excited because I remembered how great the experience was taking them. I felt so proud of myself when I saw them. I had done something far out of my comfort zone, and was so happy that I had finally done it.  

 

What did you do with your prints/photos?

I kept them. I shared them with my current boyfriend, who knows I am working on rebuilding my confidence, and he was so proud of me for doing something like this. He loved the confidence I exuded not only in the photos, but even when I showed him the photos. I was so confident being able to show him that different side of me.  

 

When you look back at this experience and these photographs, are you glad you decided to do it?

SO GLAD!!! It was a really great experience, and I can't wait to do it again! 

 

Would you ever consider doing a boudoir shoot again? How has your outlook changed since having had these portraits done?

Yes! I now know that I am beautiful - it doesn't matter what my physical size is. My self-confidence has gone through the roof. I love myself. 

 

Did your reasoning for why you got them done change compared to your initial thoughts?

Yes and no. I wanted to do this to begin to feel better about myself again, to gain back some self confidence. To feel beautiful. The happiness that I gained from the shoot, has been with me for years, and has no signs of leaving soon! 

 

If you got these photographs done again, what is your reasoning for having them done this time?

The self-confidence boost I received was beyond anything I have had in a while. I loved that feeling, and would love to have photos taken again! 

 

Is there anything you would have done differently if you could go back?

There was nothing I would change. I know I would continue to be nervous, no matter how many of these shoots I have in the future. I would continue to enjoy the experience. 

 

What are your overall thoughts on boudoir photography?

What a great way to celebrate women, to encourage, boost self esteem, make women feel beautiful! It is a great gift, not just for a significant other, but for yourself. I would recommend that every woman have this wonderful experience. Make sure you find a photographer that you click with. That you know will honor and respect you. Who will do his/her best to make you feel comfortable. It is an experience that I would gladly have again and again! 

 

It's pretty common to be nervous about getting boudoir photos done, any pro tips for overcoming those fears?

Nervousness is expected!!! Everyone feels vulnerable being in front of strangers (even friends) in their underwear. It's perfectly normal. Just know that you are NOT alone. I wish I had better tips!!! 

 

Did this experience help your self confidence at all?

Did it ever!!!! I grew so much, in my short half hour shoot, that it was probably one of the most positive and enriching experiences I've ever had. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I loved it, and encourage everyone to do it too, at least once!!!

 

Clarissa looked amazing as always, got out of her shell, and did most of the work to look this beautiful in just by being the best of herself. She will be providing some goodies from her badass small business as a strong, powerful, self-employed woman for this upcoming boudoir day. Thank you Clarissa for bringing some of yourself back to this experience to share with other fantastic women.

Anyways, I hope her experience helps you in some way. Whether or not you ever get boudoir photos taken in your lifetime, it's a reminder that we are all self-conscious sometimes. We all feel vulnerable, but we too can all be beautiful and self-confident. We were all born with it, we sometimes just have to remember our own awesomeness.

Here are a few of Clarissa's hotos. Doesn't she look FREAKING GORGEOUS?!?!