Would you like to have a boudoir shoot? Our next event is August 28. Find out more information here.
Showing posts with label boudoir photographer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boudoir photographer. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
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.
Would you like to have a boudoir shoot? Our next event is August 28. Find out more information here.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
MayDay Boudoir Day Session #3 - 5/1/16
Let's back track a bit and revisit Boudoir Day, since I never shared the third session. Why, you ask? Because this lovely lady was getting married, and we had to wait until her now-husband saw them first!
Now that this sexy rockstar of a Newlywed has returned from her adventures on her honeymoon in Las Vegas, check out how astoundingly gorgeous she is! She was so fun to work with, very laid back, edgy yet classy, and the right amount of sassy! Congratulations, beautiful lady on your new life with your amazing man and family. May these photographs always be a fond memory of this monumental time in your life, and a reminder of how sexy and beautiful you were this day and always will be.
On a personal note, this woman was a very close friend of mine in college. She was then and always will be inspiring, powerful, empowering, beautiful, and amazing. You rocked this session, my friend.
Now that this sexy rockstar of a Newlywed has returned from her adventures on her honeymoon in Las Vegas, check out how astoundingly gorgeous she is! She was so fun to work with, very laid back, edgy yet classy, and the right amount of sassy! Congratulations, beautiful lady on your new life with your amazing man and family. May these photographs always be a fond memory of this monumental time in your life, and a reminder of how sexy and beautiful you were this day and always will be.
On a personal note, this woman was a very close friend of mine in college. She was then and always will be inspiring, powerful, empowering, beautiful, and amazing. You rocked this session, my friend.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
MayDay Boudoir Day Reflection - 5/1/16
Well, it's the last Tuesday in May which means the MayDay Boudoir Day was a month ago already (WOW)! All of the editing is done, all orders that have been placed are in, and I'm a little sad it's over! However, this particular boudoir event was special, and a bit of a landmark in terms of my artistic career. With one (actually...two....no, three....) so far scheduled ahead in the near future, I do have stuff to look forward to.
I had last done a Boudoir Day in April 2014, and it was one of my favorite things I had ever done. It was so rewarding, and while I like other forms of photography, I felt a belonging and meaning for my work through Boudoir. It was a random thought on a random day in march where I didn't even tell Toby about my idea. I just thought to myself I've gotta do this again. So I made a quick little photo graphic, emailed some people to gather a team, and ran with it. I was spamming so crazy with social media feeds, wanting it so badly to happen. We ended up booking four lovely ladies for this event!
Everything went SO well! Hotel Ruby Marie gave us their most beautiful suite from last time with plenty of space and beautiful vintage, Victorian era furniture with sunlight dripping through. This historical Madison landmark provided us with plenty of space and amenities to shoot in, get hair and makeup done, set up the champagne and other refreshments with the gift bags and product samples, as well as for the clients to feel comfortable and change in. I don't have enough good things to say about this place.
Our team included myself, Kerry Conway from Hybrid Salon working her hair and makeup magic, and a couple of dear friends that helped host as well as assist with lighting, donate to the gift bags, and hang out with our clients and make them feel happy and comfortable. We had so much fun this entire day! We had a group of very different, very awesome ladies. We had two brides-to-be: one a fitness instructor and massage therapist, the other a pure romance consultant who also works at a local news station in her town. One lady was single, back to school for Psychology, and on her way to Spain for the Summer. Another was another fitness instructor and part time barista in a relationship doing this for herself and her personal training business.
Whenever I wrapped up a shoot, I would tell the client that the shoot was over unless they needed anything else. Each time, without fail, the client would proclaim something along the lines of: "Oh my god that was so much fun!" They didn't even see their photos yet. After we finished our work for the day, we did ourselves a favor by toasting with the remaining bit of champagne we had left over from the event.
Afterward, I immediately went home and uploaded them to my computer and began the long editing process. I shared and blogged images in the meantime, and I was floored by the feedback I received on the images. I loved reading through the comments from friends and family of the clients saying how beautiful and amazing their loved one was. This brought tears to my eyes.
xx emily
PS: Below are some images from Instagram as I always share some behind-the-scenes of every event and photoshoot I can. This way followers can get a taste of what the day is like, and maybe they'll see it for themselves someday. For future Boudoir Day events, or to book your own, please visit emilybartos.com for more information.
I had last done a Boudoir Day in April 2014, and it was one of my favorite things I had ever done. It was so rewarding, and while I like other forms of photography, I felt a belonging and meaning for my work through Boudoir. It was a random thought on a random day in march where I didn't even tell Toby about my idea. I just thought to myself I've gotta do this again. So I made a quick little photo graphic, emailed some people to gather a team, and ran with it. I was spamming so crazy with social media feeds, wanting it so badly to happen. We ended up booking four lovely ladies for this event!
Everything went SO well! Hotel Ruby Marie gave us their most beautiful suite from last time with plenty of space and beautiful vintage, Victorian era furniture with sunlight dripping through. This historical Madison landmark provided us with plenty of space and amenities to shoot in, get hair and makeup done, set up the champagne and other refreshments with the gift bags and product samples, as well as for the clients to feel comfortable and change in. I don't have enough good things to say about this place.
Our team included myself, Kerry Conway from Hybrid Salon working her hair and makeup magic, and a couple of dear friends that helped host as well as assist with lighting, donate to the gift bags, and hang out with our clients and make them feel happy and comfortable. We had so much fun this entire day! We had a group of very different, very awesome ladies. We had two brides-to-be: one a fitness instructor and massage therapist, the other a pure romance consultant who also works at a local news station in her town. One lady was single, back to school for Psychology, and on her way to Spain for the Summer. Another was another fitness instructor and part time barista in a relationship doing this for herself and her personal training business.
Whenever I wrapped up a shoot, I would tell the client that the shoot was over unless they needed anything else. Each time, without fail, the client would proclaim something along the lines of: "Oh my god that was so much fun!" They didn't even see their photos yet. After we finished our work for the day, we did ourselves a favor by toasting with the remaining bit of champagne we had left over from the event.
Afterward, I immediately went home and uploaded them to my computer and began the long editing process. I shared and blogged images in the meantime, and I was floored by the feedback I received on the images. I loved reading through the comments from friends and family of the clients saying how beautiful and amazing their loved one was. This brought tears to my eyes.
xx emily
PS: Below are some images from Instagram as I always share some behind-the-scenes of every event and photoshoot I can. This way followers can get a taste of what the day is like, and maybe they'll see it for themselves someday. For future Boudoir Day events, or to book your own, please visit emilybartos.com for more information.
 |
| Product samples and refreshments for all. |
 |
| Each client got their own "Unicorn Gift Bag" full of awesome goodies. |
 |
| Kerry working her magic. |
 |
| More makeup magic. |
 |
| The crew! |
 |
| Cheers to a successful day! |
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
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
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
Friday, May 20, 2016
MayDay Boudoir Session #4 - 5/1/16
This woman is one of the most confident and body-positive people I've ever met. She could teach me a thing or two (she really could, she's a personal trainer).
The energy of this awesome lady is astounding. She's incredibly spirited, knows what she wants, and knows how to have fun and keep laughing: I can only imagine her clients feel amazingly lucky to have this portrait of feminine strength as an instructor. She did these photos to help promote her services, but she owned this session and made it about her. She's powerful, strong (fit as hell--WOW), so sweet, and a leader.
Kudos to this woman for rocking at picture-taking and life in general. We need more people like her in this world.
The energy of this awesome lady is astounding. She's incredibly spirited, knows what she wants, and knows how to have fun and keep laughing: I can only imagine her clients feel amazingly lucky to have this portrait of feminine strength as an instructor. She did these photos to help promote her services, but she owned this session and made it about her. She's powerful, strong (fit as hell--WOW), so sweet, and a leader.
Kudos to this woman for rocking at picture-taking and life in general. We need more people like her in this world.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
#AskEmilytheArtist: Questions from May 11th, 2016 - 5/18/16
Good Morning & Happy Wednesday!
Last week I started #AskEmilytheArtist where you ask me questions with this hashtag on Twitter & SnapChat (ylimesotrab). You can ask me questions anytime, of course, but to make Wednesdays fun I started this idea in order to talk more about art in social media, and to interact more with followers or people who just have questions about anything creative or art-related.
Thanks @JenaRichter for your question! This is a hard one to answer because so many things do, and I could go on and on for a while. I could do many series of blog posts about this, and just point at my 67 Pinterest boards. Some are easy: I love weird things that may/may not exist in this world, hence my interest in monsters; nature and the outdoors; the idea of traveling the world; everything from the golden Hollywood area: old Hollywood films, vintage stylings, pinups; the arts in all forms--particularly illustration, design, and photography; the challenge of finding the beauty in the banal everyday; and of course bright colors and most things fantastical (unicorns)!
I would have to say though, my biggest inspiration is found through empowering people, particularly women with boudoir. As a woman, I've had my own issues with self-confidence, self-love, and self-worth. These are still things I struggle with, and I'm just going to say it so I don't get misunderstood--men and women are equal, and both can have these issues, and if I can have a role in helping both genders, I'm all for it. Naturally, I am more in-tune with my own gender identity and I find my interests and style to generally work better for women. After all, I'm attempting to incorporate unicorns in all my branding. I know I have a talent and means to make people look and feel beautiful, and getting to know my clients and how amazing they are....they're the ones that truly inspire me. I can find the beauty inside and out, and help them remember or realize it and get a boost of self-confidence. I remember how it felt to find my own, and the idea of doing this for others makes me want to stop at nothing to create things that work with this idea.
This is such a fun question, @bashattack! This is tricky too, because I love so many artists...but I would have to say, Vincent Van Gogh. He worked so hard his entire life and made so many amazing paintings with a style that was his own, and to this day, there is no one else with the originality he used with his brushstrokes. You can't touch it. Of course, the Dr. Who episode Vincent and the Doctor is my favorite, and had a chance to show what a magical human being he was and how much sadness and emotion there was. I love how he painted everyday scenes but made them twisted, colorful, and anything but ordinary. I try and do that with my work. To collaborate with this master would be a dream come true!
Being that today is Wednesday, and the day is young, I am taking questions again today! Please ask me questions on Twitter and SnapChat (links and usernames above) with the hashtag:
I hope you all have a great day! Work hard, treat others well, and take time for yourself and find some inspiration in your day! <3
xx emily
Last week I started #AskEmilytheArtist where you ask me questions with this hashtag on Twitter & SnapChat (ylimesotrab). You can ask me questions anytime, of course, but to make Wednesdays fun I started this idea in order to talk more about art in social media, and to interact more with followers or people who just have questions about anything creative or art-related.
@ylime_sotrab What inspires you? #askemilytheartist— Jena Richter (@JenaRichter) May 11, 2016
Thanks @JenaRichter for your question! This is a hard one to answer because so many things do, and I could go on and on for a while. I could do many series of blog posts about this, and just point at my 67 Pinterest boards. Some are easy: I love weird things that may/may not exist in this world, hence my interest in monsters; nature and the outdoors; the idea of traveling the world; everything from the golden Hollywood area: old Hollywood films, vintage stylings, pinups; the arts in all forms--particularly illustration, design, and photography; the challenge of finding the beauty in the banal everyday; and of course bright colors and most things fantastical (unicorns)!
I would have to say though, my biggest inspiration is found through empowering people, particularly women with boudoir. As a woman, I've had my own issues with self-confidence, self-love, and self-worth. These are still things I struggle with, and I'm just going to say it so I don't get misunderstood--men and women are equal, and both can have these issues, and if I can have a role in helping both genders, I'm all for it. Naturally, I am more in-tune with my own gender identity and I find my interests and style to generally work better for women. After all, I'm attempting to incorporate unicorns in all my branding. I know I have a talent and means to make people look and feel beautiful, and getting to know my clients and how amazing they are....they're the ones that truly inspire me. I can find the beauty inside and out, and help them remember or realize it and get a boost of self-confidence. I remember how it felt to find my own, and the idea of doing this for others makes me want to stop at nothing to create things that work with this idea.
.@ylime_sotrab If you could collaborate with any artist living or dead (or even undead, I guess) who would it be and why? #AskEmilyTheArtist— bashattack (@bashattack) May 11, 2016
This is such a fun question, @bashattack! This is tricky too, because I love so many artists...but I would have to say, Vincent Van Gogh. He worked so hard his entire life and made so many amazing paintings with a style that was his own, and to this day, there is no one else with the originality he used with his brushstrokes. You can't touch it. Of course, the Dr. Who episode Vincent and the Doctor is my favorite, and had a chance to show what a magical human being he was and how much sadness and emotion there was. I love how he painted everyday scenes but made them twisted, colorful, and anything but ordinary. I try and do that with my work. To collaborate with this master would be a dream come true!
Being that today is Wednesday, and the day is young, I am taking questions again today! Please ask me questions on Twitter and SnapChat (links and usernames above) with the hashtag:
#AskEmilyTheArtist
Questions can be about anything having to do with art, creative things, photography, design, drawing, working as a freelance artist...the possibilities are near-endless! I want to connect with all of you and create an art community where we can bring it to a greater population--through my brand, yours if you have one, and ourselves as individuals! Examples of questions include:- Where are the best places to shop for art supplies online?
- What type of camera and equipment do you use?
- What is your process in developing a brand?
- Where do you shoot boudoir photography if you don't have a studio?
- Where are awesome places to see art in my town?
I hope you all have a great day! Work hard, treat others well, and take time for yourself and find some inspiration in your day! <3
xx emily
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
I'm afraid, too. Sincerely, your Boudoir Photographer. - 5/17/16
When people learn that I'm a boudoir photographer, I don't know what they think of me. I'm sure many choose to be tight-lipped and will see it as soft core pornography no matter what (It isn't!) Sure, most people I know and associate with have gotten super excited and have shared compliments along the lines of oh my god that's so awesome! or I love boudoir! Holy shit, that's great! Sometimes I wonder if people assume I have the raging self-confidence and happiness that I try to bring out of my clients. It's true, to some level I have to embody these traits. I have to practice what I preach and bring this strength into my shoots and my business in order for it to work and convey the message I want in my photographs. Most of all, to see that major self-confidence boost in my clients and to gush over their beautiful, badass selves in their photographs.
Would you find it odd if I told you that I've never had a boudoir session done? What if I told you I'm insecure, often self-conscious, as well as anxious?
I know I'm human, and that's okay. As a person trying to make a creative professional freelance business work, is it alright to share this vulnerability about myself. Will this honesty hurt me? Will people realize this about me and not want me to take their pictures? Will they think it's hypocritical that I push feminine strength and self-confidence into my business plan and mission, YET I am the queen of anxiety?
Before this goes any further, as a side note: I was likely overthinking the last paragraph.
I know that as a person, I believe in honesty. I also try to carry this value with how I shoot. Still, you could see my struggle in talking about this. I also value the importance of allowing yourself to be human. Can I be honest, vulnerable, and self conscious and be polished and professional? I guess I allowed myself to talk about this today because if anything, I want to show my clients that it's okay to feel this way. It's natural, it's human, and quite frankly, it is to be expected.
I've made a lot of mistakes over and over, and I've gone through many self-discoveries. Haven't you? Sometimes we make terrible mistakes and hurt people, and sometimes we don't learn right away. Sometimes you think you finally found yourself and have your life figured out. Well my friend, the truth is that you will go through this over and over and over again...and you're doing alright as long as you're trying...
...and remembering how awesome you are from time to time, bringing back that self-love that is hiding in there somewhere.
I'm also afraid of letting a client down. I'm terrified that somehow my awkwardness that I cherish as being quirky will make them uncomfortable. I fear that they will look at their photographs and they are not what they expected, and even worse, they do not feel that joy I yearn to bring through delivering photographs that make them look and feel stunning and that they've got the world in their back pocket.
I can't let these fears that are for the most part created and nonsensical affect my photography. I need to remember that these feelings are natural and that I'm human and I can make mistakes. If anything, these fears give me a viewpoint into the minds of my clients who are nervous and feeling uncertain about themselves going ahead with this life passage of getting practically-naked in front of a camera. My understanding of their emotions will help me best reach them, and I can truly mean it when I say "It's okay to be nervous, but we're here to have fun and I promise you will look beyond-stunning." As it turns out, I have found my confidence in my work and myself by allowing myself to be anxious and vulnerable. That is the root of where Boudoir works. You are physically vulnerable by showing so much skin, this uncomfortable feeling can migrate to your brain making you feel exposed. Choosing to be brave, loosening up, having fun, and finding that inner beauty through the skin, body, and mind you have at that very moment is where this magical equation works. This is why I shoot. This is why I am okay sharing this with you. Remembering HELL YEAH I'M AWESOME, LET'S DO THIS! It works with boudoir, and it works with life.
I look at the photographs I took, and I remember how much I kick ass at this, and the girl on fire is found. I hope the photographs I take of you are a lasting reminder of how amazing YOU are.
I'll know this even more someday when I finally get my boudoir photos done.
xx emily
Would you find it odd if I told you that I've never had a boudoir session done? What if I told you I'm insecure, often self-conscious, as well as anxious?
I know I'm human, and that's okay. As a person trying to make a creative professional freelance business work, is it alright to share this vulnerability about myself. Will this honesty hurt me? Will people realize this about me and not want me to take their pictures? Will they think it's hypocritical that I push feminine strength and self-confidence into my business plan and mission, YET I am the queen of anxiety?
Before this goes any further, as a side note: I was likely overthinking the last paragraph.
I know that as a person, I believe in honesty. I also try to carry this value with how I shoot. Still, you could see my struggle in talking about this. I also value the importance of allowing yourself to be human. Can I be honest, vulnerable, and self conscious and be polished and professional? I guess I allowed myself to talk about this today because if anything, I want to show my clients that it's okay to feel this way. It's natural, it's human, and quite frankly, it is to be expected.
I've made a lot of mistakes over and over, and I've gone through many self-discoveries. Haven't you? Sometimes we make terrible mistakes and hurt people, and sometimes we don't learn right away. Sometimes you think you finally found yourself and have your life figured out. Well my friend, the truth is that you will go through this over and over and over again...and you're doing alright as long as you're trying...
...and remembering how awesome you are from time to time, bringing back that self-love that is hiding in there somewhere.
I'm also afraid of letting a client down. I'm terrified that somehow my awkwardness that I cherish as being quirky will make them uncomfortable. I fear that they will look at their photographs and they are not what they expected, and even worse, they do not feel that joy I yearn to bring through delivering photographs that make them look and feel stunning and that they've got the world in their back pocket.
I can't let these fears that are for the most part created and nonsensical affect my photography. I need to remember that these feelings are natural and that I'm human and I can make mistakes. If anything, these fears give me a viewpoint into the minds of my clients who are nervous and feeling uncertain about themselves going ahead with this life passage of getting practically-naked in front of a camera. My understanding of their emotions will help me best reach them, and I can truly mean it when I say "It's okay to be nervous, but we're here to have fun and I promise you will look beyond-stunning." As it turns out, I have found my confidence in my work and myself by allowing myself to be anxious and vulnerable. That is the root of where Boudoir works. You are physically vulnerable by showing so much skin, this uncomfortable feeling can migrate to your brain making you feel exposed. Choosing to be brave, loosening up, having fun, and finding that inner beauty through the skin, body, and mind you have at that very moment is where this magical equation works. This is why I shoot. This is why I am okay sharing this with you. Remembering HELL YEAH I'M AWESOME, LET'S DO THIS! It works with boudoir, and it works with life.
I look at the photographs I took, and I remember how much I kick ass at this, and the girl on fire is found. I hope the photographs I take of you are a lasting reminder of how amazing YOU are.
I'll know this even more someday when I finally get my boudoir photos done.
xx emily
Thursday, May 12, 2016
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!
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!
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