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

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?!?!

Boudoir Day 2016!! Mark Your Calendars for MAY 1st!!!

 

 I've booked a professional makeup artist and hired a few awesome helping hands, and I am so excited to bring you (FINALLY) another Boudoir Day marathon event!!!

What is a Boudoir Day event, exactly? These events are back-to-back photo shoots in one location, with one team, in one place. Session fees include a half hour of shooting, hair and makeup, and other goodies at a special discounted rate apart from regular, individual sessions. To learn more about boudoir photography, visit my site here.

I've booked a beautiful room at Madison, Wisconsin's little gem Hotel Ruby Marie and will have 5 slots available for the afternoon that fine Sunday. Without revealing too much, sessions do include professional hair/makeup as well as special product rates and offers.

For the time being, I am just announcing the date and the place. My team and I are still working getting some details together and we plan to have the time slots set up in order to officially announce the event and start booking NEXT WEEK! For now, this is our little "Save the Date" as you will....

BOUDOIR DAY 

Where: Hotel Ruby Marie (Madison, WI)

When: May 1, 2016 (We start shooting at 1pm)

***PLEASE FOLLOW SOCIAL MEDIA FOR FURTHER INFO AND BOOKING***  

On a personal note, I'm really excited to hold one of these events after 2 years in school and other business ventures and projects. Shooting boudoir has always been my favorite type of photography, and it is so amazingly rewarding for myself and especially my wonderful clients. I can't wait to share with you all the awesome things we have up our sleeve for this event. Hopefully this is just the beginning of more magical, wonderful things. 

xx emily