DON'T CHANGE YOURSELF for a boudoir session!
Boudoir photography should be about who YOU are in this stage of your life.
"What should I wear? I don't really have any lingerie..."
A huge misconception is that boudoir photography is all about putting on that expensive matching bra, panty and garter set and hiking up the stockings. While it definitely can be fun to dress up if that's your thing, your boudoir session doesn't have to look like that. I understand the misconception though, when you google "boudoir photography" most of the photos are about the lingerie, not the person wearing the lingerie. In my sessions, YOU are the main focus. Not what you're wearing or the props you bring. If you feel the most sexy in an oversized t-shirt hanging off your shoulder with plain cotton underwear then THAT is the look that you will be the sexiest in. I want you to be able to recognize yourself in your photos. I don't want to fit you in my box of what I think boudoir photography is. This is why I send out a questionnaire before your session so I can get an idea of who you are, then I'll work with you to help you find the right wardrobe for you.
The most important point that I try to stress to my clients is that your boudoir session should be about YOU. It should reflect who you are as a person at this point in your life. You don't have to go out and buy things specifically for your boudoir session unless that's a part of the experience that you really want to have.
"Should I shave everything for my session?"
I think that may be the question that gets me the most when I hear it. My answer to that is "DEAR GOD NO!"
It pains me to think of women feeling like they need to fit themselves into the box of how mainstream media represents women. You don't need to be a certain way, or look a certain way for a boudoir shoot, you just need to be you. Whatever that means to you. If sexy to you is fully shaved then go for it! Get that full Brazilian and rock that shit! But if you don't typically shave, don't feel like you have to for your session. The full bush is beautiful!
"I need to lose ____ pounds first..."
This is the most common one I hear. So many women think they have to fit into the cookie cutter shape of the way the media portrays women, but SO FEW women actually look like that! That cliche saying "life's too short" fits perfectly right here. They're called cliches for a reason, right? Life IS too short to not live your life to the fullest due to some "excess" weight! I realize this is the main issue that carries the most shame. Shame about our appearance can be crippling. It can stop us from putting on a swimsuit to join a pool party or go to the beach. It can stop us from even going out in public. Some of you probably cringe at the idea of taking your clothes off in front of a stranger (me) and having photos taken of you. You fear being judged and being seen. I totally get that. It IS terrifying! In my opinion, it's one of the most radically vulnerable things you can do. It's in our most vulnerable moments where the biggest transformations take place.
Check out THIS BLOG about a client who booked her second boudoir shoot with me BECAUSE she gained weight.
Even if you don't do a boudoir session, make the decision TODAY to stop letting your weight or appearance stop you from doing the things you want to do. Make a commitment to yourself, your family and your loved ones RIGHT NOW to show up no matter what. Drop that exhausting guard you have up and let loose. Dance when you feel the music moving you, laugh with wild abandon, jump in the pool!