1) How old are you?

28

2) What do you do for a living?

Kindergarten teacher

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

I wanted to do a boudoir session as a birthday gift to myself! I have always heard of women doing them as gifts for their significant others, which is amazing, but I wanted to do it for me! I have always struggled with self-confidence and I have never thought of myself as beautiful or sexy. I decided that I wanted to change that and see myself in a positive way for the first time in my life. I wanted to do something that would help me realize that I am a beautiful person, inside and out. Boy oh boy did it work! Best birthday present EVER.

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

Absolutely. The whole process made me nervous. Posing in lingerie for someone that you don't know...not a normal, everyday activity. All of my insecurities ran through my head: my stomach will look poochy, my thighs are waaayyy too big...there is no way to make them look sexy, I don't know how to pose...I am a teacher not a model, I am not in shape enough for something like this ect. I had all of these ideas in my head about what it was going to be like and if I could get past my long list of insecurities. 

5) Why did you choose OWN? 

I did a lot of research to find the right photographer. When I came across the OWN website and saw all of these beautiful images and read Sarah's story, I knew I had found the right person for the job. Sarah has an amazing gift to capture the unique personality of every woman she photographs. Every image on her website is unique and stunning, and I knew I wanted her to be a part of my story. I knew it would be a good fit when I received Sarah's responses to my first couple of e-mails. She answered all of my silly questions and it was like talking to an old friend. I was so excited and I knew that I had nothing to worry about. Not only does Sarah have a true talent for capturing the beauty and sexiness of every woman she works with, she also has an amazing way of making you feel comfortable in a situation where you would normally feel incredibly awkward!

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

It was over and above anything I ever imagined.  I was nervous until I walked through the door and met Sarah. After that, it was like talking to someone I have known for a while. We laughed, talked about family, weddings, pets, crazy mothers...it was great! I thought posing in little to nothing at all was going to be a big challenge, but after we went through my outfits and talked about some our ideas, that thought quickly left my mind. After seeing one of the first few pictures on the back of Sarah's camera, I was truly amazed that it was actually me in the picture. It is amazing how quickly the time passes and how much fun you have. I also had no idea how physically challenging it is to pose during a shoot like this!! Arching your back while aggressively pointing your toes and running your fingers through your hair all at the same time...it is a workout!

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

The shoot itself was amazing. I never knew I had that sexiness in me. But I think seeing my first sneak peek images was one of my favorite parts of the experience. I got the e-mail from Sarah at the end of my workout, and I almost fell of the elliptical! They were incredible! I was so excited to see the rest of them! But I think my overall favorite part of the whole experience was the way I felt when I saw my pictures. I have never seen myself as beautiful or sexy. Seeing these photos and knowing that I did this as a gift to myself made me incredibly happy. Having a positive view of myself is the best birthday gift that I could give myself. The photos are something that I will treasure forever.

8) How has the response been to your images?

Amazing. My friends love them. I love them and cannot stop looking at them. I am working on getting some framed to hang in my apartment! Whenever I am feeling a little down or having a bad day, I flip through the pictures...they are a great mood booster!

9) Any advice for women interested in such a session?

Do it. Get in touch with Sarah right now. I am thrilled with how my pictures turned out, but I am also happy that this experience helped me achieve a goal that I have had forever. Sarah is amazing. You will thank yourself! 

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

You bet it did! I have way more confidence than I have ever had in my entire life. I am beautiful and sexy and I cannot believe that it is me in the pictures! It was the best birthday gift that I could ever give myself. I am so thankful for Sarah. She helped me with something that I have been struggling with, and she helped me to see how beautiful I am. Thank you Sarah! You are a rockstar!!! Thank you for helping me give myself the greatest gift!!