Thinking about bringing props to your boudoir session? Here's a novel idea (pun intended).

When clients ask about bringing in props the question nearly 100% of the time is "What should I bring in?". 

The question I then ask is: "Well, what are your hobbies, passions, weekend activities, etc?" For us we define a "prop" as anything that ISN'T your wardrobe. That can mean a bottle of nice whiskey, bedroom toys (wink wink), golf clubs, a whisk and apron, paint, etc. You pick. After all, these are your OWN images. 

I will say that books are one of my favorite boudoir session props. A. Because I think reading is sexy and I love to read and B. Because they are fun to place around my clients.

We had some really fun props brought in this past week for boudoir sessions, so I cannot wait to show you those!!! Bring on the uniqueness! 

And for those that love books, here you go: 

It's that time again, time to read and relate to a wonderful woman that has gone through the boudoir experience. Again, I am always tempted to try and convince people about what "prancing around in lingerie" (direct quote from someone) is ACTUALLY about... but the purpose and residual effects come across much more genuine and believable when you hear for someone that opted-in. 

This interview is no different. I've loved being her friend and watching her start her 'new' life. Read on about her experience, written in detail, and about how everything has changed. 

1) How old are you... or if you prefer, who were you listening to at age 14 :)?

I' newly 33 lol

2) What do you do for a living?

Account manager

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

I'm getting married in April, and I wanted to do this for my fiancé's wedding present. 

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

So many!! I was worried I would only see my flaws in the pictures, that then there was the lingerie part! I was terrified of posing in lingerie in front of a camera.

5) Why did you choose OWN? 

After seeing Cassie's pictures, I totally IG-stalked the OWN page. Every picture was phenomenal. I went to the page and was impressed with the beauty in every picture. When I saw the women were not the same thin fitness queens I see on magazine covers, I was sold! 

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

The biggest difference was how comfortable I was. Sarah and I laughed a lot. She coached and encouraged. She was positive and was a joy to be around! Brielle did my makeup and hair, the first time I had ever had my makeup done. It was like meeting a team that knew you better than you know yourself. 

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

Seeing the images was by far my favorite. It is the first time in my entire life I looked at myself and said "that beautiful girl in the picture is me!" And there were tears. But the entire session...the planning, the shoot, and especially seeing the final product was all this incredible experience! The funniest part was Sarah helping me figure out this bralette piece I had because it wrapped around, and I could not for the life of me figure it out! lol

8) How has the response been to your images?

Amazing!! I've showed friends and the comments of "these are great! You look fantastic!" Are different because I believe them! 

9) What is your advice for women interested in such a session?

DO IT!! Do it for yourself. It's powerful and life changing. Be open to it...the suggestions, the advice, the posing, all of it. 

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

Everything changed. I might not look like the corset clad model I did in my pictures every day, but knowing she's a part of me has changed me. I'm kinder to myself. I don't immediately see my flaws when I look in the mirror. I speak to myself with love, and I know I can be a better role model for my daughter about self love and acceptance of one's body. When my fiancé tells me I'm beautiful, I believe him and not just because he sees me as beautiful but because I know I am. It took my 33 years to see beauty in me, and I will treasure this for the rest of my life. Sarah and her team gave me a gift that is priceless, and I'm grateful to them every day for that gift.