This interview has got to be one of my favorites to date because of how well it describes the mission of OWN: to be your OWN beautiful. She lets us all in to some of the mental changes that can be an effect of your boudoir session. Of course... there are some *ahem* other benefits that she hints at, but you'll have to read ahead for those. :) 

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

I am 26 years old & proud of it!

2) What do you do for a living?

I am a teacher. Yep - teachers can look and feel sexy too.

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

I've always loved boudoir photographs. I think that the women in the pictures always look naturally beautiful and confident. With that being said, I have known for years that whenever I got engaged/married, I would give my man photographs of myself as a gift to him, so I gave the photographs to my fiance as his pre-wedding gift. And let me tell you - he LOVES the pictures. 

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

Of course! I was worried about my "bad sides" and how they would look in the photographs. However, these worries faded away quickly after the shoot began. It was such a great experience. 

5) Why did you choose OWN? 

I chose OWN because Sarah's online portfolio is amazing! The pictures she takes (and her subjects) are beyond beautiful and she perfectly captures the beauty of womanhood in many different ways. 

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

The session was super laid back and less intense than I thought it would be. Sarah gives great directions and made sure I was having fun by serving champagne and playing great music. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. 

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

My favorite part of the experience was seeing the images and giving the images to my fiance. Sarah showed me one of the first images she took at the beginning of the session and I was blown away at how awesome I looked. It was such a great confidence boost! And of course, seeing my fiance blush and 'ooh' and 'ahh' over the pictures was fun too. 

8) How has the response been to your images?

Instead of explaining, I'll provide you with a few comments that people have made when they see my pictures.

My mother: "These are the most beautiful pictures I've ever seen. Everyone but your father needs to see these."

My sister: "My gay best friend says they are amazing. So you KNOW they are amazing."

My other sister: "You look like a legit Victoria's Secret model."

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

DO IT. Seriously, don't walk - run and book your session. It is so great for body confidence. I cannot speak highly enough of this process, Sarah as a photographer and human being in general, or the quality of the pictures. You will certainly not regret this. I wish I could do it all over again - that's how amazing it was!

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

Absolutely. Before the session, I wouldn't say that I had any serious body image issues or anything like that - just the usual insecurities and grievances with my thighs and whatnot. I will say however that I never saw myself as the 'sexy girl' or anything like that. Not to say that I didn't enjoy being sexy and looking good, but it just wasn't part of my identity. I've always been the smart, cute, funny girl, which is fine, BUT... After the session, I felt SO good about myself. 

My fiance said something that really resonated with me regarding how I never really feel sexy. He said, referring to the pictures, "This is what I see when I look at you and I'm so happy that you are finally able see yourself in that way too." 

He also said "If I ever hear you complain about 'being ugly' when you're getting ready again, I'm making you sit down and look at your photo album." 

So, in conclusion, I walk with my head a little higher, and I feel much more confident in bed as a result of these photos (this could be TMI, but is that even possible with Sarah/this type of photography?).

***today's post is a guest post by our lovely client manager, Kelsey! While she lives in Charleston, she still does a mean job of perusing the internet and shopping for all of our clients! Since she is originally from Atlanta she also knows the city's best shops and restaurants for all of our ATL boudoir clients!

You did it, you booked your boudoir shoot!! Maybe it is your first shoot or your 100th (I haven't had anyone that's done 100 boudoir sessions, though some are well on their way!), either way once your boudoir shoot is booked and your questionnaire is answered, you will get a fun text from me, Kelsey- Sarah’s client manager extraordinaire. Once you book, you may be thinking "NOW WHAT!?!?", "How do I dress myself to ultimately be UNdressed?", "Will the makeup artist make me look like Mimi from the Drew Carey show?", "Where the heck to I park in Atlanta, or in ANY city for that matter?".

That is where I come onto the scene to set your nerves straight and help you snap out of it. Your first contact with me will be a “welcome text” (or phone call! It's your choice) in which we will begin getting to know each other so that I can better help you with the styling process.

To begin, it is always nice to see your inspiration. We'll go over any ideas, themes, motivations, or images you love and want to use as a focus/inspiration for your upcoming shoot. You can even send me ideas that you ABSOLUTELYDONOTWANTEVEREVEREVEREVER. This gives me a great idea of what you are looking for and will lead us in a great direction for choosing lingerie. 

In addition to wardrobe, hair and makeup, I am avaliable to answer any questions you may have. Think of me as your own personal “ok google” or “Alexa”… “Alexa, where can I buy thigh highs?”, “Alexa, where is the best place to get a spray tan?”…etc. Basically ask away, I am here to help and if I am not sure what the answer is, I will do my best to find the answer or direct you to our incredible studio manager, Larissa, or photographer, the amazingly talented Sarah! 

While you are sending me gorgeous images that have inspired you, if you are comfortable, a picture of yourself is a great addition to images you can send me. You can send your Facebook profile picture, bathing suit shot, or your favorite picture of yourself. An image of yourself is important because it allows me to get an idea of your unique hair color, eye color, and body shape. Sending a headshot of you to our makeup/hair stylists also allows them to tailor any preparation advice that they might have for you. Your photo allows me to personalize your wardrobe by sharing what pieces will photograph best on your body type and which colors to use/avoid. I promise NO ONE, except myself, Sarah, and your stylist, will ever see these images! These images are used to help create your OWN personal shoot that is geared towards your OWN personal style. 

Once I receive your images, I will help you decide on which pieces will look best on your body-type on camera. I will also send you a list of tips/tricks and shopping advice to help steer you in the right direction. Victoria’s Secret is great, but there are SO many other amazing lingerie stores out there just waiting to be discovered. Here in Atlanta we LOVE AnnaBella Fine Lingerie in Alpharetta. Pam (the owner) is fantastic at finding different styles for your body and budget. While you are shopping, totally send me images of the pieces you are thinking about and I can help you narrow it down. You can send me website links, pictures of your lingerie— no need to try it on, laying it out on the floor will work just fine— you can even send me images from the dressing room! I am here to help you look and feel your best. 

While we're in the shopping-stage of planning, I will not only help you narrow down which pieces will look best on your personal body type, but I will also help you narrow down your choices so you’re not bringing your entire closet into the studio. I am also always willing to help you browse the internet to find the “perfect” piece. Is there a piece of lingerie you love or a specific look you want, but you can’t find it on the world wide web? I am here to be your own personal google and help you find just what you are looking for, or at least something similar! 

Once we have narrowed down your ideas, theme, and wardrobe, we will begin discussing hair and makeup ideas. Should you be having one of our hair and makeup artists doing your 'beauty' prep, we will discuss what “look” you would like. Do you want more pin-up? burlesque? natural? rhinestone eye shadow? big eyes? dark lips? The sky is the limit!!! This is another point where sending images comes into play. The more images you send, the better; please do not feel bad that you are overloading my phone, I love it, keep the images rolling in! These idea images are great to send to your stylist before your shoot so they have an idea of what you want and they can plan accordingly. 

If you are doing your own hair and makeup outside of the studio, I will remind you to have hair and makeup completely done before your shoot. I will also send tips/tricks to make sure you are taken care of because the lights and camera are bright and we want the best you to shine through! 

This is a special time for you, this is a shoot designed and planned just for you and your OWN personal style. I am here to help you have a fun, lasting experience that will stay with you for a lifetime! Being nervous is totally normal, I mean it is not everyday you pose in front of a camera in lingerie. I am here to calm those nerves and help you see how incredibly powerful, beautiful, and amazing you truly are as a woman. No question is too “silly”, no prop is too “strange”, and nothing you can send me will ever make me “blush”. BRING IT ON, I am here for you to help you find your OWN beauty!