This time last week I was fully engulfed in the new studio's very first official photoshoot. It's a pretty stark contrast to what I am currently doing, which is writing this blog post from a rooftop bar in Athens, Greece. I tend to take vacations in either the winter or early summer because the rest of the year is full of boudoir. It works out well because I get to beat the crowds and airfare tends to be super-cheap. 

Anyway... back on topic (and away from the conversation about the hot greek guys that I've been flirting with). 

Since the new studio is going to be the main studio for when I return, I wanted to show off some of the shots from the inaugural boudoir shoot. Of course, since this shoot has happened I have acquired an amazinggggg sofa (pictured below!) and cannot wait to add more pieces. Is there a furniture set or piece that you'd like to see me work with? Holler at me ;) 

This has to be one of my favorite client interviews to-date because of the honesty and vulnerability that comes through her answers. I love that she admits her fears and reservations about having her photos taken, and I equally love the mention of support from her husband. It's pretty common for my clients to want to create a gift for their significant others, but when the significant other is the instigator of the boudoir session it can often create an entirely different dynamic. I'm so proud of her for conquering her nerves and opening herself up to this experience!

 

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

The big 4-0.

2) What do you do for a living?

I am currently a stay-at-home-mom and part-time photographer.

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

My husband had been asking me for years to book a session...I figured my 40th was as good a time as any to try it out. After having my middle child, I was finally able to have a mostly good relationship with my body. Through seeing the drastic ways my body could change, and give life, I got to a place where I learned to love all of the scars and muscles that I've accumulated over the years because they tell my story.

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

I wasn't sure it was something I would be able to do...while I'm totally comfortable in my own skin in my house, baring it all is not something I do for anyone other than my husband. But I'd been following Sarah's work for over a year and I felt confident the photos would be tasteful (and amazing!).

5) Why did you choose OWN? 

Boudoir photos are not something I usually take notice of, and definitely not something I'd ever consider doing. But Sarah's style is so artistic and natural that I've always been drawn to it.

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

It was pretty much what I expected because I did a lot of research first. Sarah made me feel very relaxed (as relaxed as you can be wearing next to nothing in front of a stranger) and gave me constant feedback so I knew exactly what she needed me to do for each shot. 

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

Definitely seeing the images...it's crazy empowering and like a present to yourself when you see how amazing they look! But it was very closely followed by 'teasing' the images, a few each day, to my husband over the course of the following week. Especially when I'd text one to him when I was not with him but I could see his face. Total jackpot :)

8) How has the response been to your images?

Honestly, I've only shown my husband, but he has absolutely loved them!

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

I'd say go for it...whether for you or your significant other, it is not something you'll regret! It's something I definitely hope to do again sometime!

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

Yes! The session reminded me how beautiful my body can be. I feel like the photos probably represent what my husband sees when he looks at me (rather than the distorted image I, like most women, see when I look in the mirror). After the session I felt that not only was my body strong, but it could be sexy too. As a very small-chested girl, I sometimes get hung up on not feeling feminine enough, but this session changed that!