Today I had a little discussion with the OWN team (read: an extremely active group text between Larissa, Kelsey and I) about which boudoir images of mine stood out to us. 

See, though we all work for the common goal of allowing each client to realize their OWN beauty, we have different opinions on how that is reached. I believe we used the phrases “hot-Sexy” vs “Beautiful-Sexy”. I know, I know… we are so original. Larissa gravitated more toward the “beautiful-sexy”, Kelsey more toward the “hot-sexy”, me… I gravitate toward the goal of my clients, and so I love it all!!!!! I appreciate when my boyfriend notices tiny details about me that he finds beautiful, but I also appreciate when he gets a little more graphic and makes a comment about my boobs. 

If you take one look at our website and instagram you’ll see that we’ve got a large mix of the “hot-sexy” and the “beautiful-sexy”. We have insanely suggestive and erotic images mixed in with the beautifully classic feminine silhouette, and let’s not forget the smiles… one of the MOST beautiful things you can wear (I’ll attribute that quote to Coco Chanel or Abraham Lincoln.. I don’t have enough internet connection right now to google it). 

 

Lately I find myself being moved to photograph details. 

Backs

Collar Bones

The little dimples above the butt

Bottom lips

Cute little moles*

Eyelashes

Hands

Little side roles

Thighs

Toes

The nape of the neck

Cheek Dimples

I could go on… but I digress… The goal of photographing the details of my clients, photographing the curve or her back, photographing the way she twists her hair… the goal is to make these boudoir images so specifically her OWN, so in tuned with the details that maker her herself, that she – or her love – immediately recognizes the details that are uniquely beautiful to her. Not only is she “hot-sexy”, she is “beautiful-sexy”, and for very specific reasons that she, and she only, owns. 

 

*This “cute little moles” comment is in reference to a comment my boyfriend makes about a tiny little mole he loves that I have right smack-dab-in the middle of my neck.

A serious of emotions and reactions happen when another photographer emails you about having their boudoir session with you. 

1) This must be a mistake

2) I better be nice, I don't want them to judge me

3) Really? ME? 

4) Ok I guess they are serious. Breathe. Breathe. 

5) OMGimsonervous

This situation was no different! When she emailed me and told me that I was the photographer for her I most definitely had a heart palpitation. I was like, "Wait, you're coming all of the way to Atlanta to have a boudoir session with ME?". She immediately responded: "Duh".

There is such an honor involved when another artist notices your craft and loves it enough to invest in it. You'll read in her interview that she was "Hella nervous!!"... but really, so was I. We were nervous for different reasons, but you'll have to read on to hear about hers

Take the leap,

Sarah

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

- 36 and jamming to No Doubt and TLC back then.  And still. 

2) What do you do for a living?

- Underwater Portrait & Newborn Photographer

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

- While I've made self-portraits for a few years, after having my twin boys, I wanted to have something special for myself of myself - just as I am (but amped up thanks to the OWN team!).

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

- Yes, being on the other side of the camera freaked me F out! And with little to no clothes, at that! Haha 

5) Why did you choose OWN? 

- 100% the initial reaction to the feel of your portraits.  Shadows and light are on point, not only in making your girls look gorgeous but, to give that alluring feel of the atmosphere.  It's as if you capture exactly what we (real women!) envision our sexy and seductive self to be - without the cheesy elements. 

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

- I had a feeling, while I was hella nervous, it would be fun.  And Sarah didn't disappoint in the fun department.  

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

- A mix of priming and the shoot.  You guys made me feel like a rockstar. 

8) How has the response been to your images?

- EVERYONE I've shown LOVES them!! My husband absolutely loved them and was in awe.

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

- Do it.  Don't think twice.  The moment you're interested, and go see "what it's all about", just schedule it and do it.  That's the moment you have to take and run with it because you won't regret it.  It's empowering in an incredible way. 

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

- After having my twins, 8 years ago, I've had a love/hate with my body.  Pregnancy (and marriage, haha) caused changes and while I've always embraced the stretch marks and looser tummy seeing it in this light made me realize just how beautiful it is that my body went through infertility treatments, carried two babies inside, nourished those two boys and has been able to keep up with their crazy energy, all with a side of sensuality.