Contrary to what some Debbie Downers may think, boudoir photography is not just getting your picture taken while parading around in some sexy underwear. There is a hell of a lot that goes into it, and the results can sincerely impact your life for the better.
What is this crazy lady talking about?
My personal experience with a bomb-ass boudoir photographer
I would hazard a guess that most people would assume I’m pretty comfortable with my body given my particular topic of review.
Yes, I do try to love myself and be grateful for the body I was given, but like the majority of people, I too have my fair share of insecurities.
Example?
(Above is a slideshow of our session that you can click through)
Well, when I was younger someone mentioned that my super white skin, with all my moles and freckles, reminded them of flour tortillas.
Yes, apparently I have taco skin.
That, added to all the changes that have happened over the course of spawning three wonderful children, was more than enough to leave me feeling a bit apprehensive leading up to my partner and I’s shoot.
What helped me to get my ass in gear and go through with the shoot?
The time before the big day was full of questions that my photographer, Heather Cannon, was more than helpful in answering. Not only that, but she was essentially my cheerleader even before working together, and more than once she eased my frazzled nerves.
During the session
Yes, I was beyond nervous when we started. How I was dressed really didn’t bother me. I don’t really feel embarrassed being exposed, even naked, but taking pictures?
Yes, I do get my picture taken, but most of the time I dread it. I usually feel super awkward and I’ve never felt like I was photogenic.
Lucky for me I had Heather and Posing Coach Extraordinaire (@caycecampaign7) there to hype my boyfriend and myself up. Our time was spent listening to music, having a much more relaxed time than I had anticipated, and joking around.
In the end, we left feeling exhilarated, happy to have met two spectacular human beings, and honestly, slightly tired. I wouldn’t have thought a boudoir shoot would have been such an adrenaline rush and dump.
All in all I would rate it a five star experience… or two thumbs up.
(Above is a slideshow of our session that you can click through)
Q&A With Photographer, Heather Cannon
Q: Why boudoir? Why not landscapes or photograph adorable dog weddings?
A: Boudoir captured my photo heart a few years ago when I stepped outside of my comfort zone. I mostly worked with aspiring models while building my portfolio so I felt more comfy with women in general. I posed them better and I felt my most beautiful work was when I could get creative during model sessions.
I’ve worked with families, kids, and a few pets here and there and while I enjoyed it all, it just wasn’t where my talents were. I’m not the best with other people’s kids or pets, (nerves mostly) so I couldn’t concentrate on capturing the images I wanted/needed.
One of my best friends wanted to learn photography. She requested my help and wanted to work in boudoir, so I figured why not try it out? I’ve never worked with mostly, or completely naked people before, so I nervously gave it a try.
The first few ladies I worked with in boudoir absolutely loved their photos and told me they made them feel so good about themselves! That’s when I knew I could do more than just take nice photos. I could help change women’s lives and I feel like I connect with them on a personal level.
Often, I work with a lot of women who are lacking in the self-confidence department. I, too, suffer from a lack of physical self-confidence. Not only do I help them, but they also help me. Over the past few years, my self-confidence has improved and I have my clients and supporters to thank for that.
On top of the confidence thing, I have discovered that, through photos, I could help show that women are powerful sexual beings, not sexual objects.
Q: Who should consider booking a boudoir photoshoot?
A: Anyone!
Anyone who desires to see themselves in a way they never have before… or who has but loves how it makes them feel! I’ve worked with ladies who are needing a boost in confidence, just went through a divorce, survived something difficult such as cancer, or overcame an addiction who want to celebrate, and women who just want to gift themselves and/or their partner photos of themselves looking like an absolute queen. I absolutely LOVE when I have a client secretly book a session and watch their partner’s expression when they see the photos for the first time! It’s the most amazing feeling!
You’re not expected to be an experienced model. You don’t have to be a size 2 and you don’t have to have perfect skin or hair. You just need yourself. It doesn’t matter what your size is, or your body shape, or your skin tone. Boudoir is for EVERY BODY!
Q: What if a man was interested in a spicy session?
A: There are plenty of men who book what is called “dudeoir” sessions for themselves! Personally, I’ve never had one of these sessions but I am up for one if I had an interested subject!
Men like to feel beautiful too, lol. These sessions are often adorable and silly but there are some that just want to feel sexy- just like us ladies!
(Above is a slideshow of our session that you can click through)
Q: How does it make you feel when someone adores how they look through your work?
A: For me, it is one of the best feelings in the world. I love to help people.
This is how I know best to do that. When someone tears up when they see how amazing they look in print after receiving their album, it overwhelms me with a feeling I can only describe as humble yet accomplished. I did that. I helped that lady find the fire she thought was extinguished after so many years of being only mom and wife.
Q: What would be the best advice you could give someone before a shoot?
A: JUST DO IT! If Nerves are stopping you, I completely understand, and it is normal! However, you never know what you could be missing out on for yourself. A boudoir experience is a luxury and an investment in yourself. Years down the road, when you aren’t feeling the most confident, you can look back at those photos and remember how you felt on that day and beautiful you truly are.
I believe every woman deserves an experience like this. My best advice would be to just be yourself.
Wear what you are comfy in. Usually, you see boudoir photos with women in lingerie but you can also wear a sweater and booty shorts if that is more your style. Wearing your partner’s shirts is also a popular choice (I.E. a button-down, jersey, band t-shirt…etc…).
Just be you. Discuss with your photographer the different wardrobe choices, and hair and makeup options. If you don’t usually wear make-up or prefer minimal, you might want to keep your makeup minimal for your session as well. Or, if you want to glam it up in a fantasy version of yourself, that’s perfectly fine also!
Just do it. And, do it for yourself as the number one reason.
(Above is a slideshow of our session that you can click through)
The Male Perspective
Although my boyfriend was highly supportive of this shoot, he did have his reservations. I think for a good majority of people, there is some apprehension when being photographed in such a vulnerable state.
He said that although he went in all nerves, he had a great time once the adrenaline started pumping and that the time we spent posing together was much easier than the ones of just himself.
I would have to wholeheartedly agree. Having my partner there, sometimes just his physical touch, was enough to calm my nerves.
His advice?
If you are considering a couples boudoir shoot, just do it. It’s a shared memory that will last and it was certainly a bonding experience.
Want to get in touch with Magnolia Lane?
Located in Bowling Green, KY- Also. serving the Nashville, Louisville, and Lexington areas.
Phone: (502)849-9440
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