Miss D, oh, Miss D. This epic babe came off as quiet and reserved, but as soon as the cameras turned on she tapped into her sensuality and femininity and gave me what I was looking for. This babe has been one of the most active women in the VIP group on facebook and I am extremely grateful to her for that because sometimes I get too busy, but she sees the need to keep people inspired, empowered, and motivated. What a woman! I loved reading her story (though I don't recommend this before going into a meeting, because tears will run down your cheeks and you will look stoned because of the red eyes...) and these women, I tell ya, they just blow me away. For her, this session was about helping her see the babe within so she could be a role model to her kids and help them develop a healthy body image before the world can tell them what is "wrong" with them. But, enough of my yammering, here is Miss D's experience straight from her!!
Boudoir photos were always on "my list" but were never prioritized for some reason or other...too fat, too saggy, too frumpy, too "Mom" and of course the cost - Moms don't spend this on themselves. Coming across Teri Hoffard Photography's facebook page intrigued me. The picture I saw was of a beyond beautiful woman of not so "society sized" portion...like me.
Reading the article, this woman had all the same fears, anxieties and self-consciousness I did but yet here she was, in pictures looking so gorgeous you can FEEL her energy. That is what I wanted, that is how I wanted to feel, that is what I wanted to show my daughters. I booked my consultation! Hair and make up was fun and certainly helped aide in comfort of what was to come next; but it wasn't what made my pictures come to life.
I remember trying to follow Teri's instructions precisely because I kept thinking "I don't know how to look sexy" and "I can't just turn that on!" Her words were assuring and sometimes silly, making me at ease and trusting that she could make "this" look good. I admit I left the shoot still unsure how they would turn out. Reveal day was exciting! I appreciated her guidance and method of viewing alone before showing my husband and turning off the judgmental voice in my head. I was surprised!
The woman in the pictures looked amazing! Beauty, confidence and a sparkle I barely recognized was in these pictures. My pictures. Teri posted one of my pictures on facebook, I shared it so all my peeps could see. (Previously thinking no one but me and my husband would ever see these) The response was overwhelming. One friend in particular commented "You look incredible. And like you FEEL incredible!!" and I had to laugh because it was all very mechanical in the moment. "Point this" "Arch that" was all I had in my head.
Receiving my album was even more special. To see myself in print, a collection presented so beautifully, was my "super-model" moment. My fat, saggy, frumpy, Mom body disappeared. I could feel the energy of the woman in the picture like I wanted. The sparkle I saw in the digitals was there too. That woman in the picture is not a super-model or society sized but she is strong and confident and beautiful. A woman I want my daughters to know. I AM that woman and on days that I forget, I have a keepsake to remind me. Don't think about it, don't wait, don't judge yourself, just do it. Prioritize your well being, find your sparkle, no one is better at helping you show your sparkle than Teri.
Miss D is definitely a sparkly babe and I am so proud of her for diving into her sensual side and empowering herself. Sometimes we have a very one sided and, unfortunately, negative view of ourselves, so to see ourselves as the rest of the world does helps to improve our self-love relationship. Especially as a parent or role model to younger people, it is so important to help them focus on themselves in a bigger sense....love your body, but love ALL the things that make you awesome. Start those conversations early. I know boudoir photographer and friend of mine, Lindsay Rae D'Ottavio has her little, redheaded babe say "I am beautiful, brave, and smart." It is our job to leave legacies, so what better way than to raise a generation more consumed with being epic human beings instead of getting the perfect Kim K butt. Anyhow, if you are ready to start your self-love journey, give me a shout and let's chat about it!!