Where do I even begin with this gorgeous woman??? Ms. N is one of the most glorious souls I have ever met and I had the pleasure of meeting her through photography. Last year we met at Camp Do More (she owns Noel Cosgrove Intimates) and I was told to give her a little pep talk before she modeled for a bunch of other photographers. After I saw this vixen I KNEW I needed her to model THIS year for my workshops at Camp Do More, so I reached out to her and she hesitated, but said yes. Well, when my husband I took our roadtrip to Seattle, I also arranged a little shoot out get together with my photographer friend Jessica Rae and Ms. N flew out to join us in the fun! At the end of shooting the gorgeous Georjah, Miss N got down to her skivvies so we could have a practice run BEFORE camp! I fucking love shooting other boudoir photographers because they a)tend to be more nervous than regular clients and b)know what we look for in terms of lighting, posing, and expressions. Miss N was no different, but within 20 minutes she was nudie and getting her Tough Love Teri talk. I am going to let her tell you the rest, but I just have to say that I am incredibly proud of this babe and I truly hope she knows just how strong, fierce and fiery she is! AND I can't wait to see her in just a weeeeeek!!Leading up to my time with Teri I had been equally as excited and nervous to be vulnerable in front of her. Unlike others I already knew she wouldn’t tune out my verbalized negativity about my body, but attack it head on. She asked me why I hated my ‘mom boobs’ and I’ve since realized there is an explanation as to why I didn’t have enough reasons to verbalize. Of all the pep talks I give women about the the miraculous things they can do, My body has carried me through abuse, dietary issues, pregnancies, surgeries, it’s done CPR to try to save a life, it takes boy scouts tenting in -25, leads baseball teams in the summer, and helps me run a business. Why is this body worth less than the women who stand in front of me? If I put a mirror between us why would my feelings change about the woman I’m now looking at? Why do I not love myself from under my chin, the left side of my face, or naked? These are the things I have been asking myself since my session. These questions are keeping me moving forward in my journey because in my heart I know it’s ridiculous so I have to keep trying to change my head. When I look at theses amazing images, some of which I love a little less than most, I keep reminding myself I am not that angle, that doesn’t define a beautiful person. I am so happy about this experience with Teri and the steps forward, that she’s made possible, in my love for my body.Are you wanting to change they way you see your body? The way you talk to her? The way you despise her for everything she can't do, instead of loving her for everything she can? If so, then let me help you! Hit me up with an email to get this self love party started!
She Wanted to Hide Under the Covers ~ Winnipeg boudoir photography
I first met Miss M when I moved into my studio and held a body positive "support group" and I was immediately captured by her stunning eyes, but more importantly her willingness to share her story and I could feel some sadness behind her. After that meeting we kept in touch via the social media and I saw this babe accomplish some killer shit....she's amazing at organizing events where people could be themselves without fear. She makes people feel included and gives them space to not only exist, but to be seen and live their best lives. In addition to that, she just recently ran a marathon in Vegas I believe and I totally tip my hat to anyone who can run without being chased. In any case, I asked her to write her story for the blog because I feel she is amazingly motivational and sassy af:I was 28, and had always thought about doing a sassy Boudoir shoot. I wanted to do it for myself, to See myself in a light that I hadn't before. And I had the Idea to plan one for my 30th birthday as a gift to myself. I googled "Boudoir photography Winnipeg" and upon looking at a few different photographer's sites and portfolios, Found Teri. I sent her an email to book a consult, and so begins my journey to finding myself. To finding myself in front of her lens, to finding myself sitting anxiously for my reveal, to finding myself looking at myself in not only the light I'd hoped, but in one I didn't expect.During the 2 years leading up to my shoot, I joined Teri's Facebook group, and found SO many great women to connect with that empower each other and lean on each other. I worked with Teri on a couple of her projects and started to enjoy being in front of her camera, preparing myself for my official shoot. Her "Too much" project helped me see some of the bullshit we're fed in being told to be 'less' of what we are, to fit someone else's ideals. And Her open letter to Additionelle was an eyeopener as well in showing body diversity in lingerie and clothing. I did a mini body positivity workshop, and it showed me how Media affects body image and diet culture in subtle and sinister ways, and where my own body issues started.I took advantage of Teri's payment plan to pay for my session, and made monthly payments for a collection. By the time My shoot date rolled around, I just had to show up, and that was it. It was truly an amazing way to make my shoot worry free (less the anxiety of actually getting in front of the camera!)The morning of my shoot, I made my way to Teri's Studio. Let me tell you, I was real close to turning around, cancelling the entire thing, and going home to hide under my covers. But I am SO glad that I didn't, as this turned into one of the best experiences of my life, and one of the biggest turning points in how I look at myself. Hair and makeup with Nicole was super relaxing and pampering and made me feel like a million bucks before starting my shoot. After a few relaxation exercises and loosening up a bit, we picked outfits and were off to the races! I felt sassy, and sexy, and like a completely different person. I was definitely sore after from all of the booty popping, and back arching, but I was SO excited to see how my images looked.A week or so later was my reveal. Sitting there Waiting for my images to appear, I was probably more nervous than I was for the shoot itself, because I always looked at images of myself and picked them apart. One of the rules in reveals is to look at images as if they are of someone else. This was easier than I expected and as I saw my images scroll through on the screen, I was completely in awe at myself. I saw beauty in myself, I saw my cheekbones, and my lips, and the different colours in my eyes. I saw the sassiness I felt on my shoot day, and I fell in love with what myself more with every image.Now here I sit, a year after my reveal, and I am Still in Love with my images. I am able to see positives in every image I see of myself, as opposed to negatives. I see the image as a whole, and the overall beauty in that moment in time. Was that one shoot a magic fix? No. I Have bad body image days like everyone else does, and I have days where I pick an image apart and see "flaws". But those days are fewer and farther between, and I cannot WAIT to do another shoot with Teri.If you are considering a shoot with Teri, and are unsure, Take the leap, You won't regret it. This has had a profound and lasting effect on me, and I truly am a different person and have different perceptions since doing my shoot.Is 2019 the year that you want to see yourself in a new light? Perhaps show that body of yours some love and realize it's not as bad as you think it is? Then hit us up with an email and get the low down on the empowerment sessions we offer!
She's a Damn Rockstar ~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photography
Miss D came bouncing through the studio doors, excited for her mini session and I knew we would hit it off right away! Despite it being really early in the morning, she had the energy of 5 espressos and was so excited to show me her thigh high boots that she wanted to rock for her session! As you will see below, she slayed her session and watching her reaction to her slideshow at her reveal was everything. She fell in love with herself, from top to bottom!" There was nothing specific that encouraged me to start taking care of myself. Weight loss was not really the goal, it was just a reaction to me changing my lifestyle and how I thought of myself. I was living in a place that was dark and I often felt ashamed of who I was. Anxiety seemed to follow me everywhere and I decided that I needed to be myself and accept who I was. I knew I shouldn’t be ashamed because I’m a good person with good intentions, so I started to just be mindful of what I was doing to my body physically and mentally and over a year, I was able to feel amazing. Not by my size but by how I feel. My thoughts of myself through the whole process were to stay positive even on the days I didn’t feel like I was a rockstar: At the end of the day I am the only Me and I’m a rockstar!"When we asked her about her boudoir session experience, this is what she had to say:"I love love love all the info provided to me. I knew what to do before the session and after, her business is ran so efficient but so personal. The moment I walked in I felt like family. Warm and welcome. My make up was me. Just with a little oomph. Highlighting all my nice features. Giggles aside getting undressed was so comfortable I felt more at ease without my cloths than in my bathing suit on a beach. Teri’s got something special about her that just makes you love you! Amazing experience and will be doing it again. I think this is an AMAZING gift for your girlfriend or sister. Don’t knock it till you try it. You gotta jump right in and see the beauty of you. "Are you ready to see yourself as a rockstar? If so, shoot us an email and let's get this show on the road!!
A Bunch of Sh*t You Should Know Before Getting Nakey With Me ~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photography
Doing a boudoir session or empowerment session is scary af. I mean, there's a reason I always say "If I had a dollar for every woman that told me she never takes good photos I wouldn't have to charge for what I do". The thing is, getting your picture taken is vulnerable in itself...but then to do with very little to no clothes on???!!! YOU MUST BE MAD! Well, after photographing hundreds and hundreds of women over the last 4ish years, I can tell you a few common truths:
1) Literally EVERY woman is nervous (even me, when I get photographed!! And I get photographed at least 3 X a year to make sure I remember just how terrifying it is!)
2)EVERY woman also thinks that she will be the one that "breaks" my camera with her face or body. Just to be clear, that's not how cameras work...the only reason it would break is because I shoot....A LOT.
3)While the wardrobe is important, it's not REALLY important. I always say your lingerie and fancy bits are really just my way to get you naked and exist in that beautiful body of yours! While we love to play dress up, we actually just want you to be the most comfortable in the one suit you wear all the time - your birthday suit!
4)The more you trust that the weird shit I'm asking you to do actually looks good, the better the photos will turn out. I cannot stress this enough. There is nothing "normal" about what we do in boudoir photography, it's all about popping, locking, laughing, and doing things on cue....and the hardest thing, BREATHING THROUGH YOUR MOUTH AND RELAXING YOUR SHOULDERS. Trust me, when I say, that you would rather your mouth look sensual (open and relaxed) instead of a butthole (think tightly pursed - aka duck lips). This is my job and I am damn good at it, so the more trust you give me, the better the images will turn out.
5) I AM A BODY IMAGE ACTIVIST FIRST, PHOTOGRAPHER SECOND. So, what that means to you is that if you legit don't "like" something about an image or your body, it's important that we talk about it, either in your consultation or at your reveal, but NOT during the session (plus I talk so much while I shoot that it's probably very difficult for you to get a word in tbh). But seriously, if looking at a photo as we go through them one by one makes you cringe, let's talk about it. If we can get to the root of it then we can help heal your body image issues. If you don't tell me, I can't help. And no, I will not be offended. Another thing I have learned from shooting copious amounts of babes is that I am DAMN GOOD at my job (and I know that sounds cocky, but hey, I work by myself essentially so there's no one else to give me props) and that I could take THEEE best photos ever and if your mindset is not there, it won't fucking matter. SO, if we can talk about it, then we can make some headway! And please know that I am not the "just LOOOOOVE your tum" kinda gal, but rather a "you don't have to love it, but you do have to accept it" kinda gal because I know it's a damn long process.
winnipeg boudoir photography
So, with those main bits out the way, I am going to let my previous Boudy Babes impart their wisdom to help you see the "other side" of doing a boudoir session. I can tell you all day e'rryday that doing a boudoir session is going to change your life, but I am, of course, incredibly biased as this is how I make a living:PEARLS OF WISDOM FROM FACEBOOK LAND:
Miss R. : "For me it was life changing and so empowering. I was more nervous then I had ever been and [Teri was] so fun and calming it was almost effortless."
Miss J.: "To trust Teri, she knows exactly what she is doing and the images will be incredibly empowering and perhaps life changing. And to trust yourself and the original reasons you decided to do this. Don’t doubt yourself in studio - it doesn’t matter about what you are wearing or the poses you do. For the reveal, you will be blown away, overwhelmed, and leave that studio feeling like a new person. Everyone needs to be photographed this way. We need to see what others see in us and but for these short, limited experiences; we are robbed of this incredible vision. That’s the best part - you have the photos forever and even though it’s been a year since my first photo shoot; I look at these photos on a very regular basis. They help ground me, encourage me, and feel like I can achieve great things. Yes, some people do this for their husbands or spouses but I’m telling you: do this for you. You are worth it."
Miss S: "My advice for a session with Teri: DO IT! I mean that, don't overthink, don't talk yourself out of it, just do it before your mind can take over. Click that book button.Invest in yourself, by this I mean all the self care, all the trying on outfits (even though Teri has a ton to offer you).The moment you book, the mindset of pampering yourself an valuing yourself changes, you suddenly start realizing you are worth it.Teri will guide you through every pose, every moment, every thing possible, so let her do her magic and just show up for the ride!Teri is so fun, relaxing, non judgmental, professional and intuitive. Truly listen to her, be with her, and enjoy the MOMENT at hand.Get naked... seriously... for all the above reasons.. do it!"
Miss K: "Just do it. Teri and her makeup team are the sweetest. You will love these images forever. - And dont wait for your body. If you think you need to lose weight or change something, then you need the experiance even more. You are beautiful and Teri can show you."
Miss A: "Those excuses your making? They're holding you back from one of the best experiences of your LIFE that will have lasting rewards. You haven't seen yourself until you've seen yourself from Teri's perspective. Go, go now. Make it happen, it will be the best gift you can give to yourself, and you deserve it even if you don't know that yet!!"
Miss A: "Addressing what you’re nervous about is always a great place to start! Teri uses humor to break the ice while flooding your mentality with positive thoughts. She’s super directive to help make your beautiful form show no matter what. Do the thing you’re nervous about, avoid avoidance!"
Miss J: " Teri says that her photos reflect how others see you, and she's right. Every time I look at the photos, I can see how my body is connected to itself, rather than just seeing arms or legs or tummy or chubby calves. I see ME. All of me, the real me. I'm kinder to myself now, too - because of these photos. So be brave. Do it. Book the session. And when you're 37 or 45 or 52 or 78, you'll be able to look at the photos and think: "Damn, girl. You've always been this beautiful." And my profile pic is my favourite photo - it's just how I see myself now."
Miss M: "I booked a session with Teri looking for self acceptance. I didn’t find it in my photos but what I did find was, a feeling of sexiness I thought was lost. I found another prospective in how I see myself, yes I’m big, and that’s ok because I’m a beautiful person on the inside. When I first saw my photos I focused on EVERYTHING Teri told me not to and I wasn’t disappointed in the photos as much as I was in myself and what I had let my body become. But that’s all it is a body, a body that once you die dies with you and what is left is who you where as a person. I did what Teri told me too, I looked at the photos almost everyday and the more I did that I saw something different about myself that I loved. I even started to love my “flaws” more. It’s a journey and I’m slowly getting to the place I want to be. Teri gave me the tools to help me achieve what I wanted to with her shoot but I did the work. I will forever be grateful to her for giving me those tools because without them I wouldn’t love myself like I do today. ❤️ thanks Teri"
Miss A: "You'll be super hot and they are just for you! She's fairly easy to relax around when she's taking pics. I've wound up laughing both times, while everything was just hanging out."
Miss B: "I impulsively bought a "black Friday deal" after following Teri's page for awhile. I booked it for March...maybe April.. lolI didn't prepare and Teri walked me through the whole process. Step by step. I love each and every pic. "
Miss M: "Don't over think it. She's a professional and a badass at making you feel boss AF. It's literally what she does for a living. In the words of Nike and Shia, "Just do it!"
PEARLS OF WISDOM FROM THE INSTA STORIES:
"Best choice I've made. Changed my life. She will make you laugh and feel comfortable. DO ITTTTTTT."
"Save up and trust you're in good hands! The best team I've ever met!
""She is the most relaxed, easy going person I've shot with and she gives great direction!"
"Don't worry. Your images will be TERI-FFIC."
"I would tell them to be honest about their fears. It's Teri! Teri always knows how to make someone comfortable"
"DO IT!!! Best decision. Teri and her team will make you feel fab, make you laugh, and have fun."
"1000% worth every penny and more! I never saw in myself what Teri brought to light and I learned to embrace it"
"Do it anyway.""Teri will bring out the beauty you have but don't know you have...if that makes sense..."
"That it is a unique opportunity to really step outside one's comfort zone."
"Take a breath and do it. It will be the most life changing experience. You will never look at yourself the same again."
"Teri's a ball of fun! My cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing so hard!"
"There is clear and effective communication which makes posing way more comfortable."
And last but not least, my favorite:
From my makeup artist Kylie: "It might feel like she's taking photos of your anus...but she's not. It'll all make sense...shadows and what not."
So, hopefully, these little words of wisdom have given you a wee bit of confidence to do something that scares the shit out of you and makes you want to take at least a little step closer to that comfort zone and just *see* what's on the other side. I will be waiting there with open arms, a boudy babe robe (for when you get nakey), and an amazing team of stylists & photographers ready to help you truly embrace your awesomeness and have photographic evidence to remember it by!If you are ready to jump on in, shoot us an email letting us know how we can help you feel babely in your skin!
For Her, It Is Always ~ Winnipeg Intimate Portrait Photographer
TRIGGER WARNING: SELF HARM
I found ms. Chloe on the Instagram when I was scrolling through #therealcatwalk images, images taken during the Fashion Week in whatever city is hosting it (London, in this case) and I saw one of the other amazing models I follow: Khrystyana (from the latest season of America's Next Top Model) with this beautiful girl with a lion's mane of beautiful curls. #therealcatwalk is an event that happens to bring awareness to the "other" bodies that exist in the world and are just as worthy of strutting their stuff during Fashion Week! There are babes with disabilities, babes with body image issues, babes with bellies, and babes who self harm/ed...Chloe falls into the last category. I reached out to her and let her know that I would be coming to London and on a long shot, if she was free, would she want to collaborate and do a shoot with me. Within minutes I heard back. I was so pumped to meet this girl I literally knew nothing about. Fast forward to the day of our shoot and she met me at my teeny tiny little hotel room where we improvised and used strategic lighting to make the room look significantly bigger than it was (I could spin around in one spot and almost touch every wall). While shooting we chatted a wee bit about her modeling career (which started VERY young and was interrupted by her self harm) and we chatted about her favorite musicians and both of our loves for Primark. While we didn't get into the specifics of Chloe's self harm with her, it was evident that she had been through a lot in her young life, but the fact that she was there, on the other side of all of that darkness and ready to give life another go was very inspiring. I asked Chloe to write a bit about her life and she gave me a poem which she created during her treatment when she was diagnosed as Bi-Polar and it is her expression of BPD and how she experienced it. During the shoot, Chloe was extremely professional, amazingly open to creative collaboration with me, and I think she had a good time.
bpd issitting in the freezing cold for hours on end smoking countless cigarettes not knowing where you are or why you're there.bpd isfeeling so empty and emotionless that it's an emotion within itself, the numbness over takes your whole being clouding you're every move with a smoky veil of nothing.bpd isnot wanting to get out of bed because your scared of what you're going to feel today and how many different emotions are coming your way.bpd isnauseating anxiety growling in the pit of your stomach, catching you out at all the wrong times forcing you to retreat into yourself with clammy hands and a heightened heartbeat.bpd isfeeling ecstatic half an hour later, re- downloading tinder for the 30th time even though each time you have it and don't get a quick fuck soon enough, you get bored and scrap the idea leaving you feeling unloveable and dirty.bpd isNothing,And everything.It's tiring and exhausting.It's buying your friends gifts at every opportunity to make sure they don't hate you.It's hating the shell you reside in so much you slice it open just to see there's something actually inside of you.It's paralysing.It's constant.It's always.
