So, my Portland trip seems like it was forever ago, but it was only in January! I went down to Portland with my bestie to explore and to meet up with some other photographers and models and create some magic! When Beth Olsen, you will see her a few times later on, from Alchemy Portraits suggested renting the "Deco Dreams" house on Airbnb I didn't even hesitate! It was like the 70s and 80s threw up all over in there. So I knew I had to find the perfect outfits for this aesthetic. I mean...if you are gonna go over the top, GO OVER THE TOP, mmmiright? So Miss Ella Unusual, Kristin, and Lauren came to model for us in this epic Airbnb. Prepare yourself for the colors, the vibrancy, the patterns, and the urge to examine EVERYTHING in the photos! If you get a chance to go to Portland, I highly recommend staying at this airbnb....plus the owner is super chill and he has a cute little doggo. First up, is miss Ella in all her glory!
: Gab
Stoner Babe ~ International Boudoir Photography
Miss G. was with me for 2 days while I was in Portland! In addition to doing hair and makeup for both shoots, I somehow convinced this babe to model for me! With such amazing bone structure and attitude, how could I not?? And check out her tattoos!
A self-proclaimed stoner babe, Miss G. does some modeling for a local lingerie company called VaVa Lingerie and she had so many gorgeous pieces it was hard to narrow down for her session. I mean, come on...blue velvet?? *drool*
Miss G. professed to me that she wasn't always happy with her body and wouldn't just let anyone photograph her, so I took it as a real honor. I think it's important noting this, because I know there are a lot of women who say "Why wouldn't she like her body?? I would love to be her size!" etc. but what people don't realize is that body image has very little to do with your actual body and that there is no "perfect" size or body standard that needs to be met.
Sometimes, I find that women who don't deal with weight issues (different from body image) actually get the shit end of the stick. Now, wait, hear me out. Women who are "smaller" typically get scoffed at if they mention their unhappiness with their weight, shape or size. This means they internalize it and finder other ways to deal with it, and these other ways are standardly more harmful to their body and mind.
So, what can we do about this? First we can be conscious of how we respond to our friends and family when they mention their unhappiness. Don't just laugh it off, instead ask them why they feel a certain way and is there anything you can do to help. Sometimes just being able to talk about it makes a big difference. Secondly, watch what you say. The body positivity movement means inclusive of ALL bodies so when you see a picture of a smaller woman, you do NOT call her a skinny bitch or assume she has a perfect life. We can do better, my lady friends, and it all starts within. Talk beautifully to yourself and speak beautifully to your friends and family members. Treat yourself and them with care and help them see their beauty, inside and out.
A Mermaid In a Tub ~ International Boudoir Photography
Miss K is one of my Portland beauties who allowed me to photograph her while I was there! This blue-haired maven rocked her shoot with her little preggo tummy and didn't let that hold her back from being super sensual and amazing! Forwarning: There are nippies going forward, so if that isn't your jam or you are at work, I suggest you come back later (or never, if you actually hate nipples that much.)
Miss K. let me dress her in items that I brought from the studio, but she also had some amazing lingerie that showed off her newly acquired *ahem* chest (the joys of pregnancy, 'miright?) She was so effervescent for her shoot and maybe it was her hair or her Portlandian attitude, but she was super magical and laid back throughout her session.
After shooting the lingerie type things, I couldn't believe I convinced her to go out in the rain and get into the very cold (and slightly dirty!) tub to make a magical mermaidian image! The gorgeous lingerie set was hand beaded by our talented makeup artist Gina (a girl of many talents, I tell ya!) and it looked so amazing with Miss K's hair and eyes!
I think it's funny how when we have tummies that grow babies, we love them, caress them and care for them...as soon as the baby leaves, we suddenly have disgust for this amazing piece of our body which literally, changed your world. I want you to love your tummy as much today as you did when it housed your children. It may look different, but it is still worthy of love and affection.