boudoir session

A Bunch of Sh*t You Should Know Before Getting Nakey With Me ~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photography

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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:

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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!)

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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winnipeg boudoir photography

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!

I Look How You Want Me To Look ~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photography

boudoir photographer(photo by Modern Love Studios)Now that 2017 is on it's way out, I figured it would be a good time to get my year end post done, but this one is going to be a bit different.  Usually I recap all the amazing shoots that I have had throughout the year, but if you want to see a fraction of them, feel free to zip through the blog for 2017 and get an idea.  Ever woman that graces my lens is incredibly amazing and worthy of mention, but since I don't want to keep you here for hours and hours on end, I am going to do something...new.  2017 is the year that I saw myself really step up in terms of photography education, and in an effort to get my name out there a bit more, I attended workshops, retreats, mentored, and more importantly made a lot of photographer connections.  This year I had the pleasure of visiting a plethora of amazing boudoir photog friends and idols and in doing so, I was photographed multiple times throughout the year.   I have waited until now to unveil all of the photos that I received from my talented peers because I wanted to wait until I wrapped the year.  After being photographed as many times as I did this year, I realized something incredible about body image.....I will literally never know exactly how I look.  I have been photographed by 4 different artists (and myself!) who interpreted me in a different way and as a photographer, I can tell you that that is how THEY see me.  Some photographers brought out my sensual side, some my sexual side, some my bad ass side, some my soft side, some my rebellious side, my inner diva, my divine goddess, etc.  No 2 sets of images are the same and I think this is the most incredible thing.  I WILL LOOK HOW YOU WANT ME TO LOOK.  Your perception of me will be based on your own body image, your life experiences, your view of the world and no matter how I try to change myself to adapt, I will never look ONE WAY to everyone....which is why I think it is ultimately ridiculous how we try to look ONE way, in an effort to appear "societally acceptable" when individuals make up society and will perceive you in their own way.  People will choose to see your beauty or choose to find your flaws.  Some people will find my rolls cute af, others will find my body appalling and disgusting.  Neither is right or wrong.  They are just perceptions (though I'm gonna side with the cute af)  Some people will decide what is abhorrent about you, while others will decide that you are nothing but positive light.  NEITHER OF THESE OPINIONS ARE RIGHT OR WRONG.  They are simply their perception.  I didn't go into these photoshoots with any expectations aside from excitement, positivity and joy.  When I look at all of these photos together, and the collage of metal images I have on my wall at home, I am reminded that I am not one way and I can't possibly exist one way to everyone.  Those who will choose to see what I do in myself: the strength, the passion, the creativity, the fire, and the goodness, are people I want to surround myself with going forward....and those that can't see beyond what they consider to be my flaws, problems, or disgusting bits are people I don't need to waste my precious energy on.  I urge those of you reading this to GET YOUR PHOTO TAKEN AND GET YOUR PHOTO TAKEN OFTEN AND GET YOUR PHOTO TAKEN BY MANY PEOPLE.  I want you to see the amazing bits of yourself that you don't even know exist.  I will stop babbling now, and let you get to viewing my Nudie Judie photos below.  Ps. if nips and bums offend you, gtfo of here.Fierce/Sexual Teri - courtesy of Modern Love StudiosDenise Birdsong made me feel so sexy and like a sexual goddess during my session.  At first, I was nervous and felt I didn't think I could be "sexy" in the way she wanted me to be.  This woman is the queen of emotion so I knew I had to bring it, but part of my problem is overthinking and wanting to be perfect instead of just immersing myself in the experience.  I remember feeling like a horse getting ready to exit the gate, and Denise calmed me the fuck down.  It was an awesome experience.boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographerGlamorous Teri - Jennifer Williams BoudoirJennifer and I had met at a workshop a few years ago, so when we got back into the studio together to shoot each other in her Vancouver studio I was super excited.  She has made a huge name for herself in the boudoir industry for her clean, luxurious, beautiful work and bad ass boss babe attitude.  During my session with her, I felt so glamorous lying about on the soft pillows, expensive sheets, standing against her marble inspired wall.  It was a true glam moment for me! (especially since I usually wear sweatpants and tshirts)boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographerPlayful, Sweet & Sensual Teri - Joi PhotographyCrystal and I had met at the very beginning of my boudoir journey at a retreat in San Diego and it was so amazing to catch up at her Saskatoon studio!  Crystal has everything planned to the last detail and her attention to detail is what made my session feel flawless.  I never felt uncomfortable once during our session (aside from physical discomfort from some of the poses, but I know to expect that bahaha....all my clients are laughing, because THEY KNOW....) When I saw the images, I almost cried because if you know me, soft is not a word I would use to describe myself (aside from physically haha!).  But Crystal found my inner softness, sweetness, and flirt and I couldn't believe it.  My favorite image of ever was taken at this shoot, the black and white nudie one with me by the window where you can see my tum and my bum.  I love it.  I went back later in the year and Crystal also did headshots for me which are also 100% accurate to me.  This babe is incredible, so those of you in Saskatchewan, please go see her!!boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographerWild Teri ~ Boudie NationMiss Kristina and I met up in Vegas this year during WPPI and on one of our trips to the desert we photographed each other.  Kristina is immensely talented at blending her subjects with nature (check out her amazing work) and when I saw these I was in LOVE.  I have to give props to my friend Angelina for the use of the fur coat haha!  But I fell in love with tum in these images and there is something so...liberating about hanging about naked and semi-naked in the desert off the highway.  boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographerRebel/Feisty Teri ~ Fearlessly You BoudoirPaige and I met during our shoots with Denise Birdsong (during a photography retreat) and we bonded immediately.  We had flown down to Pittsburgh to hang out with our mutual boudy bestie Stephanie Wells and played in her studio while Steph was getting her makeup done.  Paige took complete control and despite being the sweetest, kindest babe, this girl knows how to bring out feisty Teri.  We had an amazing weekend and next year we are set to go play in HER studio so look forward to more images from Paige!boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographerSassy Pants Teri - Teri Hofford PhotographyThis year I have spent a lot of time focusing outside of myself on my business and growing the education side of things, so this was the first time I had done boudoir selfies all year, but it was a look I had wanted to do for awhile with someone else, so I just did it with myself instead.  I think these images do a good job of showcasing how I view myself.  Selfies are something that can make or break a person's confidence, but thankfully I had done a year of self portraits so I knew that it literally does take like 10 photos to get 1 good one and even then it's not AS good as how someone else could take it unless you practice a lot.  My goal for next year is to do a monthly session with myself to remind myself that I am worth the time, the energy and taking off the sweatpants for.boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographer boudoir photographerSo what can you look forward to in 2018?  Well, stay tuned for the next blog post to outline the plans, changes, and updates to Teri Hofford Photography!  Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey, whether you are a photographer, client, vendor, family member, friend, even the trolls (they usually give me good fodder for the blog).  Without your love and positivity, guidance, support, and sharing of the stuff, I would not be able to empower as many women as I currently am.  Words will never be enough for me to show gratitude for those that share my words, my images, my mission with their friends and family.  YOU are causing change.  YOU are powerful.  Thank YOU.

Hot Sauce {Get Messy Session}~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photographer

boudoir photographer winnipegNicole and I were joking about her immense love for hot sauce and I told her I had been wanting to do a session where we just let loose and got super messy....so naturally, this session HAD to happen.  We collaborated with epic barbershop talent of Scott Ramos at Saint, just across from the studio and the morning of the shoot he skillfully recreated the Sriracha rooster on the side of Nicole's head with the corresponding HOT on the other side.boudoir photographer winnipegWe looked online to find a hot sauce bodysuit, but aside from the black and gold one that our previous client had worn, we couldn't find anything, so we created one.  HOWEVER, the t-shirt transfer I used was absolute crap and it never fully transferred onto the bodysuit, but when it pulled off, I actually like it a bit better because it reminded me of a worn Sriracha label, as if one had used the bottle on numerous occasions.  boudoir photographer winnipegIf you didn't catch it, we did a Facebook live of the Get Messy session on my fb page and you can check it out here.  At first, Nicole seemed hesitant to pour the sauce (which was actually just ketchup btw) all over herself and in her hair and I think this is something I can expect from other Get Messy sessions.  As adults, we are taught to maintain a certain level of decorum, to not make a mess, to consider the consequences, etc. and while most of the time this behavior is good, it also impacts our ability to just let go and play!  Once Nicole got into it, you could see the pure delight that showed up in her face and how much fun she was having and even if it wasn't hot sauce, I think the liberating feeling came moreso from the act of getting a little...well, messy!boudoir photographer winnipegSo, I want to offer the Get Messy sessions to you bad ass babes and boys....let's cover you in whatever the hell you want: ice cream, paint, mud, clay, gold leaf, chocolate, maple syrup, literally whatever you want!!  After you check out the rest of the images from this session, head over the Get Messy page and get the details on how you can book one of these!boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg boudoir photographer winnipeg