Every time I post an image or blog post of some bad ass boudy babe, I get comments or acknowledgements like "OMG, you are so brave" or "I would be so scared to do that" and while I am not denying that getting in front of a relative stranger is scary as shit, it is one of those empowering experiences that you look back on and say "I don't know why I was so worried" and "I am SO glad I did this!" So, while I can sit here and go on and on about why you shouldn't let fear hold you back from anything, most of all a boudoir session with moi, I will let my past boudy babes share THEIR fearless stories. {Remember, fearless isn't about the lack of fear, but rather doing something DESPITE the fear!}
"I would tell him/her to remember that there is fire inside him/her and to try and remember how bright it burned before it was stifled with doubt. Then pour some gasoline on that bitch and gitter done.""I tell my kids all the time that it's ok to be scared because it means you're going to do something really brave. Also, you have so much to gain from the experience!""Don't be hard on yourself. Being uncomfortable is part of the journey. It is necessary for you to feel what you are feeling, freely and without judgement from yourself first and foremost. Be trusting to those around you, and be vulnerable. Society teaches us to fit a mould and to nitpick at ourselves if we don't fit it to it's entirety. Your session allows you to break free from that, so embrace yourself for all that you are, and all that you are not. It's both rebellious and empowering to do so!""There is something so reassuring about the way Teri runs as session. I felt more at ease, more comfortable, more free with Teri just by the way she interacts with you. You know she's "a safe place", you know she "gets it", and you've seen how amazing Teri's work is..... The session is about you, how beautiful you are, and how truly transformative and empowering the session can be. Just be honest with Teri about how you feel, and she'll bring out the amazing woman in you that everyone else sees."
"Trust in teri but more importantly trust in yourself! She is the artist but remember you are the canvas, a work of art. I understand being nervous or scared but just let it all go. Close your eyes, breath out the crap and breath in the gold and let yourself transform!""Let loose and embrace yourself and your body. Bring that outfit that you feel amazing in and I guarantee your confidence will shine through. Don't think about what others will think about your photos. Just keep in mind this is a time to get dressed up and treat yourself! It's an amazing experience. You'll have the jitters at first I am sure. Just remember that your beautiful,sexy, smart and intelligent! A woman who is strong and powerful!""There is something amazing about being vulnerable and then realizing that the person you're with is only there to make you feel amazing. I didn't realize how much it means to have another woman tell you how beautiful you are until I was mostly naked with Teri Hahaha. It was so cool, and an experience I'm always anxious to share with others."
"Just do it!! Embrace being scared and nervous and trust in Teri! She knows what she is doing, and you will look amazing and feel so confident after the photoshoot! Trust the process and just put your trust in her and have fun!""That allowing yourself to be vulnerable is the birthplace of innovation, change and growth. It's the cornerstone of confidence and to quote Brene Brown, "we are wired to be brave; that's why we never feel more alive than when we're being courageous".""Best thing I ever did for myself! I was almost sick with nervousness even though I knew I was in good hands. The excitement from the reveal boosted my energy and lasted weeks! It's a great feeling to be excited about yourself for a change. Absolutely love my pictures.""You will rediscover yourself. The whole time I'm standing there talking to a woman I just met while wearing lingerie and all I could think was, why don't I feel weird right now? Like I could just drink a coffee and chat with Teri in my underwear like it was the most natural thing."
" I would tell that someone that sometimes you need to let yourself be vulnerable to someone else so that they can see all the beautiful incredible things you are for you to see them. You are strong enough, brave enough and fierce enough for this and soooo much more. Believe in yourself and the rest will fall into place. Best thing I ever did...forever grateful....""It's exciting and nerve-wracking which is perfectly normal , within minutes of Teri snapping pics you forget the nerves disappear your doing things in positions you've never would have thought striping your clothes off with ease to change outfits and then your done and you think that's it that wasn't so bad. And you will be nervous again once it's time to reveal Teri will give you the low down ..you will be 100%convinced you won't like 1 picture ...then they are on the screen , you will need to pick your jaw up off the floor and you will say Shit! Is that me that bitch on the screen is Fierce and beautiful and sexy and it's you and you will be wanting ALL the pictures .. and then you will be an hooked and will want to take pictures all the time !!!""Grab life by the lady balls and be fierce! Teri will be your spirit guide and you will feel so empowered!! 
❤️ no regrets.""And on those days in the trenches raising toddlers where I haven't showered or shaved or worn makeup for days, I just open my boudy book of photos to remind myself that I'm a god damn GODDESS!"
"1) It's okay to feel scared.2) It feels so great to be brave.3) Teri is magical and makes you feel so at ease it's crazy.4) You will feel empowered and like a total boss for a very long time after the shoot. (Possibly indefinitely)5) You only see the good photos.6) Again, Teri is magical. (Like a Teri Godmother or something)7) You get to look at your awesome babely photos of yourself later and be like "Holy shit, that's me, I'm a mu'fuckin' babe!"8) You are beautiful, and strong, and worth it, (and all the other good things) and you should go for it!9) Seriously, just go for it.10) Doooooo it.""You are worth it. Regardless of how much you love or hate your body features, Teri goes beyond the physical aspect. She gets ya in the feels. Inside you feel fierce. You come out seeing those physical features in a different way. The environment is safe and empowering. Teri truly invests her time in you. Shouldn't you do the same thing?"
While these are just a few of the stories to come out of the Boudy Babes, I promise you that every woman who experiences an empowerment boudoir experience emerges with renewed self confidence, a wee bit of pride, and an acknowledgment that she is one sexy, bad ass babe ready to take on the world. I hope the words from these babes will quell some of that fear that stops you from pushing the contact button or lets you procrastinate until "one day when..." So, when you are ready to give the middle finger to fear, I am here and I am ready to give you one of the most empowering experiences of your life!
Unforgettably Life Altering ~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photographer
The first time I met Miss A was a few years ago when I was casting for a fashion photo shoot and it has been awhile since we last shot together. This time around, she contacted me because she wanted to do a boudoir session and she took advantage of my July 24-hour promo, giving herself a classy session. You see, Miss A worked as a model (you probably saw her in Warehouse One ads back in the day) so you would think doing "another photoshoot" wouldn't be special for her, but this was totally different. I have come to find that sometimes models are harder to work with because they are trained to be whatever the photographer, art director or agency wants and they have a hard time connecting with themselves. We even chatted about this prior to her shoot while she was getting her hair & make up done. I told her to leave her "modeling shit" behind and to get vulnerable with me today (I get bossy when I need to be.). Miss A brought it...she was sensual, feminine, sexy as hell, and natural. Her reveal was interesting to me. I was nervous. Would she see the photos, just like every other photoshoot? Or would she see herself as a woman?
Well, here is Miss A's recount of her boudoir experience with us:
As a model; I'm always working hard to appeal to what all the others want for their photo and outcome; but with Teri we were able to solely work on what I wanted. I'm so excited to have pictures that remind me how strong, fearless and beautiful I really am. She always makes me comfortable (maybe too comfortable -I didn't even wear bottoms most of the shoot hehe) and her direction is just as helpful to achieving a beautiful photo. I LOVED my wet TShirt outfit!
She went on to say that her experience was "unforgettably life altering" and I would have to agree. Many of the beauties that strip down emotionally and physically in front of my lens tend to change their lives in one way or another. Perhaps they realize who they were all along or they learn something new about themselves! In either case, I like to think that every client who does something amazing for themselves is rewarded with knowledge about their awesomeness!
She Didn't Feel Sexy {Minneapolis Diaries} ~ International Boudoir Photographer
Miss A and I spent a lot of time together while in Minneapolis because she wanted to put herself into her clients' shoes, but also she wanted to get her mentorship on! I had the pleasure of photographing her in my gorgeous AirBNB and then hanging with her at her awesome Minneapolis studio! This babe was nervous, but also incredibly saucy once we started shooting! She totally gets my mission and promotes the same female empowerment at her boudoir studio, focusing on shooting ladies with curves. Both of us talked about how it was important for there to be diversity of body types in the media, and since we are technically the "media" we could help make this change! So, without further adieu, here is Miss A and her beautiful story.
I loved the experience and just the feeling of confidence afterwards and knowing that I have done this not only for myself but also for my clients when I photograph them. 
I was so scared and nervous and seriously thought that she couldn't bring out sexy in me because I don't feel that way... I sometimes feel cute or silly but not sexy and beautiful. And to be okay with my body, which is a size 28 and to actually see it being strong and holding those poses {which were hard work) and yet I could do it even at my size!
Overall, the experience really had me thinking and re-evaluating my body and how I perceive myself! Thank you for letting me see a different side of me and pushing me out of my comfort zone!
Not only did this babe kill it, but she now knows exactly what her clients feel: before, during, and after the shoot. You can see Miss A's own bog post about her experience here! I cannot wait to see her business grow! This is why I love, love, love to do mentorships (or teritorials as I call them)!! I, as one person, can only empower so many people, but if I can mentor and educate photographers to help them go forth and empower women, then so many more women will have their lives changed!! So, if you are a photographer wanting to impact more women and do more with your business, let me know or if you are a client who is ready to take the leap and do something you will NEVER regret, shoot me an email!
More Than Just a Mom ~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photography
Miss T walked into my studio a few months ago as part of a casting call and little did I realize just how much this shoot would impact her. (Ps. if you want to get in on the casting call action, come join the VIP Boudy Babe group on Facebook! We kept the session relatively minimalist, aside from the faux fur coat I bought for Vegas. Being a photographer, Miss T had spent her life BEHIND the camera (as many of us do) and so she was a wee bit nervous to take the leap into this shoot! She had forgotten what it meant to feel like a woman as she slid into the role of Mom and started putting herself on the back burner as so many women do. Enjoy her story, of a Mom taking a chance to remember what it feels like to be a Woman and having her expectations thrown all around!
I answered a casting call of Teri's a while back, and was stoked when I got the chance to be in front of her lens. Actually, no - I was terrified. Anyone who knows me, will think that this is bullshit. I had a brief stint “modelling” I come across fairly outgoing and confident, but truth be told, my life and roles are always changing. So my confidence comes and goes. Lately, its been on the lower end of things. So jumping in head first, is pretty much the only way I can do things, otherwise I wouldn’t ever do anything.
I myself am a photographer, and I struggle getting in front of the camera. My current main role, is a mom to a two year old gorgeous, energetic little girl, and my daily life is lived in pyjamas or sweats, no make up and hair in a messy bun. I often am surviving on little sleep, and since pregnancy have developed more anxiety then I ever had in my life. My body image has changed. Any Moms out there will likely relate. Women’s bodies are amazing. They bring life into the world, and are capable of so many things. One day, I will love my body, find an outfit that looks good, and I feel confident in. Another day, I don’t. I feel ugly, I feel old, I hate gravity, my stomach, my thighs that touch, the bags under my eyes, my chewed nails. You name it, I will beat myself up. People don’t see this, because I joke it off with humour. Even worse, I see this so often with other Moms. “Don’t get me in the photos, just the kids” or “ I look fat in photos, Photoshop it out” Life is fleeting and your kids won’t think that you are fat, so I often encourage women to get in photos with their kids, because truthfully one day - that is all their kids will have, photos and memories. I try to practice what I preach, and do family photos, but the truth is: there is more to me than just being a Mom. I am also a woman, under all the PJs and messy buns, there is still some sexy left. If I wait until I lose my ten pounds or my hair done, or my make ups on, I will never get photos done of myself. I will never take care of me. So I jumped in, not entirely ready or sure how I would feel about any of it.
When Teri replied and set up the shoot time, I panicked, realized that post baby, none of my “sexy” stuff fit, and went to the mall. I struggled with what the F should I wear and none of the stuff out there was really my style. (seriously, I couldn’t figure out how to get into half of the stuff) I eventually decided on something simple, a black tank, and underwear, because well, at almost 31, that's what lingerie feels like to me. I lied to my partner, told him I was doing something educationally related to photography, and off I went. I arrived at the studio, sat in the chair and was brought back to that place that I remembered from being younger. Having your make up done, makes you feel like a star. Teri was great. She was very directive, and knew exactly what she wanted, and made me giggle with her pose directions. The shoot itself, was rather quick and painless.
Due to my schedule and little one, instead of a reveal we did an online viewing gallery. Its weird to admit but I had mixed feelings of the photos, some I immediately loved, while others, I am still learning to love. Seeing myself made up was a little surreal to me, it felt strange. When I came home, I think I took the make up off with in an hour, because I don’t consider myself glamorous anymore. Because of the changes in my body, it still feels foreign some days. But I am busy, and distracted, so I don’t have time to dwell.
I actually sent my fiancee a screen shot of one of the images. His reply was “boobbbbs” and I got SO MAD. Why couldn’t he just tell me I looked great? Why did he have to turn into a 12 year old boy!? Why the fuck did this bother me, anyways? Due to my anxiety, I over analyze everything. So I took a break from looking at the photos and looked at them several times after. Instead of saying what I didn’t like about each one I needed to warm up to, I picked one thing that I liked about it. If I felt less confident about the pose, the hair or the make up or expression looked great. If my stomach was showing and made me uncomfortable - well my tits look fantastic. Or in true photographer geek style, if I didn’t like something I’d look at the light. Ive become a master of faking it, until I make it when it comes to my body image. A lot of positive self talk, and switching perspective. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of make up and a pretty dress.. but other times, it doesn’t. And that's ok. But sometimes, you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone, which I did. And when I am having a day of feeling less than, I can look at the pictures, and remember that I am not. I can remember that I am more than just a Mom. Women wear many hats, and there is so much criticism in so many forums these days. Its exhausting. You are allowed to be more.
Having people like Teri out there in the world, saying its ok to feel pretty/sexy/confident/bold/
And Miss T nails it right on the head in her last paragraph. "You can think you need the makeup, fancy clothes, etc." and this is the furthest thing from the truth when coming in for a boudoir session with me. I want you to wear what is sexy to you. I have said it before and I will say it again: The less "stuff" you have on, the more we can focus on YOU. In consultations, I always warn people that the makeup will be heavier than you are used to because it is photo-ready makeup and it is not to "transform" you, but rather to make you shine on camera. Again, not every one is comfortable seeing a side of them that has been hidden for so many years, or a part of them that has rapidly changed due to having children, but I think it is necessary to expose yourself to the parts of you that you find less desirable so that you can start to see their appeal. In my experience, the repeated exposure of photos of oneself can lead to a more positive body image and overall experience because we start to see the big picture and don't hyper-focus on the tiny parts of ourselves that are inconsequential. Having photos of yourself look fab, fierce, and confident are a great reminder that A)you ARE still a woman regardless of what life throws at you, B)you ARE worthy of feeling sexy, hot af, and desired, and C)documentation of a somewhat fearless & courageous act, thus further enhancing the fact that you are a bad ass mamajama, capable of looking fear in the eye and proceeding anyway. So, what do ya say? Are you ready to take the plunge and do something your future self with thank you for? If so, hit the contact button up top and let's chat!
And Then She Became Unstoppable ~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photography
Miss V. was one of my Christmas boudy babes, who came to me wanting to do a shoot for herself, but also as a gift for her husby. She was referred to me by my epic hairstylist, Miss Kelly O, so I knew she was awesome to begin with, but after chatting with Miss V. I realized that this woman also had big dreams, hopes, and aspirations. Doing a Boudy Babe shoot was just one of the many things on her bucket list.
However, Miss V. had her doubts (like most women) about whether or not she could do this. I mean, really do this. She sent me a few emails going back and forth about her concerns and having cold feet, but I messaged back reassuring her that it was completely normal. This went on a few days up until her session, and then it was like she had been doing this her whole life! Miss V. lit up the camera and her inner sex-kitten came roaring out!
This bombshell was absolutely amazing during her session, but it wasn't until AFTER her session that I realized just how much it had meant to her. I received, in total, 3 emails telling me how much her life had been changed from her session and each message brought me to tears. She carried her confidence with her for days after her shoot and when she came to pick out her images, she was once again revitalized after seeing herself!
The amazing thing about Miss V, however, is that I think she used the confidence gained from facing her fear of doing something like this to start planning an epic, dream filled life for herself. After leaving the studio, I sent her on her way with some inspirational reading material to get her thinking about striving for an amazing life and what that would mean to her.
Here's what she had to say about her session:"Teri’s photography services were recommended to me by a friend. I checked out Teri’s social media sitesand loved what I was seeing. It had been a year of transition for me and I vowed to take more risks andpush myself out of my comfort zone. I had recently created a “bucket list” of sorts and getting boudoirphotos done was on that list. One day I noticed on my social media feed that Teri was offering a sessiondeal and just in time for the holidays. My gut said “let’s do this”. So I contacted Teri and we set up a dateand time to meet.From the minute I met Teri I knew I had made the right decision. Teri greeted me with a warm smile andenthusiasm that was infectious. Teri is so down to earth and genuine. She is so easy to be with that I feltcomfortable immediately. We discussed ideas and details for my session and then booked the date.I should mention that Teri is very prompt to respond to any of your questions or concerns and I reallyappreciated that. I left our first meeting completely excited about our session. The ideas and creativitywas flowing. What should I wear? What are flattering poses? What props could I use to personalize myshoot? Teri emailed me right away confirming my booking along with great information and suggestionsfor our upcoming sessions (the information answered almost all of my questions). A few days later thatterrible feeling “doubt” kicked in and I started to get cold feet. I sent Teri an email to let her know as Iwas quite surprised by how nervous I felt. Teri was completely reassuring. She let me know I was in goodhands and this was going to be an amazing, even life changing experience and you know what?.....I trulybelieved her.
On the weekend before my shoot I was just full of excitement and had completely got over my nerves.Teri’s Boudoir photography is so much more than beautiful photos, it’s an experience. I arrived in themorning for my session and was greeted again by Teri’s warm smile and this time she had cookies too.We chatted and listened to music as my hair and make-up was done. I felt completely relaxed andready!It’s amazing to watch Teri getting ready to be creative too. She set up the studio and already had a planof the furniture and props she was going to use. Teri was excellent at providing direction and praiseduring the shoot. She made me feel completely empowered and beautiful! I left the shoot feeling oncloud nine!!!A week later I returned to view my photos. Teri once again greeted me warmly and walked me throughthe process. It was pretty emotional to see myself through her lens. I could hardly believe that some ofthe images were actually me. Teri has a gift! An ability to empower and capture the beauty andfierceness within. Teri and I spent a long time sharing life experiences before we said goodbye. She evenlent me a couple of inspirational books from her library. In closing, Teri said something during thisprocess that resonated with me. The photos are going to be a gift for your partner but the true gift andexperience is for you. I highly recommend woman to treat themselves to this amazing experience andultimate transformation.Thank you Teri for making this such a wonderful experience!"
I find that a lot of women are like Miss V. So many dreams, hopes, and aspirations bubble up inside us and standardly, moms, wives and mothers have to keep a lid on those things because they are used to giving so much of themselves (not saying that this is a bad thing...just something that happens a lot). I am not saying you need to quit your job tomorrow and run away to Mexico, but I am asking the question "What are you doing every day to get you closer to the life you want?"