By the time Miss S and I got together, I had already photographed a handful of her closest friends, so while she knew what she was getting into, I don't think she kneeeew. This babe (who can look like a variety of celebrities: Taylor Swift, Olivia Munn, Aubrey Plaza, etc.) was trying to come to terms with her new body (which she will talk about below) and I assured her this was the perfect way to start that journey. I am 100% certain the reason we hate our bodies is because while we think we do have control over them, we actually don't. You can put on as much face cream as you want, dye your hair, eat healthy, and so on, but your body is an entity in it's own and it's going to throw you curve balls from time to time. If there's one thing people hate, it's change....and change that they didn't ask for, which is why it is easy for us to fixate on "fixing" or "repairing" our body when in fact, it's going to age, change, and grow. Our body is a living organism, constantly changing and we fight it at every turn...but why? IF we are aging, that means we are living, and if you ask me, that's a pretty good thing. Anywho, here is Miss S to share her story and experience:
This was such a fun experience to have and I highly recommend it to everyone! Teri is amazing at making you feel completely comfortable and like a gorgeous babe while your photos are taken.
Ever since I had my daughter I've been very self conscious of my new body(endless stretch marks) and this was a great step for me in accepting that my body has changed but is still beautiful . I was really nervous before my reveal because I thought that I would hate to see all of my imperfections laid out for me to pick apart in every photo, but that wasn't the case!
I had a huge smile on my face looking at all of the pictures and I couldn't believe these were my photos! I've gained confidence and enjoyed this entire experience from start to finish and I can't wait to do it again! My favorite outfit was definitely the sweater and socks! I couldn't decide which ones to pick and it was impossible for me to narrow them down.
I am so happy that we were able to help Miss S see the beauty in her accomplishments. Why we think stretch marks are the worst thing on the world is beyond me (stay tuned for an upcoming project about this). Stretch marks are quite literally a signal of GROWTH. I mean, she grew a human life...that's incredible (motherhood baffles me btw...the human body is ridiculous). So embrace the bits of you that are symbols of your hard work, challenges, experiences throughout this journey we call life.
And Miss C Got Her Groove Back ~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photography
After many calls, emails, and messages Miss C. brought her lingerie and a bundle of nerves to her session. We ironed most of them out during her hair and makeup and once we got into the swing of things, you would think that she had been posing for boudoir sessions her whole life. This wife, momma and glorious woman did amazing at her session and I think in return, the session was amazing for her.
I have known Miss C. for a few years and it was important for me to show her exactly who she is to everyone around her. She is a giver. This woman is strong, fearless, but a giver. And you know what they say? A giver need to set limits, because takers never do.
This is something that happens to a lot of women, but I definitely saw it with Miss C. She lost herself a bit in the whirlwind of having children, living outside the city and if there's one thing I know, it's that she requires social activity. She is too sparkly to not interact with people!
Miss C felt everything most women do prior to their boudy babe sessions: fear, guilt, concern, and lack of confidence. She sent me emails about fear over her weight and size and I emailed back "You'll be fine. Trust me." We emailed back and forth for a few months and then, I called her. I eased the fear and put my foot down on the negative self talk. It was time for her to give up control Sometimes that's all it takes....someone saying: "It's okay. You don't need to be in control this time."
Miss C. brought her bombshell game and during her reveal there were tears. We didn't even get through the first photo before tissues were being used. THIS was the woman she knew she was! THIS was the woman hiding beneath the Rider sweaters, the kid's spit up, and the dishes at the homestead. THIS was the woman she needed to be reunited with. And it wasn't the weight she was looking at or thinking about anymore. She was looking at all the goddamned fabulousness and confidence that was bubbling up inside.
Miss C. will always be a giver, because that is just her nature and that is part of what makes her beautiful, but I hope that this session will remind her that she also needs to take time for herself.
Here's what this goddess had to say about her session:"Teri, your work brought me to tears. You told me to trust you. I was so very nervous I would not do your work justice. You also said you would get me naked. You succeeded and crushed any doubt I had. I did get naked and loved the finished product. As did my husband ."