A crazy part of being a creative entrepreneur is that you need an outlet and the opportunity to try things you have never done before in an effort to keep you alive and passionate for the work you create for your clients. It's helpful to have an amazing team available when you need to get an idea out of your head and onto paper, film, computer, and this particular project was no different. I told Nicole, my fab makeup artist, to come to the studio because I had 3 ideas to play through and it was completely different for both of us from the makeup to the styling to the posing....definitely not my traditional boudoir. That being said, it turned out exactly the way I saw it in my head when I purchased a pair of nude panty hose. I am now inspired to try this same concept with multiple colors in the future, so it may be an ongoing adventure! In any case, here are the results of Look #1 (which cost me approximately $8 for the entire "outfit")
Erin {Florida Diaries} ~ International Boudoir Photographer
This babe. Oh, this babe. I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Erin a few years ago in New York when I was visiting my colleague and buddy Lindsay Rae Photography. Erin owns Erin Marie Artistry and is the extreme talent behind the hair & makeup that is done in Lindsay's studio and while she is amazing at that, she is also a gorgeous model, but MORE importantly, she is a beautiful soul. Every time we meet up, we have an amazing time together. Here are the gorgeous images we got while in Boca Grande at the Florida Curves 2017 workshop.
Paige {Pittsburgh Travel Diaries} ~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photography
Miss Paige came up before, when I had done my post on Taco-ternity and my ode to my tum, but our session together was something special. Paige and I had first met in San Fran and immediately clicked. This woman has the most beautiful heart and soul and cares for everyone beyond measure. She may seem all heart, but this babe is also full of sass. Paige is a fierce model as well as an awesome photographer and sometimes I don't think she understands just how phenomenal she is once the camera is turned on her, but she comes to life when she talks about her clients and the women she helps overcome body image issues, in a similar fashion to me. She embraces her curves, she openly accepts her *gasp* double chin, and she works hard to help women reach the same level of acceptance with their bodies. What better way, though, than having your own photo shoot done to showcase your love for your bod in all it's beauty? Also, funny story, while we were so excited to do the water shoots, I don't think Paige was expecting to get waterboarded....I accidentally pressed too hard on the hose and almost drowned the poor girl! Anyhow, read about her experience being on the other side of the camera below:
As a boudoir photographer, myself, I've been fangirl stalking Teri for a while now, probably close to a year or so! When I got to meet her and work with her in San Francisco this Spring for Denise Birdsong's Stripped Down Retreat I was giddy. When we hit it off as friends, though I was ecstatic! 
It's rare as a photographer to find other photographers that you can just chat with openly about ideas, about experiences, about being a plus size babe that wants to help empower other plus size babes. No crazy competition, no insane jealousy or cattiness. Don't believe me? Step into one of the more dramatic Facebook groups geared toward photographers. Unless you're a big, well-known name- it's easy to feel lost or like your value is less-than those around you. Teri has more creativity and talent in her little finger than most dream of having their entire lives. But never once has she made me feel less-than. Instead, she's inspired me to go the extra mile, be the extra support to my friends and clients, to give the extra compliments to strangers, and to just be an all-around better version of me. She's an overwhelming force of empowerment and positivity that effects everyone in her path! 
Teri, myself and our amazing friend Stephanie Wells (The Girlfriend Experience Boudoir) got pretty close over our weekend in San Francisco. While there, we planned a trip for Teri and I to visit with Stephanie in Pittsburgh over the summer where we would photograph a couple of model clients and take turns photographing each other.
I've been photographed by other boudoir photographers. Each experience is completely different than the last. Being a very plus size woman, a size 24, and knowing that Teri specialized in posing and photographing plus size bodies- I was beyond excited to be photographed by her! I was actually less nervous to be photographed by her than I was to photograph my two photographer friends that I look up to so much. Teri has this way of talking to you about your body in a way that makes you feel completely at ease. 
Girl had me nekkid in less than 10 minutes! Let me tell you, getting nekkid was NOT on my list of things to do in Pittsburgh!
To say I was a little nervous about seeing some of the images (especially the nude ones or ones without a fully supportive bra) would be the understatement of the year. I've always thought I carried myself with a decent amount of confidence. But, when I found myself naked and vulnerable in front of Teri's camera, I actually found that I had been hiding all of (what I considered) my flaws and insecurities behind cleverly placed crops and specifically-fitted wardrobe. I had accepted my body, but had never really embraced it up until then. 
I had accepted that my boobs weren't sitting perky like they did before I had experienced 2 full pregnancies and lost 3 others. I had accepted that I have a fat belly and extra skin, I had accepted that my body is dimpled and scarred in places that I don't want it to be. All of those things I could cover up and carry on with my life and pretend like they don't exist and be confident in the appearance I was presenting to the world. But on that day- I embraced those things that I usually try to hide. And you know what? It was beautiful.
I felt free.
Teri sent the images over and there were tears. Over and over. I had never seen those parts of my body in all their naked glory and felt anything but disgust and hate. Is that me? That is me! All of the little pieces that I've picked at for 28 years were laid out in front of me, and you know what? I didn't hate them. I actually loved them. Those are some of my favorite images I've ever seen of myself because they're me, they're real. My perfect imperfections and all.
I don't know if I'll ever be able to repay Teri for the gift she gave to me that day, but I know I'm glad that fate had us cross paths and become friends. 
Do you want to feel free? Are you ready to stop using size, shape or any body excuse and embrace where you are right now in this one life you are given? If so, send me a message and let's sit down for a chat to see if we are a good fit for each other!
She had only been naked in front of 3 people before ~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photography
Miss B came to visit me while she was visiting Winnipeg and this magenta-haired maven flew into my studio with outfits just as saucy as she. Her session was to be part therapy and part fun for her due to a bunch of life changes that had been happening and we wanted to revive the sassy babe I knew she was. Miss B has quite the life story and while it is hers to share, all I can say is I was impressed to be in the same room as someone with such strong conviction, fight, and ability to try to do the right thing no matter how difficult it may seem. She fights for others with a fiery passion and I wanted that same fire to come through in her images. Take a look below at this gorgeous woman (who is now back home in Vancouver):
"This was exactly what I needed at the time I needed it. Teri and Nicole were great at making me feel secure and very sexy! I left feeling exhausted and exhilarated at the same time!
Teri's direction was outstanding from beginning to end. Make up, hair, outfits, poses and the "big reveal" were so bang on!! Thank you for a fabulous experience! I want to do it all again next year!!
If you go to Teri, there is nothing to be afraid of! This comes from a woman who has only been naked in front of three people as an adult!
Miss B left with a pep in her step and I cannot wait to see this exuberant beauty again! She totally rocked her session and even gave in to some of her fears to show off parts of herself very few people have had the privilege to see. I consider it an honor, Miss B.
Are you ready to celebrate your own ferocity and magic? If so, hit the contact button up at the top and shoot me an email!! We only have a few sessions left this year, but am starting to book up for 2018!!
Something A Little Different: NSFW ~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photography
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