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.
Be Still, Be Quiet ~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photography
Leading up to summer, a colleague of mine, Boon Ong of Figuratif by Boon, and I were comparing our shooting styles. I commemorated him on his ability to achieve such intimacy, such confident quietness into his work and while he was struggling to find more "SEXY", I was having a hard time slowing down, and just flowing and being. It's interesting when you look at your work through someone else's eyes and I know that my work is standardly strong, voyeuristic, and a tad cheeky, I have been lacking a certain slowness....like, if I slow down then something unexpected might happen, then what? And if you have met me, I am like a horse chomping at the bit and raring to go with all my pent up energy. When I shoot it is no different, I jump around from location to location, outfit to outfit like there's not enough time in the day. And while this works for efficiency and the way I create, it's always fun to challenge oneself because within that challenge, I will be able to grow and maybe see some new inspiration where I was afraid it might NOT be. In any case, both Boon and I set out to attempt a different vibe in a shoot, each channeling the other and while he embraced a bit of sexuality and sensuality into his intimate work, I slowed down, thought about composition and used my babe in ways that I normally wouldn't. I did less poses designed to elicit sexuality, but instead focused more on intimate existence...if that makes sense. The deadline was my birthday and well, today is that day. For me, I paid attention to hands, I worked on elongating the neck, I looked at the lines in the location and I worked with the ambient light that I had. I played with light differently than I usually do and I looked for things that I normally am moving too quickly to notice. So, thank you Boon, for inspiring me to slow down, move with my client and I can only hope that I am capable of channeling even a little bit of your stillness and beauty in my work.Model: BeccaHair & Makeup: Erin Marie ArtistryLingerie: The Shops At The Loft
Stephanie {Pittsburgh Travel Diaries} ~ International Boudoir Photographer
Every now and then you meet the people that are just....your people, you know? Well, little did I know when I went to a Boudoir Retreat in San Fransisco that I would meet 2 of my kindred spirits. I have already introduced you to Paige, so today I will be sharing the other bad ass babe with you, but I want to start with our initial in person meeting because it's super cute. So, I had arrived to Denise Birdsong's Modern Love studio for my photoshoot the same day that Stephanie and Paige were also having their sessions done, so I had quickly met Paige while she was in makeup and Stephanie was just wrapping up her session when she walked past me in the waiting area. All I heard was "Omigodiloveyourposingguidehiiiiiiiiii" and with a little hand wave she disappeared. We joke that her fangirling over me was one of the funniest moments we shared together and I know I will definitely never forget it. Throughout the weekend, however, Stephanie, Paige and I just bonded with each other. We had similar sense of humour, we vibed with each others' energy, and we managed to get our poor male model to wear nothing but a hand towel (#handtowelheroes). We were so sad when the weekend came to an end and as soon as we got home we started making plans for our next meet up and before you know it, August was here and we all met at Stephanie's house for a few days. We had such an incredible time hanging out, drinking wine, photographing models and then photographing each other (oh! and they took me to Target, yay!) We laughed until our tums hurt, we cried about our life experiences and we helped build each other up. This is what I love about #communityovercompetition in photography. When you find your people, hang onto them and hold them tight because entrepreneurship is lonely as fuck and you will need some trustworthy peeps in your corner when you need to have a bit of a breakdown. So, for Stephanie's shoot we decided to channel more of a retro vibe and styling, thanks to Dessa Marie Artistry, and while we started in her studio, I wasn't about to leave her gorgeous character home without shooting in it, so we pulled together a few amazing looks for there as well. So, without further adieu, here is Miss Stephanie in all her beauty, glory, and magnificance. I love her sooooo much.
"I had the privilege of meeting Teri at a workshop and was instantly attracted to her fizzy fuzzy bubbly personality. I’ve followed her work and each and every time, I have found myself impressed if not in total awe. Her work is incredibly sexy and raw. She was so much fun to be with that I could see her models not even spending a moment in their heads. By the close of the workshop we had made plans to collaborate further.
It is quite the faux pas as a boudoir photographer to have not put yourself in your clients shoes. Just like my own clients, my fears and my insecurities about my body run deep. My session with Teri wasn’t about fear or insecurity. It felt an awful lot like Teri herself, fizzy fuzzy and bubbly.When I hold the finished product in my hand,I literally can’t even :)I look at these photos and I can hardly believe it is me!
I was there, I remember getting all dolled up, I remember posing but what I don’t remember is any concern about my body. Not a fear about how I looked or most importantly, as a photographer; not a worry about the actual photograph. There wasn’t any time to worry about my body because I was already having too much fun. Teri’s energy and direction easily overrode my insecurities.
Now I get to look at images of myself and see sexy and raw. It isn’t just something reserved for someone else. That feeling, that experience and the pride is now mine as well. And I can’t stop staring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dayum, Teri.
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!