Miss J and I had the pleasure of meeting in person finally, after months of corresponding via the Facebook and Facebook group. As a fellow boudie photog, her and I have a lot in common, so I was excited to meet with her! I love learning and hearing from other photogs about their practices and just getting to see people face to face after only know them via their internet persona.
Like most women, Miss J had concerns about parts of her body, but with correct styling and posing we were able to eradicate those fears and concerns and make her look f*ing amazing. Does anyone else think she looks like Christina Hendrix?
We played around in my hotel room in Vancouver and chatted about business and enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Cactus Club. After meeting Miss J I realized how much MORE awesome she is in person than just online (as most of us are!) In addition to running her business, she also has a lovely little family that she loves immensely. She is extremely passionate about her work and she does amazingly elaborate, fantastical shoots for her clients that are super dreamy!
In addition to shooting this kick ass bombshell, I was treated to some beautiful, super moody, rainy Vancouver weather which allowed me to get the rich tones for her session! A lot of people shy away from the dark weather, but I find that it helps me created some amazingly contrasty images which I loooooove! That being said, before she left, I shoved her into the glass shower for a few shots to take advantage of the huge ring light provided by the bathroom mirror! Anywho, enjoy her gorgeous session and if you are from Vancouver and would love to shoot with me the next time I am there, let me know!! I LOVE Vancouver!
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Stoner Babe ~ International Boudoir Photography
Miss G. was with me for 2 days while I was in Portland! In addition to doing hair and makeup for both shoots, I somehow convinced this babe to model for me! With such amazing bone structure and attitude, how could I not?? And check out her tattoos!
A self-proclaimed stoner babe, Miss G. does some modeling for a local lingerie company called VaVa Lingerie and she had so many gorgeous pieces it was hard to narrow down for her session. I mean, come on...blue velvet?? *drool*
Miss G. professed to me that she wasn't always happy with her body and wouldn't just let anyone photograph her, so I took it as a real honor. I think it's important noting this, because I know there are a lot of women who say "Why wouldn't she like her body?? I would love to be her size!" etc. but what people don't realize is that body image has very little to do with your actual body and that there is no "perfect" size or body standard that needs to be met.
Sometimes, I find that women who don't deal with weight issues (different from body image) actually get the shit end of the stick. Now, wait, hear me out. Women who are "smaller" typically get scoffed at if they mention their unhappiness with their weight, shape or size. This means they internalize it and finder other ways to deal with it, and these other ways are standardly more harmful to their body and mind.
So, what can we do about this? First we can be conscious of how we respond to our friends and family when they mention their unhappiness. Don't just laugh it off, instead ask them why they feel a certain way and is there anything you can do to help. Sometimes just being able to talk about it makes a big difference. Secondly, watch what you say. The body positivity movement means inclusive of ALL bodies so when you see a picture of a smaller woman, you do NOT call her a skinny bitch or assume she has a perfect life. We can do better, my lady friends, and it all starts within. Talk beautifully to yourself and speak beautifully to your friends and family members. Treat yourself and them with care and help them see their beauty, inside and out.
A Mermaid In a Tub ~ International Boudoir Photography
Miss K is one of my Portland beauties who allowed me to photograph her while I was there! This blue-haired maven rocked her shoot with her little preggo tummy and didn't let that hold her back from being super sensual and amazing! Forwarning: There are nippies going forward, so if that isn't your jam or you are at work, I suggest you come back later (or never, if you actually hate nipples that much.)
Miss K. let me dress her in items that I brought from the studio, but she also had some amazing lingerie that showed off her newly acquired *ahem* chest (the joys of pregnancy, 'miright?) She was so effervescent for her shoot and maybe it was her hair or her Portlandian attitude, but she was super magical and laid back throughout her session.
After shooting the lingerie type things, I couldn't believe I convinced her to go out in the rain and get into the very cold (and slightly dirty!) tub to make a magical mermaidian image! The gorgeous lingerie set was hand beaded by our talented makeup artist Gina (a girl of many talents, I tell ya!) and it looked so amazing with Miss K's hair and eyes!
I think it's funny how when we have tummies that grow babies, we love them, caress them and care for them...as soon as the baby leaves, we suddenly have disgust for this amazing piece of our body which literally, changed your world. I want you to love your tummy as much today as you did when it housed your children. It may look different, but it is still worthy of love and affection.
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 ."
Calm Your Tits, Ladies ~ Winnipeg Male Boudoir Shoot
Mr. R contacted me about doing a shoot for his lovely wife, as she had had a shoot done for him a few years prior and he wanted to surprise her with an amazing gift! Seriously, ladies & gents, this guy gets it. The hardest and most nerve-wracking thing for him was coming up with a lie to tell his wife about why he was "busy" for his consult and then his session. He was so nervous that she would find out that he was doing this, so he came up with a story and did everything covert so as not to spill the beans.
Like women, men also struggle with insecurities of having to fit the "perfect build" and I actually think it may be worse for men, because not only are they belittled if they don't have abs of steal, but they are teased if they even admit to being sensitive to the subject. All of that is bullshit. ALL people, regardless of gender, should be allowed to feel awesome about themselves, their body, and what they choose to do with it. It's time we start re-writing all these old school notions of "men being men" and what it means to be a "real man."
DUDES! It's not vain, conceited or "womanly" to enjoy have your photo taken and be okay with your body just as it is. It is, however, cowardly and insecure of you to pick on other dudes for it. LADIES! Don't laugh if you catch your husband/boyfriend taking selfies or appreciating their looks. They should be allowed to feel good in what they wear, how they feel, and the actions they take (unless by hurting other people).
Mr. R killed his shoot and his wife was beyond ecstatic with the results! They both came in for the viewing and she chose almost all of the photos! As ladies, we like a little eye candy from our partners too!
So, with that, I will be launching the male side of my boudoir business and I hope that more men will come forward after seeing that you don't have to be a male model with an 8 pack of abs and a chiseled jaw....instead, you need to be an awesome human being who is trying to or does love his body. THAT is the only criteria to doing a boudoir session with me! Bring it on, boys. And ladies, calm your tits, because there is more where this came from.
Here's what Mr. R said about his shoot:"For all you dudes that have perhaps thought about getting professional photos done, but for whatever reason haven't, I strongly recommend you do. It was a first for me and Teri made the whole experience