Why are you nervous to book a boudoir session? - Foley, AL Boudoir Photographer

I recently did a poll on Facebook to see what people's apprehensions were about booking a boudoir session. I didn't know if it was money or just being nervous about it. It looks like it was overwhelmingly people being nervous. I believe when people think boudoir they think sexy risque type of pictures and it is but that's not all it can be and that is not all it is to me. My main goal for doing boudoir is to help women feel beautiful and sexy as they are. However I also want my clients to feel comfortable. I have had the absolute honor of photographing so many powerful amazing women. Women of different shapes, sizes, races, and ages. Each session has been different as in the level of modesty that each client was comfortable in.

With each session I go into it trying to make sure that the pictures represent the person in front of me. I want to keep the posing natural. My work has been known for its classy approach to boudoir. I don't do overly sensual poses unless that is what the client is wanting. The overall goal of the portraits is not just sex appeal but truly showcasing each clients natural beauty. Clients do typically choose to do a session as a gift and while I absolutely want their partners to love the pictures more importantly I want the client to fall in love with themselves in the pictures.

Women are nervous... but excited when they book a session. For a day they will feel like a model. They will have their hair done, they will have one on one attention being fussed over for their session. They will be complimented and told how freaking amazing they look. It is exciting but I understand that it makes people nervous. Its understandable because it makes people feel vulnerable. Some people may be struggling with self image. They may be afraid they wont love the pictures or they may fear feeling awkward. I have many women tell me they are going to book a session when they lose a certain amount of weight. I think that's great. I have done many sessions of women that have achieved goals. It is a great way to celebrate hard work and discipline.

However you don't have to lose weight to love the body that you are in. It's okay to embrace the stage of life you are in right now. You will always be beautiful whatever stage you are in or whatever shape your body is in. Its okay if you have extra pounds you want to lose or maybe some you want to gain. That doesn't mean that your body does not deserve loving as it is. Society may shove in our faces non stop that to be worthy of love, affection and attention that we must look a certain way. It is not true. You are worth more than society's standards.

Nervousness can sometimes come from not knowing what to expect. So I want to tell you about the process! The first time we will meet will be during your consultation. That is the first nerve wracking step. It is important though that we meet before the session. You will be getting into different levels of undress with me so it is a good idea for us to get to know each other a little first. We will talk about what you are comfortable with, what your vision is and possible outfit choices.

Your session will take place at the studio. You will have the choice of in studio or out in the secret garden. The studio is on my five acre property. I don't have any immediate neighbors. So that means there is plenty of privacy. Even the outdoor area is secluded so you can feel confident during your session. I shoot alone but I do allow friends as long as they don't interfere with the session. The goal is always to make sure you are comfortable.

Typically I have my clients start out with their most modest outfit. I find that them being more clothed allows them to warm up while keeping them from feeling too vulnerable. As you get more comfortable in the session that is when we begin removing clothing or changing into something more revealing. Some clients however choose outfits that are not revealing at all. That is absolutely Okay! I tell all my clients to choose outfits that make them feel confident and beautiful. There is no wrong way to do boudoir!

As I work with my clients I get a feel for how comfortable they are and lead the posing that way. I would never want to do anything that pushes someone way past their comfort zone. I don't do tons of retouching only of things that may be temporary like blemishes and bruises. We are celebrating your body as it is. I don't want to erase anything because that to me means there is something wrong with it. There isn't. I do using lighting and posing though to minimize areas that you may not love as much as others.

I understand being nervous. I understand because I too am a woman in this world and I know all too well the pressure that society puts on us. I have looked in the mirror and saw every imperfection and flaw and have not loved myself as I deserve. I am a woman who has seen each and every woman that has been in front of my camera as the gorgeous goddess that she is. I am a woman that wants other women to see the beauty that I see. That their friends and family see. Boudoir is more than just taking pictures for me. Every time I watch someone see their slideshow for the first time and see the look they have when they see the beauty that I see, I feel like I am doing something bigger than just photography and myself. It is okay to be nervous but don't let that stop you from celebrating you as you are right now. It is okay to be nervous but it is okay to be excited too.