If you’ve ever been nervous getting up in front of a group of people to give a speech, you’ve probably heard the advice of imagining them all sitting in their underwear to make you less nervous. But what if you were the one going out to give the speech in your underwear?
Everyone has things that they fear and I’m right there with you!!! Find out what my clients biggest fears were when considering a photo shoot and what really happened when they got in front of the camera.
I’ve asked each client to tell me about their biggest fear when considering a photoshoot. After their session, I want to know if it came true and if not, what happened instead. Here are a few of their fears and what happened…
Ms. G: My biggest fear was looking bloated or too small/flat chested for the skimpy lingerie I’d chosen! It did not happen – instead I looked really sexy and feminine.
Ms. S: I was afraid I would have fat hanging out in places you didn’t want people to see. Didn’t happen! It was fun without feeling nervous and there was no judgement zone! I just felt gorgeous.
Ms. R: I was worried about posing and feeling comfortable holding a pose for long moments. Marilyn was so easy to follow and was very quick and enthusiastic.
Ms. B: My biggest fear was of not being photogenic or comfortable. It definitely did not happen! The pictures were amazing and the atmosphere was great!
These ladies ranged in age from their 20’s to their 50’s and were all amazing!
Before their sessions, we met at the studio and talked about what they had envisioned for their session. They filled out a short questionnaire to tell me a little more about them like, what is your favorite part of your body, how outgoing do you consider yourself on a scale of 1 – 10 and even if they have any phobias or allergies. These things help me to prepare for their shoot and also, to make their experience customized and as comfortable for them as possible.
So whether your fear is posing, not being photogenic, or needing to lose that last 10 pounds, it’s OK. You are not alone in your fears and I’m here to help you through one of the most fun, amazing days you’ll have.
If you’re interested in a personal tour of the studio or a complimentary pre-shoot consultation, give me a call or use our contact form and we can set up a date for you to come in!
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
Are you a fan of Rehab Addict, Fixer Upper, or Good Morning America’s Makeover, we are all captivated by the idea of makeovers and transformations. Whether it is a single room or an entire house, people watch shows like the Property Brothers to be inspired or to dream. Do you watch the makeovers from What Not to Wear or Good Morning America? Why? What is it about these shows and the people on them that draw you?
I love binge watching DIY shows from HGTV and my husband and I totally remodeled our 1000 sq. ft. studio space back in 2014.
I believe we are drawn to these shows because they give us confirmation that change is possible and can happen to us. The home you dream of, the clothes, hair and makeup changes that would show just how beautiful you are and build your confidence; these are what we see. We see “every day people” making their dreams come true and we want that for ourselves.
If you are in love with these shows too, are you inspired, motivated and driven by what you watch to make changes in your life? Do you only dream or do you run towards those dreams to make them a reality? I’m here to tell you to run towards them and make your dreams come true.
I left a job I had for 22 years to follow my dream and to share it with others. I love what I do and it’s a lot of hard work and long days but even on my toughest days, I would not trade it for anything! If you have read my other blogs, you have heard about women who I have photographed and seen their images. You know that I love showing how amazing each one is in her own style. Many of these women had dreamed of a chance to be pampered for the day, to look amazing and feel great about themselves. Their photo shoots gave them a chance to be beautiful, sexy, retro-chic, strong, powerful and to see that in images they could take home. They are able to look at these images when their having a tough day and smile; knowing that they are beautiful and powerful.
You deserve to make your dreams a reality! Whatever your dreams are, the only way you can achieve them is to get up each day and purposefully work towards them. You can do this if it is what you really want. Go for it with your heart and your soul every single day and watch your dreams become your reality.
If you have dreamed of having a photo shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed.
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
Are you getting married and trying to decide what gift to give to your husband on your wedding day? Well, wonder no more! The hot gift (pun intended) that is trending now is gifting your boudoir images in a keepsake box or album. What man wouldn’t like beautiful pictures of the woman he loves, taken especially for him?
I have done numerous boudoir sessions for women to give as gifts on their wedding day and the response has always been awesome.
“He loved the pictures and the beautiful custom box. He never expected them but keeps looking at them and can’t stop smiling! “
Some women are nervous when they arrive for their pre-shoot consultation and uncertain what they should wear and how they should pose. It’s my job to help you with that! We set you up with a private Pinterest board where you can pin photos that inspire you and that show what you like. We talk about what you may own and what you have in mind for your outfits and props.
During these conversations, I’ve had women share some of their concerns.
“I know there are certain expectations for bridal boudoir, but I’m not really comfortable in that pose because it isn’t really my style.”
Or I hear…
“I’m not the sexy lingerie type so I guess this isn’t something I can do.”
This is where I stop everything! There is no specific type or required pose!
You Should Be You!
It’s so important to me that this misconception be removed from your thoughts!
If you do a search for Bridal Boudoir or Groom’s Gift photos, you may see some basic repeat images but no one should ever tell you what the best style choice is for you. This is a very intimate gift for a couple to share and should reflect what’s important and special to the two of you.
If you are the cowgirl to his cowboy, bring your hat and boots! If you love sharing evenings cuddled up watching old detective movies, a trench coat over your sexy lingerie might be your style. If you share your free time watching your favorite sports team, a jersey or a piece of sports equipment may be a super prop. If you want to use your veil for some images, bring it in!
The most important part of making these images that you will both treasure, is making sure they’re customized with things that are special to you, things that will make you both laugh and smile when you see them. Things that even years later will hold a special memory when you look at your images.
This experience is so much more than just getting him a special gift. This is also a gift of a day just for you! What better way to take some time to relax and have fun?
“I came in with the thought that I was getting a gift he would love, but when we were done and I saw my pictures, I realized this was a day that I got as much out of for myself! I had so much fun, I love all my pictures and it was such a boost to my confidence.”
There is no better gift to give to someone you love than something that shows you were thinking of them and that you have put your personality into. We are here to help you through every stage of your preparation and session. We will help you with wardrobe ideas, guide you through poses and make this an experience you will love!
I’ve been meaning to write this for a while and decided now is a great time to just get this done! I hear “reasons” all the time from women why they can’t do a boudoir session and I’m telling you today that those “reasons” are really just excuses! I’m a huge believer in loving yourself as you are today in this very moment, and if you aren’t quite there yet, we can help empower you to see yourself as the confident, individual Dream Girl that you are. So, without further ado, here are the Top 10 excuses women tell themselves (and me) why they can’t do a boudoir shoot right now, and my responses to them and YOU!
#1) I need to lose 5 or 10 lbs. first
Most women who say they need to lose weight before their session are really just afraid they won’t like what they see in their photos. I’m not trying to discourage you from committing to a weight loss journey if it is for your health and emotional well-being, however, you DON’T need to lose weight to look good in your photographs! I believe that every woman is beautiful as she is right now, and I know how to pose you and use studio lighting to enhance your best features. In addition, utilizing our professional hair and makeup services before your photoshoot provides you with the extra confidence boost to feel ABSOLUTELY GLAMOROUS!
#2) I’m not very photogenic
The right photographer can take awesome photos of ANY woman no matter her shape, size or experience. Pose coaching and directing is a huge part of what I do, and is essential even in the images that appear “candid”. Coaching you into the pose, allows you to relax and not worry if you’re “doing it right”. You will know exactly what to do and how to do it. I will make sure you don’t feel awkward in front of the camera.
#3) I don’t own any sexy lingerie and garters / stockings aren’t my ‘thing’
Here is a small list of what clients wore in some of our favorite photoshoots:
Matching bra and panties
Yours or your significant other’s button-up shirt
Tank top or camisole
Oversized sweater
A satin robe or kimono
Or just a bed sheet…
Whatever it is that shows your personality works! And remember, this can also be a great opportunity to go shopping and get something new.
#4) What if he doesn’t like my pictures
Trust me, he will! Most significant others already love you for who you are and think that you are beautiful in your everyday look. We will be photographing you looking amazing, sexy and confident. No man in his right mind wouldn’t appreciate gorgeous images of the woman he loves. Here is a quote I received from a previous client:
“… He was so pleased with how they all came out. He actually teared up. He said how happy I looked and that he was really glad I ended up doing them even … He loved how special they were. And I know he will treasure them…”
#5) I’m shy and don’t know how to be sexy
That’s perfect! As a matter of fact, it can be easier to photograph women who don’t have a preconceived interpretation of what “sexy” looks like. I can direct or provoke a thought that will effortlessly capture a sexy expression in a way to appear completely candid. Just wait until you’ve seen your pictures!
#6) Everyone will see my pictures
No, no, no! You may have seen boudoir portraiture on our web page, blog posts, advertising and possibly our newsletter; Portraits that YOU may not feel comfortable sharing with the public. However, we only share photographs of women that allow us to display their images so that other women can see the potential beauty that lies within them. We have every client sign a release form that either grants or denies us rights to showcase your beautiful portraits. The choice is completely yours if you want them to remain completely private or not.
#7) I can’t afford a boudoir photo session
I won’t pretend to completely know your financial situation. HOWEVER, I will say a couple of things. First, you may not be able to drop several hundred dollars at this very moment, but we can help make your dream photoshoot come true by setting up a payment plan for you. Second, you can save for a photoshoot just like you would a girl’s night out, a vacation, or that designer handbag you really want! A boudoir photo session is an investment, but it is something you may only have the chance to do once in your life. If you want a confidence-boosting, unforgettable experience with quality portraits to cherish for a lifetime, you can have it!
#8) I’m too old to have boudoir photos taken
Are you too old to feel special, appreciated or beautiful? You get to choose to embrace who you are throughout life’s many beautiful stages. You may not be that same girl as you were in your early 20’s but now you’re even better…you’re a woman. A strong, beautiful, independent woman.
#9) I don’t feel comfortable getting naked in front of strangers
That won’t be a problem with us because we do not shoot nude photography. We may imply nudity but you will be covered in all of your photographs. Boudoir portraits can be as covering as you want them to be. There is a spectrum of how revealing you want your portraits to be from fully clothed to a tasteful ILLUSION of nude. The important thing to remember is that we will meet you where you’re at. We will never have you do a pose or wear an outfit that you are not comfortable with. Also, remember that we will not share your portraits with anyone you don’t want seeing them, so you can feel comfortable showing more skin in front of the camera. In most cases, you will be wearing more than you would for a day at the beach.
#10) I’m not married and don’t have a boyfriend
Boudoir is more for YOU than anyone else. Realizing your beauty is one of the most incredible things a woman can experience and having amazing portraits of yourself looking absolutely ravishing is life changing. Here is a quote from one of my clients that actually made me cry when I read it that explains it all: “It was so much fun. I cried telling about my confidence issues, but I soon realized that I’m not the only one who feels that way. Today, I felt beautiful. Today, I felt powerful. Definitely makes me want to take a second look in the mirror and tell myself “I am worth every good thing that people say about me.” I am awesome and beautiful and quirky. I need to own it. That’s me. Like it or love it, it’s me!”
I hope I was able to address some of the excuses that we all tell ourselves. What it all boils down to is fear of the unknown and now that it’s no longer “unknown” you have nothing to be afraid of! So… what are you waiting for?
Book Your Boudoir Session Now and trust in us as professionals to take great care of you and help you bring out that side you’ve never seen before.
A graduate of the New York Institute of Photography, Marilyn has won awards for Best Artist and loves doing editorial style work as well as contemporary portraiture.As a member of the Better Business Bureau and the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce, she takes pride in operating a professional studio and being part of the local business organizations.
