A Little Boudie

When I first heard of boudoir photo shoots it was always whispered. A woman wanted sexy photos for her husband. Something that he can tuck away and enjoy at his leisure. This was before cell phones had cameras. Then, Samantha Jones had nudes taken of herself, for herself and she proudly displayed her body in her apartment and I started to think about my body differently.

I have always wanted to do a boudoir style photo shoot. I guess I never quite felt confident enough or timing was off or I just didn't know how to start finding someone to shoot the photos. Thank goodness for the internet. I think turning 30 really had a profound effect on me. I have so much more of a "don't care" attitude and have really grown into loving me and my body like I could have never before. People are always telling women to cover up or be sexier without actually asking her what she wants. Not only did I want photos to keep, forever memorializing this time in my life in which I not only look fabulous, I feel it too, but I wanted to share that taking control of your sexuality can look however you want it to look. Having a few sexy photos taken doesn't always mean you're doing it for someone else's gaze (and it's also totally okay if you are!). Sure, my husband really enjoys the product of the shoot, but that's not why I had these taken. I am petite which does make it easier to see myself in a better light in today's society, but I've also struggled with body image along with probably every other woman. Wearing glasses full time, having a baby face, keeping my hair shorter, being just "small" has sometimes made me think I'm not "sexy" (whatever that even means). But I am! Those things don't stop me and they definitely don't have to stop you. So, if you've always wanted to do one and you're waiting for a sign - this is it. Just do it. You're gorgeous enough, you're sexy enough, you're smart enough, you are enough. Do it for you. Do it for your lover. Just know, you're going to be surprised at just how amazing you are seeing yourself through someone else's eyes and lens.

For my shoot, I wanted to work with The Delicate Studio. Shooting with Maggie and The Delicate Studio was a delightful experience. Before the actual day of the shoot, Maggie made sure I was prepared for the day with a lot of communication on protocol and what to expect. I was able to walk in fairly confident with how the day was going to proceed. The package included full hair and makeup by a makeup artist which was a blast. I'm wearing false eyelashes! I brought a few lingerie pieces from my personal wardrobe, but there is a client closet to go through once you're there. Honestly, I loved those pieces so much, I only used one of my pieces. I actually was planning on only using outfits from the closet, but one didn't fit quite right, so it was best to go with mine. With hair and makeup, picking out lingerie, the actual shoot, small edits by Maggie, and picking out photos to purchase it was a full day. It was all about me and making me look my best, so honestly, I didn't mind a bit and it felt like a blip. 

The actual shoot was so much fun. I take all my own photos, so working with a photographer was lovely. While I'm used to posing, having someone tell me to lean my head in such a way or fix a stray hair was the most helpful. Maggie did such a great job at making me not only feel comfortable, but just absolutely beautiful. Need a hype girl? Maggie has your back. It didn't matter how much or how little clothing I was wearing, I didn't feel awkward at all. I can't speak to how she felt, but since she does shoot nearly naked or fully naked bodies on the regular, she probably didn't think twice about it. Throughout the shoot, she showed me a few photos which was so helpful because I could see in real time how they were turning out. Even the raw footage was gorgeous. I've been following her social media for awhile now (check her out @thedelicatestudioboudoir) and just adore her photography style. Not only did we capture deliciously sexy photographs, we were able to grab some sweet and just really pretty shots. I will definitely be scheduling another shoot in the future.

This was rambling and I could go on forever about sex and sexuality and women in today's society, but a boudoir photo shoot is for everyone and every body. Get it, girl.