How to Feel Sexy When You Just Don't

Women come to me usually for two reasons:  either they feel really beautiful and sexy and want me to capture that for them, or they don’t feel sexy at all and need that confident boost.  Of course there are other reasons women get boudoir done, but those are the top two.  You may be the in the latter camp. 

Although I do find that a boudoir session carries lasting results for clients including a sense of newfound confidence and a reassurance that they are indeed beautiful, sometimes we just have those days when we feel about as sexy as a pissing toad.

I mean, Mama June went and got herself a beach body and I’m still over here eating cookies for breakfast.  That’s ok.  My boobs match my butt.  I put my big girl panties on, which may or may not include a leopard print, look in the mirror, and pull my confidence secrets out of my hat.  Let me share a few:

Whether I’m wearing make-up or not, I fill in my brows. It’s the first step to looking more put-together, and well, younger.  Most of us want to look as young as possible.  Plus, it frames my face.  A microblading appointment with Lauren Haley is definitely next up on the beauty list.

Next, I might throw on an off-the-shoulder or cold-shoulder top to show off my neckline.   It’s super feminine, and if I’m feeling really extra, I’ll put some highlighter along my collarbone.

Sometimes all we need is lipstick and mascara.  Of course, I’m partial to Limelight by Alcone’s Perfect Lipstick which is super pigmented, but no so matte that it makes my lips feel dry, and my lash-lengthening Perfect Mascara that has fibers already in the formula, but no matter which brand you use, there’s just something about lipstick and mascara that serves as a quick mood booster.  Give me lashes.  Give me lips.  Give me the world. 

 
 

Do something outside your comfort zone.  When we’re feeling too comfortable, we develop limitations.  We suddenly convince ourselves that there are certain things we can’t do.  Getting a little uncomfortable helps you reinforce positive attributes about yourself.  Doing a boudoir session is one way to get out of your comfort zone, but it could be as something as simple trying a new machine at the gym. 

Gym…did someone say exercise?  Yep.  I do it at least four times a week.  It’s a mood booster that gets the endorphins going, and keeps the doctor at bay. 

Then, after you’ve done your session with me, get comfortable accepting compliments and accolades.  See below. 

 
 

Are You Ready to Make Your Confidence Soar?  

Home for the Holidays: Making The Group Photo Drama-Free!

It’s like a scene from a movie.  Your hard-of-hearing aunt misunderstands everything.  Your redneck cousin camps his RV on your front lawn, and grandpa is always drunk before noon. 

That’s probably why Victor Borge once said, “Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people once a year.”

 
 

Still, we always decide to get a group photo.  Gathering up family members for said photo can resemble herding cattle, and it's practically a guarantee that someone in the group will blink at the same time the shutter is pressed.  I can’t relieve family tensions but I can help make the annual group photo a little less stressful.  Here are some tips to try regardless of what camera you’re using:

1)   Put Your Camera or Phone into Burst Mode to increase the chances of getting a shot where everyone is smiling or not blinking.

2)   Now is the time for family togetherness; the closer everyone gets in the shot, the more detailed faces are.  Get as close as you can yourself either by standing closer or shooting with a zoom lens.

3)   Raise your chins to avoid a double chin but not too far; you don’t want everyone looking like a giraffe.

4)   Take the shot at the beginning of the event before anyone starts drinking and still looks they’re best.

5)   Try shooting from above.  This works especially well when you limited space to back up to try and fit everyone in and it’s a large group. 

6)   If you’re taking photographs outdoors, place friends or family with their backs to the sun.  This way, you avoid glare and squinty eyes.  If you’re indoors, find light that faces your group so you can avoid using the flash which can give a harsh look to photos.  The least flattering light comes from overhead or the side, so avoid that where you can.

Now that you're armed to take the family selfie, don't forget about yourself.  Get Your Short Guide on How to Look Gorgeous in Photos Every Time!  

 
 

One Love: A Celebration in Glitter

Glitter.  It's known as the herpes of the crafting world and yet I have an unending love affair with glitter.  I think it's because I suffer from Shiny Object Syndrome.  If it shines, I must have it. 

So, what could be better than two ridiculously good looking men and a whole lot of sparkle?

I had them take turns applying glitter to each other. 

Love.  ❤️  Sprinkle it everywhere.  

8 Myths About Boudoir Photography

I need to lose weight first.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  I always say that I can do with more lighting and posing than you can with six months at the gym. 

We may get thinner but we’re not getting younger. 

I Don’t Wear Lingerie and/or I Don’t Want to Get Naked.  You don’t have to be naked or wear lingerie.  I know how to shape light to conceal as well as reveal. See my POST on alternatives to lingerie for non-lingerie ideas. 

 
 

Boudoir is Porn.  Porn objectifies and demeans its subject; it’s explicit in nature.  Boudoir photography captures your beauty in a sensual and tasteful manner.  It’s about making the subject look and feel incredible.

 
 

Boudoir is only for young women.  Boudoir is for every BODY and every AGE.  One of my clients gets new photos done every year to honor herself.   I’ve had clients from age 19-65!

Boudoir photography is a One-Time Experience.  False.  The confidence boost can be addictive.  I have many repeat clients, and they often come back for different reasons:  birthdays, bridal boudoir, anniversaries, and even maternity.

Boudoir photography is Only for Those Who Have a Partner:  Wrong again.  Many clients come in to celebrate weight loss, birthdays, breast cancer recovery, or just to have beautiful photos to capture them at their current age and weight.

You Need to Look Like a Model.  Nope.  You don’t need to look like, or pose like a professional model.  It’s my job to guide you into the right poses, choose the right lighting, and give you the same editing and post-production that models get.

Getting Photographed by a Stranger is Scary.  I promise you that I’m furthest thing from scary.  I’m a little goofy, but it is always my primary goal to make you feel comfortable.  We’ll chat before your session so I can get to know you a little better, and I provide an all-female environment. 

It seems that most of these myths are rooted in fear.  Have you ever noticed that when you say  “yes” to new experiences that good things happen?

I just opened a new studio and I’m celebrating with a limited number of boudoir sessions for $99. Book yours below!