Boudoir Photography
Let me start by saying that even if you are comfortable with your body, and confident, the idea of strutting around like a Victoria Secret model can be daunting even for the most secure.
I am not by any means 6 feet tall with legs that stretch on for days, and I was terrified to put it bluntly, walking into the studio, seeing the set and trying to imagine myself barely clothed in front of a camera. The idea of boudoir photography was as frightening as it was exciting. That being said, deciding to just “go for it” was one of the best choices I have ever made.
I ran in the front door at Perry Thompson Photography, trying to escape the gloomy drizzle of rain that had taken over the day, heart racing, and very nervous. Within minutes of being in the studio all of my fears dissipated. I was given a tour, offered a glass of wine, introduced to Perry, Jess, and Angie and immediately felt comfortable.
Perry, Jess Martin and Angie, are exceptionally open and encouraging, incredibly animated and full of energy; I couldn’t help but feel at ease instantly. Once I had settled in, talked over outfits, and ideas for the shoot with Jess and Perry, the preparation began. (And for all those that are a little lost on the direction you want the shoot to go, or how you would like it to look, they are more than helpful with ideas and suggestions!)
The first step in my transformation was the makeup. Jessica Morgan is the in house makeup artists and she is absolutely fantastic. Incredibly energetic, friendly and full of compliments, I was completely beaming, and excited by the time she was finished. The makeup itself is hypoallergenic, lightweight, and applied in a way that is designed to photograph beautifully. I took one look at myself in the mirror, and was shocked. I couldn’t believe how gorgeous I looked!
Once I recovered, I couldn’t wait to start, even though there were still more than a few butterflies floating around in the pit of my stomach.
Wrapped in a black silk robe (provided by Perry) I stepped in front of the camera. Then it was finally time to drop the robe and start. My first couple frames were a bit awkward as I settled into being in front of the camera and then I heard Perry, and Jess gently coaching. “Move your hand just slightly this way”, “come towards the camera”…. It really helped me to have instructions, and freedom at the same time. I started to concentrate on the way my body was positioned, instead of the butterflies. Then I heard Perry again, “that’s great! Come take a look.”, and as I looked at the camera and saw all the lighting, positioning, and well, everything come together on the screen, I was blown away. I was beautiful, I mean not just pretty or cute, I was hot! After seeing myself like that the last of the nerves melted away, and with each picture it became easier and more fun to pose, and to be playful.
Before I knew it, I was dancing to the music, laughing in between frames and having a blast! Perry would stop and show me photos along the way, each one better than the last, and Angie and Jess would be in and out, telling me how fabulous I looked, and how great the pictures looked. With each complement, and snap of the camera my confidence soared.
Once we finished, I started to think about the whole process and couldn’t believe what a transformation it was for me. And I don’t just mean a physical one. By the time I left the studio I felt sexy. I loved my body and had more confidence than I’ve ever had. It was an extraordinary experience that I would highly recommend to anyone, whether it’s a present for a partner, or just for you. What better way to spend a rainy day!
