“Why a Boudoir Shoot? Frankly, I get bored easily which prompts me to step outside my box and try new experiences. I looked into “Boudoir Photography” several years ago and was disappointed with the photographers I found. One day during lunch, I was scrolling through Facebook and happened to find information about Kristen on my feed.
I thought, “What could it hurt?” and contacted her. I loved talking to her from the start! She wasn’t pushy about booking right away, sent me to her blog first to read about what she does and personal testimonies from clients. She was supportive and talked about pushing past comfort zones like skydiving . . . did she really just bring up skydiving? I am an adrenaline junky and absolutely fell in love with skydiving . . . needless to say, I booked my session and never regretted the decision.
From start to finish, Kristen was completely professional, with prompt responses to my questions and clear communication of what to expect throughout the process. Not to mention, the way she always felt so comfortable to me . . . from the first correspondence and face to face meeting, the shoot and viewing, the conversation was always easy and relaxed, like we had been lifelong friends. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the entire process and the final results were better than I could have ever imagined!!
In middle school, we all try to fit in, want to be popular and don’t buck what society thinks. I was no different. A teacher, who I owe a great deal of gratitude to, chewed me out for a poor decision I made during this time and helped shape a healthy level of self-confidence early on for me and even now with an amazing husband whose love is completely unconditional, my confidence remains constant. But as a confident woman at a less than ideal weight according to “society,” I decided to book a shoot with Kristen, not for myself, but for the man who loves “his ideal wife” and our approaching anniversary. I decided to keep my plans a surprise for him, which was pure torture, and learned to become a master at deflecting so I wouldn’t ruin it.
After opening the album, my husband was excited with his present, but was a little confused . . while I am confident, I am not one to be the center of attention and prefer to be behind the camera lens rather than of in front of it. As I explained that ever outfit choice, prop and pose was with him in mind, he began to realize the magnitude of this gift . . . as did I! I never imagined the effect this present would have on our relationship and how it would strengthen our love!
For me, being seen in lingerie wasn’t the struggle, stepping out of the shadows and putting myself in the spotlight was.
As wives and mothers, we all too often forget to love and make time for ourselves too. Sometimes loving yourself means doing something so out of character that you find that missing piece again.
That’s what this shoot did for me! Why my initial intentions were to surprise my husband with some pictures just for him. It uncovered the part that was behind my husband and two beautiful daughters, content in being buried.
Lately, I find myself handing the camera off to the hubs and stepping into the spotlight more. It’s being noticed by our two beautiful, young ladies, who are quickly approaching the age where “society” dictates what they should look like and wear, when their bodies should mature and who they should be friends with . . . I am NOT about to let my girls fall into that trap! I want to be the living, breathing role model they see in front of the camera without makeup or filters, who isn’t afraid to speak out against gross misrepresentations within society and move from the back ground to the forefront . . . not just for their well being, but for my own.
At the age of 39, I will continue to be an example and to never let “society” define who anyone should be. If you are on the fence about booking a session with Kristen, do it! You will come out with a lot more than just sexy images! You will find more of yourself than you ever imagined!!
