When I reached out to Mahtab, asking her to share her boudoir session experience, her response was an enthusiastic “Yes!” Her story continues to be a profound source of inspiration, serving as a constant reminder of the transformative power that this art form holds.
I used to hate how I looked in pictures. In fact, my social profile picture hasn’t changed in years. I felt happier back then, looking younger and rested, so why disrupt a good thing? So, when the idea of a boudoir session crossed my mind, it felt like a crazy notion. I had just gone through a divorce, and my life seemed to be falling apart. I was working overtime, barely finding time for myself. Feeling beautiful was the last thing on my mind.
I wondered, if I didn’t have a special someone to share these images with, who was I doing this for? Who would look at them and tell me I’m beautiful? Was it even something I should do just for myself?
I never considered myself a sensual person, and my lingerie collection was practically nonexistent. Doubt and anxiety consumed me. But then I questioned myself, why was I allowing doubt to cloud my mind about something that felt like a personal desire? Something that could potentially help me reconnect with the pieces of myself I had lost over the years of struggles.
So, I made the bold decision. I booked that day and said, ‘F it, I’m in.’ I knew I could never go back to who I was before. It was time to close that chapter of my life and move forward.
I prepared for my session as much as possible, meticulously checking off all the items on my to-do list. Nails and toes? Done. Waxing? Nope, not today. I decided to embrace my natural self. New lingerie from incredible brands I had never even heard of? Check!
And then, before I knew it, the day arrived. It was my Boudoir Session Day. I shuffled into the studio, braless, wearing nothing but my comfiest pajamas and a clean face. My vibe? A day-after grunge look.
As I stepped into The Undressing Room, Emily greeted me warmly and took care of all the items I brought. She handed me a glass of champagne (my requested session drink) and settled me into the makeup chair for a chat. I can’t express how instantly at ease Emily made me feel.
And Miranda, the makeup artist, was an absolute dream! She was kind, creative, and genuinely thrilled to be there with me. She embraced my vision of a more grunge, lived-in look, and brought it to life flawlessly. I looked perfect. And let me tell you, it felt absolutely amazing.
As we moved into the shooting space for the session, the atmosphere instantly put me at ease. Emily’s amazing playlist of music playing in the background created a gentle rhythm that seemed to flow with exactly what I needed to hear. As the session began, there was a beautiful synergy between Emily’s gentle posing guidance and the music. She was guiding me through each pose with constant positive affirmations and coaching, making me feel like I was a queen and doing exactly what she needed me to be doing to fulfill her vision.
When I caught a glimpse of the back of the camera and saw a sneak peek of the images, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was me—confident, radiant, and utterly captivating. The doubts that had plagued me for years slowly dissolved, replaced by a newfound appreciation for my own unique beauty. Seeing myself through the lens of Emily’s camera was a transformative experience, and I couldn’t wait to see the final images.
When the time came to review my images and select the ones for my album, my heart raced with both fear and excitement. As each image appeared on the screen, I felt a surge of emotion—pride, joy, and a profound sense of self-acceptance. It was a powerful reminder that my journey was not about conforming to societal standards but embracing my own authenticity.
I chose to order an album, a physical keepsake that I could hold in my hands and flip through whenever I needed a reminder of my strength and resilience. As I received my album, carefully crafted with my chosen images printed on fine art paper, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. It was a testament to the transformation I had undergone and a celebration of my journey toward self-love.
Looking back on my boudoir experience, I am overwhelmed with empowering emotions. It was so much more than just a photoshoot. It was a moment of reclaiming my identity, shedding the weight of my doubts and sadness, and embracing my new chapter. I came away from this experience with an unwavering belief in my own beauty, and a deep understanding that loving myself is a journey worth embarking on.
To anyone who finds themselves doubting, questioning, or hesitating, I say take the leap. Emily created the ultimate boudoir experience that made me feel completely safe and free. Embrace the discomfort, challenge the preconceived notions, and give yourself permission to be vulnerable. In that vulnerability lies immense strength, and through boudoir photography, you can unlock a world of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and unapologetic self-love. It’s a transformative journey that will empower you beyond measure. Trust me, you are worth it.
Want more? Check out our blog on shattering your excuses here!
May 17, 2023
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I left a career in tech to be immersed into this world of photographing women. I love connecting and talking about this stuff. Even if you're unsure, reach out! I may not be the right person for you, or I may be exactly what you need...
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