Your mind will go though an obstacle course of thoughts, feelings, and emotions regarding your booking your first boudoir photoshoot. These are the stages and what to expect.
Stage 1 :
“I’d love to do that someday, but I could never!”
This is the stage most of you are currently at, I’m guessing. The stage where you’ve considered inquiring (or maybe you already have once or twice…. Or 7 times lol) This is the stage where you see others doing it, maybe even your friends and you’ve thought about it every time you’ve seen me share a post or heard someone talk about their own session. Maybe you’ve read reviews from my previous clients or even chatted with your friend about their experience but every time you try to imagine yourself doing a boudoir session you panic and think “there’s no way..” That’s normal.
In fact, it’s so normal I’ve even done it myself. 🙃 You’re not alone. Feeling like you can’t pull it off or “I’d never look like that” is just one of the many emotional/mental states you’ll go through during your boudoir experience but I can tell you, if you can push past the self doubt and move on to the next stage of this incredible experience, you won’t regret it!
Maybe your hold back is MONEY. Money is such a taboo topic but it shouldn’t be. Everyone has a budget, everyone has things they put value on over others. Putting value on yourself is often one of the hardest parts for a lot of people and I understand that completely. Which is why I’ve done my best to come up with several ways for anyone who puts value on themselves and genuinely wants this experience, to be able to book a session. Please reach out for additional information on payment plans, mini sessions and several other options I have available.
Stage 2:
Burst of spontaneity- “If she can do it, so can I!”
This is the stage where you let go of self doubt in a moment of spontaneity and take the leap. Maybe a friend finally talked you into it, your partner begged you to give it a shot or something I shared spoke to you in that moment… whatever it is that gave you that courage, you’ve finally done it. Your heart is pounding in your chest, your palms are a little sweaty but you’re excited and ready! You’ve got this. Heavy breathing Remember that feeling, it’ll come in handy through the next stages.
Stage 3:
FEAR. “Holy shit, what TF did I just do?!”
Maybe your excitement lasted a week, maybe it lasted an hour… either way, now you’re probably scared and freaking out wondering what you just got yourself into. You’re frantic searching for a way out, a cancel button… a reschedule. Whatever you can do to get out of it, you’re trying because there is no way you can do this. Again, you’re not alone. You wouldn’t believe all of the “I’m not sure I can do this” messages I get. Trust me, you can reach out and let me know how you’re feeling anytime. I’m used to it and in fact, I ENJOY talking to clients about their fears and concerns because it allows me to help you work through these very normal and common emotions.
You’re going to think I’m crazy but the fear is actually a very important stage to work through during this whole experience. Stay with me for a minute.
Imagine you’re 7 years old again, you’re at an amusement park and for the first time in your life you’re finally tall enough to ride the BIG rollercoaster you’ve seen so many other kids ride. You stand at the entrance and watch as other kids run to get in line, so excited and fearless! They’re all SO confident, but how?! You’re standing there watching the coaster do spins and rolls and there’s people laughing with their hands in the air like it’s the easiest thing in the world. And there you are, sweating, heart pounding and trying to talk yourself out of that line… but you stay bc every person that runs off that ride looks so happy and you start to imagine yourself on the other side. What if you can? What if the fear is all in your head? What if you’re talking yourself out of something life changing? So you throw caution to the wind and you jump on the ride when it’s your turn. You close your eyes and throw your hands up, because what is life if we aren’t willing to do those things that scare us? By the end of the ride you’re running out of the exit, so proud of yourself and so full of excitement and adrenaline! As you’re running to get back in line for a second ride, you see another girl standing at the entrance, chewing her nails and watching everyone else get off the ride. You KNOW what that feels like, so as you run to get back in line so full of confidence in yourself and your ability to do scary things, you grab her hand and tell her “Come on! You can do it! It’s not as scary as you imagine it’ll be” and next time, you ride together.
❤️ When we do scary things and push past self doubt, we actually encourage others to do the same and trust me, that feels really freaking good on so many levels.
STAGE 4:
PREPARATION
This is the stage where you’ve accepted that you’re going through with it, you won’t let yourself back out. It’s now or never and you’re READY… except, you’re not. Use this time to go over my pre session prep guide. It’s full of great information and answers all your questions such as, “Should I spray tan? Wax?” Or “What do I wear?!?” It goes over all those questions, provides plenty of good information about what to expect and allows you to feel truly prepared for your session. You’re also welcome to reach out and chat with me about anything you feel like you need to discuss further. I’m always happy to help!
Stage 5:
NERVES
Yep, sorry to tell ya… but you’ll probably get nervous again the day before or the day of your session. Again, it’s normal. Most clients walk through the door and the first thing they say is “Omg, I’m so nervous” I’m actually surprised when clients aren’t a ball of nerves but to be honest, I love it, BECAUSE I know there’s a transformation coming soon. I know you’re going to relax and start to feel more comfortable and even confident once we get started. We will choose outfits together, talk, listen to music and before you know it we’ll be finished and you’re going to wonder why you were ever scared in the first place. I walk my clients through the whole process! You’re never left to figure anything out. From hair and makeup with my amazing HMUA to choosing outfits, posing etc. I walk you through it all and even show you photos on the back of the camera the whole time so you can feel confident knowing we are getting some incredible shots the whole time.
Stage 6:
CONFIDENCE
Sounds cliche, I know… but you really are going to feel like a whole new person after. Better yet, you’ll feel like the most confident version of YOU. One of MY favorite moments, and the reason I love this job so much, is watching you see yourself in a new light. I have sat and cried with clients, gotten vulnerable with clients and truly watched clients open up and embrace their bodies. I want you to come in and feel comfortable in a space that allows you to be YOU without judgment. My ultimate goal is to help you transform your MIND into a place, that even for a little while, is a place that you feel empowered, beautiful and sexy! I know first hand how that feels and I want as many people to feel that feeling as possible. I hope I can do that for you! The emotions that come and go after your boudoir session will be all over the place I’m sure bc no one feels amazing about their body or life every single day. But I hope that the confidence you get from your boudoir session with me is lasting and that on the hard days you can look back at your photos and remember the stages you went through to get to the other side and I hope you’re proud of yourself. It’s your turn, you can do this!
Embracing the journey through doubt, fear, and nerves leads to a transformation of confidence and empowerment. Letting go of self-doubt opens the door to incredible experiences and self-discovery. Your boudoir session is not just about capturing images; it's about embracing yourself wholly and finding empowerment in vulnerability.
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FAQ's
What if I'm too nervous to go through with it?
Feeling nervous is completely normal! We'll talk through your concerns and help ease your nerves every step of the way.
I'm worried about how I'll look in the photos. Can you help?
Absolutely! We'll work together to choose outfits and poses that make you feel comfortable and confident. Plus, I'll show you images throughout the session so you can see how amazing you look.
Is there a payment plan available?
Yes, I offer various payment options to accommodate different budgets. Reach out for more information on payment plans and mini sessions.
What if I'm not sure about makeup and wardrobe choices?
Don't worry! We'll discuss makeup, wardrobe options, and any other concerns you have during our pre-session consultation. I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
How long does a typical session last?
Sessions typically last a few hours, allowing plenty of time for hair and makeup, outfit changes, and capturing stunning images.
Will my photos be kept private?
Your privacy is my priority. I'll only share images with your explicit permission, ensuring your comfort and confidentiality.
What if I'm not happy with the final results?
Your satisfaction is essential to me. We'll work closely together throughout the session to ensure we capture images that you love. If you have any concerns afterward, I'm always here to address them.
Do I need any prior experience with modeling or photography?
Not at all! My goal is to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where you can be yourself. No modeling experience is necessary, just bring your authentic self.
What sets your boudoir sessions apart from others?
I prioritize creating a safe, judgment-free space where you can embrace your beauty and feel empowered. From personalized attention to professional guidance, my focus is on capturing your unique essence and celebrating your journey.