Aug 2, 2014

Creative :: My friend Lori's lovely boudoir session ... Knoxville Tennessee Boudoir Photogrpahy

So, it's kind of silly that I have to say this, but if you are offended in any way by sexy photos, then please do not proceed with this blog post, because you will surely be offended.  And please do not post anything rude or negative in the commentary.  Instead if you would like to comment about how amazing Lori looks or how courageous she was for doing this session, then by all means lift her up!!!  My boudoir work is a celebration of women and is intended to boost the general morale around body image and sexuality.  (To read more about my philosophy on boudoir photography click here.)

Moving on ...

This amazing lady and I become friends over five years ago when she hired me to photograph her wedding.  She is one of the most refreshingly candid, open, and funny people I have ever met.  When she asked me about doing a boudoir session I nearly squealed with excitement because I knew she would be AMAZING!  She came to me with a ton of hesitations about being sexy and what to wear and you know all those typical insecurities that we all have.  I have to say I was a little disheartened when she didn't show up with the froggy pajama pants that she swears are her true lingerie.  No instead she swallowed her fears and gave herself permission to feel gorgeous and to be gorgeous in front of my camera.   And you can't just pull gorgeousness out of no where - it's always there you just have to free it.  So that's what Lori did and her photos are smokin' HOTTT!!!!  (even without the froggy pjs.)

AND THEN she gave me permission to share a few favorites on the blog which makes me SO HAPPY!!!  They are super private, so I completely respect that most ladies don't want to share.  But Lori was comfortable with it and she also did a little interview for the blog which I will be sharing for the rest of the post.  I hope you enjoy it!!!

This was Lori's facebook status the day she got to see her final photos:  For the love of God ... I'm just overwhelmed with happy today. I did something special for myself and for my hubby this year. I had purdy pictures made. The technical term is "boudoir", but whenever I think of boudoir I think of tacky, soft porn pictures couples take of each other then stash in their bedroom chest of drawers. Not me, baby. Not me. Those that know me (and many that don't! LOL) realize just how much I cringe at the thought of being photographed. I feel that I am profoundly non-photogenic and unattractive. It's unhealthy. I know. Occasionally, I come across an image of myself and think, "Meh. That's not bad." Those usually end up my profile pictures on Facebook. HAHA. Anyway, Julie Roberts also did my wedding, bridal, and engagement photos is a truly unique artist and person with an amazing philosophy on female beauty and body acceptance. Not only is she a talented artist, but she is also a wonderful person. I would allow and trust no one else to do this for me. And, boy, am I glad that I did!

•What were your thoughts/feelings/anxieties going into the session?

My biggest fear was that I would not be photogenic. I’m extremely photo-phobic. Participating in a boudoir session was way outside of my comfort zone.

•How did you work out your anxieties and allow yourself to doing a session like this?

First and foremost, I trust Julie and her artistic vision.That helped a whole lot. Second, running has given me a confidence in myself that I haven't had in a very long time. It's not a physical confidence, either. Don't translate that into "I feel fit so I'll look good naked" LOL. I've mentioned before that running hasn't drastically altered my appearance at all. It's altered my confidence in myself to participate in things I'm afraid of doing, but would like to do. It's kind of ... "If I can run then I can do this!"

•Did your nerves change throughout your session?

I had faith in Julie’s vision and ability as a photographic artist. Midway through the shoot I felt markedly less awkward and tense. By the time we were finished I felt like a supermodel. Ha! Maybe not quite that ambitious, but the more we worked together the more comfortable I became.

•What was is like working with Julie and Sara during the actual session?

Not only did Sara help with logistics, but she also helped keep the mood light and fun. Julie is remarkably easy and fun to work with in this style. She was patient with me and tremendously reassuring. She exudes casual confidence and her positive energy is contagious.

•What was your favorite thing about doing a boudoir session?

My favorite thing about doing a boudoir session was allowing myself to feel worthy of being photographed just as I am.

•Were you happy with the hair/make-up services provided by Bangs and Blush?

Overly! I went into this session having already made the decision to let the stylists of Bangs and Blush work their magic how they best saw fit. Immediately, Wendy wanted to work with my natural curl. Most stylist don’t, so I was inspired. I’m not someone that wears make-up on a daily basis, but I told Jamie not to let that dissuade her from doing something dramatic if she wanted to for this occasion. I am so pleased with the results.

•Why would you recommend other ladies have professional hair/make-up for this type of shoot? (or why not)

For me, having a team of professional hair and make-up artists alleviated some of the anxiety associated with doing a boudoir session. Knowing I was in good hands was confidence boosting. Besides, it was just plain fun.

•What is your review of Castleton Farms as a location specifically for boudoir sessions?

I think it’s a fantastic location for boudoir photography. There is plenty of privacy and locational versatility for differing tastes and styles.

What do you think? Leave me some feedback!

Enter text from image

Your Name

View My Blog Archives