March 29, 2021

Bootyful Boudoir

This shoot came about because I have been following this body positive queen on Instagram.

Her handle (and name for the sake of this article) is @hola.natural.

I love all manner of boudoir shoots. Sometimes, the models don't want their pictures used for advertising. Fair enough. These photos are about the self, and a personal journey. They are not about seeking the acceptance and approval of others. So, I reached out to @hola.natural to see if she would be interested in posing for a boudoir shoot to spread some beautiful body positive images over social sites.

We should be seeing all bodies represented in these types of shoots because they are for everyone.

So, I send my whole-hearted appreciation to this woman. She is on her own body positive campaign and self-love journey.

Seeing women take part in these shoots inspires others to do the same and thank their bodies for what they do for them every day.

Being her first professional boudoir shoot, @hola.natural was a little nervous and brought her incredibly supportive mum along as a cheer leader and lingerie assistant. After all, some of these undergarments can be a little tricky.

Only a few years ago, in a tough time in her life, @hola.natural's mum also did a boudoir shoot and found it really lifted her spirts. She says she felt an overwhelming sense of female empowerment.

Ever the professional model, @hola.natural allowed me to snap some in a veil to further inspire my bridal boudoir clients.

There is a huge push out there intimating that sexy bridal photos should be a gift for your future spouse. They do make lovely personal gifts, but the positive feedback I get is more often about how a bridal boudoir shoot really delivers a much-needed boost in self-confidence needed before walking through a day where everyone you love is staring at you, your outfit, and your relationship. It can be daunting. Walking in off a boudoir-high, having looked at the photos before heading to the ceremony, can deliver a delightful twist in attitude, from being a little fearsome to "Yeah! you should look at me. Woohoo!"

So, we took the bridal boudoir photos first and then changed to another outfit. I tend not to advise too heavily on lingerie choice because I want you to choose something you love, something you feel great in, or have bought new for yourself to dance around in. After warming up, and getting know each other a little better, a sexy black number was next to try for a few more risqué poses.

Unless specifically asked, I do not edit out stretch marks. I don’t “skinny-fy” figures or perfectly smooth skin because these things are a part of you and make an image interesting and real. My rule of thumb: if it won't be there in 2-3 days, like a mozzy bite, pimple, or razor rash, I will edit it out. Everything else can stay. Why? Because everyone looks great under a snap-chat filter, but you need to see how stunning you are without it.A realistic, professional shoot can highlight the parts you love about yourself. Nice lighting and a wee bit of effort in styling can go a long way in showing off your amazing body.

AND A THIRD OUT-FIT FOR VARIETY

Can we get a little sexier?

As the shoot goes on, if you're feeling comfortable, we can set up some sexier poses, do a shower shot, a nude, or even some couples’ poses. If not, that's okay too. This is your time, and it is about your confidence.