You may or may not know that I recently added Boudoir Photography to my session offerings. My goal this January was to push myself creatively by trying a new kind of photography and I fell absolutely in love. While going through the process of starting this new venture I found that there are a lot of common misconceptions about Boudoir Photography and I'd like to clarify my vision of what Boudoir is, and what it isn't. The TL:DR I want you to walk away from this blog is that, for me, Boudoir is about empowerment, self-love, and a celebration of women.
What ATP Boudoir Photography Is
A Celebration of Self-Love and Confidence
Boudoir sessions are a way for women to celebrate their bodies and embrace their beauty. We all have varying levels of confidence when it comes to our bodies. Whether it's from what we see in the media or because of comments we've received in the past everyone has their thing. My goal is to show you just how gorgeous your body is!
"I've done a boudoir session before but this one was different. It was post 2 babies and my body is very different! The way Alli made me feel so beautiful, so confident and so comfortable during the session made all the difference in how my pictures came out. These are so tasteful, so beautiful and I'm so proud of how I look and feel when looking at them ❤️"
An Empowering Experience
My role as your boudoir photographer is to create a space that feels safe and supportive so that you are able to feel more comfortable at your session. Communication is the key to great session. Before the session we talk about everything from vision to insecurities. Then during your session I'm constantly checking in while guiding you through posing that accentuates your features. The experience is empowering and you see yourself in a completely new light.
A Gift to Yourself or a Loved One
Boudoir photos can be a meaningful gift to yourself or a partner. The reasons women come to me for boudoir vary and each is wonderful and beautiful. I've had women want boudoir sessions because:
- It's a big birthday and they want to remember their body at this age
- They have become mothers and their bodies look different but are still just as powerful
- They recently when through a divorce and want to remind themselves how beautiful on worthy they are
- They hit a personal milestone they want to celebrate
- It's part of their path in healing a trauma
- They are getting married and want to gift an album to their fiancé on the wedding day
- To celebrate a special anniversary
A Creative and Artistic Expression
These sessions are more than just photos, they are art! We will make choices together both before and during your session to create the artistic expression you desire. These choices come from posing, lighting, wardrobe, and setting. I cannot stress enough the importance of personal expression and creativity in your session. We want this session to feel like and empower YOU!
WHAT ATP BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY ISN'T
Not About Perfection or Comparison
I want to dispel the myth that you need to have a "perfect" body to do boudoir photography. Every woman is unique and beautiful just as she is FULL STOP.
Not About Objectification
My boudoir sessions are not about objectifying women. My role in our session is maintaining respect, dignity, and professionalism throughout the session. I never want you to feel uncomfortable in your skin, quite the opposite, I make sure to check in regularly to make sure you feel supported.
Not Just for Models or Brides
While it is a popular wedding gift, these sessions are not limited to brides. Women choose to have a boudoir session for many different reason. A recent client came because she was turning 40 and it felt like a fun way to celebrate where her body had brought her so far. Another recently went through are hard divorce and wanted to feel like she was taking back her power and uplift herself. Yet another knew she had had her last baby and after nursing her two babies had breast augmentation and wanted to celebrate her post baby body!
Not Inherently Sexual or Explicit
Boudoir photography is about sensuality and confidence, not explicit content. There is a line that we will not cross. You can have tasteful, elegant boudoir photos that capture the essence of femininity in a cozy sweater or jeans just as well as lingerie.
MY PROCESS: A BOUDOIR SESSION WITH ALLI
1.Pre-Session Consultation
These initial consultations are SO helpful for me to understand a clients comfort levels, preferences, and goals. It also begins building a rapport and trust between us. Before your session I send a questionnaire that helps me get to know you, what you love about your body, and what your insecurities are. After this and before session day I will be available to you to answer any questions you might have. We'll also set up a collaborative (private) Pinterest page to help create a mood board for your session.
2.The Session Day
It's session day! Hurray! The very first thing you can expect is a warm hug and a glass of champagne. We'll go through the studio and your outfits and then you'll be able to get changed to ready to begin. During the session I make sure to always let you know what we're doing, guide you through poses and make sure you're comfortable. I also like to show you my camera while we're working so you can get a good idea of what I'm capturing. Don't worry, you're going to look amazing!
3.Post-Session and Photo Selection
After the session it takes me about 3 weeks to select and edit your photos. But don't worry, you won't be waiting with nothing to see. You will get sneak peeks from me in the first week after your session. You will also get information about how to use your gallery once you get it and how to order prints or albums.
Albums are typically my most popular product for boudoir photos. You have the ability to design these yourself within your gallery, but if that feels like too much I will curate one for you at no extra cost!
