Anonymous Boudoir Shoot

Honestly, I get nervous a lot before I start shooting, anxiety is a real bitch. *hard eye roll* Every single session is ran differently based on discussions with the client while we game plan during hair and makeup and outfit selection, so I too don’t fully know what we will be creating, until we do it! That’s part of the fun! BUT, when this new girlfriend said she wanted all anonymous images because of insecurity, I started sweating y’all. I knew she was kinda freaking out inside, but she was serious. I share a lot of anonymous images based on client approval, but I shoot A LOT of portraits focused on the face. I was forced to think outside the box and I love so many of her images that I have never posed that way before. I did set her up in a dozen or so shots that are favorite portrait poses, and held my breath. She is absolutely stunning, and I prayed she would see what I was seeing. I was thrilled with our creations, but deep seeded insecurities can completely look past truth and still only see their versions. Her viewing is on that list of ones I will never forget, mostly because I was as nervous as she was, and I cried after seeing how they impacted her so powerfully! She’s a client that I added into my gratitude journal because she was one that reminded me of my purpose in really big ways. See what she had to say below, as well as a couple handfuls of her shots!

Forever thankful for your trust, Amanda

Much love and excitement,  

Amanda Collette  

Q: What brought you to book a boudoir experience?

A: I wanted to do it for close to a decade before actually booking a session. I think I finally had a moment of realization that I will never “feel ready” or have that “perfect body”. That’s what finally pushed me to do it. If not now, when? The unrealistic goals we set for ourselves prior to a session is ridiculous. If you’re on the fence, I recommend just pulling the trigger and DO IT!

Q: How did you feel leading up to, and during your experience?

A: Oh god, absolutely awful. I would break out in sweats just thinking about it during the weeks leading up to it. The morning of I ugly cried half way to Amanda’s. I can barely undress in front of my husband, how can I do it in front of a total stranger? Terrified was an understatement to describe how I felt leading up to the day.

Q: Describe your experience to your best friend. Give us the hype! 

A: The best thing I’ve ever done for myself in my life. Hands down I don’t think I’ll ever feel so comfortable in my own skin as I did during the shoot. Sure, some things are a bit awkward, but Amanda is nothing less than professional, and you will leave glowing and feeling empowered!

Q: How did seeing your final images at viewing make you feel?

A: It was almost surreal- is that really me? No, can’t be. I could never look THAT GOOD. What is this voodoo I’m looking at? It took me a few good minutes to actually come to terms with what I was seeing. I finally saw myself how my husband sees me. I finally felt worthy of compliments and love.

Q: Has your experience impacted your personal life, self esteem, confidence, relationships, etc. in a way you’d like to share? 

A: The entire experience has impacted me enough to want and look forward to doing it again. Who says that about stripping down in front of a stranger? That’s how impactful it was to me. I did it for myself, not for anyone else, and I’m so glad I did. I don’t bother at myself so much in the mirror anymore. I don’t focus nearly as much on my “flaws”. When I shared some of my images with my husband I had a complete breakdown. I don’t know how to explain it other than it was very cathartic experience. I was finally able to let go of a lot of my insecurities. I finally felt proud and thankful of my body.

Q: Anything you’d like to add in your blog feature?!  

A: You wouldn’t have met a more self deprecating person than me prior to this experience. I haven’t owned a swimsuit since middle school, and I don’t even own a pair of shorts because how ashamed I was of my body. Now I’m slowly learning to become friends with my body. We should be celebrating our bodies, and what makes us unique instead of constantly comparing and trying to shape ourselves into this perfect mold of “what is beautiful”. We are all stunning, and I’m so thankful for people like Amanda who are able to give us that confidence, and who finally shows us that we are beautiful, and worthy of love and happiness. Life is too short, let’s enjoy the ride we are on. Ditch the negativity no matter how hard that seems and BOOK THE SESSION!