What’s up ladies.
Surprise! It’s time for some real talk again.
I feel like 2018 is the year of the empowered and liberated woman.
Don’t you agree?
Women are on the fucking rise.
Pardon my french, but there’s a feminine shift happening right now and it’s so incredible.
I want women to see the beauty in themselves just as they are right now!
I stepped way out of my comfort zone and booked a boudoir shoot with my friend and professional photographer, Natalie, a few months ago. Pre-baby this wouldn’t have been a big deal for me, but I still would have been very critical about my body (although I had no reason to be that way). Now things are a bit different. I still have baby weight on me (I hide it well, but it’s there), and my body isn’t as tight and toned as it used to be.
Years ago, I thought that if I ever had a baby, my body would be destroyed and I would be inevitably miserable. The truth is that, yes, my body is different, and yes I could be in better physical shape, but I am really happy with myself being ‘imperfect.” It’s interesting to say that my postpartum body is liberating AF. I feel like after having a baby, I’ve (mentally) grown into the woman I needed to be, and I feel the way I had always wanted to feel about myself; which is, content.
I feel like the longer I live, the more I have to celebrate – my body, achievements, my perfect imperfections, and motherhood!
I defined my boudoir shoot as confidence, sensuality, and feminine power.
This is a topic I have been dying to share with you.
Let’s talk about why you should book a boudoir photo shoot for yourself this year.
Sorry dudes, but this is not about you.
Let me clarify a few things first; there’s nothing wrong with doing a boudoir shoot or taking sexy pics for your partner, but how fucking liberating and beautiful would it be if you did it for YOU only?
I know we can come up with lots of excuses as to why we can’t take boudoir photos. I bet if I asked you don’t think you could do this for yourself, you may end up saying something like;
“I need to lose weight first.”
“I’m not sexy.”
“I don’t have any lingerie.”
“I’m not young enough to do that.”
“I’m not _____ enough.”
Whatever it may be, I am here to tell you that all of those excuses are completely false.
You’re as beautiful, sexy, and fierce as the words you allow yourself to speak.
One thing I want women to stop doing is mentally beating themselves up and using negative words to describe themselves.
I used to be really guilty of this, and it’s SO crazy because I had nothing to complain about. Unfortunately I could easily and quickly find something about myself that “wasn’t good enough.”
I, like all of us, have insecurities, but what an unbelievable feeling to be able to break though them! I feel that a boudoir shoot is a fast track to loving your body, seeing the beauty in yourself, feeling confident, and embracing your sensuality. (Not that this post is about men, but DAMN, what if you showed up to your relationship with all that self-worth and confidence?! Whew, talk about being attractive to your partner!)
Ashley may earn a commission when you shop these links. As an Amazon Associate, Ashley earns from qualifying purchases.
Let’s demystify some of the popular excuses to not do a boudoir shoot:
“I need to lose weight first.”
- No you don’t need to lose weight first. A boudoir shoot is so much more than size of your body. It’s about capturing your natural beauty, your personality, your favorite features about yourself, or anything that makes you feel like you! Plus, let’s be honest, a professional photographer knows how to position your body in the most flattering angles, AND let’s remember you’re not doing a Hustler shoot – we aren’t going spread eagle here ladies. In my opinion, the photos that are sensual and sexually suggestive with beautiful clothing are the most flattering. Example; braless & cozy off the shoulder sweater portrait, or a long sheer robe full body photo.
“I’m not sexy.”
- Stop. Yes you are honey. If you don’t think you are sexy, then just trust me, and book a boudoir shoot. Women are naturally sexy. You don’t need to know how to pose or be a fashion model to be and appear sexy. Again, a professional photographer knows how to coach you into feeling comfortable and into nice poses. Take this moment to step into your femininity! (Off the record, a shot of coconut vodka helps… Not that I did that or anything).
“I don’t have any lingerie.”
- No lingerie, no problem! Boudoir shoots are enhanced by the accents and accessories. YOU are the main attraction. If lingerie isn’t your style, then wear what is your style… Perhaps a sexy black dress. Or like I mentioned earlier, cozy sweaters that #freethenipple + lace shorts are stunning for boudoir. A pretty bra + earrings + good hair make for a perfect shot.
“I’m not young enough to do that.”
- Celebrate your years, and celebrate your womanhood. That’s what a boudoir shoot is all about! Believe me, when you’re 100 years old, you are going to look back on these boudoir photos taken when you were 50 and realize wha at a sexy look you had! It’s all relative, ladies. I truly think there’s a special confidence and sexiness about a woman who is older. It’s an energy and beauty that you cant teach or replicate. Start celebrating yourself!
“I’m not _____ enough.”
- Whatever your insecurity is, don’t let it stop you from shining. The truth is that every single person in the world has insecurities, and even the people you think are so perfect and don’t have them, definitely do! Stop labeling how you’re created as imperfect.
Even if you still need a little more time to contemplate whether or not to do a boudoir shoot for yourself, I want you to promise yourself one thing…
Promise yourself, that you’ll use beautiful and positive words to describe yourself from this moment on. Turn your negative words into positive ones. I promise that you’ll be happier, more confident, and more beautiful.
Showing this photo as an example of how I showcased my assets (big hair, new make up who dis, & ta-tas) and hid other body parts that I preferred not be the feature of my image. (that’s a politically correct way to put it, right? lol) It all came together beautifully! I actually think portrait / beauty shots are more sensual and beautiful for boudoir photography. Show off your assets and don’t be afraid to shine!
Let me know your thoughts on this topic! Leave a comment below, and let’s chat.
Psssst… Below are a few of my favorite robes, and I promise no matter what size or shape you are, one of these would be so stunning on you! They are beautiful for wearing at home, or for use in a boudoir shoot.
Ashley may earn a commission when you shop these links. As an Amazon Associate, Ashley earns from qualifying purchases.
PS – Thank you Natalie for taking my photos! You made me feel happy and beautiful, and most of all you made me laugh so much. Love you!
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