Amanda's Selfie Session
As a boudoir photographer I spend my days behind the camera photographing beautiful women, and empowering them to love themselves and their bodies. But one day I realized that the only way to give my clients the experience they deserve was to step in their shoes (heels!) and see what a shoot was like for myself. Doing my own selfie session helped me to better understand how to photograph women and how truly transformative this experience can be. I started off my selfie session as part of a mentoring program for other boudoir photographers, but then Covid hit and I suddenly discovered another, and even more important, reason to do it—for myself.
When my studio closed during the Covid lockdowns, I found myself wanting to create. I missed the excitement of a shoot—the anticipation of planning outfits, the excitement of hair and makeup, the music blaring during a session. But because I was quarantining and couldn’t be creative with my clients, it felt only natural to try a boudoir selfie shoot, for me, by me. I thought of this as an opportunity to better get to know myself, and that is exactly what happened!
Because outside glam services were unavailable during this time, I did my hair and makeup myself. This differs a bit from what the women who walk into my studio are treated to. Glam is such an important part of this luxury experience, and the women I meet love to be doted on and pampered before their session! This is usually the time when the women I meet begin to relax and get comfortable in the studio, and I was so nervous! I definitely could’ve used the full glam experience to calm down. Even though I knew I would be alone (which presented its own set of challenges) I felt so silly undressing and putting on lingerie that I don’t usually wear!
Once I was in my lingerie, I started my shoot. I can totally understand now how my clients begin our session feeling insecure. But after a little warming up, I was shocked that I was able to create such beautiful images of myself. I have the same insecurities my clients have—parts of myself I just don’t love. My mind and my mirror tell me daily I could be thinner, or younger looking, or prettier…I’m sure this all sounds familiar. But when I saw my pictures, I had the very same reaction most of my clients do—I honestly couldn’t believe it was me!
I even took one of my images and created a 30x40 metal wall art piece that hangs up in the office at the studio. I look at it daily and it’s a beautiful reminder that I am sensual, and powerful, and sexy, and fierce, and soft, and caring, and empowered! After this experience, I strongly encourage you to splurge for a piece of art for your walls that you will see every day to remind you of all the reasons why you matter! Trust me, you’re worth it.
This whole experience helped me relate even more to my clients and it pivoted my outlook on what my role as a boudoir photographer is in my clients’ lives. It helped me understand that while I’m not out to CHANGE someone physically, my goal is to help them change their mentality about their bodies and self-worth. I found that my self talk was so negative before my session, and it made me realize my role is to help you feel comfortable exposing your insecurities and trusting me to showcase them in their best light.
As I encourage all women to book a boudoir session, I want to also encourage all boudoir photographers to do the same! Whether it’s a selfie session like mine or a full-on shoot with another photographer, just go for it! I’ll be booking another session for early next year with a professional photographer to have the full experience this time around. My selfie session gave me insights into the process my clients are going through and it was certainly an experience I will never forget.
If you’re ready to experience the magic of boudoir for yourself, let’s set up a time to chat.