When I first felt myself drawn to boudoir photography over 12 years ago, I knew it had the potential to be a huge confidence booster for women! If done responsibly and correctly, boudoir photoshoots can be tremendously empowering! Integrity and trust are HUGE in this industry and I take my role as a boudoir photographer very, very seriously. I spent most of my life struggling with body confidence and body image issues and, as a result, those issues have been (and always will be) the primary focus in my studio. When women come to me they are vulnerable and have taken a leap of faith to show up and take their clothes off in front of a “stranger” and that faith means the world to me! I always tell clients that I’m the most laid back and easy going person they’ll ever meet, so not to be nervous, but no matter how much reassurance I give, that first shoot always comes with lots of butterflies! But soon after, those butterflies fade away and are replaced with excitement and a “photo high!” Most women tell me at the end of their shoot that they can’t wait to come back and it is the BEST feeling in the world when they can’t wait to come back and do it again! Repeat clients are the biggest compliment I can ever receive!

 

Kristen has been coming to me for a while now and has agreed to share her perspective on her third boudoir shoot with me! She’s a beautiful, strong, kickass woman that I’m blessed to know and I was so excited when she wanted to share this experience and her photos with all of you! Coming in for your second, third, fourth shoot and beyond is a very different experience than coming in the first time! Can’t wait for number 4, Kristen!

 

LHI: What initially made you decide to book your very first boudoir shoot? Were your reasons different when you decided to come back again?

Kristen: One of my coworkers Rachel showed me her pictures from the boudoir shoot she had recently done and they were absolutely gorgeous. I had never seen such stunning pictures! While I truly loved them, deep down I wholeheartedly believed there was no way I could ever look as beautiful as she did. As it turns out, I was wrong. As Rachel and I continued to talk, I learned her secret. The photographs she had taken for her husband were in all actuality for her, which I came to understand. No matter what size you may be, we all have our own struggles and insecurities. I can honestly say I felt like a different person after my photo shoot with Beth. It gives you this boost of confidence and empowerment like nothing else, which is the real reason I continue to come back for more.

 

LHI: How was it different coming back for your third shoot, compared to coming in for your first shoot?

Kristen: As you go, the posing becomes effortless and you get more comfortable with the process. You learn exactly how to angle your head, what shoulder needs to stay down and how to relax your face so the wrinkles won’t show! Most importantly, you learn to drink plenty of water, eat breakfast beforehand and the value in taking ibuprofen the morning of. Your body will thank you later.

 

LHI: As a VIP repeat client (3+ shoots with us), you have a unique perspective and valuable experience to share with others! If you could give a new client a few words of advice before her shoot, what would you share with her?

Kristen: Don’t be scared! It took me a long time to feel comfortable and own it because let’s be real, we aren’t models. This isn’t our profession and it really is hard work! Sometimes you feel like you are in the most awkward, unflattering position teetering in the highest heels known to man trying to keep a straight face that doesn’t look like you are in an incredible amount of pain. Just know that those are usually the pictures that turn out the best!

 

LHI: What was your favorite part of your photo shoot?

Kristen: My favorite part of the shoot is getting ready with Beth, just talking and relaxing. It’s always a fun, stress free day I look forward to. I like being able to take a step back and disconnect from everything else I have going on in my life. It’s self care at its finest!

 

LHI: Why should women treat themselves to this experience? Did you see yourself in a different light after your shoot?

Kristen: I have always had body image issues and struggled to see the beauty in myself. It has been a long journey, but throughout this entire process I have learned one very important thing. I don’t need to fit into the standard of beauty society has cast on us. We have been placed in a box that is suffocating and sets unrealistic expectations. These expectations are scattered everywhere throughout society and propelled by the media. It’s increasingly difficult to escape this ideology and learn how to love yourself the way you are. Doing these photo shoots with Beth has helped me realize that I am not alone. She has this amazing way of making you feel comfortable and valued as a woman. She helps people see how beautiful they truly are. I know it seems silly that a simple picture of yourself can produce such a radical change, but it truly does, or at least it did for me. Beth’s vision and passion keeps me coming back. I recommend it to everyone!

 

LHI: If you were going to tell your best friend about your experience with Lost Highway Imaging, what would you tell her?

Kristen: Even if you have no one to give the pictures to and you think this whole thing sounds silly, just do it! I know when I have a bad day and feel insecure, I can look up on my bedroom wall and see an image of myself that makes me feel beautiful. It’s serves as a reminder to be strong and confident in who I am as a person.

 

 

Inspired? Ready for your own shoot? Have questions? There is NO silly question and I’m here for you! Contact me at beth@losthighwayimaging.com to get started! There is no obligation and no commitment, you are always welcome to ask me anything or just pick my brain. My all-female staff at our Connecticut boudoir photography studio is here to serve YOU!

 

Also, ALL clients are welcome. No judgement. No exclusions. We love and serve the LGBTQ+ community. You are ALWAYS welcome. Happy Pride Month!