When was the last time you stepped outside of your comfort zone? Take a second to think about it…

If you’re ever finding yourself looking for something new to try, consider a boudoir photography session! It’s definitely an experience that will shake things up… You’ll be able to step outside of your comfort zone in a safe, supportive environment, AND you’ll have amazing photos to show for it! I couldn’t recommend a boudoir session enough if you’re craving a new adventure. (Plus, your partner will be thanking you once you show off your stunning photos!)

When we finally got to see all our photos, I could see the boost of confidence in my husband, and I could feel the boost of confidence in myself. My husband hates his photos being taken and usually doesn’t have much opinion on which photos he likes. This time he actually had an opinion! Seeing myself in those photos with my husband was like seeing myself from an outsider’s perspective. I no longer saw all my flaws- stretchmarks and rolls here and there. For a brief moment, I saw what my husband sees when he looks at me. I felt strong, fierce and sexy. There was one particular photo that really caught my attention because when I look at it I instantly think, “that’s a powerhouse couple right there” and that’s exactly my husband and I. Brittney captured us and our relationship in a photo! That’s incredibly hard to do considering that our “powerhouse” relationship is something so close and intimate between he and I. I now have a photo to hang on the wall in my bedroom that represents he and I in every aspect.

I need to say, that this shoot did not erase all the years of self-image issues I have. I still deal with it almost daily. However, what this shoot and Brittney gave me, was hope. Hope that even at 40 years old I could be beautiful and sexy! Knowing that is so inspiring to me.

Now that it’s all over, I have a beautiful portrait of myself hanging on the wall in my bedroom. I see it first thing every morning and constantly remind myself that I am sexy. I am beautiful. I don’t need validation from a parent or a lover to know my worth and my beauty. This process has been so good for me in so many ways.

With “wedding season” starting up again, I have gotten a lot of inquiries regarding bridal boudoir sessions (sessions intended to create a gift of images for their to-be spouse on/before their wedding day).

I’ve worked with some brides who use these sessions as an opportunity to be photographed in a more intimate nature with specific accessories that they plan to wear on their wedding (like their veil, garter. jewelry, lingerie, etc.) and others who want to use items that remind them (and their significant other) of their relationship/love for each other (such as significant clothing items, engagement ring, or other props). This session with a bit of a combination of both!

Once again, I am SOO behind with my blogging! I have a ridiculous amount of boudoir session recaps to type up and show you. Including this one… with this fiery red-head!

This session was one of my first in my new Vancouver, WA studio space. It was so much fun to work with her and play around with some new sets and features!

The word “pivot” has most definitely been overused these last couple of years, but there really isn’t a better way to describe what this couple had to do to make their beautiful beach wedding day come true!

I had never felt so cared for and thought about from a complete stranger than how I felt leaving Brittney’s studio. From the second I walked in, it was like a safe zone and I left my worries at the door…. The only thing I would change about my entire experience would be if I could tell the insecure girl who chickened out the first time “Hey trust me, you’re gonna love it!”

I’ve known Sandra and David for several years. When they reached out to me about photographing their wedding at Bridal Veil Lakes, I was no less than excited… and then I found out more about what they had planned, and my excited grew ten fold.

They used words like “canoe” and “mariachi” and “waterfall” and I could just picture the magical day that they would have!

It was a BEAUTIFUL sunny day in August when Kim and Dennis exchanged vows at the Settlemier House in Woodburn, Oregon. The bride and groom planned to have a first look before the ceremony, however, like most weddings, the schedule needed to be adjusted and plans changed. The change, however, only added to the emotion of the day as it meant all of their closest friends and family members got to witness Dennis shed some tears as his bride approached him where he waited under the shade of a gazebo.

I am so grateful for the journey of learning to love and accept myself as I am today, not what my ideal is, whether that’s from the past or in the future. Loving and accepting myself as I am has brought so much peace to my soul.