Ms. L's Boudoir Session
Ms. L came to me wanting to do a session to celebrate her body. I love when clients decide to do the shoot to celebrate where they are in their life. She came to her shoot a little bit nervous, which is totally expected. As we went through each pose, I could tell that she was getting more and more confident in the front of the camera. At the end of her shoot, she was smiling from ear to ear and she was absolutely radiating confidence! I absolutely love how her session came out and I hope she did too <3
What made you decide on doing a boudoir session?
I'd been thinking about doing a boudoir session for a very long time. My friends always tease me about my obsession with taking "tasteful" nudes, and I wanted to do something indulgent and special just for me. I wanted to celebrate and honor my body and the stage I'm currently in in my life with something unique and special.
How did you decide on what to wear? Did you bring any meaningful accessories? Did the Pinterest board created for you help?
Annika gave me really thoughtful and clear advice about what types of lingerie would look best on camera and specifically for my body type and vision for the shoot. The Pinterest board was really helpful, and actually inspired me to create my own sort of "vision board" for the shoot. The whole process felt collaborative and communicative. I had so much fun going to Forty Winks and shopping for lingerie!
Let's talk about the day of the shoot. Were you nervous before arriving? How did you feel being in front of the camera?
I was definitely a little nervous on the day of the shoot, but my jitters were mostly nervous excitement. This had been something that I'd wanted for so long, and it was so exciting that it was finally coming to fruition! I think there obviously are always a bit of nerves; boudoir is a really intimate, vulnerable experience! That said, I have never felt more calm and beautiful and authentic than when I worked with Annika and her makeup artist.
Tell me about the experience you had during the session. Were the poses what you expected? Did you have fun?
When I told people that I was getting professional boudoir photos, I was always met with the same question: Why don't you get one of your friends to take photos for you? Obviously, the answer was always: Well, my friends aren't professional photographers. But still, leading up to the shoot, part of me wondered if I would feel more comfortable posing and being directed by a close friend that I could trust. Within five minutes of entering Annika's studio, I knew that I had nothing to worry about. The best way to describe my session experience is that it felt like a photoshoot with one of my closest friends, who happened to be an incredibly talented, knowledgable photographer. I had so much fun drinking champagne, getting my makeup done, and chatting about relationships and family and life and aspirations with Annika and the makeup artist. By the time the shoot was about to start, I was giggling and smiling and completely at ease. Annika gave me space to pose in ways that felt comfortable and natural, but at the same time gave me clear direction so that I never once felt ill at ease or unsure.
I always have to ask, were you sore the next day from the poses?
A little bit! Kind of like the day after a good yoga class!
What were your first thoughts when you saw your images? Have you noticed a mental shift in the way you view your body since doing the shoot?
I couldn't stop smiling the whole day after seeing my photos. It affirmed all of my reasons for doing this shoot and all of the amazing things I'd heard about Annika and her talents!
Do you have any advice or tips for ladies who are thinking about doing a session?
Just do it! Yes, it's a lot of money and time and energy spent on ourselves, but it's also the most beautifully indulgent thing you can ever do for yourself. Just say yes!
What was your absolute favorite part of this experience?
The photo shoot! I just had so much fun!
