09 Feb BOUDOIR BADDIES: Hands down, the best gift I’ve ever given myself!| Austin Boudoir Photography

Why did you book a boudoir session? What’s your story?

In summer of ’21, I took a long look down my calendar. In April of ’23, I would be turning 50, my son would be turning 18 – and graduating high school shortly thereafter – and I would likely be starting the process of becoming officially unmarried. It was going to be A Big Deal, a major crossroad in my life, and I wanted to do something just as big to honor and celebrate it. To honor and celebrate myself as I stepped out into whatever the next great adventure would hold. Thus began The Two-Year Plan!

Going into the shoot, were you worried about anything?

Because everything was so far off down the road, I didn’t actually spend much time thinking about the shoot after the initial flurry of AAAAAAAAHHHH!!!! excitement when I first booked with Elizabeth. Then, suddenly, I was two weeks out and it hit me — “OH MY GODS, WHAT AM I DOING?? AAAAAAAAHHHH!!!! (again)” I was grappling (more than) a bit with actually being 50 and wondering if I’d made a huge mistake. Let me say, I’d never been quite so thankful for Elizabeth’s payment play program as I was in those last two weeks, because I couldn’t talk myself out of it. I mean, it was already paid for, so I might as well go for it, right?

Looking back on the planning process, do you feel like you were given adequate information and references to help you prepare for your shoot?

Absolutely! Elizabeth made sure that I knew exactly what to expect from the process, exactly what I’d need to do to be ready on the big day, and even some recommendations for local service providers. And, maybe even more important, she made sure I knew what I didn’t have to worry about! I knew that she’d take care of wardrobe from earrings to heels, hair and makeup, posing guidance… even chocolate and mimosas!

What is the number one reason you would recommend doing a shoot with me over any of the other photographers out there?

Elizabeth is 100% on Team You. She will be your biggest cheerleader — every single thing she does is an enthusiastic, full-throated, out-loud celebration of her clients. You can’t NOT believe in your own awesomeness after some time with Elizabeth. It’s just un-possible. (Plus, holy cow, have you SEEN her work?? For real, y’all.)

What was your favorite part of your session?

Oh, there was just so much! The entire experience was absolutely amazing. Spending time in hair and makeup with Nikki was just perfect; it was a wonderful way to ease into the shoot, get used to the whole idea of actually Doing The Thing, and start getting pumped up. The way Elizabeth moved us through the shoot so fluidly, keeping the energy up but never overwhelming (at least, not in the bad way), keeping it all so damn much fun.

And then, the reveal. Oh gods, the reveal. I was speechless. I was breathless. I laughed. I cried. It was better than Cats.

Would you have another boudoir shoot with me in the future?

That would be an absolute dream! And if I ever win the lottery, I’ll be trying to convince as many of my friends as possible to let me send them to her, too.

What changes have you noticed in yourself after your photo shoot with me?

I wish I could say I’ve spent every day since the shoot feeling as utterly unstoppable as I did when I left the studio. (Although, to be fair, I’d probably be ridiculously unsufferable if that were the case.) What I can say is that I’m learning to see myself how the people who love me see me, instead of always listening to the critic in my head. And, on hard days, I can reach back in my mind and grab a little of that unstoppability to help carry me through.

Would you like to add anything else about your experience? 

Elizabeth was an absolute doll, letting me bring my knee-high stripey socks and big ol’ combat boots to incorporate into one of the looks and really bring some more of myself into the pictures. (Did you know you can point your toes while wearing combat boots? NEITHER DID I.)

This is an experience I will never regret. Hands down, the best gift I’ve ever given myself.