06 Oct BOUDOIR BADDIES: I learned SELF LOVE | Austin Boudoir Photography

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

I booked the boudoir session as a reward and a deadline for my goals on my fitness journey. I’ve been on my fitness journey over 4 years and I wasn’t seeing much change, so I thought giving myself a deadline would encourage me to continue and push me to try harder.

As my appointment approached, I did not feel nervous but my emotional eating was on full force. I was doing a self sabotage so to speak.

Going into the shoot, were you worried about anything?

Going into the shoot, I had already reached disappointment in myself. I knew I had sabotaged myself with the emotional eating. I actually just wanted to get it over with.

The only thing I was worried about was how I was going to look in these photos. They were going to be a reminder to me of failing to reach my goal. But even with all that rolling in my head, I wanted to learn to love who I see in the mirror everyday even though I felt like she failed me.

I wanted to see her through a different lens.

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

Yes. I definitely had all the information I needed to prepare. Elizabeth, you explained everything perfectly. There were no surprises. I felt very relaxed and prepared for the day.

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

Your passion for what you do would be the reason I would and will return for a second time. What you capture in the photos is priceless. What you want your clients to see and feel as we walk away. Our own individual beauty. You want us to see it and feel it and you definitely accomplished that with me.

What was your favorite part of your session?

Everything played an important part and I enjoyed and loved every moment. From booking the appointment. The anticipation leading up to the photo shoot. Picking out what to wear, the hair and makeup. The photo shoot.

On that day, I just wanted to get it over with but with each part taking place, the negative feelings started to diminish. Each phase leading up to the actual taking of the pictures was chipping away at the negativity I was feeling. I just had convinced myself that I had failed at reaching any type of goal that I had set for myself. I didn’t feel like I deserved to be there. It was supposed to be a reward.

But oh the reveal!! It was not at all what I expected. I did not expect to see what I saw. There was a beautiful woman I had never seen before. I don’t accept compliments well, so for me to compliment myself, well, I am proud of myself, to have stepped so far out of my comfort zone. I’m so glad I did.

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

I definitely plan to do another!

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

In just a few days after the reveal, I have learned to accept and believe a compliment when it is given. I see more in the mirror that goes beyond the reflection. I have loved who I am but not the reflection in the mirror and now I love and accept her too.

I didn’t fail to reach my goal as I had convinced myself going into the shoot, but what you captured was HOW FAR I have come! That is what I now see, thanks to you and your lens. Thank you!!!

Would you like to add anything else about your experience? 

I learned SELF LOVE, Ms. Elizabeth. I learned SELF LOVE. I have no other words to describe what I feel when I see myself in your photos. For 60 years, I never liked what I saw looking back at me. And now…well I have no words just emotions beyond words. Thank you so much!

What a beautiful gift God has given you! To show other women their beauty and to love themselves! That is not an easy task and you do it so effortlessly with a click of your camera along with your enthusiasm and passion. You see the beauty in your clients before ever taking a picture and then you capture it so we can see it too. WOW! Just WOW!