The road of self-love
Dear lovely reader,
‘What has to end or die so we can experience a rebirth in our relationships?’ Brene Brown
When I was a kid, my mother ran a daycare inside of our home and during the summer months off from school I would take any chance I could to get out of there so I didn’t have to help. When I was 14 I started to ride the city bus around and do anything free in the city to avoid being home. San Antonio is a very large city so as you could imagine a 40mph routed bus would take quite a bit of time to get somewhere across town, and that was the goal. My escaping from home wasn’t to get somewhere and stay there, it was the ride there. It was the long rides, frequent stops, window gazing and enjoying the bumpy ride. It was my bliss, my alone time, a time to think and reflect, I honestly loved it, even during the hot Texas months.
Journeys DON’T HAVE to be this tiresome road to a destination, it looks different for every other individual but it can be enjoyable. I know at times it can get loud, the voices of others telling you how and what that journey is supposed to look like, but the truth of the matter is life is not a one size fits all. Just like our bodies are all built differently based on the regions of the world our ancestors came from, so does the way we live life. Remember when you’re focused on the outcome and not living in the today, you’re missing the point of this life we have been given.
If you feel a lot of lows and highs, and at times feels like you’re totally off track, you’ll find your way back. On your own time, on your own terms. *Did you know a Ohio State psychologist named Jennifer Crockers did a study on 600 college students at the University on stress levels based on their needs on outside validation? Want to know what she found? It reported students who sought approval -of their appearance, grades, choices you name it - more stress and higher levels of drug abuse and eating disorders. Students who based their self-esteem and confidence on internal sources, such as being virtuous or having a strong moral code, did better than the others in exams and had lower levels of drug and alcohol abuse.
Everyday may not look the same or what you expect, but as long as you’re doing the best you can in that moment you’re doing great. Know that outside opinons that people want to cast onto does’nt need to be owned. You have the power to leave behind what does’nt serve you and keep what does. Consider this a love letter of truth and love. I want you to enjoy your life, surround youself with love and positivity and leave behind the negative and unrealistic expecatations.
You are beautiful.
You are worthy.
You are strong.
You are powerful.
Love,
Amanda
Why Are Boudoir Photos So Expensive?
Every wonder what the difference is between a cheap and expensive photographer? What does it mean as a final result?
*THIS IS A TRUTH BLOG, I DON’T HOLD ANYTHING BACK AND AM TRANSPARENT ABOUT BOUDOIR. I UNDERSTAND IT WILL BE TAKEN DIFFERENTLY BY EACH INDIVUAL PERSON, AND THATS OK. I’LL ALWAYS KEEP IT REAL HERE AND FEEL My readers AND MY CLIENTS DESERVE TO HAVE THE TRUTH TOLD TO THEM, NOT JUST WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR.*
I can only speak for a small percentage of photographers, because we are not all built the same. Price can be determined by a photographers intentions behind what they do, their why, their experience level and what they also offer with the boudoir photoshoot. Let’s start with #1.
PHOTOGRAPHERS INTENTIONS
Like any other profession, every person has their ‘why’. A great way to determine what their why is is by talking with them. A good photographer sees the value and importance in talking and getting to know their clients. Make sure they make time for you to answer you questions, then you’ll know they are really here for you. A big difference from just showing up to take your photos and never see them again.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
An experienced boudoir photographer will most likely have a higher price tag. They have invested a large amount of time, money and resources to build their brand, improve their skills to deliver a more clean and flawless product as well as how to communicate with clients. An experienced photog knows how to answer questions and concerns from their clients, by educating and being transparent vs. dismissive and defensive.
BOUDOIR PACKAGES (WHAT COME WITH IT)
This varies from photog to photog and the best thing in this situation is see what you can afford and how much getting these photos mean to you.
Some will show up and leave, others are more hands on and there for you every step of the way. This will greatly determine what the price tag will be.
Products are another determining factor. Some togs only offer digitals and that may work for some, and there are others that get the products printed for you to ensure quality throughout. This is the most determining factor of all.