How To Be Confident For A Boudoir Photoshoot
So you want to do a boudoir, but don’t know the first thing about being sexy, how to pose yourself or where to even begin about looking confident on camera. I am a boudoir/sultry photographer based out of Austin Texas, and I have traveled all over for clients that hire me for this exact reason to help them with. So I’m going to help you get there. You don’t have to do it alone.
First Question: Are you confident in your everyday life? We gotta work on that first sis.
It’s ok, we have all been there. Boudoir shoots, believe it or not, are 90% mindset. It’s not about having the perfect outfit, location or even photographer. (Even though those do help and are important) The MOST important thing is your mindset.
A talented photographer can’t teach you how to be confident and love yourself, you need to teach yourself! I know, its hard work, mentally you have to fight every self-negating thought in your head with a positive one, so it can make you feel like an imposter. But trust me when I say, you have to train your brain, because no photoshoot will cure that for you.
So let’s get your mind right! Self-love starts with proper self-care. Are you doing things that bring you joy or deplete you of your precious energy?
Start With A Gratitude Journal
- This is probably one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself. Start with writing 3 things everyday, and if more come to you, write those down too. Do this everyday, consistency is key! You have to put in the work, so carve out a few minutes to write these down. It can be as small as a yummy cup of coffee, or the sky was clear and blue today. Whatever swells you up with joy are the things to journal.
Train Your Brain
- When you start writing down things that bring you joy, you’re actually doing more than you think. Internally you are building new nueropathways in your brain and you have now given your brain a NEW task. Finding things that bring you joy. You're going to start noticing all the things that you like vs. the things you don’t like. Changing the way your brain operates will make it easier to find the things you love instead of focusing on the things you lack or don’t have. Give yourself kudos for this! Praise yourself, your inner child and goddess thanks you! YAY, new and positive nueropathways!
Love Your Body, Don’t Punish it
- This is big one. The actions you have throughout the day has a huge impact on your mindset. When you workout, are you doing it because you know your body is a temple? Or because you at that cheeseburger and now ‘paying the price’? What you do and WHY is important. Next time you think about taking a jog or doing some lifting, do it FOR her (your body) not because you don’t like her now.
When you’ve tried this out, please send me a message! I would love to hear about your journey and how this serves you in your own unique way! :)
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.
The best thing to do is a get in contact with a photographer and talk about it. You may not know what you want, and thats normal. Talking with a true professional will, at the very least, point you in the direction of what you are looking for even if it’s not them you choose. They will care about making sure you get the information you need so you can have the best experience that suits you.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR A BOUDOIR/SULTRY PHOTOSHOOT
If you’re anything like my clients here in Austin, Texas you may have googled ‘What to wear to a boudoir shoot’ because you have no clue where to start, what looks good, what is too risky or what will look good on you in general. You want to do a sultry shoot, but don’t know the first thing about how to get started. The emotional labor of researching can just turn you off completely.
I get it, but you don’t have to do it all alone!
Don’t worry, I have a few examples from my own past clients and what they chose, to hopefully guide you in a direction and inspire you.
A Classic Bodysuit
Have a cute bodysuit or lingerie laying around? Let’s dress it up and style you pretty! Almost any outfit can be dressed up or sexified and a bodysuit is not exception. These are very flattering on everybody type, we just need to get you the right fit so your are comfortable AND looking good! A comfortable fit is important to eliminate any pinches in your skin that will distract you from enjoying your boudoir photoshoot.
The Themed Outfit
Glamor themes are always a huge favorite, they take you out of your everyday element and you get to play pretend! These are especially fun when your photographer takes creative control and just help you have fun and create really amazing products and lasting memories.
Cute Pajamas
Whether you already own it, or saw a cute one on the rack, a cute home robe or pajama works great for those who want something more classic and do not show too much while still capturing a sexy vibe.
There is no bounds off limits and something that is seemingly as simple as this can look amazing with the right poses from your photographer. Ask them for guidance on accessories to dress it up to really pump up the aesthetic.
Comfy Boudoir
Whether you want to be cozy and cute or have your spouses clothing you’d like to incorporate, the cozy look not only feels exactly what it is but these items can be found in your drawers and closets. EASY PEASY! These are great for folks that really want to capture their individual essence without the distractions of other elements from clothing or locations. This is a great way to pay tribute to someone you love.
Nakey Nakey
Know that this is an option with French Press Photographie and if you have a different photographer, make sure to communicate with them that this is something you are both comfortable with doing. Otherwise it is perfectly normal to want to go the birthday suit route. You both can still cultivate beautiful moments and photos with some thoughtful posing and compositions from your photographer.
DO YOU BOO
So take your pick!
Flirty? Powerful? Classic timeless? Take this time to completely eliminate your self-doubts and what people would say and just ask yourself what sounds fun! Remember it can be unique to you, there are no right or wrong ways to do it. Showing up as your are is enough, because that in itself is self-love and self-care.
Self-Love & Abundance During a Pandemic
During this time of Covid-19 it is become especially challenging to maintain a peaceful and abundant energy. Almost everywhere you look and go you are reminded of the state of the world. Yes the world is healing and that is a blessing, but what about your own healing? It can be easy to get lost in others actions and events, let’s start shifting the focus on yourself.
Ground
Now that you have your breathing, bring your eyes to a slow close and with your feet or behind planted on the ground start picturing roots being sent down deep into the earth. Imagine strong roots like a tree and then start drawing energy out of the earth. Start seeing the energy being taken up through your roots and into your body a little at a time. First your feet, calfs, up your thighs, abdominal and slowly making its way to your head. This is a great way to break any come and go thoughts. Do this as long as you need, your pace is perfect for you.
Breath
The first step you can do for yourself is bring your focus to your breathing. Find a quiet place in your home if possible and start focusing on your breathes. Picture your lungs expanding when you breath in deep full of clean air and smaller as you breath out. Imagine inhaling unconditional love, it fills up your head, taking and washing away any negative thoughts of feeling out as you exhale. This simple thing can bring you back into your body. Do this a few times until you find yourself back into your body and your energy has become calm.
*Another great way is ‘block breathing’. Thank you Brene Brown!
Inhaling for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds
Exhaling for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds
Repeat.
Ritual
Having a ritual will help you feel productive without draining you in a negative way. If you don’t have one try taking a walk when you wake up, reading or meditating. These are great ways to take advantage of your calm brain in the morning and jumpstart you to your next task.
Make sure to do things that serve you in a positive way and make you feel good about yourself. Remember to be kind to yourself. Soon you’ll find these things accumulate and you can make them apart of your everyday ritual. A routine drains you, a ritual fills you.
Gratitude Practices
Starting a gratitude journal is a fantastic way to shift our focus from what you don’t have to what you do have. Write down 3 things that you are grateful for. You’ll know what it is by the feeling that is attached to it. And it can be the same thing day after day if you are having trouble thinking of things to write down. Remember to shower yourself with love that you sat down and took the time to do this. You’re making steps and that is enough.
Do this everyday, BE CONSISTENT, and slowly you’ll start to notice things you love than what you lack.
A great youtube video here talks about dissatisfaction and the science behind doing a gratitude journal, if you’re a nerd like me.
Enjoy!
I know these may seem simple, but these has helped me and ones close to me tremendously. If it helps you or you have your own personal way of coping that is helping you positively, please share! I’d love to hear it! We are all in this together, and want to inspire and be inspired.
Couples Intimate Boudoir In-Home Photoshoot
In a relationship you realize the importance in the little things. Those little moments and acts of kindness you and your partner do for each other. You understand the importance of both of your self-love needs and each others love languages. How to show each other you love them and how those go so much farther than any thing else. The beauty in the everyday moments. Save them, let them empower you!
For us Wilkins, my husband loves acts of service. For me, it’s gift giving, no matter how big or small. Just a few weeks ago, he came home and had picked a rose from his work and brought it home to me. It still sits on the table as I am typing this, wilted, but in the same small shot glass we put it in when he brought it home. For Jason I cook him fancy meals, with lots at attention and love, it makes him feel so special. Oh to be a fly on the wall with a camera, I’d kill to have those moments saved to look back on.
The point is, you recognize the beauty in the moments you create at home. They mean more to you than anything else happening outside your love nest, and capturing that is extremely valuable. It’s a chapter of your story together that is cherished in your hearts. Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of them. You get caught up in work, family, keeping up with friends, it can all distract you and unintentionally forget. That’s why my clients hire me, to freeze and preserve them.
Here, my clients wanted to share a new intimate boudoir experience with one another, while also capturing the way they bond. They are physical touch kind of people and wanted to capture their own unique expression of love. *Remember the way you say ‘I love you’ is different for everyone, and for these two, this was just one way of theirs.
Continuous Battle of Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome can look like many things. In the professional world, you may not deem yourself worthy of that promotion you received or the roll you play in your company. It can pertain to your personal life, not feeling like you are not THAT friend or THAT ideal family member.
For me it looked like not worthy of starting a business where I can build up other women, cause ‘Who the f are you to tell women how to love themselves?!’ My self talk was, you are working on so many issues in your life, undoing past trauma and rewiring your way of thinking every single day, how can you possibly tell people how to be happy?! And that was it. . . I told myself, that’s exactly why I have to.
Your journey, my journey to wholeheartedness and self improvement isn’t a one time train ticket to a single destination, it’s constant learning and sharing the knowledge. Extending the hand to other women on the journey a few steps behind you and sharing that valuable information. For me I want to ease the pain that is the negative self talk, and all the damage that it can do to your life. Negative self talk is like a drop in a lake, it can expand into every aspect of your life and it shows.
Whether you are ready to admit it or not, the ways your negative self talk shows up in your life can look like:
Impatience towards your partner/people in general
Quickness to judge others
Not wanting to have sex with the lights on
Loneliness
Feeling drained and depleted of energy
Tired all the time
The list goes on.
And those things are real especially for the women in our lives. When we allow negative self talk we are allowing all the low vibrational people, experiences and emotions to enter our lives.
I know because I’ve been there. I had the crappiest friends, who were not supportive, talked behind my back. A crappy relationship with someone who couldn’t get their own mental and emotional baggage together, so our frustrations were taken out on each other, constantly fighting. Eating like crap because I thought, ‘Well why tf not, I'm a POC anyway"‘. All that low vibrational energy was just a big huge neon sign of an invitation to keep loading more low vibrations onto me.
So when I say I help women cure imposter syndrome through photography, I mean it. It is a handheld experience, not one where I show up once then ghost. I talk to my clients and really listen. I show them outside their own perspective who they are on camera. Women see themselves in lights and ways they have never seen themselves before, and it is of such high value to have something like that in your life. It’s that constant reminder, that ignitor to light up the fire again when it feels like its dimming.
I do this because women shine the brightest when they feel their best, and wonderful things change in this world when they do. They are innovative, they are more creative, they are more compassionate, to themselves and others. They are assertive and goal chasers. Because whoever heard of someone that got what they wanted by being a pessimist?
If you are ready to break out of your impostor syndrome, message me, let’s talk.
or email me directly at HELLO@frenchpressphoto.com
Downtown Austin Texas The Mansion Wedding
The Mansion is a wedding venue nestled just a minute away from University of Texas in Downtown Austin. This beautiful wedding between Ashley and Cody was beautiful in all the ways every couple wants. Both are so sweet and kind, vibrating high and attracting the best kind of people. The energy was so light and full of love, being present was truly an honor for everyone there.
Venue: The Mansion
Wedding Coordinator: Better Than Perfect Planning
Florist: Flor Amor
Catering: Pascal Catering
Bridal Gown: Brickhouse Bridal Houston
HMUA: Lavish Beauty ATX
Videographer: Sarah Andry
A Grooms Story:
What did you first think when you met your now wife Ashley?
'“Ok so there was a good while where I knew of Ashley but hadn’t yet really gotten to know her, and in that time I mainly thought of her as the highly attractive woman I would see on occasion. Eventually though, I ended up having a few conversations with her during the spring semester of our junior year at UT and really found myself feeling a connection between us. In fact, that semester I would take a certain route to the bus after one of my Tuesday/Thursday classes, because I knew I’d run into her eating lunch with a mutual friend of ours at a certain spot. That summer I found ways to hang out with her or be in a group where she was, and as I did, my interest in her continued to rise until eventually in early August I asked her out!
"Right away, I noticed that I felt very at ease with her, like I could tell her anything (which I did) and that she would listen and engage with me thoughtfully (and she did). Further, I got to know her on a whole new level, not only her thoughtfulness but her ambition and sense of humor and the fact that she loves to snuggle and all the rest of it. In the end, we fell in love and eventually decided we wanted to get married. The rest is (quite recent) history!”
Ashley wanted to do a ‘First Look’ and texted me that he agreed to it! But Cody had not idea it would be a fake one!
Meanwhile, Ashely’s getting ready photos were so precious. She was BEAMING!
Arcade Lifestyle Photoshoot
This is a amazing arcade photoshoot with the amazing Jenee in Austin Tx.
Why I Do Boudoir Photography. Giving Women Keys To Their Own Power.
Self improvement and Photography.
I am obsessed with self-help books and one I finished recently was Daring Greatly. I. loved. it. (Side note, if you have read it, HMU, I’d love to talk about it) The very last chapter focuses on parenting and I was reluctant to read it. Just the mention of kids makes me retract quicker than a frightened gofer. I personally don’t want my own kids, for years I’ve always felt like I could do more good with people here today. More specifically women, through photography (whether boudoir or lifestyle) to get them to use the keys to their own power and make waves in their own world. Much different from having other photographers just show up, a total stranger, and having a very forgettable photoshoot.
The idea is helping grow people here, NOW. Building them up to see how powerful, valuable, and of course, beautiful they are. By building a connection with them, making them feel heard, validated and cared for. Then photographing them in a breakthrough experience because of the connection we built and the mental blocks they discovered and overcame. The process results in great transformation, but only if you show up. I can make it simple, but it won’t be easy. Your mindset to self-improvement and loving yourself is like a parachute, it will only work if it’s open. Will you take responsibility for yourself and take the steps to have a more healthy mindset about yourself?
This only works if my potential client takes responsibility for themselves. If you see that the world has a responsibility to make YOU feel better, you’re not the client for me. If you want a 100/0 work comparison while expecting life changing results, we won’t be a good fit. I have total compassion for women who are not ready for change, it takes overcoming fear and facing the shame to make moves for change, so some never do.
“How do I know I am ready?” Well, you make an appt and show up. I always start on a Skype call, and see if we click. One step at a time.
Whether the person chooses to challenge themselves to grow or not, there’s no right or wrong way to live this life (as long as nobody is getting hurt). Having compassion for one another will be one of the most important things to implement in our life. And that is one thing I was never taught growing up but learned as an adult. More specifically to have compassion for women who are having trouble harnessing their power, who use things or people as a distraction from dealing with their own internal struggles. We’re all guilty of it at one point or another in our lives, we’re human. The real question is are you ready to do something about it and ask for help?
My self improvement journey is priceless, and I would feel selfish keeping these tools all to myself. Learning to be compassionate, to myself and others. How to negate self negative thoughts (escaping the gremlins) and navigate the uncharted waters of self improvement. After all, the suffering I experienced and all the lows, I would never want people to feel like that. I want to help ease the pain or maybe even prevent it all together. How? Through my art, while building strong connections to photograph a significant turning point in my clients life.
Putting it all together.
It’s like all the pieces came to me at different times in my life, and I finally figured out that I could fit them together. It looks different than other puzzles, it’s unconventional and there is no clear road map to follow now. I had to learn to follow my heart, trust and be at peace with uncertainty. Growing to learn to challenge all the things I was lead to believe, how to live life, and that it doesn’t actually have to applied to mine. Sharing that and making people feel validated and human is what I want out of what I do. So I’m more than JUST another photographer. I want to attract the people that seek connection, guidance and a photoshoot EXPERIENCE, than just a regular photoshoot. I want them to feel something significant and be fueled with purpose when they look at themselves in these photos. There are many photographers that will show up take a great photo of you and never hear from again. That may work for some people but for me that has always seemed half-hearted for my journey. I want to change lives and build connections, but we have to get personal to get there.
*Questions for women who want boudoir w/life changing results.
Do you compare your new body to your old one?
Are you fearful of seeing yourself in an image because you’ll dislike it?
Is that fear keeping you from doing things you really want to do?
Do you avoid certain situations in fear of shame? (self-shame or shame from others)
Are you experiencing self-shame, insecurity, or both?
How is avoiding those situations effecting the way you feel about yourself and communicate with others?
What effect does that it have on your day to day life?
Does it effect the efficiency of your work?
Does it effect your intimacy with your partner?
Does it effect your relationships with your friends or even kids?
(It’s free!)
*Amanda is a empowerment boudoir and dream wedding photographer based in Austin Texas
HOW TO CHOOSE A BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER (5 TIPS)
I have heard from Austin lingerie shop owners that women often walk into the store with no clue how to set up for a boudoir. The boudoir photographer they booked gave them NO guidance on what to do and they were left clueless to figure it out on their own. What I have come to believe is, because I was also that woman years ago, IT DOES’NT HAVE TO BE THAT WAY WITH THESE 5 TIPS!
FIRST OFF, you are a total badass and ahead of the curve looking into doing boudoir, which means you ARE ready.
YOU ARE BRAVER THAN MOST.
Looking for a boudoir photographer can take some time and be a tough choice. This is a huge step for you and a very intimate and vulnerable experience at that. It can’t be just anyone, so let’s make sure you have the tools you need to weed out your choices!
If you want to feel prioritized, RELAXED during the shoot and invest in yourself to get it done RIGHT, then here are some tips to help you find a great photographer.
1. THEY HAVE TESTIMONIES
Nothing screams louder than reviews! Look at the reviews, read what people are saying. Pay close attention to the message they are sending. Did they have fun? Did they feel relaxed? Are they happy with the end results? Was the photographer personable and professional? Get on those reviews gal!
2. SHAME? NO GAME!
Seeing how they conduct themselves and what they share on their photography accounts will tell you the type of person they are. You don’t want a talented photographer that isn’t body positive, this includes only photographing one type of person. Call bullshit on that, every woman deserves boudoir. A good photographer works with all body shapes, sizes, ages, comfort and experience levels. This will ensure you will have nothing but the best angles in photos and don’t have to worry about creating poses for yourself. That means no need to scour Pinterest for what to do in this case. Yay!
3. THAY ARE PREPARED
(Pictured is Underwear, a upscale lingerie shop @ 908 W. 12th St, Austin, TX 78703)
Whether this is your first or 10th time, having a photographer who is prepared and ready to give you what you need to pull off a stunning boudoir, is a sign they care! There is nothing worse than signing up and having no clue or professional guidance to pull it off. You don’t have to go it alone and it’s definitely no fun wasting time googling and searching for the right places to shop and print photos. Save time and energy and make sure they did all the heavy lifting for you by asking them ‘Do you have boudoir guides for clients?’. They will know the right places to go, which shops will be right for your body type and style with amazing staff to help! Who wants to wander into a lingerie store with no clue and lousy staff?!
4. THEY MAKE TIME TO HEAR YOUR STORY
Feeling comfortable, having a fun and relaxed time, and not worrying about how you look during the shoot doesn’t just happen by mentally prepping yourself. Think about it, being half naked in front of a camera with a total stranger is daunting!
Your photographer wanting to get to know you before anything else goes into motion will help you feel more at ease. They must be attentive, validate, and listen. It bridges that gap between strangers and friendships and helps some of the walls to come down. So you instead can enjoy yourself and trust in them they will be sensitive to you, knowing what you’re about. Everyone has a story and why they want a boudoir, it can be more than just pretty photos, it can be a breakthrough in your life being documented. This builds a great segway into #5…
5. HAVING A CONNECTION
Photographers making time and hearing your story will only go so far unless you feel connected with them. YOU GOTTA LIKE EACH OTHER! This goes against the norms of just picking the most talented and I’m here to tell you, you can have a relationship AND the most talented photographer. YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL. I’m going to get spiritual on ya and say, the energy you put out there will bring the things you want into your life. Saying no to the wrong choice for you, will bring the right photog into your life. Because you are making room for them to enter. SO DON’T SETTLE! There is a difference in expressions and energy in a photo when you both have built a genuine connection with one another.
Follow these 5 tips and best believe you have saved yourself a lot of time and energy looking on the internet for the answers. More time to enjoy watching Parks and Rec and The Office, and less time with headaches and stressing yourself out to find the answers all by your lonesome.
**If you feel like you need more insight, shoot me a message on my contact page. I’m always happy to hear what my readers have to say and what we can discuss it further. Help me help you.
Amanda is a DESTINATION wedding PHOTOJOURNALIST and BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER based out of Austin Texas.
Forced to Mellow | New Orleans Vacation
If you are like me and are into Universe confirmations and what not, keep reading! This was the most in-your-face universe speaking to me I have ever experienced while also learning about myself and getting a total reset.
A few weeks leading up to my 6 day trip, which I might add wasn’t long enough, I had planned exactly 4 photoshoots with models. One canceled and I rebooked another for the same day, but that was also canceled the day before the shoot, on my arrival date to New Orleans. And that was just the first day, with the same shoot being canceled twice, the next one soon followed suit with one of the models getting a flu. Then the last who was in a minor car accident, her being healthy with no injuries thank goodness. When the last one was canceled it was impossible to ignore the very obvious signs that I was not supposed to work on this trip.
Heres the thing, I had big hopes and dreams to have this amazing portfolio of people in the quarter, in the garden district and park to display and use to book clients with. This way I could come to New Orleans more often. I had already thought this out and knew exactly what I wanted and usually don’t do well not getting what I want. But, I’ve done some growing up.
One morning, feeling a wii bit defeated, I stopped in on a cafe in the garden district. I walked in, bought myself a latte, sat down and just watched. I watched the people come inside and out, order their drinks. The young professionals working on their laptops, some conversing with friends. Then I noticed the original windows of the the building, it was actually a home originally, turned coffee shop. I saw the string lights hanging down from the ceiling at different lengths. The light reflecting on a wall from the light shinning in outside. I was calm, I didn’t have anywhere to be, anything to do, I was just there, in the moment.
I am learning to let things go, always trying to remember that if what was meant for me will never miss me, and that what misses me was never meant for me. That mantra really grounds me and quite honestly made this trip as enjoyable as it was. Because if not, and I tried to continue to book more shoots, and lets face it could go two ways, 1. I’d be rushed and not organized because of putting together last second shoots and/or 2. I wouldn’t be able to stop and relax this trip, but instead be constantly model searching, photographing on a whim and editing it all on the little downtime I would have left.
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and the answer may be bigger than us, or as simple as ‘stop and relax’ . But I do believe there is a reason, whether we initially agree with it or not. Because we don’t always know what we need, we may know what we want, but our needs are often left ignored. Maybe because of obligations, the need to always feel productive, or we just never learned to chill the fuck out.
That was my lesson learned. The trip was amazing by the way, I was filled with so much joy getting back to my roots in photography and street shooting again. It was a forced action upon me that I am grateful for and will cherish. Every where I walked, every corner I turned, the loosened schedule really centered me, calmed me and just filled my tank with so much joy. So here are some I’d like to share. If you love any of them, please feel free to pin on Pinterest of share on social media. I love my art and would love more people to see it!
2 WAY INSPIRATION
THIS EMPOWERMENT SESSION HAD A HUGE IMPACT ON ME AS A PHOTOGRAPHER AND PERSON AND ON MY CLIENT.
AS ALL OF MY CLIENTS ON THE FIRST GO AROUND FOR PHOTOS, THERE ARE NERVES. WILL I LOOK GOOD? I NEED TO LOSE XXX POUNDS. I DON'T TAKE GOOD PICTURES! I DON'T KNOW HOW TO 'LOOK SEXY'. THE LIST GOES ON, BUT THATS OK! YOU ARE NOT THE FIRST AND WILL NOT BE THE LAST WITH THOSE KINDS OF THOUGHTS. I REALLY WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU AS YOU ARE!
MY CLIENT HERE WAS GETTING A TASTE OF THE 'GIVE ZERO FUCKS' ATTITUDE BEFORE SHE CAME TO ME, I THINK THERE JUST NEEDED TO BE A LITTLE BIT OF A NUDGE TO SEND HER DOWN THE PATH. AS MOST OF MY CLIENTS SHE WAS NERVOUS AND WHEN THE DAY CAME FOR THE SHOOT SHE SOON REALIZED THAT IT WAS JUST AN HOUR OF JOKES, LAUGHTER, FEEL GOOD TALK AND (MOSTLY) FUN RELAXING POSING!
I HAVE A TENDENCY TO GO OVER THE TOP WITH COMPLIMENTS WHILE I AM PHOTOGRAPHING. I ACTUALLY DON'T MEAN TO DO IT, I JUST CARE A LOT ABOUT MY ART AND WHEN I CAPTURE SOMETHING THAT IS GORGEOUS MY INNER CHILD COMES OUT AND GETS SUPER EXCITED! IT MAKES MY CLIENTS FEEL REALLY GOOD AND RELAXED DURING THIS VERY INTIMATE SHOOT.
AFTER IT WAS OVER AND WE SAID OUR TEMPORARY GOOD BYES TILL GALLERY REVEAL DAY, SOMETHING JUMPSTARTED HER HEART. SHE TEXT ME WITH THE MOST BADASS TEXTS WHICH READ:
"Seriously had such a fun time today girl! It's so hard to try to get your sexy on with a camera in front of you (lol I've never been great at having cameras pointing at me in general) but you made me feel so comfortable and confident with every bit of it! Hahahah even when I was being an awkward mess at times anyway, thank you again!! I seriously can't wait to see how they turned out!! Fingers crossed I'm not a laughing goof in all of them 😅" ...
"I've been walking a huge no fucks given path lately..."
I MEAN WHAT DO YOU DO WITH SUCH A HUGE COMPLIMENT LIKE THAT OTHER THAN JUMP UP AND DOWN AND SQUEAL WITH EXCITEMENT?!
A COUPLE DAYS AFTER GALLERY REVEAL MY CLIENT HAD A HUGE 21 PADDLE FOR A CANCER FUNDRAISING EVENT AND SHE POST A FEW UPDATES ON IT THE DAY IT WAS HAPPENING. IT GOT ME THINKING ABOUT ALL THE WORK I HAVE PUT INTO TRAINING IN KRAV MAGA AND HOW MUCH I MISS GOING. I HAD TAKEN A COUPLE WEEKS OFF BEING BUSY WITH WORK. THIS WOMAN WAS PADDLING 21 MILES STRAIGHT FOR AN AMAZING CAUSE! TALK ABOUT A SUPERWOMAN!! SHE WAS BEING MY INSPIRATION TO BE STRONG AND KEEP GOING! NEXT DAY SHE SENT ME THIS:
"About yesterday btw, you totally popped into my mind during a really difficult moment. I was struggling so much around mile 16 and one of our support boats was driving by me motivating me by telling me how powerful and strong I was, I nearly cried thinking of our conversation about empowerment, it helped give me such a huge boost of energy so thank you so much for being such a powerful advocate"
I AM JUST IN AWE OF THE AMAZING WOMEN THAT I KNOW THAT LOVE BUILDING EACH OTHER UP. THAT WANT NOTHING BUT HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS FOR ONE ANOTHER, IT IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL THING! AN EMPOWERMENT SHOOT AND OUR CONVERSATIONS ABOUT WOMEN EMPOWERMENT FUELD US BOTH IN STRUGGLING TIMES! HOW FREAKIN BEAUTIFUL IS THAT?!
Juiceland
I met Jennifer at JuiceLand Hyde Park location on a weekday afternoon. She literally showed up in exactly what I hoped to see her wearing, very cute and simple to keep it down earth, cropped top and jeans.
I wanted to take on another location that seemed ordinary and turn it into art. Jennifer has had some modeling experience and was wonderful to work with. We vibed really well together even making her laugh by hyping her up during the photo shoot.
The staff was so nice and the shop was pretty empty we basically had this back room to ourselves. This backroom was beautiful, floor to ceiling windows bringing in a lot of natural light, a bar facing out one window, and a collage of flyers and brochures hanging on the wall that made for a great backdrop. This location also included a small record store, which is why I chose this location in particular. It’s the biggest one I think in all of Austin and it has a legit selection of records to flip through and buy!
This location was really fun for me because I absolutely love natural light so shooting by the window was so fabulous and the records really was the cherry on top. I would be down to do another shoot there again with someone else, there was a lot of space that we didn’t use and still ended up walking away with a lot of great images.
Thank you to Jennifer for being so open to the idea and cooperative and fun during this photo shoot!
Model: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferspall/
The Canopy With Vanessa
I like to share experiences and meet new people often so I decided, spontaneously of course, to gather models and do some photoshoots in ordinary places. First stop, a blank canvas at The Canopy, where Sa-ten resides in the East side of Austin.
I met Vanessa there on a weekday afternoon to avoid some big crowds, sun was out, the vibe high! I had never met Vanessa in person before and had only exchanged messages for a short time before meeting this day. I had a good feeling it was going to be great as long as I was honest about my expectations. I have found being honest about my abilities, goals and expectations sets a great foundation to something like this. The expectations to be perfect is off, the vibe becomes very positive and down to earth, everyone has more of a looser feeling when performing.
When she arrived she came with a mini wardrobe, her turquoise pants the highlight of the options, so I obviously wanted to start there! My only goals going into this project were simple, make the most out of a very plain space, utilizing poses and compositions. While also maintaining communication with Vanessa and connection with my own goals in mind, not get lost in my head and become mute during the shoot.
Vanessa has experience modeling for several years, and she was so kind, fun loving and just overall sensational in her abilities. It really made the whole experience very easy and fun!
Here is the finished product! I am overall very satisfied with the results, accomplishing my goals while also meeting a very talented, not to mention, sweet individual! We had fun playing with angles, poses and movement to capture different moods and a different looking shot than the last. I was very happy using this space, it has always attracted and intimidated me for a photoshoot location, so I obviously needed to conquer it!
We even stumbled upon a super cute trailer, turned retail shop in the back which perfectly tied into her retro style look! It really couldn’t have unfolded more perfectly than that!
Things I learned
Be honest and straightforward from the beginning as to what goals you are trying to reach. Vanessas was so accommodating and understand in helping me accomplish that goal.
Don’t stay in once place for too long. Move move move! It has become second nature now, and I noticed during this shoot, I didn’t want to take more than a couple photos from the same place as I wanted to have a variety of compositions to go through in post editing.
It’s ok to compliment them anytime I wanted. I word vomit complaints, that’s me, and I learned to stop being so apologetic about it. I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it really made me feel more relaxed to be myself and not apologize all the time for complimenting them too much. I’m pretty sure there are no limits on how many complaints to give and people love it!
Expose in a variety of ways. I had so much creative freedom having numerous options of images to edit. Creative freedom in post is a dream, why not take advantage of that under of overexposed picture and make that into art as well!
These of course are my own personal goals, experiences and findings. It is different for every artist and there is no right or wrong way to make art y’all!
Model : https://www.instagram.com/givemecashmere/
3 tips to prep for a photoshoot
Everyone that I photograph can be models, but this beautiful human here wanted to really strive to be that. We worked together to accomplish his wants and vision for this shoot and you know I'm a laid back kinda gal, so we hit up UT for some sunrise photo magic.
You may not always know what to do to prepare for a shoot, so here are a 3 tips to use and know when you want to hire a photographer.
1. Interwebs is your first stop to gain inspiration.
So you snagged a awesome photographer! ;) I ask if you have any ideas of your shoot, and you draw a blank. You know you've seen some stuff you like but can't recall the details. Look up some inspiration on Pinterest or Google! You don't have to know what it is your are looking for, just save images that speak to you then send them to me via email. I'll look them over and can gather info, ask questions and pick out further ideas to make this shoot a reality. If you have no idea and open to anything, thats great! I'll pick your brain and come up with something that directly reflects you.
2. Comfy clothes!
Please for the love of all that is holy wear clothes you are comfortable in. That doesn't mean wearing something that doesn't make you feel great. We have all heard that saying, 'beauty is pain'? Scratch that shit. Lookie here my friend, it is super important to me that you have a great time during this special occasion. (because lets admit, photoshoots are not a daily occurrence, there for a special occasion) That will not happen when you are constantly adjusting yourself and uncomfortable clothes you otherwise wouldn't wear. Feeling great is also being comfortable, I'll see the confidence and joy pouring through you much more verses you constantly distracted with your outfit riding, itchy or inflicting blisters. So high heel fans, be sure to bring a comfy pair of shoes. Some photos won't have your feet in them, and that will be the time to take a break from the heels to prolong the comfort of your feet.
If you need help with that, bring that up at the consultation and I will be there to help say 'yes' or 'no' to outfits you are unsure about.
3. Trust the process!
The day of the shoot has arrived, you are ready to go! You're having a good time and your photographer is doing some real crazy shit, jumping around, getting different angles. For some its hard to see what it is exactly the photographer is trying to capture from where you stand. Trust the process! When you put your trust in the hands of your photographer, you are letting go of full control and soley focusing on having fun! Thats exactly what I want to see and capture. It will be the opposite of that when I keep seeing you eyeing the camera with confusion. Let go, have a good time, don't be afraid to laugh and smile! Capturing the authentic you is exactly what we want on paper, don't be afraid to look funny. I will capture the moments where you are at your most stunning, so come gallery reveal time, you will feel as great about yourself seeing the photos as you did when we took them.
Visit my contact page to book a Senior/solo, couples or boudoir.
French Quarter Adventures
Before my trip to New Orleans recently I put out the vibes into the universe (and instagram) for some more amazing people to photograph. And the universe delivered! I was contacted by a beautiful being, inside and out, for a solo lifestyle shoot just because. HELL YEAH, THATS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! Empowerment photoshoots yessssss!
The weekend of the shoot, we met next door to the Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, one of the oldest bars in New Orleans not to mention the French Quarter. The weather was being exceptionally clear and gorgeous, and was just the perfect temperature. When she showed up I took her all around the residential side of the French Quarter where there wasn't really any tourist. I use to live in New Orleans a few years ago and would wonder the same area taking street photography images, it was what really fired up my passion for photography. So this photoshoot was like a dream come true basically.
We got to know each other more as we wondered around and taking photos, then there was a moment just 15 mins in when my heart was feeling so full. You know that feeling, when all the feelings and vibes are so high and positive and just over powered with love? Yea, that's what was happening.
I have seriously been putting out good vibes because every single one of my clients are always so amazing and go with the flow like me. As awkward as it can be at first being photographed, it becomes a lot easier, much sooner into the shoot than you think. That's because working with me, we interact, we are playful and always, ALWAYS having fun.
I plan on making more trips to New Orleans this year and looking forward to the future photoshoots in the city. It is an amazing place to be, so beautiful and so vibrant, there should always be reason to be photographed in New Orleans, even if there is no reason at all.
In Home 'Sunday Lazy Sunday' Sesh
I can't begin to explain how much fun I had getting to know Alyssa and Justin! A lot think that getting a photojournalist is only for big events like weddings or engagements. But I can't stress enough the beauty in the everyday. All the little moments that builds and grows the love between two people in day to day life. The touches, the looks, the playing with each other. I was fortunate enough to find these two love birds just before their 1 year wedding anniversary. I got to know both of them deeply, their story, before and after they met each other. Their individual passions, their interests and professional work life. I absolutely loved how they found their own love in what they do for a living. The tiresome journey and devotion to pursuing their dreams. It fills my heart up to know that someone enjoys and loves what they do for a living after working so hard to get there.
Now these two have each other, the love when they speak about their professions is almost as much as when they speak of one another. From when they first met in college to their trip to Italy together where Justin snapped his all time favorite picture of Alyssa. These two have that solid foundation and I just pray I am around to see it longer!
Thank you Alyssa and Justin for being so sweet and inviting me into your lives and home! I truly loved the time together and documenting y'alls beautiful love life!
Senior Shoot @ the Capitol
Growing up as a kid, I did the standard thing most kids do to earn some extra cash, babysit. In this particular case, I would kid-sit a set of brown haired, doe eyed sisters. Since I was a young adolescent I have known and watched quite often these three girls. We would play, dance to the spice girls, and play some more. Its been a quick but also long 10 + years, and yet another sister has hit her graduation. I have known of Kaylee when she was a energetic little girl, now grown into a sophisticated book worm beauty.
She made a trip to Austin with her mom for her graduation senior portraits and she was a doll! So timid at first, but as what always happens that I see, opens up and becomes so comfortable in front of the camera!
Congratulations Kaylee! You are going to do such amazing things!! Take as many roads as you want! Never limit yourself!
