What do you do for a living?
I’m in outdoor/wildlife non-formal education. In a nutshell, I teach people outdoor skills (i.e., archery, foraging, wildlife/plant/mushroom identification, hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking, wilderness survival, etc.).
Why did you want to do a boudoir session?
It started out as something for my husband, but really I wanted to do it for myself. We just found out we’re pregnant with our first child and I know my body will be different in a few short months. I wanted to encapsulate the way I feel about myself as a reminder that bodies are incredible things that change as we go through life. I wanted a way to remember the confident person that I’ve become after overcoming years of hating my body. The mental obstacles that I overcame to get to this point will likely resurface and I wanted to do these photos as a reminder to myself that my body is incredible and it will change and it is still worthy of love and respect.
Plus, when I’m old and grey, I want to pull a Rose from Titanic and be able to say, “Wasn’t I a dish?”
What made you choose Wallflower?
I’d been toying with the idea of a boudoir session for some time but was nervous to pull the plug. I had poked around on different sites but it’s hard to get a feel for how you’ll vibe with the photographer, if they’ll make you feel comfortable, etc. Thankfully, I had a friend who chose Wallflower and I could pick her brain about it – I’m very glad that I listened. If you’re on the fence, let this be your sign to choose Wallflower. Christina made me feel comfortable in my own skin, she’s very personable, listens, and respects all decisions you make.
Were you nervous at all to do your shoot?
A little, but in a butterflies kind of way. It was a good nervous.
What was your favorite part of the experience?
The overall atmosphere that Christina has created. Her studio is cozy and comfortable; Christina’s personality really brings life into the session, even if you’re feeling nervous or apprehensive; Sarah [hair and makeup] does a wonderful job making you feel beautiful and confident. It’s hard to choose a favorite part because all of it flowed so well together.
What would you tell a friend if they were thinking about doing a boudoir session?
Absolutely. Do it. Right now. Actually, you should have done it yesterday. You won’t regret it.
What was it like to see your photos?
Shock and awe. I was at a loss for words. I still am, honestly. Probably will be every time I look at them. I’ve never seen myself in that way before.
You know when you’re feeling like you look particularly good and you check out your own reflection in glass storefronts or mirrors when you pass them? It’s like that, but X1000, and you can look at them whenever you want.
Was everything what you expected it to be when you first got in touch?
Yes, even more so. Christina is wonderful at communicating what to expect throughout every step of the process.
Do you see yourself differently after having your session?
Yes, since finding out I’m pregnant, my confidence cup has been about half-empty. After my session, I felt completely renewed and have continued to feel that way. I’m not sure what it is, but it feels like a switch has been flipped and I feel more confident and bold in everything that I do, not just in how I see myself.
Anything else you’d like to throw out there?
My experience with Wallflower was top-notch. Very professional and organized. The only doubt that I had was about myself, Christina and Sarah completely stripped me of that doubt. I’ll be forever glad that I chose to do this.
