There are some people that come into my life that need more than photos.  Most of my clients are women who need to begin their self love journey, are starting something new in their life, want to celebrate themselves, need to feel empowered, need someone to show them a side of themselves they didn’t know was there.  This session was something so much more than a boudoir experience.  It was a start to healing that needed to take place.  The day before her session she had something pretty major happen to her.  The day before she came back to view her images something else major happened.  In both cases, she didn’t cancel on me.  She pushed forward but shared with me what was going on in her life.  I consider it an honor when my clients share such deep things with me.  I think they find it easy to open up to me because I don’t judge them for anything.  I’m here to listen to you, to be that shoulder to cry on, to have someone just hold your hand.

At her viewing, I realized the moment she stepped into the studio that the photos needed to take a back seat.  She needed me to listen to her.  So I did.  For 40 minutes, we just sat there talking and crying.  My heart hurt for her, but she’s one of the strongest most patient women I know.  I can’t imagine going through what she’s dealing with so I truly admire her for the fortitude she has, as each day she puts one foot in front of another even though she wants to stay still.

We did eventually get to viewing her images and she said that seeing me was exactly what she needed as a pick me up.  I’m honored to help women along their journey.  It’s my calling.

After her viewing, this is what she had to say:

“One month ago I had my photo shoot with Maura. At the time I was dealing with some pretty heavy stuff. Today I had my viewing with Maura. Much like I felt when I went for my shoot I didn’t want to go. The things I was dealing with then seemed to be worse now and my heart is fully of hurt and uglyness. Much like last time I muscled up the strength to go and see Maura. There are no words for what this woman does the gift she has been given is used to fullest capacity. She loves with her whole heart. She truly cares about her clients and how they feel, see, love and care about and care for themselves. After having a brief discussion about what was going on she just wanted make sure I was ok. My pictures were not priority at that time it was my wellbeing that was. That’s powerful. We did eventually get to my pictures and wow was I blown away. Maura did an amazing job.

Thank you Maura for being such an amazing person. For sharing your gift with the world. You are a gem and I am so lucky to have been sent your way. I can’t wait to share you with the people I love (or complete strangers).

Thank you Maura for helping me see the strength and beauty I have within.”

Man, oh man.  It doesn’t get much better than that.  Below are some of her photos, as well as what she had to say about her session with me.  These are important words….

1) Why did you decide to invest in a boudoir photo shoot?  I have never seen myself as a beautiful person on the outside. I know my heart is good and beautiful but visually I feel ugly.

2) How did you feel about yourself before your photo shoot?  Fat and physically unattractive. And unworthy

3) How did you feel about yourself after your photo shoot?  Even through my current struggles I feel beautiful and worthy. I feel strong and powerful like I could accomplish all things

4) Describe your session in 3 words?  AMAZING, IMPOWERING AND BEAUTIFUL

5) What was your favorite part of the boudoir photo shoot?  how wonderful Maura is

6) What would you say to other women who are considering a boudoir photo shoot?  DO IT