I talk often on my blog about the impact that a plus size boudoir photo shoot has on my clients. Today, I would like to focus on the impact it has on me Pittsburgh plus size boudoir photographer. Before I get into this blog post, you can follow the links below to learn more about my boudoir photo shoots for those in Eastern OH and Western PA:
~Boudoir Photo Shoot Package & Pricing
~ Boudoir Photo Shoot Planning Help
~View Photos from Boudoir Photo Shoots
~Begin the booking process by completing a questionnaire
***
This absolutely beautiful woman came to me at a time I needed it most. It’s funny how things happen like that but I know she was put in my life at the exact right moment. Before we even started taking photos, we just sat down and talked … and cried. We were both brought to tears as we shared more about ourselves.
The truth is … I used to be terribly overweight, and it held me back from being the person I was and doing the things I loved. Even now, after having lost quite a bit of weight, I still see that big girl staring at me in the mirror. I hate her. I hate that she held me back for all those years. Let me repeat, I hate that I held myself back! The reality is that all women are beautiful – ALL WOMEN. Regardless of size, height, weight, hair – you know, all those factors that others may consider beautiful. And, what I find most beautiful is confidence. Yup, confidence is beautiful and super sexy!
My life has been so enriched by all the wonderful women I’ve had the HONOR of working with. As I boost their confidence, my own confidence grows. As I show them how to love what they have, I find myself loving what I have – flaws and all. All of my clients open themselves up to me, and I take that very seriously. I take pride in them walking out the door with renewed confidence, more energy, and a new found love for everything they have. After every shoot, I always say to Tony, “I HAVE to do this!” “This” meaning plus size boudoir photography and just boudoir photography in general- there is no other option for me. This is what I’ve been called to do. When people ask what I do for a living, my response is, “I provide women with an empowering experience thru the medium of photography by giving them an over the top experience during a styled plus size boudoir photo shoot or any photo shoot for that matter.” I’m not just a boudoir photographer – there is so much more to what I offer all these beautiful women! God has called me to this amazing job – He’s given me this passion, talent, understanding and relational abilities to see in women what He sees in them.
Your pants size should not hold you back from doing anything!
This stunning woman is a reminder that nothing should hold you back. She embraced what she had and jumped full steam ahead into a plus size boudoir photo shoot to prove to others and herself that she is beautiful. She believes she is beautiful. And, I agree! 🙂 I wish I had had her guts years ago – I applaud her with a standing ovation for doing this photo shoot!
Read the below post to hear what she had to say about her photo shoot! She has the best personality, has been so encouraging and uplifting to me and I am forever grateful to her for that! She gives me credit for doing amazing things for her but it’s her who has touched my life and business. SHE is why I do this job! 🙂
After seeing one preview photo, I received some feedback:
I can’t stop going back to look at this proof! I am so glad that I left all of my inhibitions at the door and allowed you to guide me through this amazing experience. There were so many personal touches throughout this boudoir session that made me feel SO special. And knowing that you are a one person operation makes me appreciate it all the more. I know you are up late editing photos, making gift bags, preparing snacks and transforming your beautiful home into the perfect studio.
She also said:
You filled me up today. I feel so wonderful deep down in my soul. Please rest your weary head (feet, back and legs!!) on your pillow tonight KNOWING and believing that you spent the day doing what God intended you to do – using every ounce of your talent and passion to make other people in this world realize their beauty. That is something truly special. You are a remarkable woman and I am privileged and honored to be your newest client.
And finally, after her husband saw the photos, I received this. I can’t even being to tell you how the tears fell from my eyes while reading this:
We had a wonderful anniversary. But it had nothing to do with the pictures, gifts or special dinner. It was the time we spent together, reflecting on the changes in our marriage over the last 6 years. I am not that girl that I was when I got married. I am now a woman. A sexy and confident woman with curves and realness. I am a mother. So my eyes are weary and my stretch marks are still visible. I am beautiful. Pretty is one thing, but BEAUTIFUL is another. One of my favorite authors wrote “Beautiful is not about the appearance of your outsides- beautiful is about what you’re made of. Beautiful women are women who spend time discovering what they love – what sings to them –what their idea of beauty on this Earth is. Then they make time each day to fill themselves up with that beauty. They know themselves well enough to know what they love, and they love themselves enough to fill up with a little of their particular kind of beauty each day.” I am beautiful. BEAUTIFUL! There! I said it! But the best thing is, I BELIEVE it! My guts and my soul are beautiful and I don’t want to ever again feel embarrassed or ashamed of my skin suit. It has carried me to this present day. So I am proud of it and I will treat it and speak to it kindly. We celebrated the present on our anniversary. We sat and enjoyed ME being present. I wasn’t wishing that I looked any other way than as I am. I was fully comfortable and confident in my own skin. Maura, you have played such a HUGE role in getting me to this point. Stepping in front of a camera was difficult at times. But, I decided to say – “Ready or not, here I COME!”. So there may have been professional makeup and some photo editing to get me looking my best on the day of my boudoir photo shoot. But the transformation that you did to my heart and mind is something that I will confidently carry with me forever. I took a bunch of kids to Pittsburgh yesterday. Instead of my typical tomboyish thrown together tshirt and capris, I spent the time dressing and accessorizing. It was a hot, long day and we walked (AND walked AND walked) – but I came into the house last night and my husband said to me “you look beautiful today – like REALLY beautiful”. I was hot, tattered, exhausted, makeup worn off, hair all sweaty and wind blown…..and yet, still beautiful. I am sure of it. So instead of saying oh gosh, no I’m not, I am a sweaty MESS – I said “Thank you”. I spent the day doing the things I love with the people I love and that is beautiful.
So, here is another thank you. Because one didn’t seem to be enough. You are so special, talented, appreciated and loved. And the impact that this boudoir shoot has had on my life is far and wide, and seemingly, yet to be revealed.
WHEN I SAY “MY JOB IS THE BEST”
Believe that is….because it is.
My job is the best, most rewarding job out there and I shouldn’t be doing anything else!
She also said:
Monica - OMGoodness.. I love this session. I can feel the romance in these images! Its simple + classy and elegant. Beautiful.
Ashley - Freaking gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is so classy and elegant, I love it!
Ashley Durham - AHHH! I love love love this!
Marisa - What a great idea to do the photos outside. So pretty and seductive at the same time!
Jesscia - I love boudoir and never thought about doing them outdoor.. amazing.. Love this
China - Wow! These images are gorgeous and so is your client!
tracy - I adore outdoor boudoir. These are so romantic and gorgeous.
Jyn - Outdoor boudoir sessions are my fave. Gorgeous images!
Mallory - I love outdoor boudoirs and you rocked this session! Stunning!!