Size Does Not Matter – It Just Doesn’t

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

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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! 🙂

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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.

pittsburgh plus size boudoir photographerPlus Size boudoir photo shoot in Pittsburgh - Boudoir is for women of all sizes - beautiful boudoir of plus size woman - pose for plus size boudoir - boudoir photo of curvy woman - plus size boudoir pose idea - www.PicsByChicksPhotography.com - Pittsburgh Boudoir PhotographerSexy photo of plus size woman - boudoir photo shoots are for women of all shapes and sizes - boudoir pose for plus size women - photo shoot ideas for plus size boudoir - boudoir photo of curvy woman - plus size boudoir pose idea - www.PicsByChicksPhotography.com - Pittsburgh Boudoir PhotographerShe 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.

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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!

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Randi & Jonathan – The Great Hall Wedding

It was a beautiful day yesterday for this Pittsburgh wedding photographer!  The weather was perfect … and so were Randi and Jonathan.  Prior to the reception at The Great Hall in Pittsubrgh, we had some time to take photos around Ambridge and Sewickley.  What a perfect day!

best pittsburgh wedding photographer

These boys.  What an awesome group of men who made me laugh the entire night!  This is one of many takes from a photo THEY requested.  Yes they asked to do this and it took a little bit of coordination, but it does make me laugh.  It totally represented who they are and the fun we had.  Seriously, you can’t help but laugh at this photo and as a Pittsburgh wedding photographer I love being able to laugh during our weddings with the bridal party. It makes it so much more fun for everyone! 🙂
fun wedding photos, pittsburgh wedding photographer

These two are simply perfection, and, in all honesty, are every photographer’s dream.  We had about an hour for their portrait session, which I was overjoyed about.  I typically have about 20-30 minutes to do the bridal party and the couple photos so it was real nice to be able to take my time with them and take a bunch of photos.  I wish every couple planned for this much time between the ceremony and reception!

This willow tree was the perfect backdrop for some of their photos and I just couldn’t get enough.  These two are so in love and it certainly shows in the photos!  More to come from their wedding when all the photos have been edited but just a few photos for now!  Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Sacco for letting us share in your prefect wedding day!

black and white wedding photo in willow tree

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Boudoir Session Preparation Tips – Night Before & Day of Your Shoot

Boudoir photo shoot planning tips here from Pittsburgh Boudoir Photographer, Maura Chick of Pics By Chicks Photography.  Here are some preparation tips for you boudoir photo shoot!  For details on my boudoir package (including pricing), please click here.  If you wanted to see other boudoir photo shoot planning tips, please click here.  Every two weeks I post a boudoir photo shoot tip that can help you in planning your dream session!  Finally, to see a collection of my boudoir photos, please click here.

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The biggest question I’m asked by clients is about tips for preparing for boudoir photo shoot.  This blog post is all about tips and tricks in preparing for your session including things to do the night before and day of your shoot.

5 Tips for the Night Before your Boudoir Photo shoot, 3 Tips for the Day of your Photo Shoot - www.PicsByChicksPhotography.com - Pittsburgh Boudoir Photographer - Boudoir Photo Shoot Planning Tips & Tricks, preparing for boudoir photo shoot

Let’s start with five tips for the night before.

1) Drink a good amount of water the day before your session.  This is mostly to help with your energy level.  Being dehydrated can seriously impact your energy and make you feel tired.  The one thing you can’t be for your photo shoot is tired!  There’s also some debate that water will help hydrate your skin and remove toxins.  We photographers love moisturized and hydrated skin!

2) Avoid alcohol the night before!

3) Avoid salty foods for a few days to limit swelling.

4) Pack!  Avoid the stress of running around the morning of your shoot – have everything packed and ready to go the night before.  Then if you remember something in the morning, you can quickly added to your bag!

5) Get a  good night’s sleep.  You may be nervous about your session (perfectly normal), which could interfere with your sleep but try hard to be well rested.  I always say that getting glamours isn’t easy!  You’ll be moving around for your entire photo shoot and energy is a must!

And now three tips for the day of your session.

1) Eat breakfast!  Again, it’s all about energy and eating a good meal a few hours before your session is a good idea.  You don’t want to get hungry in the middle of your session.  Just make sure you don’t eat an overly heavy meal – remember, you’ll be prancing around in lingerie! 🙂

2) Wear clear deodorant.  Another tip that may be obvious but it’s real important to note for clients that deodorant should be clear.  White deodorant can sometimes leave marks on your outfits when changing into them.

3) Wear loose clothes to your photo shoot!  Ah, yes, don’t wear tight clothing that’s going to leave marks on your body.  Think about socks in particular.  If they are tight, they are going to leave a line on your legs that will be seen in the photos.  Not all photographers edit those kind of marks out of photos so please be cautious in what you wear.  Also, wear a zip up or button-down shirt so that your hair and makeup aren’t affected when it’s time to change into your sexy clothes.

Those are just a few of my tips that I share with my clients.  Anything tips you’d share for preparing for boudoir photo shoot?  Leave your comments below.

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Raeann & Mike – A Preview

Last weekend, Tony & I had the honor of photographing Raeann & Mike’s Blueberry Hill Park Wedding in Franklin, PA.  It was an amazingly beautiful day with a little rain mixed in.  With cloudy skies threatening the day, the bridal portrait session was nothing short of amazing.  And, while I rained right at the end, Raeann and Mike took it in stride!

A Blueberry Hill Park wedding is the perfect place for a small and intimate wedding.  This beautiful couple was a joy to work with and we’ve had so much fun getting to know them.  When we went out for their engagement session, Raeann warned me that Mike didn’t really enjoy having his photos taken.  OK, no problem for me – I’ve dealt with these kinds of grooms before.  haha.  Mike did a great job at the engagement session, and his wedding – he was even better. (On a side note, this is why I always recommend engagement sessions to my clients and the reason I’m not including a complementary engagement session in our wedding package)  The love, admiration and affection he has when he looks at Raeann is something I enjoy seeing in our couples.  The subtle touches, the loving looks when she isn’t paying attention, the support when she needs it – he gives her everything!  As a wedding photographer in Pittsburgh, I get to see a lot with couples but it warms my heart to no end when I have a couple like this – their love only shines brighter in the photos.

Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs!  Just a few preview photos for now, but the full blog post from their Blueberry Hill Park wedding is coming soon so please stay tuned!

brooch bouquet, photo of old brooches used for wedding bouquetPittsburgh Blueberry Hill Park wedding photo of bride and groomPittsburgh Blueberry Hill Park wedding photo of bride and groom

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Floral Chemise {Pittsburgh Boudoir Photographer}

More information on my boudoir services for those in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas can be found here.

To see photos from other boudoir sessions, click HERE.

To follow us on Facebook, click here.

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More information on my boudoir services for those in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas can be found here.

To see photos from other boudoir sessions, click HERE.

To follow us on Facebook, click here.

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