CLIENT INTERVIEW // Toledo, Ohio Boudoir Photographer
We LOVE getting these client interview responses from our clients. It seems to be a trend that we learn WAYYY more about how they felt after the session via their written words vs. what they say to us in person. We get it. Forming words on what this experience has done for you sometimes takes a little time. So pumped to share this babe’s experience with you. We laughed A LOT during her session. Maybe a little bit because of nerves but mostly because it was the therapeutic release she needed. Whether you need a good cry or laugh, we got you.
How old are you?
36
What do you do for a living?
Team lead for mental health crisis program.
What made you take the leap of faith and do a boudoir session?
Impulsivity!! Wanting to regain myself and my body as a woman who honors herself and her experiences.
How did you like working with the LNS team?
Lindsay and Courtney are fantastic. I felt instantly comfortable. I loved that Courtney just took control of my hair and makeup and didn't ask a lot of questions. I was feeling overwhelmed and incapable of having answers with what was going on in my life outside of the session. I loved that there wasn't a lot of "what are you thinking you want us to do?" Lindsay was supportive in allowing me to be me, which reduced the pressure. I felt like I could laugh and tap into that coping strategy that I so much needed. I loved that there wasn't pressure to have a certain response or behave in a certain way. Outside of and in my session, I loved how personable Lindsay was and that she didn't make it all business. We were able to get to know each other and begin forming a friendship. Seriously girl, we need to hang out sometime!!
Was the session different than you expected?
Yes and no. I thought there would be all of this pressure to get in all of these "perfect" poses, but that didn't happen.
What was your favorite part?
Laughing!!
How did you feel when you saw your images?
I felt overwhelmed and relieved all at the same time. I was excited to have an opportunity to to reflect on all of the things that make me, me. The images reflected all of my sides - physically and in personality. I saw myself as I hoped to be able to describe myself: fun, fierce, serious, beautiful, sexy, and funky.
Do you have any advice for women interested in booking a boudoir session?
Don't ever be ashamed of yourself or your body. You are beautiful just as you are. Every pound, wrinkle, blemish tells a story about you and what you have been through. And every pound, wrinkle, blemish is worthy of self-love and self-care, just as much as your favorite physical assets. Allow your boudoir session to be an opportunity to celebrate EVERY part of you!
Did anything change regarding the way you see yourself after the session?
I am working on being less critical of myself. I am working on focusing on what I like when I look in the mirror as opposed to what bothers me.
Did you enjoy working with me and my team? (Be honest!)
Absolutely! Seriously, when can we hang out? Lol
Any final thoughts on your session experience?
I became one of the gang yesterday ...
I decided a large part of this process for me was to be real. So it is about to get real for a few moments ladies. My body acceptance and positivity journey started years ago. I have spent many years as a "bigger" girl/woman. I always assumed I wouldn't be happy with myself until I lost the weight and was "skinny." Five years ago I worked my ass off, literally, to lose all the weight. I was happy with my commitment, strength and health, and the positive message I was sending to my then 4-year-old daughter about caring for herself. But at 70 pounds less than I currently weigh, when I looked in the mirror I saw my hip and collar bones jutting out abnormally, and where my boobs had been deflated balloons now sat. I gained back 15 pounds by choice and maintained that for a couple of years. Most of my weight regain, however, happened in a three month time frame. I gained about 40 pounds through a miscarriage and have never lost it. It was then that I started to recognize how much our bodies can be a reflection of our experiences and not an identification of a flaw in our character. I went on to have a successful pregnancy and my daughter is now 13 months.
My body weight does not indicate a woman who is lazy or unmotivated. It does not indicate less concern for my health. It does not make me less of a woman, mother or wife. It does, however, reflect my experiences. Those experiences - the good and the bad - should all be embraced. No matter my weight I should love the hell out of every pound and inch that I have. By accepting and being positive about my body, I will be able to take better care of it. But most of all, I need to stop saying how "fat" I am because that isn't really what is going on, and I have two little girls who are listening.
So now my boudoir experience ...
Yesterday I recognized how far I have already come in my body positivity and acceptance journey, with help from Lindsay and Courtney. I felt more comfortable and confident in my body than I expected ... My focus was more on my concern that my "sexy" face would look tired and awkward. Yesterday allowed me to just be me and to embrace it. I honestly laughed more than I have in a very long time and definitely needed it with what life has been throwing at me. Even when I pulled out these amazing wedges I had bought for my session and realized the box was marked wrong so the shoes were four full sizes too big, I laughed uncontrollably. Other highlights included being placed in the "frogger" pose and Lindsay asking me to show her my beautiful "green" eyes that are in fact very much brown. We laughed at it all. I stayed real. And the real me is one confident, beautiful, dare I say sexy warrior.
I mean. It doesn’t get any more real than that babes. It is a privilege for me to photograph you and provide this experience. Not every woman “needs” it, but every woman sure as f*ck deserves it.
If you’d like more info on how to book your own boudoir experience, click the link below.