Boudoir Photography - A New Love of Mine

Boudoir photography is not something I ever saw myself doing. It crept up on me and became a newfound and unexpected passion. It completely took me by surprise. 

I'd like to first try and explain my view on boudoir..

Boudoir is generally thought of as being sexual or sexy. Women getting all dolled up and wearing fancy lingerie. I'm not knocking on that kind of boudoir at all. There are many great boudoir photographers who's style I look up to and draw inspiration from daily. But I want my style to be my own. I want to create my own look and feel that people are drawn to. It doesn't even have to be thought of as boudoir. You can wear whatever you want. It can be indoor or outdoor. It's just moments of vulnerability and beauty. Something that's different and evokes emotion. It might even push you out of your comfort zone. I'd rather it just be referred to as a personal session or something. I'll let you know if I come up with a new term. But for now feel free to define it however you'd like. : )

Now a little bit about how I got to where I am..

I chose to make up half of my portfolio with boudoir portraits. I didn't fully know why I wanted to, but something inside me knew it was right. After my first couple sessions it dawned on me, I had finally found something that I loved to photograph. I thought back to the mindset I had while I was shooting. I began to realize it wasn't the standard boudoir style I was drawn to, it was what made each person and situation unique. I started completely immersing myself in each session. I focused 100% on my surroundings and who I was photographing. I tried to use the light in the best way possible. I tried to shoot what I was feeling. I tried to connect on more than a personal level. I had decided to photograph one of my best friends for this assignment. Weeks after I blogged her session she told me that if she was having a bad day she would go read the post and look at the photos and she would feel better. That's when I knew it was about more than me finally finding something I love to do. I knew it was about more than great images. I want my work to be true and honest and real. It's about celebrating who God made you. It's about making someone feel awesome about who they are. It's about capturing the kind of vulnerable strength it takes to truly love yourself. I've looked into who I am and realized that I want to give what I also want most. More than anything else I want people to love who they were made to be. I believe that everyone was created for a reason and is their own kind of beautiful. I believe that's worth being shown. That is my desire.

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Photographing these lovely ladies is when I fell in love with boudoir.

They are the beginning of this journey.

Edmonton Boudoir Photography - Tegan

Tegan Dutton was unexpected. She came into my life quietly and subtly. Her friendship was not something that I had anticipated. But after a few mere conversations I knew that this girl was special. It was interesting getting to know each other because we both have relatively hard exteriors. Once we started talking and bonding over common interests it felt like we had known the other our whole lives. It wasn't like the flick of a switch; I can't pinpoint the exact moment we became friends, It was more like the tide coming in. You can sense it happening, and then before you know it you're immersed. After only a couple weeks I realized that she's one of the most emotional and genuine people I'd ever met. Opening up to her was simple. It took no effort. She gives off a sense of comfort I can't put into words. She really cares how you're doing when she asks, and she'll tell you how she really feels when you ask back. She gives the best and most sound advice, and has basically become my life coach. I seriously don't know what I would do without her.

Tegan travelled abroad to Australia and New Zealand a couple years ago and left a piece of her soul there. Travelling is VERY high on her bucket list. It's not about going somewhere just to say she's been there. It's about seeing the world and capturing each place in it's truest and most natural form. Even though she's an introvert and is awful in crowds, meeting new people and hearing their stories is one of the main reasons she loves it. You can tell that she's just itching to go on her next adventure and would jump on a plane tomorrow if she could. Not having a plan isn't daunting, rather it's preferred. I admire this about her so much.

Even though I've only known Tegan for a year and a half, it really does feel like so much longer. She is the type of friend everyone longs for. She doesn't judge. She is honest. She loves with all that she is. She lives for raw moments and real people. She pushes me. She challenges me. She is accountable. She would do anything for her family and friends. She lives life to the absolute fullest. And she doesn't know what she wants, but that's okay.

This girl has forever impacted me. She changed my life. And she will ALWAYS be my friend.

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Also, check out her work! She is soooo amazing!

www.teganjayphotography.com

Boudoir Photography in Edmonton - Allison

I've known Allie for about a year and it's crazy how much our friendship has grown since then. We met at a selection camp for Team Canada Sitting Volleyball in May of 2014. After we got talking we realized we had A LOT more in common. In addition to loving volleyball, we are both missing the same leg, we are both going to school for photography, and we have quite similar personalities. Initially I thought Allie was a bit closed off based on the tough front she puts up, but within minutes of talking to her I realized what a gem she is. We are always laughing when we're together, but can also have serious conversations. I know I can count on her to be there for me. Her disability is different from mine because she was born without her left leg below the knee, while I lost mine 3 years ago. Hearing about how this has impacted her life is incredibly inspiring. There were obviously good and bad times, but she never let anything stop her. Allie is simultaneously so shy and so outgoing. Her personality is hard to explain. Even though she was a bit hesitant to do this photo shoot at first, you would never be able to tell based on the images. Confidence and strength radiate from her in a way I've never seen before. She is passionate and driven. She knows what she wants and doesn't let anything stand in the way of her and her dreams. Allie is an amazing woman. I am so blessed to have someone in my life who understands so many aspects of me. I know that no matter where life takes us we will always be a part of each others lives.

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"..I am fearfully and wondefully made.." - Psalm 139:14