Boudoir With a Great Friend // Symone F

Symone and I clicked from the moment we met. It was instant friendship. Her personality is contagious, and her presence is comforting. I feel like I have known her my whole life. When we're together there is a lot of laughing and smiling. A lot. Whether it's an impromptu afternoon hang with her kids, or a perfectly scheduled wine night, we always find the time to catch up. But the thing I treasure most about being her friend is that we can talk about anything. Our conversation is always open and honest. It is never lacking. It is real and transparent. It is full of love and listening. It is always just what I need.

This lady is fantastic. She's a mother of two beautiful girls, a loving and devoted wife, and a follower of Christ. There was no hesitation when I asked if I could photograph her. She knows boudoir is my passion and I am so grateful for her support. The session was short. But it was exactly what my soul needed. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful friend.

<3

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 - Alix

Alix is just all around amazing. She always asks how you're doing, and actually wants to know. I hardly ever hear her talk about herself or problems in her life. Her selflessness is something I admire. Alix has the ability to be friends with almost everyone. Her kindness and genuine nature are evident from the moment you meet her. I knew right when I decided to do a different take on boudoir for my portfolio that she would be perfect for it. So I was BEYOND happy when she said yes to doing this session with me. Her beauty truly comes from within. I mean she's gorgeous on the outside too, just look her. But there's something to be said about having a beautiful personality.

This girl is incredible. Her soul is lovely.

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