On this second day of the new year… the day that we all have to get back to the “real” world, I’d like to share a little inspiration and practical advice regarding the most important and meaningful love of your life…
YOU.
Loving yourself can seem like a vague idea, indulgent or even unnecessary. But it’s vital. Putting self love into practice and creating habits that fill you up is key to a fulfilled life. Daily self love will make you a better human, mother, wife… a better you. It’s like going to the gym. (I think. I don’t go to the gym, so I don’t really know.)
I’m fortunate enough to have photographed amazing women who have become friends – mothers, entrepreneurs, single ladies, working ladies… all loving, nurturing, evolved humans who value the art of self love. Ms. M is one of them women who really captured my heart in 2017. Smart & successful but also sensitive and emotional, I saw a lot of myself in her.
Ms. M initially contacted me a few months before her wedding. Yes, there would be the extra added benefit of gifting her groom a beautiful and personal gift, but she more importantly wanted to have a boudoir shoot to have fun and gain confidence while in the midst of the wedding-planning craziness. As many of us know, the wedding industry can often do a number on women — setting unrealistic expectations of perfection and bringing a lot of stress to a time that should be nothing short of joyous. I mean — not many of us mere mortals look or dress like Megan Markle and — *news flash* — that’s ok! Imagine how sad it would be to look back on yourself as a 90 year old and only then realzie how beautiful you were. The thought breaks my heart. Ms. M wanted to have a boudoir shoot to give herself a day off, have fun and remind herself that she is beautiful and sexy exactly as she is now, in this moment. And THAT to me is the crux boudoir photography. There is no need to wait for some arbitray goal - you are allowed to love yourself and appreciate yourself just as you are today, and every day!
We shot at the William Vale, one of my favirite Brooklyn hotels in Williamsburg, which overlooks the New York City skyline. We wanted to capture Ms. M looking sexy, stylish & fun, and Ms. M really went for it. She pushed herself outside of her comfort zone, and was game for anything I suggested. It was a late summer day, the light was gorgeous and we captured Ms. M looking beautiful, bold, confidant, and sexy as hell.
After her shoot, Ms. M said:
Thank you again SO much for such an amazing experience. … I had fun and felt fabulous every step of the way and that was due in large part to your creativity, careful guidance, and boundless energy. I really cannot say enough about what this whole experience has done for me and for my confidence going into my wedding/the rest of my life in general -- you are an absolute gift and I feel so lucky to have met you and had a chance to shoot with you!
What can I say, this was a total lovefest of a collaboration. I really could have photographed her all day — luckily she had the stamina to shoot for almost 4 hours with me! I think we both needed a massage the next day but it was so worth it! We had a blast together and hearing I applaud Miss "S" for not only stepping out of her comfort zone, but for proudly sharing these lovely photos with the world to encourage other women to embrace the experience for THEMSELVES.
I told Ms. M that I would happily photographer her again for he 1 year wedding anniversary and I am very much looking forward to that day!
xoxo, Stephanie
Ready to celebrate yourself in 2018? Let's chat!