I Feel Pretty. Edmonton Boudoir Photography.

Boudoir photography.  Its different than glamour or pin-up photography where the images are highly stylized and touched up.  This style is unique.  Its a style that shows women for who they are and how beautiful they are inside and out. Tasteful, stunning and loving (and a little touched up).

I’ve been a long time fan of scrolling through boudoir photography blogs, looking at all the beauty.  I awe over the flattering light, different angles, curves, shadows and silhouettes of pretty ladies. I decided long ago I wanted to try this style of photography out.  Over the past year I’ve had the opportunity to photograph a few friends and friends of friends.  I realized how intense the dynamic is between the photographer and the client.  If someone shows you their inner beauty, there is a lot of trust required.  The psychological portion of this session is likely as important as the actual skill set of the photographer.

I, like many of my girl friends grew up with a self confidence issue.  There was more to it than just appearances, but self image is something many females struggle with, even the ones who look as though they have it all together.  Unfortunately more often than not, we do not get excited when we look in the mirror.  Our eyes are drawn to a tiny spec of discomfort.  Whether its a wrinkle or a bulge…or my big muscular horse legs… or just something making us a little unique.  With the media portraying females they way they do, with our western culture subtly valuing specific characteristics and looks, and with our female human nature to continually analyze and compare ourselves to others around us… the struggle is understandable.  I want to be clear.  I’m not making excuses,  I know it is my decision in the end to change my mind and think new thoughts.  I’m just stating, I’ve looked at myself, my family and where we’ve come from, I’m aware we aren’t perfect but I’m also aware of how strong I have been at moments in my life.  There were phases where I was affected strongly by my lack of confidence and then times where I could step out side my security bubble to be myself.  Looking back, these are the moments where I truly think I started to become who I am and be proud of who I am.  These were also the moments where I started to wear clothing that reflected my self more positively, or more brightly

Since I was little, I’ve had this love affair with hats.  Little caps, with funky colours and even big old fancy hats!  I would purchase them but kept them up in my closet until they collected so much dust they were unwearable.  I couldn’t bring my self to wear them out of the house.  I figured they’d attract too much attention to myself.  It wasn’t until a few years ago that I actually wore a cute hat out of the house… I was uncomfortable, but I LOVED IT.  Each step I take outwards, it gets a little bit easier, its still a struggle, but at least the hat’s not dusty anymore. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to wake up everymorning, look at the mirror and smile?

To be honest.  It would be wonderful for me, but also for Shaun.  He doesn’t see the wrinkle or the bulge or the big leg muscle… he sees the smiling eyes, the curves and the strength.  And it brings him down a notch when I mumble negativity.  Its just not very becoming.  He’s asked in the past to do a portrait session with me and hinted at boudoir, but I wasn’t really sure about it.  On one particular day I was feeling quite happy with myself and almost even smiled in the mirror.  Before I could talk myself out of it, I mentioned to him it might be fun to do a portrait session.

It’s scary when the lens is on the other side… Even with the photographer being Shaun.  I had to really talk myself through it.  I’m so impressed with how many brave women there are out there, it really takes confidence to show this peaceful, loving and sexy side of yourself to the camera; the photographer; your partner and then possibly to others. (if you share some of the images on websites or blogs).

I have to say.  As scary as the initial thought was and the initial 10 minutes of shooting were… it turned out to be an amazing experience!!   (The glass of red wine definitely helped me out a little though too) Because I completely trusted Shaun I was able to look straight into the lens as myself.  I know, now more than ever how important the relationship is between the two people.  If I were to give anybody thinking of doing this type of shoot a suggestion…it would be to meet/talk/get to know the photographer. If you like them and trust them… your images will be better than you could ever imagine.  There are many talented photographers out there, pick one who best fits with your personality.  They will make you happy!  I finished the session feeling relaxed and gorgeous. When I looked at the pictures… I was smiling.  I think I was happier with them then Shaun was. Haha. Win Win!  Originally I wasn’t sure of what we would do with the images.  Shaun had taken them, so I didn’t need to surprise him with an album or prints.

I decided to share them.  If I want to continue shooting boudoir sessions I want to be brave too.  If other beautiful girls out there are sharing them with the world, so could I.  Plus Shaun is really good at what he does.  He is trustworthy. He knows how to use the light to flatter a subject, he knows how to keep an image simple and distraction free, and he knows how to make me smile

- Steph Scade