How did you hear about Whitney Browning Boudoir? : My friend Anna recommended her to me.
Why did you choose Whitney Browning Boudoir for your session? : I was looking for a photographer who could capture the exact feeling I wanted my photographs to have. I didn't want overly sexy or cheesy; I didn't want the traditional 'in white lingerie and a veil' since this wasn't a wedding gift. I wanted someone who would capture me, exactly as I am, while highlighting my best features - both physical and personal. Whitney's work featured women of all different tastes and sizes and I knew she would do right by me.
What were your fears coming into the session? : Coming into the session, I was nervous that I wouldn't be represented 'right.' I have long struggled with accepting my body, since it has only recently really felt like mine, and I tend to change myself to please others. I was nervous that I wouldn't speak up for myself or get the shots that I wanted because I didn't want to seem 'rude' or pushy.
Did those fears come true? : Whitney patiently allowed me to flit from corner to corner of her studio, taking shot after shot to ensure I got the exact ones I wanted. Several times she took an idea I had and offered suggestions to make it better, which took more time and effort on her part. At the end of it I was absolutely exhausted but satisfied. I knew, even before I'd seen any images, that Whitney had captured me as I really am - not as I wish I could be, or as others see me, or the way I feel I 'should' be. It was just Grace, from start to finish.
What was your favorite part of the experience and why? : Wearing the angel wings! Every woman needs to wear a pair of angel wings like that at least once in their lifetime. I felt very 'me.'
How did you feel DURING your session? : Nervous at first, but I relaxed quickly. Whitney is a consummate professional; she knows just what to say and do to put you at ease.
How did you feel seeing your images for the first time?: I felt powerful, seeing my images for the first time. And that's a rare thing for me - a thing I'm trying to feel more of.
Do you feel like you have a better relationship with your body since your session?: I absolutely feel like I have a better relationship with my body since my session. I wound up rescheduling my session for an earlier date which meant I was a little 'softer' than I wanted to be in the images, and holy shit. Even soft - maybe especially soft - I look like some sort of Venus-on-the-half-shell fertility goddess in those images. Whitney helped me see that lush is lovely, bodies are beautiful, and femininity is fantastic.
What will you do in the future to show yourself some self-love? : To show myself (and my body) some self-love in the future, I'm gonna get back into fitness. But wait, hear me out - for the first time in my life, it isn't to change what's there. It's just to feel better and take care of my body! I already have a beautiful figure. Time to throw out the notion of 'fixing' it.
Would you ever do another session?: I would love to do another session!
Do you have any advice for women interested in booking a boudoir session?: If you're even considering booking a boudoir session, I say do it. It's an financial investment, I know, but you won't regret it. Giving yourself a time capsule of your own beauty is such a loving thing to do for yourself; preserve your beauty! Keep it close at hand so, when you're feeling down or powerless or lost, you can pull it close and remind yourself who you really are. And who you really are is one powerful, beautiful badass.
Anything else you'd like to share?: Thanks, Whitney, for everything. I'd love to do another session with you sometime!
