Vitiligo Boudoir: In my Skin, I Win

One of the biggest pleasures in shooting boudoir is meeting and capturing Ms. I. She is the first boudoir client I have photographed with vitiligo.

Ms. I is an incredible woman with a beautiful story. Too often, people think boudoir is just about getting in front of the camera and looking pretty. But as we all know, there is so much more to boudoir than just getting dolled up. It's about the story that leads women to this moment. While Ms. I's story may be triggering to some, it serves as a beautiful inspirational narrative influenced by embracing your full self-worth ONLY validated by you.

Q: I just have to say it, your confidence level is out of this world! Have you always been this confident? If not, how did you learn to be confident?

A: Oh good God no! I had low confidence since I was a teenager because I didn't like how my body was built. I was literally shaped like a lower case letter "i" and had no boobs and butt. Then I was a late bloomer in college and thanks to track and field, I finally got a butt but still no boobs. For the longest, I thought I had a "man" body and was too muscular and not curvy. While I was in college, I developed vitiligo which increased my insecurities because the dermatologist said, "I'm so sorry...and you had such beautiful brown skin." I felt cursed. Unfortunately having low confidence and self-esteem can attract the wrong people in your life which led me to get raped by a wolf in sheep's clothing. I continued to beat myself and hated the image that I saw in the mirror. Then there comes a point that even in your lowest moment, the only direction you can truly look is up. The truth to life is that nobody will love you more than you ever love yourself. So treat yourself right. With that in mind, I accepted my circumstances (thank you Serenity prayer) and started to take pride in my skin condition and view myself as a "work of art."

Q: You were a delight to work with. When planning your boudoir session, what emotions were you feeling?

A: No lie I was super nervous because I NEVER thought in my life I would be right for a boudoir shoot. When I think of boudoir, I think of Victoria's Secret models who have an idealistic body with perfect boobs and hour shape body. I didn't have that type of body, but I was willing to embrace the challenge. Once the nerves went away, I got excited because I'm about to do something that will break an old mental wall that I carried since I was a teenager.

Q: Compared to before the session, how did you feel during and after the shoot?

A: Once I tried on the beautiful one-piece lingerie, I was shocked because I never thought that I had the body for lingerie. I looked at myself in the mirror, embraced the image, and felt empowered because I knew that this shoot will be special. The boudoir shoot was the first time that I felt truly sexy in a genuine way. I'm an awkward nerd, but the boudoir session brought out an inner sex kitten that I didn't know existed. For the first time ever, I felt a "model's" high after the shoot. It was like holy sh*t I did it! I broke a mental wall that held me back from really loving myself. Thanks to that shoot, I'm more motivated than ever to buy more lingerie and participate in more boudoir shoots.

Q: We shoot a lot of women, all with incredible stories and backgrounds. However, you are the first person who we had the privilege of capturing who has Vitiligo. I love how you have owned this. I know learning about this for some people can be really hard. How did you own this and what do you hope to teach people about Vitiligo?

A: It took me a very long time to own my vitiligo instead of letting vitiligo own me. As a matter of fact, I remember watching an episode of America's Next Top Model, and Shaun Ross (model with albinism) exuded so much confidence and comfort in his skin, and he brought up his campaign that he was running. He said the one phrase that's still embedded in my head forever. "In my skin, I win!" Once Shaun said that a light bulb came on in my head, and I started to view my spots as if they were art pieces in my body canvas.

My biggest hope is that images of myself and others with vitiligo will help people in society to not look at us or others with physical imperfections as freaks or with pity. We're humans just like everybody else and beautiful too with our perfect imperfections.

Q: There seems to be a change in tide with the concept of beauty in our world, especially in the world of vitiligo. One of the most famous names right now is Winnie Harlow. How does the expansion of beauty norms make you feel?

A: I'm so inspired and ecstatic. Winnie Harlow opened the doors for many of us with vitiligo, and it's a breath of fresh air to see other people with vitiligo in photoshoots or acting. I'm happy to see that the definition of the "standard of beauty" is changing and helping others who are insecure to embrace themselves.

Q: What is one misconception about vitiligo that you would like to clear up?

A: Unfortunately there is a good amount of ignorant people who believe that vitiligo is a "curse" from the bible (in reference to having leprosy). We're not cursed, and there's a difference between having leprosy and vitiligo. We're human beings and not bad "cursed" people.

Q: You are also an actress. What inspired you to get into acting and who are some of the greats whose careers you admire?

A: I loved the attention I got from friends and family as a kid when I told stories and doing impressions of others. My mom exposed me to a lot of theater plays and movies; therefore I knew that acting was my creative outlet for expressing myself. As for actors, I absolutely love Viola Davis and Meryl Streep. Meryl Streep is the prime example that you don't have to be super gorgeous to make it but let your talent do the talking for you. Viola Davis is everything to me. You know you're a phenomenal actress if doing the ugly cry with snot running out of your nose will help you win an Oscar (Movie Fences) or Emmy (How to Get Away With Murder).

Q: If there is one thing you want the world to learn about you, what would you want to convey?

A: In the words of Janelle Monae, "Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am."

I really hope Ms. I story resonates with at least one person. Feel free to share her inspirational journey with your friends and family members. I cannot wait to have the chance to capture this beautiful soul again.

If you're interested in your own boudoir session please complete the form below. I look forward to hearing from you!

3 Reasons Every Woman Needs to do a Boudoir Session

3 Reasons Every Woman Needs to do a Boudoir Session - Dallas Boudoir Mini Session

Having one of the top boudoir blogs in the world fills me with great pride. To celebrate that, today I want to provide three simple reasons why everyone woman needs to do a boudoir session.

1.) Celebrate Yourself

This life is so beautiful yet it goes by so quickly. At times we don't slow down enough to really appreciated it, or yourselves. There are many things in life to celebrate birthdays, accomplishments, milestones, major life changes, your healing. Whatever you're the reason, you should do it for yourself.

I love when women come in because they are getting married and want to surprise their partner. However, there is always a deeper meaning. Their partner may have been the supporting rock they needed to break through love, weight loss, or other accomplishments through life.

I have captured many women diagnosed with an assortment of different diseases. I have been blessed to know, to date, that none of my beautiful clients have transitioned from this life. However, they came in knowing that this may fade but they wanted to capture the moments before or after to remind themselves that no matter what happens that they celebrated who they are. That they could go back and have reminders of themselves that they have ALWAYS been that chick! I want the same for all my clients.

The fact of the matter is, in 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, 20 years you’re going to look back and kick yourself for not appreciating how God-damn beautiful you were because you wasted so much time being insecure. Don’t regret appreciating your beauty. Even if you cannot see it at this very moment, you will thank yourself for having the shoot because it will show you how magnificent you always were.

2.) Boudoir Challenges your Mindset

You may think that cover models have it easy. They just come in, get dolled up, shoot for a couple of hours, secure the bag, and then leave. I find it hilarious that after each shoot, every single woman is exhausted, tired, and sore (some of the poses will really stretch you out).

Boudoir makes you get out of your comfort zone. Some of us (including myself) thrive in jeans, sweatshirts, sunglasses, and a messy bun. Boudoir asks you to challenge yourself by slipping into something sexy and unapologetically own your feminity.

Too often society has dictated what is feminine and ladylike. I am happy to see so many women are calling bullshit on these antiquated concepts and really falling into their divine feminine power. The only person who can define feminity is you.

Women are taught to feel ashamed for owning their sexuality. To want to look sexy for no one else but themselves. For not caring what other think. If you are feeling insecure because of these values, then you should do your boudoir session. Get out of your comfort zone. Do it for you.

3.) Spoil Yourself

It's no secret that boudoir is can be expensive. Normally, the more expensive, the better the photographer. However, you deserved to gift yourself.

At Wonderland Boudoir we provided a full-service boudoir session. Included in all our packages are hair, makeup, and location. We also have three fully loaded packages that include albums, photos, and prints.

Our hair and makeup team are the best. They always make sure you LOVE your look before your session. They stay through the full session to make sure you look great. They jump into the frame and make sure your hair still looks good, makeup is touched up so all you need to do is follow my direction for posing. No. You don't need to know how to pose before you come in. I will dedicate myself to you during our session to make sure you are getting the best photos and poses.

Everyone woman needs to do a boudoir session so they can celebrate who they, challenge their mindset, and spoil themselves!

DALLAS BOUDOIR MINI SESSION

Right now at Wonderland Boudoir, we are offering mini sessions for an AH-MAZING price. The trade-off is, we only have spots available on May 01, 2021. The shoots will take place in Dallas, Texas.

HERE IS WHAT YOU GET:

• Dates: May 01, 2021 at 10AM and 2PM

• Price: $738

• Length: 60 minutes

• Looks: Max 2

• Photos: 15 Page 8x12 Photo Alum

If you want to learn more, fill out the form below or click HERE to learn more before getting in contact and booking a session.



Why Women Do Boudoir Sessions

One of the best things about running a boudoir blog is having an endless archive of inspirational photos that I can share with people all over the world. One of my favorite compliments is when a past client reaches out to me in excitement seeing their photos on Pinterest as inspiration to someone else.

You never know who you are inspiring when you begin to walk in your own truth.

The fact of the matter is that we each are someone's goal in life. I have many women come to see me for many different reasons. Some of them for wedding gifts, others for birthday gifts, many to celebrate weight journeys, but the ones that always stick out are my clients who do this once they have been diagnosed with a life-changing illness.

Ms. A is a personal friend of mine. We have known each other since college. We met through a sorority sister of mine. While I won't share with the world what her exact diagnoses was (thank GOD the doctors said she was in remission!), I will say that she had one of the rarest forms in the world. So rare that she didn't fit the spectrum who would contract this disease.

Let me tell you, Ms. A is a F-I-G-H-T-E-R to her pure core. I remember visiting her in her hospital room not afraid for her future. Because I knew her story wouldn't end up the way that so many who contract this rare disease do. I knew with absolute faith that she would conquer this. Ms. A is not one to go down easy in a fight. I don't know if I have ever seen her lose one. She is an angel protected by the spirit of God and love.

One of the things she loves doing the most is helping the unhoused. Every year before her illness she held a HUGE yearly event where a bunch of friends would come together on Christmas day and spend it helping the homeless. Every year, she would cry at the end of it. Knowing that there was so much more to be done to help these souls.

The unhouse community always received us with warm love. They loved that we came and brought them REAL food (often during the holiday season people give them nothing but candy. Therefore they loved when we gave them nutritious food). They loved that we prayed with them. Talked to them. Took Photographs with them... like they were real people… because they are. Even before the event, Alisa would go down to the unhoused areas and speak to some of the main leaders of these encampments to see how we could help them. She wanted people to see our unhoused sisters and brothers as real people who have real issues and to not ignore them. She is an advocate for the unheard and a warrior for us all.

This is why this set is so special to me. While Ms. A is a trained dancer, what makes these photos so beautiful is that you can see her magnificent spirit radiates through each frame. She took these photos perhaps a year after being first diagnosed. She was still going through her treatments and may have just finished them. While she was still weak and lost a ton of weight from everything, she powered through our session together.

When I see her I feel power, tranquility, leadership, warrior, and nurturance.

I see a living Goddess.

So when people come to me assuming women come to me to "just look sexy", I have to let them know that.... that's not what boudoir is about. Yes, looking good is a by-product of it, but women want to revel in their natural feminity because the world will put us through some of our toughest journeys... some that may even, quite literally, have us fighting for our lives.

Thank You Ms. A for granting me the privilege of photographing you. You are amazing.

If you want to learn more about having your own boudoir session please fill out the form below!

How I Am Manifesting the Life I want in 2019

You can't ask God for something, I mean like REALLY ask, and only meet the Divine creator halfway. I'm going to just do a thing I haven't done in while and just write. Get everything in my head, on to "paper" and hopefully it makes sense laid before my eyes.

Procrastination is a Motherfucker.

I meant to write this post at the beginning of 2019. It was going to be a whole "New Year! New Me Thing!" However, 2019 did not start off anywhere on how I would have liked it. I mean that quite literally. Based on how my New Years Eve started, the moment that clock stroked 12 I made a deal with myself. I'm living my life with intention and happiness. I need to do what makes me happy at the end of the day.

I will be true to my thoughts, my intentions, and how I plan on manifesting them. I wrote a GPS (pretty much a vision board made into book form) of where I wanted my year to go. It lists my goals for the year and how I plan on taking action by the month to accomplish these set achievements. It was a mix of "goals" intermingled with how I was going to get there.

Why did I place the quotation marks around the word goals? Well, it's because I learned the other night (quite literally 02/20/2019) some of my goals listed are vanity goals. We can get into what a vanity goal in a later post and how I plan on correcting my thought process for 2019.

So far we have had 53 days in 2019 and each one of them has been more dramatic than the last one. I have no idea what's going on this year, but it feels like we entered into some crazy realm of where EVERYONE is doing the absolute most. Lately, I have felt like I am just a passenger on an emotional rollercoaster.

I'm over this and I'm getting off.

I can no longer be a spectator in my own life. I have absolutely no desire to be taken for a ride that I never asked to be on in the first place. I have mentally challenged myself to get out from where I'm at and live my life how I want to see it.

2019 IS THE YEAR OF CHANGE & SACRIFICE

Less than month of existing in 2019 the world has been crazy. When the Virgo Supermoon entered at zero degrees on the 21st of of February all it did was escalate the extremities in the world. It seems like everyone was effected simultaneously. Virgo did not come to take names. Since she's not playing around, nor am I. Today I'm going to discuss some changes that I'm planning on making for 2019. Hopefully, these changes help me for the rest of my life.

THINGS I'M CHANGING

1. Saying Goodbye to Self Doubt

2. Not comparing myself to others

3. NO MORE COMFORT ZONE

4. Inserting myself out the drama and focusing on me:

5. Placing all my Energy into my Business

6. Not Taking the Journey for Granted

7. Placing my All into EVERYTHING I do while I'm a part of the conversation

Saying Goodbye to Self Doubt

I'm not doing this shit anymore. I'm no longer going to live a life where every day I get up and I doubt every single thing that I do. I can no longer sit at my desk and hyperventilate into a bag scared that one day someone is going to find out I'm some sort of fraud and I have no idea what the hell I'm doing at my desk.

This week I woke up with the IDGAF mentality. So much has changed at work and I needed to change as well. I no longer wanted to pretend I had it all together. I don't. I was suffering in my own thoughts and challenges. This was causing me to be ineffective in my role.

In a meeting with some major heads of our department, I just came out with it. I told my CFO that I have no idea what in the world you want from my role or from me. I had to say this. I could no longer be shackled to my own insecurities.

Do you know what I learned from that meeting?

NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THE FUCK THEY ARE DOING!

I couldn't help but to fucking laugh.

Why did it take me, one of the youngest people on the team, to speak up? Once I finally admitted it, a whole avalanche of confessions from the rest of the group came up and I felt so damned relieved.

A friend of mine who owns a local bakery said something to me one day that has always stuck in my mind. When you are truthful with what's really going on with you and you express that honestly, the world will reward you with getting to where you need to be. There are people out there who are willing to help you. You just need to let them know you are suffocating in a pool of your own thoughts.

If anyone were to ask you if I was insecure... shit if I were to ask that of myself... I would have answered, without hesitation, "NO". Being insecure is not limited to physical looks. It includes how we view life and the people that come in and out of it. However, in those moments leading up to finally being honest with myself and my team, I was insecure. I was scared of what this team, some of the most intelligent people in my company, would think of me if I admitted that I, in fact, did not have it together.

I am happy that I chose my sanity over my insecurity. I am so happy that I spoke up for myself. I think in that move I was breaking one of the generational curses of my family. I was showing humility and asking for help.

One of the clear lessons of 2019 will be about speaking up for yourself and removing your ego from the end result. I honestly no longer give a fuck about what people think about me. What I have seen more recently in meetings with some of the highest people in the company is that they freely admit when they don't know something. They say it out loud. They admit it with no ego. Then they will conclude the statement, "I need someone smarter than me to figure this out." It totally dawned on me that, while a lot of these people may have multiple degrees and accolades, that only means so much in the totality of success.

Having a doctorate in something doesn't mean you're the smartest or the most accomplished. It means that you put in the fucking work. These people got into these positions, not because they were the most intelligent, but because they knew how to use the people around them to place them in those positions. Yes, education helps as well but let's be honest, most of the world's most famous CEOS and business people don't have degrees. What they had was a drive.

I can't get to where I need to be driving in circles in my own head. For the -next 7-10 days I'm going to still be Korin... but the version who is truthful with my intentions and what I do and do not know. I can't wait to blog about this and report back to you guys.

NOT COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHERS

Since I'm living in the IDGAF world and really expressing who I am and what my thoughts are, I feel safe admitting a guarded fact to everyone ready this post. I have a bad fucking tendency to compare myself to others. Yes, I encourage others not to do this, but it's one of the hardest things NOT to do. Again, this all goes back to the ego.

I fall into the trap of romanticizing the life of other boudoir photographers. Ones, unlike me, who work on their craft full time. Not having a 9-5 allows these photographers to flourish and work on personal projects. In turn, making them even better photographers and business people. The ones that make $8.7 gazillion dollars a year. The ones who I see are consistently becoming better because they have the time, type of business, and work life I aspire to have.

However, I know that there are a number of things that go along with what I can't see in those pictures. (1) The hard work it took to get there, and (2) not everything is what it seems in their real lives.

What would it really look like if pulled back the curtain? I don't know. However, their journey is not my journey. I'm not sure what their personal life is like at home. I don't know what personal struggles they are going through and not announcing. I'm making false assumptions about the happiness of people I know nothing about based off an Instagram feed of beautiful curated photos and stories they have created.

Don't get me wrong. All things considered, I love my life. I really love my life. However, I need to fall back in love with the process. I'm so fixated on the result and not what's going to take me to get there. I need to show more gratitude.

Yes, this may be my ego speaking right now, but since I'm on that IDGAF tip I'm going to say it. I have all the potential in the world to be just as amazing if not be even more extraordinary, and so do you. I have no desire to limit my potential because of my own self inflected ego.

GETTING OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE

Getting out of my head naturally means one thing, to get the fuck out of my comfort zone. I had fallen into something so mentally unhealthy. I was accustomed to being angry and bitter about my place and position in the world. I began just being bitter and maybe a lowkey hater. Since I'm being transparent, this (is it jealousy?) did not end at boudoir photographers. This was anyone living their full and authentic life without permission from anyone. I was so envious of the risk takers. Why couldn't I do that?

I was comparing my life to people I grew up with. Pre-Myspace and Facebook once you left, your hometown, college, or an old job you would probably never see that person again. However, the internet has changed the whole damn game. Watching my friends flourish was causing me to be jealous. I would see my friends start these amazing companies that really felt like they were just taking off overnight. One friend has a blooming internet company where people just flock to them. Another friend started their own firm. This is why I felt kind of conflicted with my feelings. While it was inspiring to watch that person build up their firm I couldn't help but feel an inclining to jealousy. Not because I wasn't happy for them... but upset at myself for not doing something incredible like that.

Why was I jealous? Because they were taking a chance on themselves. I had watched the process, the dedication, their post, spoken to some of them on the phone about their own insecurities. However, no matter which route any one of them took one of the major themes was them jumping off the ledge and taking a risk on themselves. While the pressure is on to have their companies to be successful, they are happy because they fell in love with the determination of living a life they gave themselves. They no longer wanted to be on anyone's time but their own.

I had one friend sleep on the floor of their other friend's house with nothing but a laptop, notebook, and determination. Now this person travels the world and makes and an unbelievable amount of money a month. But most importantly, happy. Another friend who gave up their engineering job they strived so hard to get to start a bakery. Someone whose own mother didn't have their back. This person ran through their entire savings and had to move back home. However, 2.5 years of sacrifice was worth it because now they are one of the most sought after pastry chefs in a major city. Another friend who, put their head down in the books moved back home, studied to pass state examines while his other friends pointed out all his failures. Instead of helping this person, they gossiped about the failures. Nonetheless, this person really showed everyone one of those "friends" up but creating a dream life and business. not only did this shut the haters up, now all those people want to stand up next to their accomplishments.

Each one of these examples is a person who got out of their comfort zone and gave a middle finger to the people around. They gave up their ego and stuck to the plan. Now they each have an amazing business they created. They dreamed and sculpted their own lives. They are the boss. They are employing others. They are making major changes in the world... all because they got out of their own way.

INSERTING MYSELF OUT OF DRAMA

The one thing about corporate America that anyone can quickly fall victim to office drama. Let's not end the drama at just the office. We are inundated with so much drama in the world. Office drama, political drama, shit even social media drama. I mean, there is no reason why I should know that Khloe Kardashian has dropped her baby daddy Tristian Thompson and Jordyn Woods (who is basically the adopted little sister of the Kardashian family) because Tristian and Jordyn were (allegedly) caught canoodling at a private party held Tristan's house. Why do I know this?! Why do I know all these peoples names?! Why do I even care?!

If you allow it, the drama will take up so much of your energy and time. Also, being in the middle of drama makes you look bad as a person. It makes you look like the person who can't be trusted. Therefore I am no longer taking part of the bullshit.

PLACING ALL MY ENERGY IN THE BUSINESS

In 2019 you are going to see a change in everything about the business. However, I don't want to talk about it now as I haven't finished the timelines on everything. Just know that a year from now life will feel and look different. I can't wait to show you guys what it is. Most of will benefit the customers. These changes are stemming from building my business the way that works for me and the lifestyle I plan to create for myself. I think you guys are going to really appreciate what's to come next.

NOT TAKING THIS JOURNEY FOR GRANTED

I can no longer take this journey called life for granted. Am I doing as much as I could be? No, because I have made excuse after excuse after excuse. The fact of the matter is I could be doing more. There are people in this world who have a fuck ton more problems, issues, obligations and still find time to accomplish personal goals and grow their business. I can do the same.

I have spent too much time complaining about what hasn't worked, but I haven't even put a quarter of the effort into making could work, work. I had to self-audit myself and the reasons why life wasn't going according to plan. I found that I was making the unconscious decision not to make it work.

Example: I still work full time. When I come home I'm mad tired.

Solution: Eat, watch one show, work on anything from my business two hours straight.

Solution: Be in bed by 10 PM to get up early and work on business for 2-3 hours before work.

You can accomplish most desires if you make them a priority. If this is what you really want you will stop at nothing to make this happen.

PUTTING MY ALL INTO EVERYTHING

One must place their absolute all into everything they do. If I want people to take me seriously, my work ethics has to reflect that. No one wants to work with someone who really doesn't care about what's actually happening. Half ass work gives you half ass results. Occasionally, I have a bad tendency just to do something to say I did it. Had I placed a bit more effort into what I was doing imagine how much more epic the results would have been... or where they would have to lead me. When people see how incredible your work is they are more willing to come back and recommend you to others.

With that being said, I will start placing realistic levels of expectation of what I deliver. This is meant both from a business, personal, and work /life standpoint.

I also plan to set limits with people. I find myself wanting to please everyone while sacrificing my own sanity. If I truly want to deliver a level of quality and excellence to everyone I have to audit my own life and delivery on what I can and build up from there.

I have to really place my all into these goals I have listed above and really break down the goals in the GPS I created for 2019. I want to really make this work, but the only way it honestly is if I do the work.

I AM READY TO BE HAPPY

I'm satisfied, but I want to be HAPPY. I want to wake up excited about the day. I want to really establish a business that allows me the opportunity to build more businesses. Even if things don't go according to my plan, I just want to be 92 years old and happy that I took the chance on me. I know myself. I will never be dissatisfied if I know I really put the effort in. I mean REALLY put the effort into the journey called life.

I believe writing this all out and placing it on this website that I love so much is telling the universe that I'm truly ready and committed to this new journey. These are my intentions. What I manifest mind will come to fruition.

I know it's February 23, 2019... but Happy Fucking New Year Y'all. Let's own 2019!

What actions are you taking to manifest an amazing 2019?

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Beautiful, Sexy Boudoir Photos in Dallas

I met this girl when I was 10 years old and what I loved about her is that she had so much soul!  

I'm not sure what I did in my last life to deserve such a beautiful friend but I am happy that I have Ms. S in my life.  I'm not sure where exactly I would be in this life if I didn't have her.  Fortunately, I never have to worry about that.  I just pray that everyone in this life is blessed with their own Ms. S.  

Even though we have lived in different cities as adults, I still feel like we have grown together.  Carving out our own paths in life has never steered us away from each other.  

Ms. S is one of the most brilliant people you will ever meet.  Yes, I am saying that because I am totally biased. 

Jesus, best friend our not, she is gorgeous.  I am happy she allowed me the opportunity to shoot her in such an intimate state.  Yes, even though we have bared our souls to each other... it can be kinda weird to bare your most physical parts to someone, even if it is your BFF. 

In fact, and Ms. S will correct me if I'm wrong, but her mom was even surprised I hadn't seen her in the gift God gave her.  I just laughed because I NEVER thought about it... then again, why would I have?  LOL.  In 24 years or friendship, this had never come up.  LOL.  

While she is the closest thing I will ever have to a sister, I still treated this session like I would any other client.  I went through the same talk with her as I would anyone else.  Even though she knows I have shot a number of amazing sessions with other women, it never really hits home until you're the one in front of the camera.  

Just like all my beautiful clients, Ms. S was nervous.  Yes, even after 24 years or friendship she was nervous.  I can't blame her, I would be too.  You feel so vulnerable at the beginning of your session.  Not sure of what to do or how to do it. All you know is that you are here... in front of the boudoir photographer... and you have to finish this experience. 

Just like all experiences, once you actually start taking the steps you will begin to drop that sense of fear.  You begin trusting my words, but most importantly, trusting yourself.  Creating sexy and intimate portraiture is a work of art.  Like all art, you HAVE to be okay with placing your authentic and vulnerable being out there.  At the end of that day, that's the true power in all this.  The power to expose your most vulnerable side to you for the world to see... and then just not giving a fuck about it.  

 Boudoir is about freedom of self-expression.  Having a boudoir session is about you.  It's the story yo want to tell. It is to celebrate your unique beauty, to set free your vulnerabilities, and just to give yourself permission to be your true and authentic self. 

This is what I love about boudoir.  Women giving themselves permission to love who they really are without the care of what the rest of the world thinks.

What does Ms. S think? 

I'd been interested in doing a boudoir session for myself for awhile. I was really intrigued with the idea of doing these empowering, self-loving pictures, just for me. But I kept freaking out that I wasn't skinny enough, or that I would see the pictures and have my worst fears about my body confirmed. 

When I finally worked up the courage to do the shoot, Korin was a dream come true. Before we even got started, she walked me through step by step what she was going to do. She showed me the entire area where we would be shooting, told me her ideas for some various shots, and explained the rundown of the shoot. As she started taking pictures, Korin was very clear on everything she was doing - she would let me know when she was checking the light, she would tell me exactly how to pose, what to do with my hands, how to breath, what facial expressions to utilize. Korin knew everything she wanted from me! It was such a relief, because I've never been good at being a model, and Korin let me know every little thing that I needed to do. 

I loved how relaxed the whole shoot was. I never felt rushed, or like I was being asked to pose in an uncomfortable way. I felt very secure, and I was assured that Korin would not let me look ridiculous in any of the pictures. Honestly, when I saw the finished product, I was literally at a loss for words. I knew the pictures were me, and I knew they hadn't been photoshopped, but the pictures looked so amazing that it took me a few seconds to realize that they really were of me! Korin brought out everything that I love about my body, and made me feel so empowered, beautiful, and confident! I'm already planning my next shoot with Wonderland Boudoir!!!

This right here is why I LOVE shooting boudoir. 

 

 

In the comment section below please tell me what scares you about the idea of boudoir? I would love to know so I can address concerns in a future blog and video.  

Send us a message using the contact form to get more information about booking a shoot with our team!!!

7 Questions to ask your Boudoir Photographer | Dallas Boudoir Photography

Picking a boudoir photographer can be a hard task.  When you come across a photographer you want to work with you should have a number of question in line that they should answer for you in the degree you aligned to.  

Today I have a lost of 7 of the most important questions you should ask your boudoir photographer.

1.) Do you have a Boudoir Session Prep Guide?

Most boudoir photographers will have a boudoir prep guide they provide to all their clients.  A boudoir prep guide is designed to help you, physically and mentally prepare for your boudoir session.  For example, in my boudoir guide (which you cand find here), I instruct clients on HOW to plan their session, what they should do about hair and makeup, and what to wear. 

2.) What do I Wear?

I know this questions and all answers to this question can be a tad bit subjective.  This is because not all boudoir locations are the same. With that, not all boudoir photographers are the same as well. What you wear will have a lot to do with the set up the boudoir photographers has and the photographer's personal style.  If your photographer shoots light and bright, pastel colors and lighter colors would be perfect.  If you are doing an outdoor maternity boudoir session then flowy pieces would add to the ambiance of the setting and location.  If the photographer shoots darker than jewel toned to black pieces would be perfect.  I would tend steer way from lacy items and stick to more structured tops and bottoms if I'm shooting inside. 

The key to effective photos is to make sure your outfit matches the tone of the environment.  

3.) Do you Provide Hair and Makeup?

Believe it or not many boudoir photographers do have a hair and makeup artist on staff. Therefore, you should find out up front if  hair and makeup are included in your session.  Picking a boudoir photographer who does not offer this service may be a tad bit more stressful because that's another place (or two) that you have to go to BEFORE you boudoir session even begins.  It would be in my honest opinion that you pick a photographer who does have a hair and makeup on staff.  The less you have to run around before the session the more calm you will be.

4.) Can you Breakdown the Whole Process for Me? Start to finish.

Your photographer should be able to let you know what to expect from the day.  It's really okay to ask for a detailed explanation for what happens once you walk through the door.  This is your time to understand the breakdown and ask any questions that have been lingering in your mind.  Don't be shy here.

5.) How Long does it Take to get My Photos Back?

Of course, this is the question all women want to know.  We want to see the final product and we want to see it now.  Be sure you get this question answered up front.  For example, if you're doing a boudoir session as a wedding present you need to make sure you give you the photographer enough time to get make sure you get everything back in time for your vows.  If you are doing this for a wedding gift make sure you do it at least 3 months before hand.  Why?  I can only speak for myself, but I have a couple of books that are handmade in Italy that take 2 full months to put together before being sent back out to the states.  these books take so long because they are handcrafted.  You also have to give your photographer enough time to cull and retouch all the photos.  

This amount of times really depends on how many photos they need to pull for your set.  The more photos you have the longer this process takes.  

Be sure to let your boudoir photographer know your timeline to ensure that you all know exactly what to expect.

6.) Will you show my photos to anyone? Or will they be published on your site?

Again, this differs from photographer to photographer.  Make sure you get a verbal answer to this and make sure that this is also covered in your contract.  If you don't have this covered in you the contract then the photographer has every single right to publish your photos wherever they want as they are the ones that own the copyright to the photo. 

7.) How Long do you Keep the Photos?

Again, this is something that differs from photographer to photographer.  For each photographer the length of how long they keep the photos goes by on a case by case basis. Some photographers keep photos for up to two years.  Other photographers delete the photos as soon as the order has been pulled.  In boudoir, I know many of photographers delete photos fairly quickly.  Therefore if you are want to get additional photos then make sure you do that within the photographer's guidelines.

Well, I hope this post helped you decide on what you should ask your boudoir photographer.  You will be spending a good amount of money on your session to being educated on the process is really important.  In the comment section below let me know which question is most important to you and why.

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The Art of Allowing Yourself to Live | Dallas Boudoir

For a long time, I was missing something in my photos.  Yes, many of them were technically correct, the editing was perfect, and I was getting the posing down for my clients... but there was just SOMETHING missing in them.  The draw-in factor if you will.  After meeting Denise Birdsong of Modern Love Photography two years ago I knew exactly what it was.  

I was missing the emotional factor.

Art makes you feel something.  

It wasn't until recently that I really felt like my photos moved people.

Anyone can take a decent looking photo.  I mean, how many beautiful sunset photos have we all seen?  It's not just a sunset that draws you in, it's the power of a beautiful sunset after a hard day that draws you in.  It's the fact that no matter what you create in this world God's art will always be best. It's the emotion that the image evokes that stays with you.  When emotion evokes something from the viewer that's when you know you have an epic photo.

The most memorable pieces of art communicate feelings.

The main difference with Wonderland Boudoir compared to many boudoir studios is the fact that we aim to produce evocative photos.  We want you to give yourself permission to own you.  When shooting, we go on a journey of feeling sexy, confident, loving yourself, and much more.  This is what separates us from everyone else.
  
When a session is booked with Wonderland Boudoir we want our clients' photos to feel like a piece of art.  When they see themselves we want them to feel beautiful, sexy, and confident.  We want them to know they are actually the woman they always dreamt they could be.  
At Wonderland Boudoir we are offering you the time and space to be unapologetically yourself.  We provide an opportunity to cast away all the restrictions society has placed up.  We want you to go there with yourself.  We want you to own YOUR beauty.  

You may not look like Chanel Iman, Karlie Kloss, or Kendell Jenner... but guess what?  You weren't meant to either.  You guys don't have the same journey.  Therefore stop comparing yourselves to them. 

Own this journey.  Own your path.  Create magic.  Create art with us at Wonderland Boudoir.  Give yourself full permission to give us all your emotion.  Give us your anger, happiness, sweetness, and coyness.  Share all that with us to make sure you get the most out of your photos.

Don't know how to do that?  Don't worry. That is were come in.  I will help coach you through it so you can get the art that you have always dreamt off.  Give yourself permission to live.  

This is your opportunity to create a memorable piece of art. Take advantage of it.