How to Be Confident, Dallas Boudoir

Thank you guys for joining me on this new interview series!  Each week I will highlight a different and amazing mover and shaker in the world.  For this Inaugural post it brings me great pleasure to introduce to you Celina Natalia.  Celina is an incredible business woman, model, and animal rights activist.  Today Celina will talk to you about how to become confident and three steps that you can do to help build your confidence.

Being Focused Yields Confidence

Celina is one of the most confident and focused people that I know.  Being focus helps build confidence.  She stays focused by remembering that in anything that she does she has to do justice to the whole project, not just for herself.  In modeling she’s representing the makeup up artist, the hairstylist, and the photographer.  She has to give it her all in order for the photographer to be able to have useful pictures.  She understands that a shoot is a team effort and she plays a pivotal role.  

Confident People can Handle Constructive Criticism

Pro Tip: One needs to learn how to take constructive criticism well.  You don’t have to allow criticism to be a blow to your ego.  Many people want to help so you have to be open minded and willing to listen in order to help the team and yourself.  Being able to handle constructive criticism shows confidence.  When you don’t become overly emotional about feedback it tells people you’re not scared of what others have to say.  It shows that you listen and you are willing to learn.

Why Confidence is Important

Celina believes that if you’re not confident you won’t feel good.  You have to feel good about yourself and your ability to do anything.  Part of that is building your own sense of personal trust. You have to trust yourself to do a good job.  She adds, “You must have a willingness to try.  People really value that.” No one wants be around people who don’t put in the effort.  

3 Things You can do to Build Confidence

1.) Workout

Part of feeling good about yourself and gaining confidence is being healthy and having an active lifestyle.  If you’re body isn’t healthy you’re not going to go out and do things.  After a workout you feel accomplished and it’s a positive way to start your day.  You must have a great mental and physical balance in order be productive.  Why not start your day out with a run or perhaps 30 minutes of hardcore yoga?  Organic Authority agrees with Celina.  They believe that working out changes the way you face challenges.

Challenge:

Start a 30 day two mile walk or run challenge first thing in the morning.  Completing a morning workout helps promote a positive can do attitude that can set the tone for the rest of the day. 

2.) Do What You Love to Do

Celina believes that happiness brings confidence.  Do you love photography?  Shoot everyday!  Do you want to be a model?  Link up with beginning photographers and make sure you do it EVERY weekend.  The more you do an act that brings you happiness through accomplishments the more willing you are to try new things within the realm to grow who you as a person.  

Challenge:

 Find something that you really enjoy doing and do it at least once a week.  Make sure that you schedule time around the activity to make sure you can fully enjoy it and have enough time  to complete it. Set yourself up for a win.

3.) Face Your Fears

Challenges help you grow as a person.  Complacency is the number one killer of the human spirit.  You need to do what you have the ability to do.  The main reason people don’t do this is because they feel like they are going to be judged.  Listen, no one is judging you.  In the event someone is really reflect on what that person is doing in their life… and then ask yourself, “do I really care?”  No one became great doing the same thing as the next person.  Innovation and challenge is what keeps us all going.  Stop being concerned about being judged and just do it.  

Challenge:

That crazy idea of business plan that you have?  In the next 7 days put it in action.  Don’t know how?  Check out my homie Regina from ByRegina who gives you detailed steps on how to create an actionable creative plan.

Don't Half Ass!

In your Mecca to help build confidence you can’t half ass anything. You have to put genuine effort in everything that you do.  Come at it with full force.

Take into consideration that no one was born with the ability of knowing how to do something perfectly.  “You realize you will be a lot more confident when you actually put in the effort.”

Wasn’t Celina awesome?!   I really hope you guys enjoyed the video and this post.  This is why she’s one of my favorite people ever to be around.  She has a great can-do attitude, she’s willing to try new things, and she’s very open minded.  All these things helps to bring and build confidence.  

DFW Rescue Me, Dinner for Justice

As Celina stated in the video on September 11, 2015 DFW Rescue Me is having a dinner benefit to help bring donations to help abandoned and abused animals.  This event will be held at the Highland Hotel in Arlington, Texas.  The cost is $75 per plate and the event begins at 7PM.  To see more information on this annual event please check out their Facebook page for more details!

Connect with Celina

Please Tweet, Soundcloud, Instagram, or leave a message on Celina’s new Faceboook page and let her know how much you enjoyed her interview with Wonderland Boudoir!

To see more photos of Celina or just to keep up with us follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter! We also have a new Soundcloud page up so you can listen to all our interviews each week in podcast form!

In the comments below please let me know somethings you took away from the interview with Celina.  

Entering in a comments allows you a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Victoria’s Secret! Contest ends September 26th, 2015 at 11:59AM.

Dallas Boudoir Photography: Farewell August, Hello September

I won’t lie.  I am kind of excited for September.  September is the month of fashion.  Or at least it’s been dubbed that way by the fashion powerhouses of the world.  This month I have a lot great surprises in store for you all that deal with all things fashion and how that relates to having an awesome boudoir session.

First, I have to say that I have INTERVIEWS!  Yes, this is something I have been working on for awhile now.  I have been interviewing some of the best women in the world about confidence, style, and fitness.  I think you all are really going to enjoy these women because they are just simply amazing.  These interviews will happen each Tuesday during the month of September. However first interview being posted on Wednesday!  Be excited!  

Speaking of interviews did you check out the interview that I had with Jenn Gregory from Jenn Gregory Photography?  I know the read is super long, but it’s well worth it if you want to get to know me better as a person or if you are a photographer just now trying to get into boudoir.  Be sure to follow Jenn on Twitter and Instagram!

Also, my friend and makeup artist guru friend took a quick trip down to Austin in August for the DoubleToasted first anniversary party.  We had the pleasure of shooting the first ladies of Double Toasted.  Please go to Jazzy’s Baptiste page to see more of the work we did for these beautiful women.

Also, I will be announcing another GREAT boudoir special!  Yes!  I really want to tell you guys now what it is, but you’re going to have to wait.  I can say this… the offer will be too good to pass up and we will only have a limited amount of spots to shoot.  

We have a full month so please be sure you’re subscribed the the blog.  Once a month I give away a free Victoria’s Secrets gift card to one winner each month who finds and comments on the lucky post.  Therefore you need to make sure you are following us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Soundcloud, and Periscope.  Yes, I have FAR too manys way to reach us.  However, if you’re having a hard time keeping up with the blog post the head over to Bloglovin and add us to your reader subscription so you never miss a post!

I have SOOOOOOO many surprises in store for you guys this month!  I CANNOT wait.

Thank you everyone for supporting the blog, retweeting, following on IG, and shooting me out on Periscope!  I love the community we share and I hope to continue growing in it together!  

Farewell August!

Welcome September!

Why You Should Not Be Insecure During Your Boudoir Session

Lets be honest.  We are all have something to be insecure about.  Some are insecure of their lack of knowledge for a certain subject.  Some feel insecure about about coming in last in a race.  Many of us are insecure about certain body types.  

The media has done a number on us in this day in time.  We are either too fat, too skinny, too tall, too short, or too muscular.  I mean have you hear people fitness shaming now?  YES!  People have a nerve to say Ronda Rousey and Serena Williams are TOO fit.  

Ummm… last time  checked both these women have careers that are based SOLELY around their athleticism.  They literally get paid to make sure they are athletically fit enough to win their matches.  Their job is to be winners.  These two ladies are the epitome of health and fitness.  Saying that Ronda and Serena are too fit is like say Steve Jobs and Michael Dell or too smart.  Or even saying that Drake makes too many hit songs (did you like #BacktoBack?).  That sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?  You are basically criticizing them for being too good at their job.  I do have an article about how to stop being a HATER if you are one of these people who are making a deal because of their bodies.

Today I’m going to explain to why you need to Eff Your Insecurities and just do a boudoir session!  I would have cussed, but I’m trying to be a changed woman…. lets see how long this last.    

Just Accept the Fact that No One is Judging You

I’m going to be honest, during your boudoir session no one is judging.  No one notices all the the flaws you see.  The only thing that your photographer and your glam squad see are what they are going to do to enhance every feature on the body and to make sure they get the optimal photos for your session.  

 

Your Boudoir Photographer is Not Judging You

Your photographer’s only goal is to make sure you look amazing.  Typically before your scheduled boudoir session most photographers speak about the body parts that you want to hide and enhance.  To be honest, even if you say that you dislike a certain part of your body the photographer should be knowledgeable enough to enhance that part of your body through posing so you can see the beauty that everyone around you notices everyday.  

To be honest if anyone should be the most insecure during a shoot it is the photographer.  I know first hand as a boudoir photographer because I get insecurities before EVERY shoot.  I get scared or concerned because I want to make sure that I always get what my client wants.  The photographer is so worried about pleasing you they have no need, want, or desire to spending time judging you.  

A photographer notices a unique sense of beauty, especially boudoir photographers.  In order to be a great photographer you must first think like an artist.  I personally grew up around around of all types of medium.  My favorite was paint.  I grew up in love with Georgia O'Keeffe, Norman Rockwell, Diego Rivera, and Keith Haring.  

Starting in grade school a recurring motif was art teachers  telling me over and over again that I have a natural ability to paint and understand the concept of art.  Some of the art teachers would look at my style and ask  me who taught me to paint.  No one did.  They said that I hold my brush like a professional painter.  I was 7 at the time.  

Even in high school I love creating items in clay.  I love getting down and dirty and creating a blank canvas into something beautiful.  This is what I think about photography.  My ladies that come in are a blank canvas and it’s my job to create beautiful art from each woman’s  unique likeness.

Your Hair & Makeup Team for Boudoir is Not Judging You

The Hair and makeup teams is not judging you.  The hair and makeup artist that Wonderland Boudoir teams up with are fantastic team and hand picked.  I not only review the their work and how it compliments my style, but I also take notice on how they treat my clients.  I personally have zero tolerance for anyone who makes my clients feel uncomfortable and insecure.  I may be docile and introverted at times, I will speak up when I need too.  

The hair and makeup team are licensed professionals that know how to listen to your wants and needs to help figure out to how work them to fit your personal look. When you see them staring they aren’t judging they are trying to determine what will realistically work for you or what modifications they can make to enhance your beauty.  They will often talk to you about your daily regimen.  If you are feeling insecure about your hair, skin, or makeup skills my team is more than happy to show you some tricks of the trade and products that you can use in your day to day life.  

Hair and makeup is only there to help.  They are mostly scared of you judging their work because they want to make sure they are capturing the look just how you envisioned it while at the same time creating the look based off my shooting style.    We have a great article on why you need to hire a professional makeup artist for your boudoir and wedding day.  

The Honest Truth about Boudoir Photography

If nothing else puts you at ease think about your boudoir session this way… boudoir photographers have the same insecurities as you.  We are still normal people with normal problems.  We just so happen to have the luxury of taking hundreds of photos each year of women of all shapes, sizes, and cultural backgrounds.  Each woman looks significantly different than the next.  Each one carries a sense of beauty in them that sometimes that don’t notice until the final photos come back.  

Just Face the Facts

You are beautiful.  Don’t allow your insecurities to determine what you do in this life.  Own them.  Make them sexy, and flaunt it shamelessly.

In the comments below name something that you USED to be insecure about and what you did you get over it.  

Today I’m giving away a $50 gift card to Victoria’s Secret.  The winner will be determined  on 08/29/2015 at 11:59AM.

Bridal Boudoir is the Ultimate Groom's Gift

Recently I participated in the Dallas Bridal Show and a common question was, “Why should I do wedding boudoir?”

Wedding boudoir is a fantastic gift that you can give to your husband to be.  It’s incredibly intimate, very vulnerable, and extremely sexy.  Many men would love to be gifted a series of beautifully curated sexy images of his wife that were created with him and only him in mind.  Today I will give you 4 reasons why you should have a wedding boudoir session done for your wedding day.  

4 Reason Why Bridal Boudoir is the Best Groom's Gift, EVER!

1. bridal boudoir is a Great Way To Get Detailed Photos of Your Wedding Dress

An essential part of bridal boudoir is getting shots in your wedding dress.  While you will have the opportunity to have pictures taken of you in the wedding dress on your wedding day most of the time they will not be as detailed as they would be in bridal boudoir.  

Remember, the wedding dress commemorates a number of things.  One of those things is dedicating yourself to your partner in the most intimate way for the rest of your life.  Bridal boudoir is just that, intimate.  Your bridal boudoir photographer will capture beautiful photos of you in your dress from veil all the way to shoes.  You will get the stitching, lace, and the minuet details that make up your complete wedding day gown and overall look.

Depending on your taste and comfort level the boudoir photographer will slowly have you undress out of your wedding dress while they photograph the process.  In many cases  slowly revealing you in beautifully curated lingerie that matches your gown.  I always suggest leaving the veil on in a number of photos because it adds a sense of sexiness, uniqueness, and points of interesting texture to your photos.  Done correctly, the veil is a great tool to make your photos unique to your session.  

You spent A LOT of money on your wedding dress.  This is a gown that you, ideally, plan on wearing only once to show the people closest to you how important your partner is.  According to the XO Group the average wedding dress cost $1200. This is probably the most expensive dress that you will buy in your life so it’s important to get the most out of it.  

2.) bridal boudoir is An Intimate & Personalized Gift for Him

Your partner will love sexy, classy, and intimate photos of you as a groom's gift.  While partaking in the bridal show I couldn’t tell you how many times a husband whispered in the ear of their soon-to-be wife how they would love sexy photos of them as a groom's gift.  

At times it can be hard for men to express what they want to their partners.  Especially when it comes to something as sexy as boudoir.  Imagine the excitement on his face when he sees something like this.  If you’re concerned about what your man might think have a conversation about it.  Or perhaps jokingly suggest the idea and see how he responds.  

 

3.) The Hottest Version of You Yet!

Many women work REALLY hard to look amazing in their wedding dress.  Brides put in 6-12 months worth of hard workouts to make sure they look amazing in those wedding day photos.  The training, the gym membership, and the hardcore eating regiment won't be unnoticed.  All that effort shouldn’t be just for the big day.  Have it immortalized in a boudoir series that you can always go back as a bookmark and remind yourself how gorgeous and beautiful you felt during that time period.  You worked very hard for this.  This bridal boudoir session will be a prize for you to commemorate that.

4.)  You are also doing this for You

Yes, one of the major reasons, if not the most important, is that you are doing bridal boudoir for you.  Boudoir is not your 80’s glamour shots.  It’s not just simply you in lingerie in front of a photographer for 90 minutes.  There is so much that goes into this for a woman.  

You are baring some of the most intimate parts for yourself. It's time to celebrate you in all your glory.  Many women go through times of insecurity and self doubt.  Your wedding should not, and will not, be one of those times. It’s empowering.  It’s fun. It's liberating. There is no shame doing something fun for you... of course you will be sharing. the photos

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A BRIDAL BOUDOIR SESSION

1.) When should you schedule a session?

If you plan on doing bridal boudoir as a gift to your significant other I suggest doing it no later than three months before your wedding day.  Lets be real, your wedding date will creep up on you and boudoir photography is not something that you want to rush or do last minute.  Especially if you plan on buying frames or books as a groom's gift.

For example, some of the books we provide at Wonderland Boudoir are handmade in Italy.  When I say handmade I mean for real for real made by hand.  It takes up to 1 month to get these high quality Italian leather made books back from Italy.  Trust me, I cannot rush the process (I know from first hand experience).  

On top of getting the book done, as in life, you have to always expect for the unexpected.  Booking a number of months before your wedding gives you buffer time in the event that the unimaginable happens.  

2.) What should I buy from my bridal boudoir session?

A lot if this depends your taste, needs, and decor.  Many women get frames of themselves from their boudoir session.   Depending on the photos I have most woman place their photos in their closets or master bathrooms.   Books are a great option too.  Books can either be displayed or placed in the master bedroom as decoration.  One of our Italian made books comes with it’s own case that is perfect for inconspicuous display.

Sometimes I have women who have husbands who travel a lot.  They typically purchase a big book and an accordion book so they can always have sexy photos with him.

3.) How do I present the book as a wedding gift?

There are a number of ways to present your photos and book.  I had a sorority sister of mine send a sexy photo each day before the wedding day.  The morning of the wedding she had delivered a full book to him of her session.  He was more than happy to see these beautiful photos of his wife.  

Book a Bridal Boudoir Session with Wonderland Boudoir, Dallas

If you’re interested in a boudoir session with us please be sure to check the current specials. We like to keep current specials open just in time for your wedding day.  Please contact us to schedule a session with Wonderland Boudoir.  We LOVE boudoir wedding photography!  If you're looking for fool proof excuses to sneak out your house for surprise bridal boudoir session I have a number of tried and true lines to give to your spouse!  

If you need to know what TO DO  before your session I got your back HERE!

In the comment section below please tell us if you are considering Bridal Boudoir as a gift to your groom!

Love is the Only Gold

Alfred Lord Tennyson wasn’t wrong when he said that love is the only gold.  Love is something we all aspire to have.  Love is what drives us.  Not only love in the emotional sense, but love in the physical and mental sense was well.  

In history we see over and over again that the travelers, pirates, and conquistadors all travelled for one thing, gold.  They wanted that gold because that felt that metal would make them rich, powerful, and influential.  However, at the root of all that they really wanted to feel loved by the people.

That’s what it all comes down to.  These goals, aspirations, dreams, and desires.  We do this for the ultimate intangible gift of love.  

People like to forget how powerful love is.  Love just isn’t a physical thing.  It’s mental and electromagnetic.  There is an unforgettable energy that we feel when we fall in love with our opposite.  It’s an unexplainable power that two people can feel.  You can feel this love in from your fingers all the way through to your soul.  You can feel it in the way you kiss and hold someone.  

Love isn’t a feeling of emptiness.  Love is full, it’s warm, it’s comforting, and it is honest.  

Lets not limit this to people.  This also go towards passions as well.  Since I was 10 I loved the camera.  All I wanted for Christmas was a disposable camera so I could take pictures.  I wanted to capture the moment of everything.  

That feeling never left.  

The feeling of love never leaves.

We can never truly successfully unlove a person or a passion.

We can push it off and place it in a corner where we pretend to forget about it, but we can't unlove it.

If you can, then I have to guess that you never loved that person or had that passion  in the first place.  

In human nature love has always been the goal.  Even if we don’t like to admit it.  Love fills us with validity.  Love inspires us.  Love gives us confidence.  Love is the true power.  Love is the true gold.

A year ago, on July 31st, 2014 I lost my grandmother.  She was love.  I implore everyone to reach out to your love ones, no matter how bad the situation is,  and just tell them you love them.  Send the roses while they can still smell them.

Happy Monday Y’all,

Korin

Top 5 Fitness YouTube Channels of 2015

Throw a rock and you will hit about 78,413,545 YouTube videos that promote fitness.  Today we will discuss the top 5 Youtube channels  (in no particular order) that provided some of the best fitness workouts.  This list was determined by the the content, quality, and consistency of the channels.  When beginning your fitness journey who wants to follow a channel where they only post a video once a week?

Brandon Carter

Brandon Carter is a freaking amazing youtuber.  While all the other YouTubers on the list come off as super sweet and nice Brandon is what I consider that mirror friend.  He will be your direct reflection and will not let you bullshit yourself with the excuses.  He has a tell it like it is approach.  I have to admit that I love that. Brandon gives people, both men and women, the hardcore version of why fitness is important. 

He believes that you can put your mind to anything in life and make it happen if you want it bad enough. He goes into detail about how he went from drug dealer to a Fitness Superstar. I love the fact that he doesn't hide anything. Since I'm a photographer and I do a lot of editing I enjoy sitting down, editing, and listening to what he says in his live chat videos. Unlike the rest of this list his videos tend to last longer so it’s perfect for me.

I would suggest listening to him on your commute to work, while you’re working out, cooking, or while you’re cleaning   I also like the fact that he post MULTIPLE times a day.  You will catch a fitness video in the morning and a motivational video in the afternoon.  

If nothing else his cat George is everything!

Subscribe to Brandon HERE!  Oh and if you need images his instagram is full of it!  Also check out his FREE ebook that you can get on Amazon, The Beginners Guide to Being Awesome!

Body Rock

This was the first fitness channel I ever watched. I love the hardcore workouts and the fact they they give you real and honest tips on how to achieve your goals. They promote the fact that woman can have muscles and still look sexy. Strong is sexy.   This is a body positive channel.  They consistently have challenges that you can be apart of as well. Right now they have their Strong is Sexy campaign that you all should check out.  

Subscribe to BodyRock HERE!

Tone It Up

If you haven’t hear of the Tone It Up girls then you must have been living under a rock.  These girls are are some of the first fitness Youtubers in the game.  I LOVE the fact that they do their workouts on the beach.  Who doesn’t like a good beach workout?  The instructors Karena and Katrina are cute, consistent, and relatable.  They also have a healthy eating cookbook out!

Subscribe to Tone It Up HERE! Their Instagram feed is from the Gods!  

Bikini Model Fitness

Bikini Model Fitness uses real bikini models!  These is great because is serves as real inspiration of where many of use want to be.  I love how this channel promotes that muscles are sexy!  You can still be muscular and very feminine.  The icing on the cake is the fact that all the exercises shown can be done in your own home!

Subscribe HERE to Bikini Model Fitness

Xhit

If you only need one reason to watching this channel let it be for Alphi the chihuahua.  In the video above I love how is serving in the instructor, Rebecca, SERIOUS face!  LMFAO!  He’s is NOT into that dayum costume.  However, if Alphi is not reason enough for you to sub then the rest to follow workouts should be.

There are multiple instructors on this channel, and all the ladies are clear and concise in their directions.  They also model a number of their workouts after celebrities. However, I have to say that their Victoria’s Secret Model workouts are among their most popular.

Subscribe to XHit Here!

All these channel promote getting health the right way and body positive images of a HEALTHY woman.  I hope you can use today’s list as a catalyst for getting into shape... rather if it's for your future boudoir session or just because.    I know I will.  Your personal diet and exercise are essential in leading a happy and healthy life.  

In the comments below please let me know if I missed any other Fitness YouTubers that you believe should have made it on this list.

5 YouTubers that Promote Healthy Eating

It’s no secret that you can find EVERYTHING on YouTube these days.  Including YouTubers who provide tips and recipes for interesting healthy eating habits.  Today I give you 5 Youtubers who provide beautiful, consistent, and very easy to make meals that will help us to stay motivated on this journey. From vegans, vegitarian, pestitarians, and carnivoires there is something here for every... body.  LOL <-- I'm so punny. 

Devious Demi

Demi is one of my favorite YouTubers. I have been watching her for awhile now.  Demi is a strong believer in the vegan movement and provides fun, interesting, and easy to make foods and drinks.  She has a light about her that makes you feel that she could be your best friend.  While she does not judge others for being carnivores she does shed light on why going vegan is the best thing for both you and the environment.  

Subscribe to Devious Demi HERE!  Stalk her beautiful instagram HERE for fitness and eating inspiration.

 

 

Baking Mad Gym Addict

Lozza is just too dayum cute!  She is a Scottish born Asian living in Australia.  Yeah, I had  to figure it out cuz the accent to the location did not match.  Her goal with her channel is to inspire others to eat cleaner, train meaner, and live leaner.  Unlike Demi, Lozza is not a vegan .. This kitchen addict does an AH-MAZING job breaking down her meal prep videos so viewers can following flawlessly.  After going through her videos you will have no excuse why you can’t eat better.  

Subscriber to Lozza HERE! Follow her on Facebook HERE!

 

Becca Kay

Becca Kay is a registered dietitian.  She has an incredible list of videos that range from cocktails to full meals she eats each day.  She has very easy to follow instructions and is very articulate so it’s easy to understand what she’s saying.  

Subscribe to Becca HERE!  Be sure to check out her beautiful instagram feed!

 

 

HEMSLEY + HEMSLEY

I’m going to be honest here.  These sisters, Jasmine and Melissa, don’t have a complete YouTube channel, but their website MORE than makes up for it, and I more than suggest you go check them out. Beautiful photographs and so many healthy recipes that will make you forget that you have changed your eating habits.  

Check out their website HERE!  Oh and that Instagram though! 

 

 

The Diet Kitchen

This is truly an overlooked channel.  This site is run by Simon who post videos that range from recipes, nutritional advice, and fitness training.  His funny and inspiring videos will help motivate you to eat better and to make it a habit!

Subscribe to his channel HERE!  The Instagram isn't bad either.

Well, I really hope you guys enjoyed this list of the 5 best Healthy Eating YouTubers.  Between these 5 channels you should not have an issue finding plenty of healthy food to eat without getting bored.  

 

In the comment section below please let me know which YouTuber you related to the most.

Also, let me know if I looked over any YouTubers whose main focus is healthy eating.  Sharing is caring!