Sarah’s Story
I approached Sarah to share her boudoir shoot experience with us, and to my delight, she eagerly agreed! As I read her story, I found myself deeply moved. Sarah's transformation journey stands out as one of the most remarkable ones we've witnessed. Here is her inspiring tale, beautifully narrated by Sarah herself.
Embracing My Beauty...
I've never been comfortable with how I appear in photographs. It's been two years since I last changed my Facebook profile picture – a moment frozen in time when I was thinner, wore makeup, and my fiancé stood beside me. Why mess with something that seemed perfect?
The idea of participating in a boudoir shoot seemed utterly crazy at first. It was meant to be a wedding gift for my fiancé, who persistently called me beautiful, even on days when I found it hard to believe. Beautiful after an exhausting 8-hour workday? Beautiful after enduring 4 hours of commuting? Was it even possible to feel beautiful in sweatpants, with my hair tied up, and no makeup on?
I cherished his love and compliments, but self-doubt often clouded my perception. I knew he saw me as flawless, but what was he seeing that I couldn't? I thought a boudoir shoot might astonish him. It was unexpected and daring – something he would never anticipate. Could I really go through with it? Doubt immediately crept in. What on earth was I thinking? Scheduling a boudoir shoot, and in front of strangers, no less?
I never considered myself sexy, nor did I have any knowledge of what looked alluring on me. I had never even seen a garter belt in person – those seemed reserved for Victoria's Secret models. Seeking support from my closest friends, all I received was their shocked reactions. "You're doing WHAT...?" "You're so brave." "I could never do that..." Their doubt and anxiety mirrored my own. Why was it so hard for us to believe in our own beauty? Why did we judge ourselves so harshly?
I reflected on my behavior. If I could uplift my friends, shouldn't I extend the same love and acceptance to myself? Society constantly bombards women with images of the "perfect" woman, setting unrealistic standards that we feel pressured to meet. I knew I would never fit into that mold, but I resolved to try. Right?
I meticulously prepared for the boudoir shoot, ticking off items on my list to enhance my appearance. Nails and toes done? Check. Enduring the pain of a Brazilian wax? Painful check. Awkwardly navigating Victoria's Secret with the announcement of my boudoir shoot echoing through the store? Embarrassing check.
The day of the boudoir shoot arrived. I entered the studio, feeling out of place in leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. Yet, I was welcomed by two friendly faces – Molly and Brandi, the talented hair and makeup artist. I attempted to wear a brave smile while laying out my outfits for the day. I was so far from my comfort zone; I questioned my ability to exude sensuality. What if my fiancé didn't appreciate the pictures after all?
Brandi, the makeup artist, asked, "What look are you going for today?"
I hesitated, staring at my reflection in the mirror. "I never wear makeup... and I wear my glasses every day. So..." I struggled to find the right words.
"Do you like curls?" Brandi asked, trying to make me feel at ease.
I smiled at the idea. I loved how I looked with curls. Slowly, I began to relax. As Brandi worked her magic on my hair and makeup, Molly and Brandi engaged me in conversation about life, work, and photography. I even made a lighthearted joke about being half-naked in front of strangers, and they laughed. Maybe I could do this. Perhaps, I could embrace my inner confidence.
"Look how stunning you are," Brandi exclaimed, rushing over to show me a picture on the camera. And for the first time that day, I started to believe it.
Despite my initial reservations, I embraced the experience, even playing Beyoncé's "Run the World (Girls)" in my mind to boost my confidence. Molly patiently helped me with the thigh-highs and the garter belt. I laughed when the bed seemed to swallow me whole, and I clung onto a chair for stability during hair flips. Amidst all these moments, I felt a profound sense of freedom. I let go of my insecurities, allowing myself to be vulnerable and authentic.
The most nerve-wracking part came during the Reveal Session when I had to put my clothes back on. Would my newfound confidence and sensuality translate into the pictures? As Molly revealed the photos, I hardly recognized the woman in them.
"Is that me? That can't be me," I kept repeating in disbelief.
"Yes, it's you!" she reassured me. For the first time, I didn't focus on my flaws. The images were unedited, straight from the camera onto the projection screen, and I was rendered speechless.
The word "flawless" had never been associated with me before. It was a moment of emotional revelation. I felt like I was on top of the world. Was this how my fiancé saw me? Was this what it meant to truly love oneself?
I decided to create a photo album for my fiancé – 20 glorious, glossy pages from the boudoir shoot. I find myself flipping through it more often than he does. It serves as a daily reminder that my self-image has been completely transformed by the experience. Thanks to Molly, an incredibly talented individual who possess the unique ability to find beauty in everyone, I now feel empowered just being me.
Love,
Sarah
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