The whole “growth happens outside our comfort zone” better be true…

Reading her review, I realized how much a photoshoot has 3 stories, I really loved reading hers. Her perspective of the photoshoot and the profound transformation and connection she felt within herself and her body. It reminds me of WHY I do this! She let go, trusted me through the entire process and we really did create magic

Booking a boudoir session can be scary. Clients often have so many questions before their session, so I thought I should write those here and share them with you!

Full disclosure, I’ve been a photographer for over a decade. And a boudoir photographer for only 3 years.

I had homeschooled for 10 years and as we were transitioning from that, I found my sense of purpose disappear, my children changing, and myself questioning who I was even? 11 years of full- time motherhood will do that to you. It’s so easy to lose ourselves in our children, their needs, our dreams for them etc… not realizing we aren’t even thinking about ourselves, and our needs at all! So, 2021 was my reset year. You can read move about that here. But essentially, I booked a boudoir/ branding shoot that helped me reconnect with who I am, and at 42 years old feel sexy and proud of me. It gave me confidence to speak of my business with joy and love and raised my vibration in a way that people noticed! I felt truly transformed, and I wanted every woman to experience this!

I am passionate about creating a safe and empowering space for all my clients, where we can capture not just killer images but also stories, emotions, and the essence of who you truly are as a woman.

As women, we are fed a lot of bull shit about what we should look like and how we should act. What if a simple photoshoot could transform how you see yourself and challenge your self perception?  

“I’ve always believed that a picture is so much more than taking an image, a good photograph will capture the essence and emotion deep within. I wanted to document this chapter in my life and that is exactly what Valentina Pardi MacGregor at Valentina Portraiture was able to do for me. She was able to capture the sadness, heartache, and grief that I have been experiencing for almost two years as she also captured the happiness and hope that I have been blessed to have during this second chance at life.

I was 42 years old when I did my first boudoir shoot. Not my youngest, most fit self.  That’s not why I did it, you can read about that here but the facts are that I was nervous as hell.

I did the homework the photographer gave me, followed her instructions for prepping, and did a little shopping, but I missed a few things.  Having experienced it, and seeing it all the time in my studio, I now understand what we can do to best prepare for that Boudoir shoot and ease the nerves (notice ease, not remove).  My clients get detailed homework, including an inspiration board, links to my favorite products, and no, nos.  So, here are my recommendations:

Chichas, I get it, I did MY first boudoir session in 2021, when I was strictly shooting dignified portraits of middle-aged women (like me) and was curious and drawn to the genre. I had been working out, turned a corner in my business and wanted to shoot with a specific photographer I respected. You can read about it here. Basically, I said f*uck it and paid more than I ever thought I would for what I thought, was just a shoot and an album. Mamma mia, was I ever wrong, the experience was truly life-changing, and once I realized every woman should have.

Often before a shoot, clients are surprised to hear that I always offer professional hair and makeup with my photoshoot experiences. Sometimes, women are resistant because they are picky or because they like a very natural look. And, hey, I get it. I’m the same but, being honest, every woman comes in a little nervous, a little apprehensive and unsure, then she sits in the hair and makeup chair, and all her troubles melt away.

Have you ever looked at a piece of art and thought to yourself, "I wish I could see myself like that?" Well, that’s the point of boudoir photography. It is a powerful way to see ourselves as art, and to celebrate our bodies and all of their unique qualities.

Society's narrow beauty standards often leave us feeling like we're not thin enough, not young enough, or not "perfect" enough. But we can change that narrative.

Some of my favorite shots include items that super non-traditional for boudoir. Think ripped jeans and a white tank (with no bra), a chunky knit sweater with undies, legs exposed, or even a bathing suit cover up!

Indoor or outdoor headshots. Which type of photoshoot is better for you? It depends on the look you want and what you are trying to promote. This is one of the reasons I do a through consultation before your session and ask you questions about your industry, job, competitors and inspirations photos.

my maternity clients get EXTRA special treatment at my studio in the form of very detailed emails, to prepare them, put them at ease and ensure they know exactly what to expect. Given that some clients have reservations about their ever changing-body, I want to ensure every woman feels confident by preparing them, connecting, and being on the same page.

Boudoir and beauty combined in one shoot, because every woman should feel beautiful and sexy.

We came all the way to Scotland to get Covid  on the 5th day and spend the next 10 days isolated from the very extended family we came to spend the holidays with. It was bitter sweet; we were lucky to be together and fine,  but I am ready for this to end and life to return to normal. 

As a portrait photographer in Austin, TX, I never really thought I would be attracted to boudoir photography. I always thought of myself as a lover of people and their stories and connection with the camera. The idea of boudoir seemed tacky and demeaning to me.

When you are in your 40s and a woman, you have often neglected yourself for at least a decade. Careers, kids, and/ spouses take precedence and it’s easy to fall last in line. I did. After homeschooling for 10 years, I was in awe of women that seemed to manage kids, careers, and self-care. Their grass definitely seemed greener than mine. I realized that if I was jealous it was because there was something they had that I didn't.

As I continue to work on my craft and hone in on my style, it’s important to me that I align myself with educators and photographers that have similar values and inspirations as I do. This also made me realize that, in my many years of shooting, I had never myself paid for a photoshoot. I had never myself experienced what my clients had. Self portraits, sure but I had not felt the insecurities my clients feel with someone else behind the lens.