I’ve seen all types of women during my career as a boudoir photographer and experienced the incredible transformation that occurs during a shoot. It is truly something unique to every woman, but is just as wonderful to witness every time.

For this blog, I wanted to share a different perspective on the experience, one not from the photographer standpoint, but rather from one of my stunning subjects herself.

Today you’ll get to hear the story of Shelley York, just another beautiful woman who didn’t realize just how gorgeous she is!

Finally Saying Yes

“Closing in on our 31st year first “date-iversary”, I wanted to do something different, something spectacular, something that would absolutely knock my husband’s socks off. I really wanted to WOW him, I just did not have a clue how. After being with someone for 31 years your creativity has a tendency to fizzle out like a dud firecracker on a hot summers night. Not me, not this year. This time I was going to step out of my comfort zone and find something that would leave my love speechless.

That is when I came across Ashlee Russ Boudoir Photography. Being a lover of photography, I was astounded at the captured beauty of each image I viewed on the website. The longer I looked the more I was captivated. Something in each woman’s eyes kept drawing me in. It was then I knew this was it. This what I had to do.

What wasn’t I nervous about is the better question. Seriously, I was terrified!! The more I entertained the thought, the louder I laughed at myself. I mean come on…I am 46 years old, a wife, a mom of two adult children. I garden, feed cows and hunt. I am also a woman who has always struggled with her body image as well as anxiety and depression. If I had to describe myself average is as far as I would push it. Even then it’s like hooking a wire stretcher to the word average and ratcheting down to the tightest click.

So to point blank answer the question, I was nervous about EVERY single thing possible. What could I purchase that would cover all my stretch marks, rolls & wrinkles and still look somewhat attractive to my husband. What would Ashlee & her crew think about this somewhat average-a whole lotta crazy female who was wanting them to perform a photography miracle on? Nervous doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt; quite frankly, I was physically ill the morning of the shoot.”

Just like Shelly, I’m sure you have your own reasons for telling yourself no at first. But eventually, you need to let yourself say YES to your DREAM boudoir shoot. Call me today so we can make your fantasy a reality!

The Boudoir Shoot Experience

“From the very first ‘good morning’ to the farewell hugs, I was treated like royalty.

Amanda carefully assessed me without making feel self-conscious as she applied each stage of my makeup and styled my hair. We chatted like old friends who were catching up through the entire process.

Then came the moment of truth!

Ashlee and Michael popped in and from the start, I seriously felt like I was spending time with my two sisters. The studio was warm & cozy making the atmosphere casual and comfortable with a slight twist of fun; mood-setting music. I mean who doesn’t feel a little daring with songs from Fifty Shades of Grey in the background?

I unpacked the outfits I had brought and I could see the wheels starting to turn in Ashlee & Michael’s pretty little heads. I never had to worry about how to hold my head, where to place my hands or how to pose my body. All I had to do was trust the professional hands I had placed myself into. They gently made suggestions and I tried to comply. We talked and laughed a lot during the entire shoot. Before I knew it my time was up and I was saying goodbye to three of the most amazing women I have had the privilege of meeting.”

Let’s start planning your perfect session NOW! Call me today and let’s book your boudoir session because just like Shelly, you deserve to feel like the Queen you are.

Seeing the Final Images

“As my fingers glided down the leather bound edges of my album, my stomach was all twisted in knots and there was a noticeable tremor in my right hand. I turned the first page and there I was…no wait a minute, is that me? Oh my gosh, that really is me! Those were my initial thoughts as I picked up my photographs.

The longer I looked the more I sat in disbelief. I quickly snatched up my items and went to my car where I could look at myself in private!! I sat in the parking lot for at least ten minutes feeling amazed at the woman in the photographs staring back at me. For the first time in my life, I felt beautiful inside and out and I wasn’t ashamed to say it!! The sense of confidence, empowerment, and self-love that I gained from this one experience has escorted me into a whole new level of womanhood.”

Being a boudoir photographer means I get to be apart of a bigger picture where I can help women realize their inner beauty. One of the most rewarding parts of shooting the gorgeous women that come into my studio is seeing them blossom in front of the camera. There’s nothing quite like their excitement and glee when they finally have their final images in their hands and a bright and confident smile on their faces.

I feel incredibly lucky that I can help women like Shelley see just how stunning they are during their boudoir session, and I hope I get to keep doing this for many more years to come!

So here’s to the gorgeous women that have already made over to my studio to embrace their beauty, as well as to all those women out there who are on their way to discovering a new them.

I’m ready when you are!  Schedule your initial boudoir session consultation with me today! I can’t wait to guide you on your journey to uncovering all that hidden confidence and sensuality you’ve been hiding away.