Remember back in the 80's when "Glamour Shots" was really popular?  It was such a great idea.  Women carry so much responsibility on their shoulders and have to constantly be compared to perfectly photoshopped models on magazine covers.  It's no wonder that so many women have low self-esteem and decide to give up on themselves and focus on their kids or job instead.  Glamour Shots was a way for women to feel beautiful again.  They got professional makeup and hair done and really flattering photography taken so they could always look back and feel special or give the photos as gifts to their husbands or significant others.  But of course, big hair and fluffy boas soon went out of style and now those Glamour Shots look like something that should be featured on "Awkward Family Photos".  So, how do we help women feel beautiful in this day and age?

Boudoir photography has become very popular in the last few years.  It's really simple - highlighting all of the beautiful parts of each woman from her face, her back, her legs, down to her feet!  It is not raunchy or pornographic.  It is classy and beautiful.  I really wanted to add this to my portfolio but wasn't sure how to approach it.  Do I ask a friend to volunteer or try taking pictures of myself (that was a quick "NO"!)? Luckily, Kayla contacted me and asked if I would do them for her.  She didn't care that I hadn't done them before and was willing to let me try anything.  It was a strange and wonderful experience all at the same time.  Here is this girl that I have known since she was maybe 6, so that is how I always see her - a 6 year old innocent girl!  But here she is - now 21, about to be married and wearing lingerie!  It was a little awkward at first, but the more time passed, the more I appreciated how great it was to be able to see her grow into such a beautiful woman.  I think her fiancé is a very lucky man to get to have such a stunning bride!

As soon as I posted a picture from her shoot, I got a call from an old friend of mine that wanted to have some done too!  I was so excited to do more and Crystal was so open minded and willing to do pretty much whatever I asked!  One of the best feelings and compliments I get as a photographer is showing someone their picture and hearing them say, "That's me?!  OMG, I look amazing!"  That's when I knew I wanted to do more and more of these kinds of shoots!

As a single mom, I know how busy life gets and how easy it is to put yourself last.  Take the time to allow yourself to feel beautiful, even if it's just for the 1 hour that we shoot!  Everyone has insecurities and in todays world it's so easy for women to feel bad about themselves.  But no matter what size, shape, color, or age you are, you are all beautiful in your own way!