Hartford Beach Boudoir (A Birthday Celebration!)
Amy of The Babe Festival in Hartford, Connecticut
shares a fun birthday celebration through beach boudoir!
When Jennifer approached me about doing a Babe Festival session, I was so excited about it. She mentioned she wanted to do the beach boudoir session for her 46th birthday and I couldn’t think of a more perfect reason! However I knew that there was more behind this than just wanting some professional photos to celebrate her birthday. I knew Jen was ready to prove to herself and the world that SHE knows she is beautiful, as much as we all do, and loves every inch of herself.
It’s so common for women to struggle with self confidence. For those of us who have, but want to overcome, it becomes a practice to embrace what we feel are our insecurities. Looking in the mirror and choosing to focus on what we love instead of what we don’t love takes effort, and when we finally start to come out of that it feels kind of silly to ask someone to photograph you “just because”. So I think we use excuses- we’re doing the boudoir shoot for someone else- is probably the most common.
But I say why not?! Why can’t YOU have gorgeous photos of yourself to have and to share? After doing this photography thing for a while, do you know what I have realized? People LOVE seeing you shine! They LOVE seeing you share photos of yourself and celebrate YOU. So really – no permission or excuse is needed to get out there and spice up the world a little bit!
In honor of Jen’s amazing spirit and beautiful photos I thought a little Q+A with someone who was where you may be at one point might be fun to read!
When did you first think about doing a boudoir session?
I’ve been thinking about it for years, but never really knew how to get started.
What made you decide to do a beach boudoir session right now?
Well, I’m not getting any younger and just felt like it was now or never!!! I was also lucky enough to know the photographer personally which made the decision that much easier!!!
Did you have any reservations going into the beach boudoir session?
NOT ONE!!! I’m 46 years old and finally, comfortable with who I am and how I look.Of course I’m not perfect and there are always things I wanna change, inside and out, but have come to realize that no one’s opinion matters about those things as much as my own.
How did you feel the day of the session/ right before?
Nervous, but working with someone I trusted made the butterflies fly away…. a few sips of vodka helped too!!!
How did you feel right after the session?
Sad that it was over, but oh so happy that I did it!!!
How about when you saw the photos?
I cried, I couldn’t believe that was me!!!I was also so proud of you!!! Having known you for so many years and seeing how you’ve evolved made this experience amazing!!!*
What impact, if any did the session have on you- confidence, self love etc.
I definitely felt more confident, especially when the first picture popped up on Instagram… everyone loves a compliment once in a while!!!
Any tips for anyone interested in a studio or beach boudoir session??
Don’t think too much about it, just enjoy the moment… it’s over in an instant!!!
*awwww shucks! Love you girl!
So what is holding you back?
Do you feel silly for wanting to do a boudoir session? Are you enjoying the feeling of wanting to do something but worrying about what people will say or think? I can guarantee you that just doing the thing is a way better feeling than listening to that condescending worry voice in your head!!
I hope we all take a lesson from Jen and show up for ourselves in one way or another on the regular!
Amy, thank you so much sharing this inspiring birthday beach session!!
Want to see more posts from our awesome Boudoir International photographers? Check them out here!
