I started implementing a new questionnaire for my clients and this has turned out to have many purposes: not only does it serve as feedback for me about my clients’ experiences but more importantly, it makes my clients reflect about their experience with me, trigger a new self love attitude and acknowledge what a great decision it was to book a session with je m’adore fine art portraits! 😉
Feelings of insecurity before a portrait session not only happens for boudoir clients, but for Retro PinUp clients as well. Stepping in front of the camera is not an easy feat, especially for those that don’t think they are photogenic. As common as that perception is, sometimes all it takes is the right photographer to take your portrait!
Here’s what a recent Retro PinUp client, Miss R, had to say about her glorious experience with je m’adore fine art portraits:
Q: What’s going on in your life right now that motivated you to do a session?
Miss R: My initial thought was to get pictures taken for my husband’s birthday and Christmas. After years (yes, years) of hmming and hawing, I sent the email.
Q: Besides beautiful photographs, what else did you hope to get out of the experience?
Miss R: Truthfully, the whole preparation (must be what a makeover feels like!). I got really into listening to music, looking at pictures and finding the right dress.
Q: How long had you been considering doing a shoot before you booked yours? What was the final push? What did it feel like to finally book your session?
Miss R: As I mentioned before, years. My sister-in-law had a session with Suzanne a long time ago and her pictures were stunning. Now mind you, she is stunning doing the dishes… 😉 Her family has also had family pictures AND my niece did the fairy pictures with Suzanne as well. It seems like every single shot I’ve seen from Suzanne tells a story, and I think I was finally ready to have that experience. It was super exciting to book (especially since I was trying to keep this on the down-lo for my hubby).
Q: Before your session, how would you describe your relationship with your body, your beauty and your sensuality?
Miss R: I’m a 43 year old who has been a lifetime weight watchers member since I was 11 years old. I have an eating disorder. I have had gastric bypass surgery. My relationship with my body is conflicted at best. I’m very hard on myself and am self-conscious with just about every single part of me.
Q: How did doing a session affect how you feel about your body, your beauty and your sensuality?
Miss R: I felt pretty for the first time in a long time. I felt prettier than I did at my wedding. I felt like this was the “ME” I want people to see.
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Q: What were you worried about before your session? What helped to overcome that?
Miss R: I was worried I wouldn’t photograph well… that I’d look like a giant goof. Suzanne (and Alison) made me feel right at eas, right away. It’s like I was hanging out with old pals.
Q: Tell me about your session day: How did you feel on your way over? What were your favorite parts? How did you feel on the way home?
Miss R: I had a GREAT session day! I was nervous but had total confidence in Alison and Suzanne. I loved getting my hair done (even though it wasn’t very cooperative), false lashes (wow!) and the session itself. It was hard work! Holy cats! Mad respect to anyone who walks in any type of heels!!! I was super excited going back home and although I was wearing sweats, I still had the fancy hair and make-up! I picked up my son from school and he asked me where my face was (ha ha, he’s 4!). I really wanted to stay like that… but I needed to shower before hubby got home, he would have definitely suspected something!
This started out as something for my husband but it grew into something MORE. There is a book in my house with fantastic photographs of ME! I look and feel happy, comfortable, confident…. I feel like the pictures are the ME I’d like to show the world (if I could get my damn hair to coorperate). 😉
Q: What were you feeling when you saw your photos at the viewing?
Miss R: Disbelief that I could be HOT looking! Giddy and conflicted because I had to choose between all the good pictures!
Q: Why did you decide to hire me as your photographer?
Miss R: You are an artist!! The passion you have for your craft is evident the minute someone meets you and walks into your home (confirmed by the studio and can we talk about your office/closet?).
Q: If your friend were considering doing a shoot, what would you say to encourage her?
Miss R: Do it. JUST DO IT!
