As an Ottawa Boudoir Photographer, I meet many different women from all ages and at different stages in their lives — each of them with different inspirations or incentives to do a boudoir session. Meet Miss N! She was one of the first clients to grace her presence in Je m’adore’s NEW studio. Not only did Miss N feel like treating herself to a luxurious day of pampering and an incredible boudoir experience, she also thought that she would give her partner a VERY special keepsake to take with him when they are apart for work. Here is her story:
Q: What’s going on in your life right now that motivated you to do a session?
Miss N: I had been thinking about it for a long time, but now that my partner travels a lot for work, I thought it would be nice for him to have a keepsake to take along with him while he is away.
Q: Besides beautiful photographs, what else did you hope to get out of the experience?
Miss N: I guess knowing that I was brave enough to do it and despite my internal criticisms that I am comfortable in my own skin (and showing it off, it seems!)
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 N: I would say a couple of years for sure. There are some moments in your life that forces you to change and evolve, and I think I just got to the point where I felt brave and beautiful enough to do it. I think I had barfed a bit in my mouth (i know, TMI) but really it was just the anxiousness of finally going through with it and see how it would all play out.
Q: Before your session, how would you describe your relationship with your body, your beauty and your sensuality?
Miss N: Up and down. I went through some depressive moments and didn’t realize that I was living with depression and anxiety my whole life, until I had a total breakdown. Those were dark times for me, but once you do make it to the other side, it helped me realize that I can control my own mind and that everything and everyone is beautiful and worthy; it’s just a matter of seeing and believing it for yourself and not about what other people project onto you and all that other noise.
Q: How did doing a session affect how you feel about your body, your beauty and your sensuality?
Miss N: It was great! I’m comfortable in my own skin, but I didn’t know how I would feel being exposed in front of a total stranger who would be capturing my social awkwardness (which I think is totally obvious, lol). But Suzanne is so calming and once I got through the first few photos and poses (which definitely felt weird) I felt completely at ease. I could have stayed there all day, really!
Q: What were you worried about before your session? What helped to overcome that?
Miss N: I was just worried that i was going to be a socially awkward mess and it’d make for a really uncomfortable session.
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 N: I was so excited, and super anxious – again, the constant need to barf, lol. I think it was mostly because I wanted to ensure I followed all the prep rules properly, and not be late. I don’t know if I can choose a favourite part, because you can’t go wrong with being pampered all day.
I had to pee and didn’t even realize it until the session was over, so great relief there, but even the bathroom was cute and had little accents around. Otherwise, I felt great! Made me wonder what took me so long to do it, and how long it would take to see the results!
Q: What were you feeling when you saw your photos at the viewing?
Miss N: Very surprised! You know it’s you but for some weird reason it feels like you’re looking at a stranger. Many times I thought to myself “ummm, that’s not me, is it?” It was veeeeeerrrrrry hard to narrow down the photos too, that is truly the worst part of it.
Q: Why did you decide to hire me as your photographer?
Miss N: I did a lot of internet creeping, and I just found that I connected to your photos. Not sure I can explain it anymore than that, it just felt right.
Q: If your friend were considering doing a shoot, what would you say to encourage her?
Miss N: OMG, 100% DO IT!!!!!! There isn’t anything to even think about.
AGE: Mid 30’s