I have struggled with body image issues for as long as I can remember, and after having two kids and being at my heaviest weight,
I decided I was going to book myself a session as motivation to shed the pounds.
I ended up not losing weight, and when it came time for my session, I was actually heavier than when I booked.
Instead of freaking out, I just changed my thought process. I decided I was still going to do this for myself –
to show myself that my body can still be sexy.
I can be confident in my own skin, and I deserve to feel good about myself.
My husband has always assured me that I’m still attractive and sexy, but I wanted to see myself that way.
It wasn’t about getting sexy photos for him. It was about seeing myself the way he does and realizing my self-worth.
I chose Melissa because I had seen lots of her work and knew her through a previous session she did for my son’s newborn photos.
She is such an open and honest person, and you can see she is truly passionate about what she does.
I went to one of her boudoir meet and greets to get more info, and I booked before I left that night!
I knew she was the right person because she is genuinely interested in you as a person and not just taking some sexy photos.
She clearly aims to provide an experience and not just a photo shoot. My boudoir experience didn’t start the day I showed up for my session.
She made it a priority to get to know me beforehand, and that is what made me feel even better about choosing her to do this for me.
I was most nervous about how my body would look in the photos,
and I was worried I wouldn’t like how they turn out because I’m super uncomfortable in my own skin.
I thought I was going to be the most nervous about practically being naked in front of someone other than my husband,
but there was no awkwardness because she kept it super professional.
The whole time we were just talking and listening to music. She made me feel so comfortable the whole time.
Even my makeup turning out how I like was a concern for me. I don’t wear makeup often, but when I do, I like to go all out.
I am generally let down when someone else does my hair and makeup, but Whitney did so well!
I loved my makeup because she listened to what I liked and wasn’t afraid to go heavy on the eye makeup.
My favorite part of the experience was how empowering it was.
Getting all dolled up, dressing a little risqué, and taking photos made me feel a sense of control in my life that I hadn’t felt in a long time.
Instead of being identified as a mom, I felt like a powerful woman ready to take on the world!
It might sound silly to describe it that way, but being a mom and feeling like “just a mom” for the past few years has been so hard on my self-esteem,
and my confidence was at an all-time low before my session. I really loved Melissa’s posing knowledge as well.
Since I’m super awkward, I do not know how to pose. It’s so complicated to know how to stand, where to put your hand, how to angle your face, etc.
She told me exactly what to do, and even though I felt like I looked goofy, the photos turned out so natural and very flattering.
She showed me lots of images on the back of the camera throughout the session that made me so excited to keep doing more!
Now that my session is over, I’m not going to say I’m a completely new woman, but there is a pep in my step and a certain spark in my life.
I’ve gained confidence back that I thought would never be there at this weight,
and I have even incorporated few of my sexy clothing pieces from my shoot into outfits for date night with my husband.
Every time I wear those pieces, I’m reminded of my session, and I instantly feel that power I felt that day.
I no longer feel the need to hide my body, and instead I try to celebrate my new-found confidence.
I even bought a pair of skinny jeans that fit my larger body which is something I had no intention of doing until I lost weight.
I suggest a boudoir session with Melissa to every single woman I know!
She is an all-around amazing photographer – fantastic skills with the camera, editing, but her personality is what really sells it!
If you are just looking for someone take pretty pictures,
Melissa might not be the person for you because she makes it about so much more than just looking pretty.
Since her skills extend beyond the lens, you will gain so much more from this experience than any other type of photo session.
Your day will be commemorated with an album of jaw dropping images,
but I feel those are just a reminder of the experience and how it made you feel.
If you are dealing with anything inside yourself that isn’t 100% positive, a boudoir session with Melissa will help you.
Her passion for what she does and her sincere personality will have you believing in yourself in no time.
Bri is also a Zyia Representative and let me tell you girls, this company is legit.
Her Instagram can be found here:
@fit.ish.bri
God, I love that handle. She's just hilarious.
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