So I thought I’d stop by and say hello to my little blog. In case you haven’t noticed (of course you did), I haven’t blogged much in the past year. Ok a grand total of one blog since November of last year. Epic fail. But this blog thing is hardwork. It takes commitment, dedication, and a creative spark that I just wasn’t feeling. But lately I’ve been feeling it more. And while I know I’ll never be the blogger that posts religiously every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 am (I really don’t want to step out of character here), I am excited to pick this project back-up and see where it goes. So today we are going back to the past, with a blog post I wrote for a photographer describing my boudoir photo session. Don’t be scared, it’s not as scandalous as it seems!

I have to admit, I was a reluctant boudoir photo shoot participant. My friend booked a boudoir session with Tambi Lane Photography and asked if I wanted to book a session too. From the look on my face, she could tell that I was less than enthusiastic about the idea. She lobbied that the whole experience would be much more fun with a friend. I was a bit mystified. Wasn’t this some private, sexy, possibly nude photo shoot?? She explained that it was like a girl’s night out experience where you drink champagne, get make-up and hair done, and then have a photo shoot in the wardrobe of your choice. It didn’t sound like an awful way to spend an evening, but what did I need boudoir photos for? Wasn’t the point for the photos to be a present to a significant other or to mark a significant event? I’m a no-makeup, white t-shirt, and jeans kind of girl—not the kind of girl who gets professional photos taken for no reason.

My practical side shouted, “NO!” My adventurous side countered with, “Why not?!” I came to the conclusion that I didn’t need a reason. I was going to step outside of my comfort zone and do something different. I’d be my friend’s boudoir wing woman, drink champagne, get dolled-up, pose for some photos, and laugh about it later. Besides, my 80-year-old self might appreciate some foxy photos from her glory days.

In the days leading up to the shoot, I found myself getting excited, nervous, and unsure of what to expect. So I consulted my best friend Google to get a feel for what I should wear and what to expect. I quickly realized that each and every shoot was as unique as the woman being photographed. Just because it was boudoir did not mean I had to wear high heels and racy lingerie. Since the pictures were just for me, the point was to create a scenario that made me feel empowered and sexy. I packed my favorite, go-to wardrobe staples and left the rest to Tambi’s team.

And they did not disappoint. The outdoor bedroom the team created was the perfect balance of vintage bohemian and classic elegance; the perfect complement to my cowboy boots and breezy tunics. Tambi served us champagne and the fun began. I chatted with Tambi and her team while I got my hair and make-up done. The conversation made me feel at ease and helped to take my mind off the fact that I was very nervous about the actual photo session.

Before I knew it, it was time to step in front of the camera. Another wave of nerves hit, but Tambi made me feel so comfortable that I stopped worrying about how I looked, and just enjoyed the experience. Tambi directed the shoot with finesse, communicating directions clearly and checking-in often to make sure that I was ok. And I was very ok. I was caught-up in the magic of the shoot and enjoying every minute of it. I felt beautiful, empowered and liberated. The night ended, but the feeling stayed. This once-reluctant girl is now a big fan of Tambi Lane Photography boudoir sessions. The experience exceeded my expectations and changed my perception of boudoir. Now, if I can just figure out how to get her to follow me around with her camera….