Ashley is the wife of a fireman who is on the Honor Guard, and when we were planning her session, Ashley asked me if she could work in a fireman axe and her husband’s Honor Guard white gloves…so once again I found myself trying to figure out how to make something unsexy look sexy.
And once again I think I pulled that off! Take a look at Ashley’s images that are sprinkled throughout her client interview, and if you like what you see, please contact me today to schedule your complimentary phone consult.
How long have you been wanting to do a boudoir/contemporary glamour session and what made you decide now was the time to do one?
I had been thinking of booking a session for a year or so but only passively. I really started considering booking a session in the spring when the idea popped into my head that it would make a great birthday gift [for her husband]!
What made you decide Shannon Hemauer was the photographer to work with to do your boudoir/contemporary glamour session?
Looking at the online pictures of past clients as well as their testimonies made it an easy decision. Everyone said they felt super comfortable, that the process was fun, and their before and after pictures were amazing!
What was your favorite part out of the entire experience? The planning, the session, the reveal?
I really liked feeling pampered! Nath made me feel like a movie star! The focus was all about me and it was great! I walked around all day (and the next!) with a little extra pep in my step!
Did you leave your session worried about your hair/makeup (Maybe you thought the makeup was too dark or your hair didn’t look like you.)?
Yes! When I looked in the mirror I thought I looked like a Baltimore Hon with super-high poofy hair and so much makeup! I don’t regularly wear a lot of makeup so it was a big difference seeing myself with so much on. I was worried that I would look like a drag queen, honestly. But, in the pictures, my hair and makeup look amazing! I showed them to my hairdresser and the first thing she said was “Wow, your hair and makeup look amazing!”
Did you leave your session worried that the posing felt awkward?
Not so much the poses (because I had read previous clients’ responses and knew that it was normal to feel awkward). I was worried about my facial expressions because I was so focused on my positions that I didn’t think my expressions would be flattering.
What were you more nervous about—the session or the reveal?
Definitely the reveal! Only because of the hair and makeup. I had confidence in Shannon that my poses would look good.
Did you arrive to the reveal worried if you’d like your images?
Yup. I was hoping to get one or two nice ones for my husband. I ended up loving so many!
What did you think when you saw that first image of yourself?
That I looked amazing. I cried. And I’m not a crier. I surprised myself with my reaction.
If you had been worried about the hair/makeup/posing, did you like what you saw in your portraits?
I did! My face didn’t look funny like I thought it would!
How did shooting this session with Shannon Hemauer change your outlook on yourself? Are you more confident?
I was definitely more confident in myself. I have a fairly positive self-image. I’m far from perfect but my body has done and allows me to do some pretty amazing things! However, after seeing myself in my images, I was definitely more confident.
Before this experience, did you feel you were photogenic? If no, do you feel you are photogenic now?
I’m not super pleased with how I look in regular pictures so I was concerned that I wouldn’t look great with a professional photographer, either. I do feel more photogenic! Shannon taught me how to make myself appear more flattering in pictures!
Before this experience, what concerns did you have in regards to hiring a photographer?
Will they be able to make me look good? Will I be happy with the results? Will they be pushy?
Were you surprised at how much fun you had planning your session, shooting your session, and seeing your images?
I was! It was so much fun!! The whole experience from the initial phone call with Shannon, to the day of the shoot, to the reveal was amazing and I felt super comfortable and had so much fun!
Why should other women do a boudoir/contemporary glamour session with Shannon Hemauer Photography?
Whether it is for yourself or someone else, having a photo session with Shannon and her team is such an empowering experience. We as women have a difficult time accepting our bodies for what they are and embracing the amazing beings we are! A session with Shannon Hemauer Photography gives women that extra boost of confidence and reassurance that we are amazing and our bodies are perfect just the way they are.
Is there anything I could have done to improve upon your experience?
No; I had so much fun! I forgot to bring a nude bra for one of my outfits (actually, I wore a BLACK bra to go under a white top!). No worries! Shannon found an outfit in her closet of outfits and some of those pictures ended up being my favorite!
A huge thank you to my lead stylist, Nath, for doing an amazing job on Ashley’s hair and makeup, and to my awesome assistant, Dianna, for just, well, being awesome!
Until next time,
Shannon
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