August 22, 2011
Women
As many of you know I have recently partnered with another photographer and started a side boudoir business. Barely boudoir is still in the very early stages of creation, but it has already been an amazing journey. We just finished up a full day of working with models yesterday. As with most things in my life I’m surprised at how much I’ve learned through this experience. Sometimes people come into your lives that really put things into perspective. I’ve realized as females we all have the same insecurities. It doesn’t matter how great someone else may think we look, how thin, tall, or vivacious. We still just don’t get it. I know I’ve got a list of things I don’t like about myself that is longer than my leg. From double chins to stretch marks, to my bangs just won’t lay right! After working with these incredible women the past two weeks, it’s all so silly to me now. It’s funny b/c certain people in my life have always given me the same compliments and I never listened to them. I still probably won’t, but I’ve decided to at least try to embrace them. Even now as I sit here about ten pounds lighter (Lord knows how or why) I still woke up this morning thinking man what did I eat yesterday….look at that gut. After viewing a few snapshots of myself while working yesterday all I could think was wow, I’m never wearing that shirt again, or look at the chins and how flushed my face is. Can I just say I HATE THAT!!!! For the love of God what’s wrong with us! We (and I for sure mean me) need to get out of that mind-set. We are what we are and we need to own it! I have really bad stretch marks and my stomach is all jacked up from being pregnant so I will not wear a two piece that shows it. Yet every time I see a women with a similar tummy I think (and usually say to Mike) good for her, I wish I was that brave.
There is something simply amazing about a mom or a woman who is at peace with herself. I really truly hope I can get there, b/c it seems like it must just be so liberating. We get so caught up in non-sense when it comes to body image. So far all of our models have been moms, which I think is awesome. It’s the best feeling to watch their responses as they see their images. My favorite response yet has been…”wow I look hot”! Well yes you do! Why do you think you have a couple of kids!! We get so lost as moms. Many of us fully embrace that role and don’t look back until many years later. For me I’ve decided I want a piece of me back. Just b/c I’m a mom doesn’t mean I can’t have fun, and embrace some of those qualities from my youth.
If you’ve talked to me about the boudoir you know for my partner (who is a guy) it’s about the art form, and for me it’s helping women who feel like I do every day feel like a rock star. It’s so not about sex, or sex appeal like most people think. Yes, it’s an awesome thing to do for yourself and share with your significant other, but we’ve also worked with women who are single and doing it just for themselves! How awesome is that!
I hope for all of you ladies out there (especially the moms) that you will find a little piece of you that’s buried, and let it out!
Kimberly said,
August 22, 2011 at 2:21 pm
You know, this is such an excellent piece! It is amazing how lightly we take compliments or if we do at all. We are amazing individuals! Thanks for taking the time and bravery to post this. In addition, may we as women, embrace who we are and boldly go forth into the world and conquer our fears and love who we are!
angeleyesphoto said,
August 22, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Kim I NEVER listen when people give me a compliment. If it were to be on my eyes that would be about it. I have something attached to pretty much everything else. Mike compliments me all the time and I always just assume he has ulterior motives.
Shannon Furbush said,
August 22, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Very said Jessica. All the things you have said are exactly how I feel. I always hate the pictures of me as they are happening, but I find myself when I look back at them later thinking, hum, I look so young there, or wow look how skinny I am. I certainly did not feel that way the photos were being made. Funny thing is…I’m excited about the photos, but really that wasn’t the best part of the whole experience. I felt sexy and really left feeling great about myself. I loved dressing up and forgot about being a mom and wife right then…I was me. I think your right. As a mom with a highschooler and one in elementary. I dedicate all my time to making sure thier lives are fufilled and all thier needs are met. I have put myself on hold for 16 years. It was so nice to take time for myself. My husband was so supportive….let’s face it he gets the benefits of the whole thing too. Not just the pics, but the sexy confident woman he fell in love with.It was a great experience and would do it again in a heart beat. Thanks to both of you for making the whole thing comfortable and also fun. You guys are a great team.
angeleyesphoto said,
August 22, 2011 at 3:19 pm
This chokes me up a little! This is exactly what we’re going for. I think we make a pretty great team too. Just stupid and goofy which is probably not what people would expect for this. I’m glad you were able to take time out yesterday and come play with us!
Mia Carey said,
October 13, 2011 at 12:12 am
I just stumbled across your blog and love it. i was just thinking this the other day now that i’ve lost 60lbs i still look in the mirror and notice what’s lacking rather than embracing all the beauty and blessing within my “wide hips and thick thighs”. It’s a work in progress and I pray one day I love all of me
thanks for your inspiring words of wisdom!
angeleyesphoto said,
October 13, 2011 at 12:17 pm
Thanks Mia! Congrats on the weight loss. l think loving ourselves is one of the hardest thing to do. You can’t really fake it like you can with others. That sounds terrible I know!