The perfect body?

I was talking with a friend recently who is plus-sized, and she asked me if I’d ever photograph someone who (in her words) “doesn’t look like they belong in a beauty magazine. ” A recent client—with a body many women would find enviable—Photoshopped one of her images, altering her proportions (which I never do); when she showed it to me, I replied that while her photos are hers to do with as she likes, her natural beauty was stunning all on its own.

I rarely work with professional models; my clients are ordinary women of all body types. I strongly doubt any of my clients would tell me they think they belong in a beauty magazine—but if my photographs make them feel like they do, well, then that’s what it’s all about!

The truth is, every woman I’ve encountered has her share of insecurities, regardless of her body type or size. Women live in a world where they’re never enough—their skin isn’t smooth enough, their breasts or hips are too big or too small, they’re too skinny or not skinny enough, etc. etc. That’s why I strongly emphasize the value of “come as you are” in my photography. I never want my clients to feel like they have to go through some kind of special preparation for their session; the goal of boudoir isn’t to promote unrealistic ideals, but rather to show that a woman’s natural beauty is enough.

If you have reservations about doing a boudoir shoot because you don’t think you have the right body type, let me assure you—you do. Your photo shoot is a chance for you to embrace yourself, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and see yourself in a way you never have before.