In the spirit of Valentine's Day I thought I would share my favorite ever gift for my husband (and myself!)...
Boudoir Photography, and in particular the awesomeness that is Erica Tait of Tait Boudoir Photography. I came across her site a few years ago and after an hour of browsing through her photos I was hooked and couldn't wait to surprise my hubby with a set of my own images.
Erica hosts Boudoir Marathons where she photographs multiple sessions at the same location over the course of a single day. I anxiously waited for a local date to pop up and when the email finally came I opened it excitedly only to discover that I would in fact be 7 months pregnant at the time. Not really the look I was hoping to capture!
The next date rolled around and this time I had my precious chubby babe in arms - and residual post baby chub in the mid section. Still not the “me” I wanted caught on film forever. Several more dates came and went but never was I convinced that I looked how I should; I just needed to lose ten more pounds, I had to get my roots touched up, I could really stand to tone my arms...
Flash forward to a second pregnancy, stubborn baby weight and an image of myself that was less than stellar. I opened my inbox to see that Erica was hosting her next boudoir marathon in our city and without hesitating I signed myself up. Wait - what? I was going to put on lingerie at 5 months post-pregnancy and then let a stranger photograph me in it?
The day finally arrived and with it came a serious case of "what have I gotten myself into?" Thankfully Erica gives the option of having your hair and makeup professionally done before your session, and boy am I glad that I opted in on that one. The make-up artist greeted me and set to work right away while we chatted, and before I knew it the make up was done and the nerves were gone.
My turn with Erica and instantly I was at ease. Friendly yet professional, she took charge, arranged my outfits and moved every last inch of me in to just the right places to avoid the dreaded double chin and belly rolls. This girl knows her stuff and leaves no room for embarrassment or doubt to creep in. I forgot about my insecurities and just went with it.
The result: I think I actually skipped back to my car! One hour in front of Erica’s lens and I had a renewed sense of self. So what if I had weight to lose or arms to tone or that I hadn’t had time to get my hair done? This was me NOW and I looked GOOD!
I’m now a raving fan of Erica’s and of boudoir photography and couldn’t agree more when she says “I believe every woman should have a boudoir shoot at least once in their life. Many women do not realize their own beauty until they see themselves from another person's perspective. Boudoir photography allows a woman that opportunity to discover their own beauty. Often women compare themselves to celebrities or models but don't realize the amount of styling, preparation and ultimately airbrushing that goes into a photo. By receiving the same amount of attention, a woman realizes that she too can look as great as the women in the media they admire. It is certainly a confidence boost for every woman and many describe the experience as liberating.”
Oh and while this ended up being more a gift for myself than for my husband it is safe to say that he is also a fan of Erica’s work and the new me that emerged!
So there you have it! If you are looking for a great gift for your man or just an awesome boost and a chance to feel like your most beautiful self then go get yourself a set of boudoir photos!
To contact Erica or to see when she will be in your area check out www.taitboudoir.com
~ Ashley
Boudoir Photography, and in particular the awesomeness that is Erica Tait of Tait Boudoir Photography. I came across her site a few years ago and after an hour of browsing through her photos I was hooked and couldn't wait to surprise my hubby with a set of my own images.
Erica hosts Boudoir Marathons where she photographs multiple sessions at the same location over the course of a single day. I anxiously waited for a local date to pop up and when the email finally came I opened it excitedly only to discover that I would in fact be 7 months pregnant at the time. Not really the look I was hoping to capture!
The next date rolled around and this time I had my precious chubby babe in arms - and residual post baby chub in the mid section. Still not the “me” I wanted caught on film forever. Several more dates came and went but never was I convinced that I looked how I should; I just needed to lose ten more pounds, I had to get my roots touched up, I could really stand to tone my arms...
Flash forward to a second pregnancy, stubborn baby weight and an image of myself that was less than stellar. I opened my inbox to see that Erica was hosting her next boudoir marathon in our city and without hesitating I signed myself up. Wait - what? I was going to put on lingerie at 5 months post-pregnancy and then let a stranger photograph me in it?
The day finally arrived and with it came a serious case of "what have I gotten myself into?" Thankfully Erica gives the option of having your hair and makeup professionally done before your session, and boy am I glad that I opted in on that one. The make-up artist greeted me and set to work right away while we chatted, and before I knew it the make up was done and the nerves were gone.
My turn with Erica and instantly I was at ease. Friendly yet professional, she took charge, arranged my outfits and moved every last inch of me in to just the right places to avoid the dreaded double chin and belly rolls. This girl knows her stuff and leaves no room for embarrassment or doubt to creep in. I forgot about my insecurities and just went with it.
The result: I think I actually skipped back to my car! One hour in front of Erica’s lens and I had a renewed sense of self. So what if I had weight to lose or arms to tone or that I hadn’t had time to get my hair done? This was me NOW and I looked GOOD!
I’m now a raving fan of Erica’s and of boudoir photography and couldn’t agree more when she says “I believe every woman should have a boudoir shoot at least once in their life. Many women do not realize their own beauty until they see themselves from another person's perspective. Boudoir photography allows a woman that opportunity to discover their own beauty. Often women compare themselves to celebrities or models but don't realize the amount of styling, preparation and ultimately airbrushing that goes into a photo. By receiving the same amount of attention, a woman realizes that she too can look as great as the women in the media they admire. It is certainly a confidence boost for every woman and many describe the experience as liberating.”
Oh and while this ended up being more a gift for myself than for my husband it is safe to say that he is also a fan of Erica’s work and the new me that emerged!
So there you have it! If you are looking for a great gift for your man or just an awesome boost and a chance to feel like your most beautiful self then go get yourself a set of boudoir photos!
To contact Erica or to see when she will be in your area check out www.taitboudoir.com
~ Ashley
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