As promised I am writing about my recently boudoir experience which by the way was so insightful. 

Lets start with how I booked this gig – It was back in the early months of 2018 when I attended the Arizona Bridal show (I love those things). Of course there are vendors everywhere and I signed up for one million things. I did not need nor want. About a month or so later I got a call stating I actually won something — which by the way never happens! So I said heck yes sign me up! I won a free boudoir session! #Goals #Goals #Goals I was so happy. I hung up the phone and I gloated to everyone around me at the time. 

Now keep in mind I am single and have been for many years now. I was 100% doing the shoot for myself with you all in mind. Creepy, right? Well for all the right reasons. I was truly curious what it was like on the other side of the camera and I thought If I did this shoot I could better relate to you all. I didn’t even tell them I was a photographer because I wanted a true boudoir experience. 

Let me also note that boy is it different. 

I did pick up a few things from the company – which I am not naming for ethical reasons. I will however say that is was a corporation and most definitely not a “small business”. 

Before the shoot they sent reminder emails which I loved but they were not personalized at all. Which did not make me feel special by any means. They told me the address and who the photographer was only 3 days before the shoot which made me stress because if you know me you know I am a huge planner and over analyzer. 

So on this sunny Saturday I got my hair and makeup done by amazing professions to get dolled up for this shoot because I had every intention of sharing my images with you all. When I showed up at the W hotel in downtown phoenix I was met by the photographer who made small talk and walked me up to a room there in the hotel.

When we got to the room she gave me instructions to change in the restroom and then said lets get started. 

When I changed I was feeling myself because I had spent so much time and money on my outfits, hair, and makeup. So regardless I knew I was going to have fun. 

Overall the session was fine — she didn’t really do all that great of a job of making me feel unique or special. She posed me like she did every other girl that had been in that room that day. She didn’t keep it real by telling me to keep my chin up, work on my posture, work on my smile or suck it in when I could have. She very well could have helped a sista out. 

After 3 outfits she gave me a take-home baggie of goodies and told me to schedule my viewing appointment for three weeks out!  I will admit I left feeling hot and excited because you better believe I looked good! I called all of my girlfriends that day and said “Ladies, were going out”. I looked to good to sit at home for a Saturday night. & we did indeed go out! 

3 weeks later I had my viewing appointment and by the time we wrapped up I was astonished and angry. 

Yes the session I won was free but guess what — only one of my photos were free! All that time and hard work was gone because I was not paying the $2,000.00 they were asking for all of my images. I had three outfits that day and I only got one photo with one outfit. RIP to the others because I was not paying 60$ an image for the rest. 

I was so turned off by the whole experience —However it was most definitely a learning experience. 

 I can only hope I have provided my gals with a better experience. Since that moment that has been a goal of mine. As a small business owner I am not here to trick you. I am here to help you. Going into my session you will know and understand who I am, where I come from, and how I shoot. Also going into your session I understand what your insecurities are, what your significant other likes, and why you’re even there in the first place. 

#SupportSmallBusinesses 

 

Below is my one and only image from the shoot. Enjoy Ladies!