Believe in what you do... | Austin Boudoir Studio

Going deep on this one. 

“Believe in what you do because you may have to do it for a long time before it catches on.”

— Seth Godin

Whoah. That quote was like a kick in my stomach. But not in a bad way. In a "HELL.YES." kind of way. 

I've been shooting for about 8 years now. Like most other amateur photographers, I started by shooting EVERYTHING under the sun. Families, babies, models, musicians, corporate executives, real estate listings, commercial products, weddings, annnnnndd boudoir.  And also like most other newbie photographers, I thought that meant I was the shit and could do anything.  

I VERY quickly discovered that boudoir was my favorite, it was what I was best at, and it was the most fulfilling. But it wasn't quite mainstream. At least not in the way that I wanted it to be. It hadn't caught on.  The boudoir I was used to seeing was really just trashy porn-esque images with bad lighting and REALLY bad posing that served no other purpose than to be a turn-on for the viewer.

I knew that was not my definition of boudoir.  I knew that I wanted to educate the world (really. The whole world. I'm a dreamer like that) on all the ways that boudoir was incredible, empowering, good for the soul, and beautiful- literally and figuratively. 

Lots of photographers were offering boudoir on the side...but it was nearly unheard of to specialize in boudoir and ONLY boudoir. Friends, peers, and even my own husband said "But is there really enough demand to do it full time?"   And my response was "There will be. I just need to do it. I just need to jump in and freaking do it.". 

And I did. 

Closing the door on EVERY photography opportunity that came my way and being exclusive to my specialty and passion was absolutely the smartest move ever. 

I made it my mission to re-introduce boudoir as gorgeous, high quality, tasteful but sexy images ALONGSIDE the story of the woman in them. It was so important for me to let everyone know that it's NOT JUST ABOUT THE PICTURES.  If you've followed my blog for any period of time at all, you know that I preach this. 

I stuck with it until it caught on. 

It caught on.

I am shooting in a dream studio with my dream clients. I am working full-time (+ crazy overtime) doing what I am absolutely PASSIONATE about, fascinated with, moved by, and GOOD at, damnit!

Now the women who contact me for the first time aren't saying things like "I want hot photos for my boyfriend". They're telling me their life stories. They're telling me all the reasons they need this uplifting of their soul. They're telling me that the stories of the women on my blog seem to be speaking directly to them. 

And I couldn't be more moved by the women that come into my life daily. I cry just about every time I open my inbox...and it's an amazing thing.

If you are a photographer reading this, I encourage you to help continue to elevate this industry beyond just HOT photos. Yes...they should be sexy. It's boudoir, after all. But WHY boudoir? EDUCATE people. Make it count.  Give it meaning and life. Make it worth so much more. 

If you are a woman reading this, photographer or not, I encourage you to book a session. YES, give an album to your partner for your anniversary. Yes, create gorgeous wall art for your home. But above all else, do this for YOU. 

My Man Brain and my Woman Brain got Married and Made These Images | Austin Boudoir Photographer

She kept the secret when neither one of us, I don't think, thought she would. She had the digital files and album in-hand well before her wedding anniversary and was bursting at the seams. 

On their anniversary, Miss "K" and her husband were out-and-about in downtown Austin. She excused herself to the bathroom and text him one of the photos.  When she walked back to the table, his face said it all. Absolutely priceless.  Throughout the night, she continued to text him a photo from her boudoir session here and there. Eventually she handed him the album.

Ever since, he's been hiding in the corner away from their daughter thumbing through the album with a shit grin on his face.

I LOVE HEARING THESE STORIES. 

I guess you could say it's a good thing that I've got BOTH a man brain and a woman brain. I am a firm believer in knowing your own strengths, and I know that one of mine is to be able to view a woman's body from both male and female perspectives. I love being able to create images that appeal to both.

“Strive for perfection: That is what I was taught growing up. Yes, of course, that could have a positive impact on a person, but for me it was the opposite.

I grew up thinking that my body had to look perfect at all times. I became a gym rat and nothing was ever perfect enough when it came to looking in the mirror. If I saw a photo of myself I would immediately look for the flaw rather than embrace the beauty.

I have since learned that perfection does not exist. We are given one body and one shot in this imperfect world. We are like a canvas, full of different paint, it is how we see that beauty on the canvas that matters. ”

“When I left your studio after my photo reveal I cried like a baby in my car. As crazy as that sounds, I couldn’t believe that it was me in the photos.

You have changed the way I look at myself and have forever made an impact on me. Thank you! I l LOVE reading your other clients’ stories! You truly have made a difference in so many women.

I will be back in the future!”

I don't know what I did in my past or current life to deserve such profoundly amazing women as clients, but I'm so grateful for them. Miss "K" was no exception. Her enthusiasm was amazing. She had all the concerns about herself and the shoot that all of my other clients have. We worked together to get past that and create a collection of images that left both her AND her husband smitten. 

Black and white and hot all over | Austin Boudoir Photographer

When a client comes to me wanting black and white, moody, artsy, anonymous-type shots, my heart nearly explodes.  That's my jam!!!  While I always try to capture some of these types of shots in every client's shoot, even if they don't ask for them, a whole shoot like this rocks my socks. 

That's what happened here with Miss "S". She barely wanted any of her face at all (which was a crying shame because it was a BEAUTIFUL one), and instead wanted to focus on details and bodyscapes and anonymity, oh my!  MISSION.FREAKING.ACCOMPLISHED.

I think I want to make a wallpaper out of these.... would that creep you out, Miss "S"?! 

BOOM. 

In love with these shots...in LOVE with them. I want to buy these photos chocolates and jewelry.

“I absolutely LOVE the photographs. They are stunning and artsy and hot! You captured exactly what I wanted and more. Plus, you made me look amazing!! I’m thrilled and my husband is going to be ecstatic! Win-win for everyone. Again thank you so much!
”

— Miss "S"

Thank you, lady, for trusting me to do my thing...and for you doing yours OH SO WELL! Bravo!

Hair and makeup by Kendall of Mayhem Beauty.

HEY YOU! YOU KEEP *THINKING* ABOUT IT BUT NEVER PULL THE TRIGGER. LET'S SHOOT, ALREADY! 

She wouldn't even expose her shoulders.... | Austin Boudoir Photographer

I can honestly say that I have never witnessed such an extreme transformation as I saw with this particular client. When she booked me, not only had she not been photographed in this capacity, but she "was a throwback to another era with vintage morals, including formal and prim beliefs about showing oneself." (her words).   

Was I ready for the challenge of bringing someone out of their shell who literally didn't even bare her shoulders or toes in public? PSSSHHH YESSS I was! 

From the time she set her shoot date until the day of the shoot, she had transformed herself. She started buying lingerie and high heels. She started painting her nails black cherry.  She came alive. 

I've never had someone come bopping into my studio with THIS much enthusiasm and preparation before. While I want to blabber on and on about her and her transformation...she tells it SO much better than I ever would. 

You must read her story below...

"How did I get here and decide to do this?  How does one begin to explain exploring the depth of one’s soul and how many dimensions or extensions it can possibly have?  How can a person reach that depth with just a simple conversation? Me, as an object of art was just a mere thought unexplored for years until the door recently kicked itself open. Thus began my journey…Kara topped it off with an exclamation point!

I am a very proud, sophisticated, and complex lady – one could say a throwback to another era with vintage morals, including formal and prim beliefs about showing oneself. Multiple crises then put me under a rock completely for decades. I forgot who I was and I had no feelings! Society often magnifies the unworthiness. You have to look a certain way, be a certain person, or risk being criticized and ostracized. Not having positive reinforcement, other than in your own mind, weighs heavy on the soul. Being strong and smart, you learn not to care about beauty and the attention it brings, even though you may crave it. Trying to match an ideal is impossible and you simply give up."

"Why would I want to be photographed? - I would never do this in a million years and it might not even be appreciated! A simple, well timed question from a friend kicked off a torrent of thoughts… why I am holding on so tightly to old-fashioned thinking? Baring shoulders and even toes was a big deal in my mind and why was that?  An awakening occurred…but I want this, I shouldn’t want this, but I need this! I long for this! It’s for me! A little fire began burning…

Nervous and timid, slowly over the course of 6 weeks I came out of the shell I was living in to find my inner bold, glorious, radiant self. How? Embrace the inner you! Discover what beauty you adore most! Immerse yourself in food, music, literature, art, dance, drama, and find your muse! Remember that regular, normal women have been painted, sketched, and sculpted as art for centuries!"

"You have to fall in love with who you are right now first – flaws and all. Go seek advice and explore and try things you’ve never done before (or haven’t in a LONG time) and find that which you were always curious about. Have a good friend challenge and then push you beyond those ingrained thoughts that are keeping you bound up. You will be surprised at the effects and compliments you receive! Guaranteed you will find yourself smiling and radiantly glowing - others cannot help but notice the difference!

Some great takeaways I truly learned…

·       There is never a perfect body. Only a perfect mindset! 

·       Do it now, as later will never arrive!

·       Explore, follow directions, and over prepare!

·       Life is too short not to have fun!

·       And my favorite is attributed to Ms. Coco Chanel ~ “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself!”

Kara was the ultimate communicator and no question was too weird or too strange. Her ease and sense of womanhood is tremendous! She took the time with me to alleviate my concerns and build my confidence!  Kara created an object of beauty and desire from that fire. And my soul wanted to sing! 

"Every one of us means it when we say Kara is the best! A true wonder woman! I still cannot believe how fantastic my experience was and I'm livin' the high! She is hands down and quintessentially an absolute professional!

Her love for her job shines through every pore of her being and her keen eye for detail and what works for you is brilliant! Kara can peer into your soul and has the power to capture and turn you into a true work of art! AMAZING! This is the best investment in yourself that you could ever make! Kara takes care of you and puts you right at ease. You really do instantly feel as comfortable with her as you do your best friend! Do not fret or worry about your body as those are just mind games to be conquered. Kara definitely can let you shine through! ~Trust her and she’ll deliver you a dream… and blow your mind! You become magazine, model, photojournalist quality!!! OH WOW!"

I am so blown away by this woman and her transformation. I truly am so fulfilled by what I do all the time, but when I have stories like this, it just puts me in awe. 

Boudoir is so much more than sexy photos. It's self-discovery. It's self-love. Empowering. Brilliant. Artistic. It's YOU. It's for EVERY WOMAN. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU. If you've never done it before, heed this woman's advice. You don't need a special occasion, you don't need the "perfect" body (whatever that means). Do it. 

Don't wait any longer. you deserve to feel beautiful and empowered. let's chat. 

Striving for Perfection is Pointless | Austin Boudoir Photographer

Based on her on-paper age (21), I'm fairly certain she was the youngest I've photographed in the boudoir capacity.  Her maturity level, though...wow. I feel like she's as wise as a 90 year old. Her initial emails to me nearly a year ago were so profound. She wanted this session NOT to have sexy photos, but to celebrate herself. To celebrate her life changes, her hard work, and the fact that she was a bad ass woman.  She was a creative type, a musician, a force to be reckoned with, and I dig that. 

I knew she was going to really value this experience. 

She set foot in my studio with the most unique wardrobe and accessories. It was clear she had a style and a mind all of her own. It was clear this shoot was ALL about her and not at all about any one else. THESE are my favorite types of sessions. 

When I heard her playlist, I knew we were sorta kinda soulmates. Girl's got a wicked good taste in music...wise beyond her years.

Please read her story...all of it. She's got a powerful message!

"I realized that I couldn’t run to Kara with my soul in pieces. It took plenty of time on my own to put myself back together before I was ready for validation of my progress. Kara simply sealed the deal, in a beautiful way. I built up this idea so high in my head that by doing this shoot I was finally closing a really dark chapter in my life. I had finally breached the surface of my depression. I lost almost all of my college weight, I started yoga, got a dog, and surrounded myself with art in many shapes and forms.

I grasped at anything I could get my hands on to make me feel at peace. I finally found my self-love and really became proud of who I was and where I’ve been and what I endured to get there.. But I forgot that I was a woman. When I looked in the mirror I saw a sweet and loving college girl, a musician, a friend, daughter, and sister. I loved all of those things about myself but I didn’t see myself as a WOMAN. I thought that a 21 year old couldn’t be sexy, she’s just a girl. I didn’t appreciate what I was working with.

Sexuality and confidence are seen as shameful in some settings. As young girls we fall into the black hole of societies' so-called “beauty standards” and inevitably feel inadequate. From a young age, we begin to compare ourselves to the photo-shopped models in magazines, wishing to be them and hating what we have. Instead we should take a second and realize what’s real. We are real. We are beautiful, and we don’t need society to decide that."

"As soon as I stepped foot into the studio Kara was so warm and welcoming. I immediately felt like we were best friends *hair flip*.  She treated me as a woman and not as a girl. I was not embarrassed to be expressing myself while dressed in lingerie. I felt strong and powerful. Kara has the personality of grace and confidence that pours onto anyone in her presence. The photoshoot was absolutely magical. It flew by so quickly, I was sad to leave. But I knew when I stepped foot out of that studio, I was changed forever."

"Do not strive for perfection because it's pointless. To clarify, stop with the excuses. I worked my ass of at the gym months prior to my shoot and sure, I would’ve loved to have been about 10 lbs lighter. But who cares? Confidence isn’t about perfection, it’s about being content. Not that you “settle” but to be content with where you are, and you understand that the work of art that is YOU, is a constant process.

You continue to gain worth as you chisel away the negative space, day by day. Confidence is more about looking in the mirror and loving WHO you see, and not what you see. I was very intimidated before I booked and the anxiety built inside me leading up to my shoot. The clients’ photos I had seen on Kara’s website had me awestricken. All of the women were so beautiful and strong, and mature. They are wives, mothers, girlfriends, and WOMEN with life experience and wisdom. So where does that leave me? I felt like I could not compete at all, and maybe I had no business doing something like this. But these inspiring women didn’t just wake up like this *cue Beyonce* they too, had been 21 once, just like me. Young and free- not as naive as people believe we are at this age, but making mistakes and learning every day, creating who we are.

This is the foundation for the rest of my life, and this photoshoot with Kara signifies that. When I finally saw my photos, I was so blown away. I wanted to plaster them all over my entire house. I had never seen myself in that way before but I hope to always keep that light within me. I know who I am. I love who I am. I am proud of that woman I see in the mirror. I can finally breathe, I feel like I earned my wings. Don’t waste another second. Book a shoot with Kara and let it keep you up at night. Write it on your calendar, dream about it, obsess over it. It will be the best damn thing you’ve done this year."

Whoah. 

Am I right!?

This girl understands more about herself and empowerment than many of us get to achieve in all of our years on this planet. She may be much younger than me, but I look up to her. And you should, too.

Makeup by Gertie Murray.

you've been through a lot.  are you ready to celebrate yourself with boudoir? Let's chat.

Boudoir as a LIFE CHANGER | Austin Boudoir Studio

I'm about to share a doozy of a blog post with you. Miss "L" here, was yet another reminder of why I chose Boudoir Photography as my career path. Her shoot was easy, breezy, and effortless (more effortless for me than for her...she had to do a lot of back arching!). She was an absolute GODDESS in front of the lens. Even looked quite a bit like Scarlett Johansson.

She could be a model...

...but she's not.  She's the mom of the most precious little girl, a business owner, and has really impeccable taste in shoes and lingerie (as you'll soon see.)

What's more than that, though, is that she was SO much fun to be with and her words about her experience brought me to tears. Again. Yeah yeah, I cry a lot lately. But man, it really resonated. I know I preach how important this is to women, but I'm always surprised by how different their backgrounds/stories, yet how similar their response to their images was and how it's changed them. 

I'm going to stop blabbering because this client's words says more than enough...oh...and then there's the photos! 

"Three years ago, I was sitting on my couch watching my almost one year old walk around and make a mess of everything. I was thinking about how easy this little human changed my life and my body. Then, I got a text from my best friend that said, “we should do boudoir shoots!” I laughed. Yeah, definitely not going to do that.

I was not back to my pre pregnancy weight and wasn't about to run around in almost nothing taking pictures. I told my husband about it and he said that I should because I deserve to feel sexy and confident. The problem was, I did not feel sexy or confident and wasn't sure pictures would help that.

Fast forward 3 years, I stumbled upon Click Chick’s website. I was immediately lost in the images. These women were gorgeous and elegant and classy. I could never be those things, right? The next week, a friend of mine posted some of her images to Facebook and I instantly noticed they were taken by Kara. SHUT UP.

As fast as my little fingers could work, I began emailing with Kara! Did she just call me "Dahhling"? Yes. Well all right, this may not be so bad. I decided that night I had to book my session, claiming it was going to be an anniversary gift for my husband. If not now, when? That's what I kept telling myself.

I booked my shoot several months in advance so I would have time to pick the perfect wardrobe and work up the nerve to be in front of a camera. The day finally arrived. I was nervous, anxious, and a little worried about whether I would be able to do this or not. Would the pictures turn out okay? Would she like me?

As I walked up the stairs, I seriously thought about turning around and leaving. That would have been the biggest mistake of my life. I opened the studio door and there was the cutest, sweetest little blonde with the biggest smile coming right at me. As soon as she put her arms around me for a welcome hug, I immediately started to relax. I cannot even explain how relaxed and comfortable I felt from the beginning, even before hair and makeup.

I sat down for hair and makeup and had the best conversation with the most amazing makeup artist I have ever known. After that, it was time to start. Kara told me exactly what she wanted me to do. She made the shoot extremely easy, (well, maybe not easy because some of those poses HURT! haha) comfortable, relaxed. She also has a way of making you feel like you’re a supermodel. Not even kidding.  I walked out of my shoot feeling like I just won Miss Universe.

When I got home, my husband said, “ you look different!” I said it was the makeup. He said, “nope. That's not it.” That night I got a sneak peak. I died. I thought to myself, that's not me. It can’t be. Oh, but it was! 

I (not so) patiently waited for my reveal. I arrived 30 minutes early. As I sat in my car, I kind of started to hyperventilate. I was approximately 154258% more nervous to see my pictures than I was to actually take them. Such a strange feeling. I opened that studio door one more time and there was that adorable little blonde firecracker again. I like her.

So we sat down, she woke up her computer and BOOM, there I was. My heart started racing, I wanted to scream. I wanted to cry. I wanted to have every single image printed. I wanted wall paper made out of these images. I did it. This was me. As Kara scrolled through, I lost my words. I couldn't speak. I was speechless. (obviously, that never happens).

These pictures showed me that I was more than just a wife and mother. They showed me that I am a woman with so much more to offer. What started out as a gift for my husband, ended up changing my life. Confidence is the number one word out of my mouth when anyone asks about my images. Confidence.  

“ You've always had the power my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself.”-Glenda, the good witch.  THANK YOU IMMENSELY, Kara for being my good witch. I cannot wait to do it all over again!!!!!!

I am so grateful that Miss "L" found her way into my studio... and even more grateful that this experience was exactly what it was supposed to be for her, and then some! 

Hair and makeup by Kendall of Mayhem Beauty, Blue bra and panty set is Heidi Klum Intimates from UNDERWEAR Austin, Black garter belt set is Agent Provocateur.

I've said it a million times before and I will say it over and over again: This is NOT about sexy photos. It's about showing yourself that you are AMAZING. You can be confident, powerful, gorgeous, feminine, and a badass all at once.

Let me show you.

IF YOU'VE BEEN PUTTING IT OFF, STOP IT. JUST STOP IT.  LET'S CHAT ABOUT YOUR BOUDOIR EXPERIENCE! I'M READY TO SHOW YOU WHAT YOU'VE GOT!

Giving Murphy's Law the Middle Finger | Austin Boudoir Studio

Guys. The month of March was reeeeeeeeeee-diculous. I had every hand-grenade in the history of hand-grenades thrown at me. I'm not much of a complainer, certainly not on social media. And YESSSS things can always be worse. DEFINITELY. 

My April has started off with a bang (not the hand-grenade type. More of the pretty firework variety) with really great luck, incredible clients, business growth, personal victories, and yes, pretty weather! SO now that things seem to be on the up-swing, I can officially look back at my March and laugh about it....and, of course, share it all with you!

A few weeks ago, we had a plumbing issue at our house and water began to flood several rooms on our first floor. I realized we didn't have any mops! Holy shit! Who doesn't have a MOP!?? Ohhhh, yeah. I almost forgot...I'm the least domestic person in the world and have to pay someone to come clean my house because I suck at it and have no time.  So yeah, no mop for me.  

As my husband was sopping up water with TOWELS (and failing miserably at it), I said "I'm going to Target to get mops and buckets and to see if our neighbors have a wet vac or something!". I flew out of the garage in a panic only to be met by my husband's car. And it wasn't like a "woops, I didn't cut the wheel enough so I scratched the side of your car" kind of accident....it was a "SHIT, I totally forgot your car was even parked there and I was in a panic and I slammed into it full force and now you can't even get into your driver's side door" kind of accident.  

So awesome. A flooded house and two wrecked cars.  Who hit's their own car!? This girl. The same girl that doesn't have a mop, apparently. 

Over the next week was a trickle of mini-disasters with the car insurance, the sewer issue that apparently needs to be fixed by the CITY (I'm sure *that* will happen in our lifetime), and major technology fails that left me feeling pretty defeated. 

BUT THEN APRIL CAME and I said "Murphy's Law can kiss my ass". And it was like the universe heard me and delivered me the most amazing first day of April. It was Click Chick Boudoir's BIRTHDAY (and how can you have a bad day on your birthday!? How!?), I had 3 amazing shoots, 2 amazing photo reveals with amazing clients, even a few amazing gifts sent to my studio from clients that made me feel OH SO SPECIAL. A girl likes to feel special, you know!

So my bad luck streak is officially over, I've decided.  Not going to let it get me down.  THIS APRIL IS OFFICIALLY THE BUSIEST MONTH IN THE HISTORY OF CLICK CHICK BOUDOIR.  That's crazy to me, but SO awesome and inspiring.

It means that more women are seeing the value in seeing the value in themselves.  

Whoah. Deep. 

I am so in love with the way the boudoir industry has blossomed, how my list of over-the-moon-happy clients continues to grow, and how my ladies are feeling on TOP OF THE WORLD when the leave my studio.

I must admit when I first got into shooting boudoir that I didn't believe that I was bettering the world with my work!  I'm embarrassed to say that years ago it WAS just about a sexy photo.  The more I heard from my clients about their experience and what it meant for them, the more I started to see how powerful this type of imagery is. And now, I NEVER look at my images and think it's just a pretty picture. I think of each woman's story. I think of how these images have changed her. I think of how they have changed ME. 

This is powerful shit, y'all. 

(Also, I say shit a lot...in case you haven't noticed. #favoriteword)

SO ANYWAYS, this is my public decree that I am giving Murphy's Law the middle finger and making my own "luck".  Even when things are going a little shitty, I shall remember that I am pretty freaking "lucky". 

xoxoxo

Well-behaved women | Austin Boudoir Studio

"Well-behaved women seldom make history." -Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Stand up, speak out, fight for everything you believe is right. Make your stance known. Do not let any man OR woman tell you what you should or should not be doing. You do you. Make mistakes and learn from them. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about them. Be compassionate and love with all of your might.

I'm coming out swinging today.

Curves | Austin Boudoir Studio

I have a love affair with beautiful light and beautiful curves. Marrying the two together makes my heart sing (not just any song...but like...Whitney Houston or something). 

“Curve: The loveliest destination between two points.”

— Mae West

OLIVIA | Austin Boudoir Studio

I can't really take credit for much of this shoot at all.  This is the second time that I've photographed Olivia, and...honestly....I didn't really have to *do* anything. This girl poses with such grace and ease. No "bad" photos can be taken of her. I mean...really...not even a blink. The GIRL DOESN'T BLINK! 

We got together for a girl's shoot day a few weeks ago and produced some really gorgeous imagery!  Enjoy!

Photographer: Kara Marie of Click Chick Boudoir

Lace Bodysuit: FORTNIGHT  from UNDERWEAR in Austin

Lace Robe: ARI DEIN from UNDERWEAR in Austin

Model: Olivia Jordan

Necklace: Kendra Scott

Hair and makeup: Kendall of Mayhem Beauty