Tell us about you.
Hello! I’m 31 years old and have been working in childcare for several years, currently as a nanny. I’m Midwest born and bred but the PNW has my heart. I can’t imagine living anywhere that isn’t close to the mountains again.
Tell us about everything that lead up to your session.
For about eight years, I struggled actively with an eating disorder. The disorder left me with many feelings of “less than” and body dysmorphia that have riddled my thoughts almost every day since. Recovery is a process, then and now, so I have been trying to do more things to help with my confidence and self-image. One day, I came across an advertisement for Ayla Quellhorst Photography while scrolling through my social media. I had always been intrigued by boudoir photography so I went to the Ayla Quellhorst website to see what type of boudoir they produced and I was blown away. Each photo more stunning than the last. There were a variety of options to choose from but the things that I saw in every photo were the comfort and empowerment of both the men and women in front of the camera. Without knowing any of these people, I could see that they were not only enjoying the experience but that they were feeling good…a type of good that I wasn’t sure I knew how to feel anymore. So I signed up. What’s the harm? Being half naked in front of some strangers? Oh well. I went to parties in college. Being vulnerable in front of a group of strangers, though…that was worrisome. Being in a place where I couldn’t just bullshit my way through being confident? Also not ideal but if I didn’t do it now, I’m not sure that I ever would and I owed it to myself to try to see the version of me that I knew was in there…trying so hard to get out.
Tell us about your session!
Before my session even started, I had a great phone conversation with Savanah. We spoke about what I was hoping to get out of my session and any hesitations that I may have. She was knowledgeable and comforting, making me feel better about my upcoming session. A week before, I also came into the office to do a wardrobe consultation, and was able to pick out three pieces that I felt positive and sexy in (I only ended up using one of the selected pieces from the wardrobe and two of my own that I brought from home). Taking the time to do a fitting helped me get in the headspace that I was really going to do this, and I was able to get a little sneak peak of the set when we walked by it that made me both nervous and excited for my upcoming shoot.
When I arrived on the day of, I was greeted by Savi, Rob, and Amanda. While I sat in my joggers and oversized sweater, Amanda doing amazing work on my hair and makeup, I was starting to get some butterflies. As someone whose version of a full face of makeup is mascara and concealer, I told Amanda that I was fine doing a more glam look but I wanted to make sure that I still looked like myself…which she 100% delivered on (get the lashes with the most pizzaz, you won’t regret it). Rob and Savi also worked during my prep making conversation to help loosen me up a little bit and get to know me better. Then it was time to get changed and start shooting.
From the moment I stepped out in my first outfit, I was on a cloud. Not only did I feel so comfortable but I had so much fun. I was able to be my quirky self and the fact that I was in lingerie was meaningless. Savi and Rob were so professional but they were also very personable. I felt like I was being photographed by good friends and we had a blast moving about the set in my different outfits. They also did a great job at showing exactly what the poses were that they wanted me in and giving instruction throughout that didn’t make me feel silly. I cannot give enough accolades to Savi and Rob, the confidence they gave me and the energy they brought were the best parts of my session.
At the viewing, I was at a loss for words. The photos were so extraordinarily gorgeous that I had a hard time believing it was really me. I truly wanted to keep them all. The angles. The composure. I walked away from my session and my viewing feeling amazing and I rode that high all the way until my photos were printed. Now I get to look at them and get a renewed feeling each time because they make my feel so beautiful, in addition to the whole experience just being a lovely memory.
Any advice you would give to other women when thinking about their boudoir session?
We all deserve to feel sexy. We all deserve to take the time to get pampered and show up for ourselves. Boudoir doesn’t have to be lingerie and a red lip, it can be so much more than that. If you’re thinking about booking a session but are unsure…think about your best friend and what you would say to them if they mentioned they wanted to do it. You’re a bad bitch and you deserve to give this to yourself, first and foremost.
If you do choose to take the plunge, work with Ayla and her team. I am sure you won’t find a group of people more invested in you as a person and a client as they are.
