But.... why?

I get it. For some people the idea of doing a photoshoot within the context of Boudoir may seem a little taboo. It's supposed to be a sexy thing, and some people aren't close to their friends like that. I am very fortunate that I have a group of friends that feel incredibly physically, emotionally and psychologically save with one another. It's something I have grown to lean on immensely throughout my time knowing these amazing women, and yes, at times we enjoy photoshoots and other things together, I have found, and have heard from others, that these group photoshoots truly emphasize the values and goals I have for this business. To empower each other, and emphasize each others strengths and individual beauty.

How did we get here

Let me tell you something about my best friends. I'll take you back to 2021. I was working from home, weirdness of the pandemic still lingering. I'll be honest, I didn't have friends really. I have moved around so much in my life I never realist established friends close, and those I did have were really far. I was living with my partner, pretending I was fine tagging along with his friends and it was enough. That continuing to feel unwanted and undesired by that partner was fine.

Spoiler alert, it wasn't.

Sunday April 18th at 12PM I took my first Intro to Pole class. I was intimidated and scared. Not very strong or coordinated. But I was hooked. Over the months that followed I took classes to expand my knowledge base. Learned moves and skills I never dreamed of. And with time, what started as something to knock off my bucket list, became a lifestyle. I met the people that I now consider my family. Each of them bringing something different to my life, all now irreplaceable. Even the people that have come and gone from my life, all brought something that contributed to who I am today.

I've told this story before in a bunch of different ways. How it was Kasi who put the idea in my head to start Speak To Me Photography in the first place. However, it is truly the people we have met along the way that have made it what it is today.

The evolution of the boudoir party

Throughout my education in getting ready to open Speak To Me Photography through a course created by The Boudoir Divas (check them out!), they presented the idea of the Boudoir Party. An option for a Bachelorette Party specifically whereby friends get together and hype each other up for a unique photoshoot experience. I saw this and wanted to adopt it into a way to expand my portfolio as I was just starting out. Chose 4 of my friends and put together an experience where I could get a lot of content in 1 day and try out different sets in my house. I could never anticipate what it would become. This was before there was a #speaktomesquad, Kasi was in the first one of course. Truly just a bunch of friends hanging out, we had the best time. I have changed my style a lot since then.

The next one had a MUCH different vibe. With some more experience, behind and in front of the camera, and the word being spread, it was again time to challenge myself. The squad fully in place, spooky season on the horizon and a pending move/major life change, we went all out. I continue to be obsessed with these photos. The group was so close to one another, and the vibe was incredible. Everyone taking the time to support one another and express what they loved about each other a we went photoshoot to photoshoot. 6 photoshoots in a day, but with a bottle of champagne and take out at the end of the day, I still can't believe everything we accomplished. Our first attempt at a neon set, and a couple's photoshoot. Oh if only we could see what was to come.

Looking through these sets side by side it is truly insane to me. I remember the laughs, I remember the cheers, I remember knowing the stories of each of the girls and being beyond overwhelmed with the outcome. We did a whole reveal together which was so special. The third Boudoir Party was again, a completely different animal. At this point we figured out what works with these sessions, and we are forever deeply inspired by the holidays and specifically, spooky season. And for the first time we challenged ourselves to move things outside. Each one of these we do we try to do something different to expand what we can offer to our clients. The other challenge to this one, everyone wasn't necessarily in the same friend group like they had been previously. And yet, the dynamic was exactly the same. The theme of support, hype, compassion and strength was there amongst the women. The creativity was flowing and I just cannot believe the magic of that day. Even despite the fact I was INCREDIBLY unwell physically.

Then there is the team shoots

The limit truly does not exist for how much I love my girls. Kasi and Leah are truly my family and I have no idea what I would do without them. I trust them with everything I have. Once in a while we get together for a fun team photoshoot. Whether it be to celebrate the holidays, or when we have an idea we just want to try out with each other. We have done a secret Santa photoshoot, and gotten excited about something we shot recently. Kasi and Leah have also taken turns learning photography, since I can't shoot myself, and seeing their growth with posing and composition is also incredible. Again, the room and energy is just different when there is a group of strong, confident and creative women in a room together. Who unconditionally love and support one another and want to see them embrace their beauty and sexy in this unique way.

The feedback

Between all of these experience, I think the most overwhelming of all came at the recent 2 Year Anniversary Celebration. I have been moved to near tears with how women have shared how much it meant to them to meet other women who have gone through this process. That in addition to that, also being able to have their mini photoshoots together and feel the energy that Speak To Me Photography fosters in a group experience. There were women who said they had never experienced the fierce support that was present. The compassion and way that everyone hyped each other up, even those that had never met, changed something in them and boosted their confidence. That is the entire point of what we do. Why I push so hard for Speak To Me Photography to continue in it's goal of empowering women and loving the body you have, because it is beautiful.

All this to say...

Take the chance, book the shoot, entrust us to make sure we curate a unique experience the reflects everything you are, and everything that makes you strong and beautiful. Even if you don't always feel that way, I promise your people are out there. It took me a long time to find my people, and now that I have, it makes sense why I always felt like an outsider or that I didn't quite fit. And who knows, maybe we are your people.