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It’s my birthday!
Every year on my birthday I do a self portrait series. Sometime I will share the images and other times it’s just for me. This year I decided to share my images because of a conversation I had with my sisters. We spoke about the way Black Womxn cannot have ownership over our bodies. I said people believe the fewer clothes you have on the less respect you should receive. If you are twerking in your videos you deserve to be degraded or called foul names.
My body is mine and twerking is an act of reclamation. If I am made in the image of the Creator then my body, our bodies are perfect. There is freedom and liberation in knowing this. Plus having that fuck it in your system when people have something to say. Enjoy this Golden Goddess self-portrait series.
If you are interested in having your own Golden Goddess Portrait Experience click here.
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Tracy’s Self-Discovery Experience
Tracy’s words spoke deeply to me: “I would do the experience over and over again, not just for the glam of it all, but more so for the life-changing experience of self-discovery.”
Why did you decide to do a boudoir experience at this time?
I decided to do a boudoir experience at this time because it is MY time for self-love, to self-motivate, and accept that I am not the person I was over 2 and half years ago when my life changed forever. In addition, my cousin met Olesha during a Galantine’s Day event and told me all about meeting you and the energy you brought to the event. It made we want to meet you to experience what you had to offer all women of color, shapes and sizes, and sexual preferences.
Why would you suggest every Black womxn do their own boudoir experience?
I suggest every Black womxn do their own boudoir experience just for the love of self. This encourages you to not be objectified by others, yet to become the object and affection of other’s desires! Black womxn are motioning their bodies in positions that come natural, we are exuding emotions that we don’t always bring forth in an environment that makes your feel comfortable and confident. Black womxn are allowed to be sensual and sexual all while laughing, living, and being supported by another beautiful Black womxn.
What was the best part of your boudoir experience?
The best part of my boudoir experience was the freedom to be me without being questioned and judged, to be silly and feeling special at the same time. Getting my face beat, putting on sexy clothes and not wanting it to end.
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6 Tips For Images in a Kiddie Pool
I don’t have any hobbies. I swear I am working on it! In order to not feel resentment when I pick up my camera I made a vow in April to do creative photography experiences every month. I still need to work on April’s images so, this is out of order.
In the past I would do creative experiences to try out new poses and new wardrobe looks. Or to have marketing videos and images because not all clients are comfortable with their faces being on social media. This new monthly series is about the following things for me:
Getting out of my own way.
Pushing myself t o be creative with posing and outfits .
Having fun
Connecting with muses that bring joy into my life!
Collaboration with other photographers! I collaborated with another Black boudoir photographer in April.
With this shoot I learned a few things as well. What I like to call the do’s and don’s of shooting in a kiddie pool.
In the past I would do creative experiences to try out new poses and new wardrobe looks. Or to have marketing videos and images because not all clients are comfortable with their faces being on social media. This new monthly series is about the following things for me:
- Getting out of my own way.
- Pushing myself to be creative with posing and outfits .
- Having fun
- Connecting with muses that bring joy into my life!
- Collaboration with other photographers is a must. In April I do a collaborative boudoir experience with another Black boudoir photographer.
6 Tips On Photographing in a Kiddie Pool
Get a shop vac to empty the water out of the pool after use. That pool was heavy as hell with a few inches of water.
Have a heater or use the heat of the sun so your muse is not freezing.
Make sure your muse limits the products in their hair because it will make the water cloudy.
Have a box or chair for your muse to rest their feet on if they are tall.
Have more than one towel available because there will be water everywhere.
Try backdrops, I used a $1.25 table cloth from the used to be Dollar Store in the bottom of the pool.
I think the images came out pretty good. Next month I plan to do a series with some of the Black womxn I photographed this year. I am still working on the concept, but I know gold leaf will be involved.
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Patreace’s Boudoir Experience
Patreace’s Boudoir Experience started out with an initial consultation for a boudoir experience that was just for her. She was ready to step back into her sexy after getting married and having a baby. We spoke about her not having professional images of herself and her husband as a couple. She wanted to do something special to reinforce their connection to each other. Even with though the experience was for her she asked if she could do a few pictures with her husband and I said hell yes! I LOVE couple’s boudoir experiences!
Photographing couples is one of my absolute favorite things to shoot. There is a level of trust that has to be between the couple and the photographer. They are allowing you into their safe space of intimacy and that is not to be taken lightly. I am always honored when I get to do a boudoir experience, but doing a couples experience is a privilege. These experiences are filled with sexual energy, sexual tension, laughter, deeper intimacy, and a lot of lip biting! If you are a photographer interested in deepening your connection with your couples, click here.
The Gorgeous Couple
Now back to this gorgeous couple. Patreace stole the show with this one! She informed me that she had never done a professional shoot before. After the experience, I had to ask her again because she did sooo well! Patreace’s Boudoir Experience was all about her. She was ready and able to execute the poses which made my job so easy. Beauties are guided through each and every pose, but each person makes it their own. Patreace made it her own!
Check out this quick video of Patreace receiving her gorgeous products from her experience! Watch until the end to hear how she loved it and the level of intimacy it brought to her marriage.
Interested in a couple or solo boudoir experience? Get started by using this link to complete a short form and schedule your free consultation.
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Radical Self Care as a Black woman
Radical Self Care as a Black woman. You know how you never realize you need something until you actually experience it? Like you never realize how heavy the shit is you are carrying until someone else brings it up. I decided to take this vacation because little by little I was slowly falling apart. My body, my spirit, and my mind were all in flux. I had so many ideas running through my head and felt like I couldn’t decide on anything. So many projects happening at one time and I decided to just lay my burdens down because it was getting too heavy.
The relief I felt was like, when you gotta pee and you finally make it to the commode. That intense relief that almost feels like an orgasm (or maybe it’s just me 🤷🏾♀️). I felt that as soon as I made it to my room. That relief intensified the next morning as I sat on the balcony and just breathed. My shoulders relaxed and I felt peace. No dms, no notifications, and no emails. Peace like I haven’t felt in since I was in Mexico in August .
That peace allowed me to focus on myself,my vision, and my wins. I was able to block out all distractions and just be. Nothing else mattered but my wants, needs, and desires. It was transformative and very much needed. I have been told many times that I do not celebrate my wins. Like a machine, I keep moving to the next thing. No more.
Almost 6 years ago I reinvented myself and I have not looked back. I authored a workbook journal telling my story to empower others and the reviews make me shed a tear every time. I have created virtual workshops for Black women and femmes to see themselves as the standard of beauty and celebrate their sensuality. I have created spaces for other amazing talented Black boudoir photographers to showcase their work. I am surrounded by other womxn that want to see me succeed beyond my wildest dreams.
I am extremely grateful for what I have and for what I am creating for the future. If you want to take this healing, loving, and affirming journey with me make sure you sign up for the newsletter and get a copy of The Reinvention Workbook Journal. Remember self-care is not selfish, it is selfless. Radical Self Care as a Black woman.
