An Interview with Alisha. Oh My.

An Interview with Alisha. Oh My.

Remember how the other week I blogged about Alisha the Assistant’s most recent session? I asked her to take a moment and fill out the client interview—she sends it to me and said she was laughing so hard over her answers that she was crying! I had a good laugh and told I was posting it in full.

So, please enjoy the wittiness of Alisha the Assistant.

How long have you been wanting to do a boudoir/contemporary glamour session and what made you decide now was the time to do one?
As the Executive Assistant to the World’s Best Boudoir/Contemporary Glamour Photographer, you always want to do a session. Trust me, it becomes an addiction. Now was the time because Shannon said it was. And I just became a grandma so…Hello—Hot Grandma session!

What made you decide Shannon Hemauer was the photographer to work with to do your boudoir/contemporary glamour session?
There was really no decision. I simply looked for the BEST, MOST AMAZING photographer in the entire world and viola. Look at her site. Look at her portfolio, I’m pretty sure it speaks for itself. I love the gorgeous images, the light, sensual feel of some, the powerful and artistic feel in others. The simplicity that lets a woman’s beauty just shine completely.

What was your favorite part out of the entire experience? The planning, the session, the reveal?
The video clip. When I hear Shannon say ‘so there’s something I want to try’- I always giggle and feel like I’m running for president. Being Shannon’s guinea pig assistant is always fun—even when things don’t work out as planned, it’s going to be a blast. Ohhhhhhh but when her genius plans come together in such a stunning way—nothing is as sensational as being on the cutting edge with someone so brilliant! Shout out to Ashley and Jenn for being awesome and helping it turn out so great! I love you two!!What did you think when you saw that first image of yourself?
When I saw that first image of myself, I thought, <drumroll please> ‘How the f* does she outdo herself again and again!’ followed closely by, ‘Dammit. I’m going to have to buy a billboard and put this on it.’ It’s no secret, Shannon has shot me a few times and I am constantly floored each time. I’ll think she’s already captured my beauty and I won’t be surprised this time—and then I sit there STUNNED. SPEECHLESS. My eyes feasting on something that is so incredible, so spectacular that it can only be magic. Go back through her blogs and see for yourself. Each time—Better and Better and Better.

Alternative Answer: I love the entire experience, I truly do. But the reveal always comes with a delightful blend of Shock and Awe. You can’t prepare for it. You think you can. But you just can’t. I’ve done this several times and each time … I’m completely unprepared for what I see and feel. … What did I think with the first image? ‘Why is there not someone just following me around everyday with a red carpet for me to walk on?’ ‘This is so much better than lipo, I should just cut out this image and tape it to my face instead of doing my hair and makeup every day.’ ‘Am I really this gorgeous? I should really charge people a fee to look at me’ … OK I can’t do anymore. I’m laughing too hard.

How did shooting this session with Shannon Hemauer change your outlook on yourself? Are you more confident?
Once again, I’m not a first timer with Shannon and yet I found myself feeling more confident and beautiful after this experience. I thought I was confident before, especially after my first shoot a few years ago, I really felt like I loved myself and owned my beauty. There is something really spectacular when you shoot with Shannon for the first time, the way it changes your self image. But when you do it again—it’s multiplied x-infinity. The first time you may be working through nerves and concerned about whether the posing is OK and you have to let go and trust her. The next time—you know she’s brilliant. You’ve been in these awkward positions before and you know its going to be fabulous. You just relax and laugh and really have a great time. I think that’s why I love this set of images so much more. I feel safe with our team and I know Shannon is going to bring out my sparkle. I was so relaxed and happy I could really just be present and shine.

Before this experience, did you feel you were photogenic? If no, do you feel you are photogenic now?
I have a mixed relationship with this. I’m in a unique position as part of the Shannon Hemauer Photography team and I watch again and again, how important the correct posing and lighting is and how it takes an image from ‘OK’ to ‘knock your socks off.’ Still, I end up with less-than-flattering snapshots and feel awkward when cameras come out because Shannon isn’t there telling me to raise my shoulder a quarter of an inch.

Before this experience, what concerns did you have in regards to hiring a photographer?
Concerns? What concerns? When Shannon gifts you a session, you don’t have concerns. You count your blessings, get down on your knees and kiss her feet in gratitude! Then you buy a leather corset and take a pilates class 😉

Were you surprised at how much fun you had planning your session, shooting your session, and seeing your images
Surprised? Nope. I fully expected it to be a good time. But then this wasn’t my first rodeo and I’ve been assisting at Shannon Hemauer Photography since the beginning. I’ve seen the joy and fun our clients experience first-hand and looooove being in front of your camera lens.

Why should other women do a boudoir/contemporary glamour session with Shannon Hemauer Photography?
Other women should do a session with Shannon because it’s fun. and if that’s not a good enough reason—then how about because it’s awesome and we have a stellar team of incredible women led by the oh-so-gifted Shannon who specializes in women’s photography!!

Still have doubts? I get it. I hear the reasons over and over. I’ve been on the other side, as a client. I’ve had them myself. I Even had them this time! (can you believe that? I secretly wanted to push my session a few extra weeks to lose some weight). Seriously—take those doubts, shove them up your [CENSORED BY SHANNON] to the side and DO IT ANYWAY! At least book a consult and talk with Shannon. You are BEAUTIFUL Right NOW! You want to lose 10 lbs first? Let me tell you a secret—Shannon can help you lose 30 just with the proper posing [Individual results may vary]. And quite honestly when you see your images—the LAST thing you are thinking about is what size you are or that your earlobes are crooked. Look at mine—go ahead—right now—was your first thought ANYTHING other than ‘Wow!’?

You are going to walk away from this experience with a new appreciation and love for yourself. You are going to see your body in new ways. You are going to exude a confidence and belief in your own beauty and strength that right now you can’t even imagine. I’ve done this a few time—each time I think I already know how amazing it is. and yet each time is AMAZING again, in a new, more powerful way!

And if that doesn’t convince you, two words: TULLE SKIRTS 😉

I’m wondering if she’s buttering me up for a raise. 🙂 But honestly, I loved reading her answers!

Hair and makeup by Ashley Becker.

Until next time,

Shannon