PA Boudoir Studio | Kathleen’s Session | Shannon Hemauer Photography
KATHLEEN’S BOUDOIR SESSION
Kathleen has wanted to do a boudoir session for years and she finally took the leap in late 2021. Take a moment to read over her pre-session and post-session thoughts, as well as look at her images sprinkled throughout her client interview, then contact me to discuss how you want to be photographed.
I am recently single, getting out of an almost six-year relationship. My job is at a car dealership as a receptionist, so the work isn’t too exciting. I have two kitties who I love dearly. I love cooking and baking, playing video games, doing yoga, and curling up with a good book. A perfect day to me is relaxing alone at home with my two cats, de-stressing with some calming music and a hot cup of coffee. I have struggled with low self-esteem for a long time, and my weight has contributed to that. I’m hoping this shoot will help me work towards building that up and help me be confident with who I am. -Kathleen
PRE-SESSION THOUGHTS
The reason I’m doing this session has evolved since I initially decided to do it. I have struggled with depression, low self-esteem, and poor body image my entire life. At my largest, I was just shy of weighing 300 pounds. It was impossible for me to look in the mirror and not see some sort of flaw with myself. After doing some research, a boudoir shoot seemed like an amazing way to help me learn to love myself.
Over the course of 2021, I started working out by doing yoga. It’s a wonderful, low impact, and low stress way of working out that has really worked for me. I’ve lost almost 50 pounds! While I see this shoot as a way towards gaining self confidence, it also will be a way for me to celebrate my hard work over the course of this year.
And finally, this shoot was also going to be a gift for my boyfriend. But, as I stated before, I am recently single… During my journey of self discovery, I realized I have been stuck in an emotionally abusive relationship for years. Only recently did I find the courage to leave. I’ve spent so long putting others first, I realized that I’ve been neglecting myself. So all in all, this shoot is a gift to me, and I couldn’t be more excited!
I hope to finally be able to see myself and believe, “Wow, I really am beautiful.” I want to be more confident, look and dress how I want, feel beautiful in my own skin despite my imperfections. It’s rare that I take time and effort into doing things simply for me. This session will be a good step towards helping me do that. -Kathleen
CLIENT INTERVIEW
How long have you been wanting to do a session?
A handful of years now. The thought of doing one had always interested me, so I finally decided to schedule a session!
Boudoir | Shannon Hemauer Photography
What made you decide Shannon Hemauer was the photographer to work with to do your session?
All the reviews for Shannon were very positive! Everybody said she made them feel comfortable throughout the entire process and made everything easy. I definitely agree!
What was your favorite part out of the entire experience? The planning, the session, the reveal?
I’ve never had my makeup done up fully before. I’ve only really worn the basics (mascara, eye liner, and lip gloss). Having my hair and makeup fully done and then seeing myself for the first time was a really memorable experience.
Did you leave your session worried about your hair/makeup (Maybe you thought the makeup was too dark or your hair didn’t look like you.)?
I loved it all! I was worried it looked too dark in the beginning, but Shannon assured me it would come out amazingly in the photos.
Boudoir | Shannon Hemauer Photography
Did you leave your session worried that the posing felt awkward?
The posing did feel awkward at times. But thankfully Shannon explained her reasoning behind everything and how each pose would turn out in the photo. Even though I wasn’t a pro, she made it easy for me.
What were you more nervous about—the session or the reveal? Why?
The reveal. I’m still a little self conscious with my face and body. Since I’ve never seen myself dressed up the way I was, I had a tiny bit of doubt that I wasn’t going to like some of the photos. I ended up really liking them and love that I have an album full to cherish!
Did you arrive to the reveal worried if you’d like your images? Why?
A little bit. As I stated before, I’m still working on building up my self confidence. I’ve always struggled with my self image. I ended up really liking the reveal and the reveal movie that Shannon created!
Boudoir | Shannon Hemauer Photography
What did you think when you saw that first image of yourself?
“Is that really me!?” I’m fairly certain the first image of me was my favorite!
If you had been worried about the hair/makeup/posing, did you like what you saw in your portraits?
I loved what I saw! I was a little worried the makeup was too heavy in the beginning. But Shannon explained that with the lighting and whatnot, the makeup would translate beautifully onto the pictures.
How did shooting this session with Shannon Hemauer change your outlook on yourself? Are you more confident?
I loved the shoot! It was quiet, personal, and a lot of fun! Seeing myself look badass in lingerie and full makeup really lifted my spirits about myself. I CAN rock an outfit like that!
Boudoir | Shannon Hemauer Photography
Would you consider yourself a women who is very critical of herself in photographs? If yes, why are these portraits different from photographs in the past?
I’ve always been critical about myself in photos. My smile, my big head, my weight, everything. I was made to feel comfortable and beautiful during the entire shooting experience. Seeing that comfort and beauty translated into the photos made a huge difference in how I viewed myself.
Before this experience, did you feel you were photogenic? If no, do you feel you are photogenic now?
I never really felt photogenic in the past, unless I took the time to make sure my hair and smile looked right. I feel with the bit of confidence I got from this experience, I believe I’m photogenic :).
Before this experience, what concerns did you have in regards to hiring a photographer?
I didn’t really have any concerns per say. Just the price point and location were big deals to me. Shannon’s prices and location were both convenient for me.
Boudoir | Shannon Hemauer Photography
Were you surprised at how much fun you had planning your session, shooting your session, and seeing your images?
I was super excited going into the shoot and had a lot of fun! Planning was a fun and easy experience as well. I really thank Shannon for making the entire process, from booking to the reveal, super easy! If it hadn’t been that easy, it probably wouldn’t have been as fun.
Would you recommend Shannon Hemauer Photography to your friends? Why or why not?
Yes!!! She was absolutely fantastic. I’ve said it already, but she made the process so easy! She helped me through every step of the process, was always available if I needed to ask a question, and very clearly loves her job with a passion.
Is there anything I could have done to improve upon your experience?
I have nothing negative to say!
Boudoir | Shannon Hemauer Photography
POST-SESSION THOUGHTS
I was very excited leading up to the photo shoot day! I’ve never worn lingerie or full makeup before, so being able to do that for the first time was really special for me. Shannon and her team made the shoot as a whole very effortless, easy, and fun! She explained her reasoning behind every pose and how that would translate onto the picture. When reveal day finally arrived, Shannon did not disappoint! I was very happy with the final product and would recommend her to anyone thinking about doing a boudoir shoot! -Kathleen
Looks like fun, doesn’t it? Well it is! Contact me today to discuss how you want to be photographed.
A big thank you to lead stylist, Nath, and my assistant, Dianna, for helping me create another successful session!
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PA Boudoir Studio | Kathleen’s Session | Shannon Hemauer Photography
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