PA Boudoir Studio | Michele’s Session | Shannon Hemauer Photography

MICHELE’S MOTORCYCLE BOUDOIR SESSION

I have always body image issues. I could never see what I actually looked like and could only pick out the negative issues. At that time, I had no reason to be so insecure and critical; I was in amazing shape. Then I became diabetic, and my body changed drastically. I went from having a perfect body (not realizing it then) and being extremely skinny, to gaining a significant amount of weight within a short period of time. On top of the drastic weight changes, I had to wear plastic ports and sensors stuck on my body. I would look into the mirror and not recognize myself.

One day I realized I will never have the body I wanted, and instead want to be comfortable with the body I have. That is why I decided to give boudoir a try. My intent was to have a few pictures with my gorgeous motorcycle (everyone looks amazing on a motorcycle). Shannon walked me step by step through the process. I learned what to wear, what styles are best for my figure, and soon I was having fun trying on different outfits.

Eventually I was ready to have some traditional boudoir photos incorporated and not hide behind my bike. Some of my pictures were outside, which was very scary, but Shannon and her team made the experience so comfortable. They found the perfect secluded spots and exercising patience when I wanted to stop and cover up if I thought I saw an individual. My comfort was their top priority, and it ultimately showed in my pictures. Now after my friends take pictures, my first words are not “Let me see the pic, how do I look?” I enjoy the moment and the memories and not what I look like. -Michele

I met Michele and her boyfriend after my husband and I opened our Mechanicsburg, PA, taproom, Hemauer Brewing Co., in May 2020 and I was working behind the bar. Michele and I would often start chatting at the taproom about her wanting to do a boudoir session, but she didn’t feel ready to do it just yet… until this spring! The only thing she was sure about—she wanted to pose with/on her motorcycle. But then came the question where do we shoot?

After a little bit of scouting, we decided LeTorte Park just up the road from my studio in Carlisle was the perfect location.

Michele had ridden her bike to the park, walked to the studio to get her hair/makeup done, and then Michele, myself, and the team piled into my car and we headed to the park.

When we arrived, just after 11:00 AM, the park was pretty empty, but within 20 minutes of starting, it seemed like everyone in Carlisle decided to go for a walk in the park, and all of the walkers wanted to see what was going on by the creek. With the outfit in these photos by the creek it wasn’t a big deal, but for her second outfit we relocated more on the walking trail, so when someone would come by, we’d have to stop shooting so they could pass without being in the shot.

Anyway! It was fun and she was blown away at the end results.

Below is her client interview—take a moment to read over her answers, and if you like what you see, contact me today to discuss your own boudoir session.

What made you decide Shannon Hemauer was the photographer to work with to do your photo shoot?
What first caught my attention was the quality and variety of her portfolio. She had all shapes and types of women, in all different outfits and they all looked beautiful and happy. It wasn’t a one outfit/pose for everyone. After speaking with her, she spends a lot of time helping you prepare in all aspects, from outfits to hair and makeup, to poses and what to expect. I like knowing what to expect.

How would you rate your photo shoot experience on a scale 1-10?
10.

What was your favorite part out of the entire experience? The planning, the session, the image reveal?
The unedited image reveal.

Did you leave your photo shoot worried about your hair/makeup (Maybe you thought the makeup was too dark or your hair didn’t look like you.)?
Not at all. I had 100% trust in Shannon.

Did you leave your boudoir experience worried that the posing felt awkward?
Nope.

What were you more nervous about—the session or the image reveal? Why?
The session. Because I was in public for some of it, and I am not skilled with how to stand, smile, pose etc.

Did you arrive to the image reveal worried if you’d like your images? Why?
No. I trusted Shannon.

What did you think when you saw that first image of yourself?
That the picture looked like me, and showed all of my best features.

How did shooting this boudoir session change your outlook on yourself? Are you more confident? How has the experience affected your morale?
I am more confident with who I am and what I look like. After seeing the pictures that brought out my best features, I now understand what my friends and boyfriend sees when they look at me. They focus on the best aspects.

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?
Extremely. These portraits are different because they are still me, just posing in the best way.

Before this experience, did you feel you were photogenic? If no, do you feel you are photogenic now?
I would allow my friends to take pictures, but now I am not worried about how I look or critiquing them right after picture is taken. I trust that even with a silly face or a goofy angle, there is something good in the photos.

Before this experience, what concerns did you have in regards to hiring a photographer?
I never thought of hiring a photographer to take pictures of myself.

Looks like fun, right? Because it is! Contact me today to discuss your boudoir session.

A big thank you to stylist, Athena Benzel for doing hair/makeup, AND for helping block the sun out of the scene, and to Dianna for assisting AND helping push the bike on the trail.

Until next time,

Shannon

 

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