Portrait of a Woman

Alleine

Alleine did a photoshoot with us years ago: before she had children and back when our business was in its infancy. Needless to say, things have changed a lot for both of us in the intervening years.

Motherhood and experience really transform women. In Alleine, the transformation looked like more intentionality, fewer apologies for the things that were important to her, and more confidence in the person she had become. She was softer, while being firmer in herself; lighter, while being more grounded.

Her photos are a mixture of hyper-femininity and edgy boldness. We are so grateful that she trusted us a second time with her photos, and that we were able to bring our increased skill and experience to the table to create something totally new for her.

Amy

One of the first things I noticed about Amy is her sweetness. She is feminine, golden, cheerful, and empathetic.

What makes Amy truly interesting, though, is that under her easy-going persona, she is thoughtful, intentional and intelligent.

She is also at a time in her life that is full of possibility. That was so nice for us because that feeling is more elusive when you are completely settled in your life. Her energy was contagious, and made for some amazing photographs. 

Angie

Angie is truly special to us; we’ve photographed her more times than any other client. From author headshots for her successful writing career to magazine profiles, she has been a regular in front of our lens. Recently, she stepped out of her comfort zone for a "Portrait of a Woman" session with us.

In recent years, Angie has faced severe hardships, including a debilitating nerve pain disorder and subsequent brain surgery. Yet, spending time with her is always inspiring. Even while navigating chronic pain, she continues to coach swimming, write books, and teach college courses.

While that level of drive could be intimidating, Angie’s true gift is how she lifts up everyone around her—living proof that a rising tide lifts all boats.

Callie

This Portrait of a Woman session was our second photoshoot with Callie. This woman has been through some rough moments - experiences that would truly ruin some people’s lives - but her patience, wisdom and humility have carried her through to the other side.

Every time I talk to her, I am encouraged and impressed by her matter-of-fact way of viewing the world. She has a gift for creating clarity from chaos, which is so rare these days.

For these photos, Callie really wanted to show her “Boss Babe” side - which I think she achieved with flying colours!

Cora

Cora is one of the most memorable people I have met.

This absolutely beautiful, elfin creature drives logging trucks for a living. She started her journey as a mother at a very young age. She has lived a lot of life in a short period of time, which can make some people rough and bitter. But that is not the case with this amazing woman.

She is kind, attentive, open, empathetic, and quick to laugh. She is independent to a fault (something she admits openly) but she is not stingy with her care and attention to others.

It was such a pleasure to work with such a remarkable and unique person, and her photos are absolutely unreal.

Delaney

I am constantly amazed by the resilience of women.

Delaney had to move herself and her young child back to the Valley from across the country in order to get out of a bad situation. The courage it takes to make a decision like that, carry it out and then start all over again is remarkable.

Having Delaney as part of our Portrait of a Woman series was a great way for her to start her new life, and for us to celebrate her amazing grit.

In her photos, you’ll see a very young woman who has so much life yet to live, and a whole new story to write. We wish her all the best in this new chapter!

Jolene

I told Jolene in our Ordering Appointment that she was a “crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside” kind of person. She can be gruff and direct - which is an amazing quality for a first responder (which is her passion) - but I think her inner self is soft, sensitive and raw.

I really saw that person in her photoshoot, which I am so grateful for. The photoshoot process is unlike any other, and brings out people’s vulnerable sides. I loved getting to know this beautiful lady, which might never happened but for this project!

Kayla

Whether closing one chapter or starting another, a boudoir shoot is a powerful way for a woman to reclaim her body's narrative.

Kayla clearly prioritizes her health and fitness—in fact, she has one of the best ab shots I've ever seen! Yet, physical reality is secondary to mindset. I often tell clients that high school grads are usually the most self-critical, despite being in the prime of youth. Meanwhile, my 60- to 70-year-old boudoir clients are entirely accepting of themselves, regardless of how their bodies have aged. Confidence is a choice, not a byproduct of physical perfection.

Stepping into the studio was a bit out of Kayla’s comfort zone, but she truly owned it. She trusted the—admittedly ridiculous—process, and her photos are absolutely beautiful. It was a pleasure working with her, and we wish her the absolute best in this next phase of life!

Koda

It can be fun and freeing for a woman to step out of her everyday life, and put on the confidence of a model for a photoshoot.

Koda, like all of us, has challenges in her life that are all-consuming. She is a mom, she is a caregiver, and she works a couple of jobs; so coming in for this photoshoot was a chance for her to put aside her demanding responsibilities and just have fun.

Unlike a lot of our clients, Koda was not nervous about the shoot or shy in front of the camera. You can definitely see that strength and confidence pouring out of her amazing photos!

Lindsey

Lindsey worked with us several years ago, before she had a baby. As anyone who has given birth knows, your body changes with each child you bring into the world.

For some reason, we all think our bodies need to “bounce back” afterwards, which I think is an annoying expectation. A woman’s body is designed to create new life, which is miraculous and beautiful. Why should we expect our bodies to be the same after that?

I think it is much healthier to make the decision to reconnect with one’s body after childbirth, and to accept, with gratitude, the changes. That is exactly why Lindsey decided to apply to be a part of this project.

There were so many dramatic and artistic photos to choose from in this shoot, but I chose a simple portrait to go up on our wall.  Lindsey’s amazing beauty is arresting enough without too much artistic flair! 

Petrea

Every time we work with this lovely lady, I am amazed by her resilience and creativity. Her life has had so many bumps along the way, but she has embraced a lesson that so many of us fail to learn: you don’t have as much control in your life as you think you do, so sometimes you just need to celebrate beauty and peace moment by moment.

As far as creativity goes, Petrea has SO MANY amazing outfits just hiding in her closet: unbelievable belly-dancing pieces, biker chick outfits, pretty and feminine lingerie, sundresses, boots, hats - you name it, she has it.

It was such a blessing to work with her again, and we wish her so many good things as she heads into her next phase of life!

Sabrina

Can you believe that this beautiful woman is a grandmother? Isn’t that amazing?! It’s also pretty cool for us because we first met her when she brought her daughter in for grad photos several years ago. And now, that same daughter is a mother, and we have had the chance to also work with Sabrina several times. 

Sabrina volunteered to be part of our Portrait of a Woman series because she needed a boost. A conflict in her professional life was wearing down her confidence and she needed a reminder that her self-worth was not tied to someone else’s opinions.

When we’re in the middle of a situation, sometimes we need to gain perspective by doing something out of the ordinary, like a boudoir session. We are so glad she came to us to be reminded that she is beautiful and valuable!