C’s stunning outdoor boudoir session full of self-compassion
When C and I started talking, he shared that he’s been thinking about a boudoir session for a number of years! I was so excited to collaborate with him and bring it to life :)
As we talked about his ideas for the session, C shared that he wanted to see himself in a new light, and celebrate who he is right now. He is in a season of life that feels full and exciting and full of newness- stepping towards some big life changes he has been working towards for a long time.
He loved the idea of using this photoshoot as a way to slow down and to be fully present with himself. He talked about wanting to create art that would capture this season of life, while giving himself space to take a deep breath, feel vulnerable and open, and welcome in self-compassion.
He loved the idea of balancing some different energy in his session: some images that would feel more bold and sexy, while also having some picture that would explore his softer and more romantic side - all flowing together in a fluid, natural way that felt connected and grounded and alive.
C has a strong connection with nature - he loves ferns and flowers and water, and so we chose Tettegouche state park as the setting for his outdoor session. We were both really excited to take pictures at one of the waterfalls there, and hoping to find some ferns and greenery along the way.
In choosing outfits, C knew from the beginning that he wanted to incorporate some fine art nude portraits, and balanced that with a couple flowy layers - he brought a couple flowy robes with beautiful colors textures, and a cool cotton shredded top that brought in a strong, casual energy (and I loved how the lines of that shirt mirrored the lines we saw in ferns and birch trees).
We found this big rock and C climbed up on it - and we took a whole series of pictures on this rock and they all turned out so special! This is the only one that’s anonymous so this’ll be the only one I share publicly, but this was a really special part of the session. We had this amazing light streaming in over the trees and reflecting on the water. IN this particular picture, I love how relaxed C looks - he is just taking in the nature, enjoying the waterfall, and it feels so peaceful.
C shared some really beautiful and powerful reflections after the session, and I’m going to share his words with you here:
“The ritual of your photography from start to finish was therapy for me. Your warmth, kindness, and presence made the experience not only comfortable, but also freeing and empowering. I cannot express enough appreciation for your guidance, creativity, attentiveness, and the intentionality with which you cultivated this experience. Throughout the photoshoot, I know I needed your reminders to slow down, ground myself in the moment, and be fully present. My heart unfurled, my spirit sprouted, and I felt sunshine on my skin. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with all those who are fortunate enough to have this experience with you!
I am continuing to reflect on this as the day after the reveal goes on. I have never seen myself, in the here and now, as beautiful. In photos, I usually find the flaws or feel detached from the current experience. Seeing these, it was like a wall came down. Perhaps I am finally seeing what has always been there, and this process has given me the courage to embrace it.
My deepest, sincerest, gratitude. 5 stars, 10/10, all the sunshine!”
I love this little trio of him walking away - it’s like this lovely little storytelling moment.
This portrait was right at the end of C’s session - the light was getting low in the sky and everything feels so warm and calm, and he spend a little time walking through the water and just basking in the light and enjoying the view and the waterfall. C has a really strong connection with nature, and this portrait feels so connected and grounded, and I love the richness of the light and the greens in the tree. It feels like a beautiful, epic moment.
C, I can’t even tell you how much those words mean to me!! Thank you so much for sharing a bit about your experience. I am so grateful that we were able to do this session together - you brought in wonderful intentions to your photoshoot as well as beautiful energy, openness, and trust - and I’m so proud of the art we created together!