Samantha // Boudoir

Samantha and her husband were married in January of 2012.  Like all newly-weds that first year is the most exciting, challenging, growth-filled year. However, unlike most newly-weds, 6 months after they were married, Samantha’s husband went overseas. He is part of the Army National Guard and when duty calls, you go. So, six months after marriage, Samantha finds herself at home by herself. Samantha’s husband is a strong, brave, amazing individual. And I can say with complete honesty that Samantha is JUST as strong, brave and amazing. I’ve known Sam since early high school. She is a rock of a person. Always finding the positive, always seeking the joy. Though I know none of this has been easy for her, when you talk to her, there is a huge sense of pride in her voice and care in the way she does things. She is one hell of a wife.

So when Sam messaged me saying that she wanted to send some boudoir to her husband overseas … I don’t even think I skipped a beat before shouting YES! First of all, I’ve been dying to shoot boudoir. I think women are seriously beautiful creatures, and that every single girl deserves photos that make her feel as beautiful as she is. And on top of that, the fact that she is sending to her husband who hasn’t seen her in 6 months … ah-mazing.

As ladies (and I can say this, because I am one) we are insecure. We find things about ourselves to pick at, to poke at and to wish were different. But ALL OF THE TIME we are not seeing ourselves as others see us. Especially, as the ones who love us see us. We are incredibly unique and beautiful. And if by using my camera I can somehow make you see that? And give that gift to your special someone? Count me in.

I love Sam’s boudoir session because it is incredibly real and incredibly natural. We didn’t cake makeup on her face. We didn’t try to use external lighting to make her look “better” … we wanted to capture images that are pure Samantha. Ones that, when she sends her husband, his jaw not only drops to the floor, but he also gets a glimpse of that sweet gal who is waiting for him. Sam — thank YOU for letting me do this for you. And ladies, if you’ve ever thought about doing this, but think that it’s weird, or your scared to try … just shoot me an e-mail, and we can chat. xo.

Oh and, Samantha’s friend Heidi, who is also an army wife, was with us during this session … and hers will be coming up soon.