Why I Chose to Empower Women
Why I chose women empowerment over everything else
Empowerment refers to giving someone official permission or the freedom to do something. When I talk about women empowerment, it’s about allowing women to let go of expectations and make the conscious decision to do what makes them feel good. Every day I see how boudoir style photography helps women feel more empowered and while perhaps choosing boudoir photography is an unconventional career choice, I’ve never felt more fulfilled than when helping women rediscover themselves.
The rise of boudoir style photography.
Some people become doctors, teachers or politicians. Some may throw themselves into the world of finance, marketing or sales. And some choose to run full-steam ahead into the world of science and research. While all practical (and I’m sure fulfilling in their own way!) boudoir style photography has offered a life line of self-confidence, assurance and liberation to every woman I’ve photographed over the years. It honestly changes lives and it’s why I love what I do.
As women, we face judgement and scrutiny for how we look, what we choose to wear and how we go about accepting our body for what it is. The media floods our screens with airbrushed ‘perfection’ and the advertisement industry is always ready to shove another diet, supplement or workout-fad under our noses. Boudoir promises something different and is a way for women to empower themselves in a safe and uplifting environment, without judgement or critique. Boudoir is about saying, ‘I am here. This is me. And I accept myself for who I am’.
Discover yourself
In my years as a boudoir photographer, I’ve learnt so much about myself and how my values guide my purpose in life. Learning more about who you are as a woman takes a lot of self-reflection and vulnerability. Stripping away the layers and standing bare in a boudoir studio, basked in nothing but warm light and your own aura may seem confironting, but I promise the challenge is always worth it.
Challenge the status quo
Boudoir style photography helps women to push boundaries. When we feel empowered and assured, we are able to step outside our comfort zone and take on challenges which lead to new opportunities and experiences. Sit a little straighter when asking for that pay raise or hold your head a little higher when setting a personal boundary. Boudoir can open personal and professional doors by affirming your ability to do things, even if they make you feel uncomfortable at first.
Self confidence is learned
We are all born with an inherent self confidence. Unfortunately, as we grow up, this confidence can peak and fade as we develop relationships with others and ourselves. We let opinions influence how we speak about our bodies and it’s easy to become consumed with criticising stretch marks, moles, marks, lines and cellulite. A boudoir session is like a confidence boost. Instead of berating, we celebrate softness and curves, leaning into our own unique body blueprint.
My time as a boudoir style photographer is far from over. I have a genuine love for inviting women into my studio and seeing their jaw drop as I show them sneak peeks mid-shoot or they catch a glimpse of themselves in the mirror. The look of pure awe and wonderment at just how beautiful and feminine they are, is a feeling like none other. It’s a feeling only boudoir can create. And that is life changing.