Why Boudoir?

Photo: Archer Photography

Photo: Archer Photography

 

Hello everyone! Models… photographers… random super cool blog readers who don’t fall into either of those categories…

Today I wanted to write about the sexier side of things. If you enjoy doing lingerie modeling, boudoir, partially clothed glamour shoots, or nude, art nude, etc… this blog is for you!

I usually tell newer models that it’s a really good idea to be well rounded and dip their toes in a bunch of different styles. You never know what you could be good at! I started out thinking that I was going to do solely fitness modeling, but found that I had a really solid glam look down the road. Now, do I take my glam look seriously all the time? Absolutely not. This is where some of my funnier shoots come from (usually done with Matt Archer). I like to have a little fun with my sexy alter ego.

 
Photo: Archer Photography

Photo: Archer Photography

 

Who do I shoot this style for? Honestly… it’s one hundred percent for myself. Growing up with an eating disorder and body dysmorphia did a number on my confidence, and shooting in lingerie is one way that I show appreciation to myself and get back in touch with my body.

Here are some reasons why other models love shooting boudoir (anonymous to protect the privacy of the women sharing):

Feeling comfortable wearing so little makes me feel confident and proud of the skin I’m in.
It makes me feel empowered and strong... almost heroine-like (female hero). My insecurities and doubts about myself melt away and I morph into an alter ego.
(Boudoir) makes me so confident in my body and I feel like a strong woman!
I have spent a lifetime feeling powerless in my body. It (boudoir) empowers me because I get to reclaim my body.
(Boudoir) allows me to accept my body flaws and learn to appreciate the body I do have.

Every once in a while I see someone shaming models who are exploring the sexier sides of modeling. Comments like “Keep your clothes on,” “You’re disrespecting yourself by modeling like that,” “What would so-and-so think,” “Don’t take your clothes off for attention,” etc break my heart. I get so sad when I see friends sharing these comments from people who have no idea what they are talking about! It’s especially hurtful when it is from one woman to another. Any new model who is giving these more vulnerable styles a try should be met with encouragement and praise. My advice? Model. What. Makes. YOU. Happiest.

 
Photo: Tony Rocco

Photo: Tony Rocco

 

I’m really thankful that I’ve found such solace within myself from glam and boudoir. I love the poses, the outfits, the variety of facial expressions, the stories you can create… Glam and boudoir allow me to explore a different side of myself that I don’t get to let out in commercial modeling. It is such an important part of me, and I recommend giving it a try if you are curious!

Here is a list of skilled boudoir photographers that I trust in Denver (I have either worked with them multiple times or I know them very well) :

-Archer Photography
-Tony Rocco
-Don Hales
-Rob Walker
-Andrew Solano
-Dan B. (Secrets Photo)
-Emerald Fox

Feel free to let them know that I sent you! I can be a reference for every one of these photographers and speak to their professionalism. They will make you feel super comfortable!

Cheers, y’all! Until next week. Love your body and make dope sh*t.

Photo: Archer Photography

Photo: Archer Photography

**Disclaimer: It is important to think through where these images are going and who is going to see them. I happen to be a career model so I’ve accepted that the images I pose for can be seen by anyone in the world. This is my job. People will see it. That’s how modeling works. Once a photo is out there, it is out there. If you shoot something that you love at the time and later have a change of heart, I highly recommend contacting the photographer ASAP to see if they will remove the photograph(s) from the Internet. Some employers may not be happy with risqué images of their employees on the Web, so make sure you think this through as well! If you are having trouble with an image that is hurting your job, “cannot” be removed, etc., I would recommend contacting a legal professional.**

Ashlie Wynne