So often when a client comes in for their boudoir shoot, the first thing they do is run down a list of things they don’t like about themselves. Shakira was exactly the opposite. This babe had no problem rattling off a list of things she loved about herself, but I could tell she was still nervous. However, she trusted me from the door and worked through the poses I demonstrated with ease. Trust is the #1 ingredient for a successful shoot and the results speak for themselves!

Here’s what Shakira had to say about her session:

When was your session? August 2021

What made you decide to do a boudoir session? Please describe how you came to the decision and what finally made you take the leap! I followed Glamour Boudoir for years, always too shy and too self conscious to actually book an appointment. But her body of work always inspired me and I thought one day when I'm pretty enough and comfortable enough in my skin, I'll book a session. And then I had two daughters , in which I instill the value of self-love and self-worth on a daily basis, and a very bad near death experience that pushed me out of my fears and essentially out of my own way. So literally the day I was released from the hospital, I booked my appointment with Dawn and never looked back.

What made you decide to hire me as your photographer? I read all of the reviews saying how you made each and every girl feel like you were an old friend who reminded them to love themselves for who they are and you truly did just that. I felt like I had the most awesome girls day with a girlfriend who empowered me to embrace my beauty and trusted you to show me the me I never could see for myself.

How were you feeling before your shoot? Any thoughts going through your head? I was terrified. I was worried about what I would look like, my posing, all the things just had me in a weird headspace. But I also was extremely excited because I deserved this experience for myself and my self esteem.

Now that you've had your own photo shoot, how was it? It was absolutely a life changing experience!!! Dawn made me look and feel beautiful. Something I could never embrace and believe that I was. As soon as I walked in, they both greeted me so warmly, chatted with me to help ease my nerves, looked at my clothing options , and then walked me through what the experience would entail. It was like a photoshoot with your best gal pals.

How did you feel about having your hair and makeup done? It was the first time I ever had my make up professionally done. Shannon was a complete doll and knew exactly what would compliment my complexion and just overall look good on me. That really helped me feel beautiful. The hair styling was equally on point.

If this was for a gift, what did your significant other say about your photos? Did they have a favorite pose or outfit? While it wasn't a gift for him but for myself, he really enjoyed all of the pictures. His favorite outfit was the black lingerie set with the bunny ears. I have a long standing obsession with Playboy and utilized that to help me pick out lingerie. His favorite pose was one the couch with my head tilted back. It's currently hanging up in my bedroom.

What would you say to someone thinking about doing a boudoir session? I would say do it for yourself. Being able to see yourself in a sensual manner truly does empower you. I've embraced the softer, sexier side of my personality since my shoot and it is truly for the better. Not only will you feel great about yourself, you'll thoroughly enjoy the experience.