Charleston Boudoir Featured Session: Boudoir Photoshoot Giveaway Winner Kandi

When I began shooting boudoir photography way back in 2004, I had no idea that I would change lives. I just thought it was about having fun and taking pretty photos for people. But over the course of my career, I’ve realized it goes way beyond “pretty pictures.”

Connecting with Kandi through this giveaway reminded me so much of my “Why.” (more about why I love to shoot boudoir here) While I was talking with her on her finalist call, I KNEW she NEEDED this. She needed to see her worth, see her beauty, and to reconnect with herself on a deep level.

I think we accomplished exactly that.

• What made you decide to enter the giveaway?

  I entered due the fact I feel like I will end up alone and I've been struggling with depression. Am I unlovable? Am I going to be alone forever? I wanted something to help me feel good about myself, especially since I'm getting older and my body is changing. I wanted to feel good again :)

• What were you wanting to gain from having a session?

  It wasn't until after I spoke to Dawn the first time that I changed my mind of what i wanted to get out of it. Instead of just building my confidence I really wanted to do the "married" type boudoir shoot for myself. Almost like I was marrying myself and this is for me, not for guys to look at, but just for me.

• How were you feeling before your shoot? Any thoughts going through your head?

  I was nervous. I felt gross about my body and not confident at all.

• Now that you've had your own photo shoot, how was it?

  It was very encouraging. everyone was great and even when I didn't have the courage to speak up they pushed me to so that I loved everything. Dawn is amazing and made me feel so comfortable and confident and it really felt like girls just hanging out.

• How did you feel about having your hair and makeup done?

  I've had my hair and make up done before but she was AWESEOME! I went out right after to show off.

• What would you say to someone thinking about doing a boudoir session?

  I'd definitely suggest it. It's not what you think. I thought initially it was going to be about getting pictures that you like but it's so much more than that. It's an inside transformation of what you think and feel about yourself.

• Is there anything that we could have done better to make your experience perfect?

  No, I can't thank you enough!

Need some more encouragement? Check out this post!

Also check out Sarah’s session. She was our second of three giveaway winners.

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ARE YOU READY TO BOOK YOUR BOUDOIR EXPERIENCE?

YOU CAN CONTACT ME HERE.

Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Boudoir: Charleston Boudoir Photographer

Booking a boudoir session is often overwhelming and nerve wracking for my clients, but sometimes even THINKING about booking a session is enough to send someone into a full blown panic. I want to assure you that feeling this way is 100% normal. You probably have a million thoughts racing through your mind about how it all works, so I compiled a list of my top ten Frequently Asked Questions about boudoir and what happens during a session with me. If you want to find out more, definitely check out my private VIP group HERE.

Do I have to be a model or have experience to work with you? What if I don’t know what to do with my face or how to pose ?

Absolutely not. I don’t expect you to know what you are doing! As a matter of fact, I prefer it that way. It is my job to guide, direct, explain, and SHOW you exactly what to do throughout THE. ENTIRE. SHOOT. Most of the time posing feels ridiculous, but when I show you how it looks on camera, you will be blown away. Facial expressions are wayyy easier then you think, too. Trust me, I got you girl.

Where do you shoot? Is it private? Who will be there during my shoot?

I shoot most of my sessions in my private studio in the Charleston area (exact address will be provided at booking for privacy reasons). My studio set up provides beautiful natural light and awesome hardwood floors which work with almost any style. Myself and the make artist will be the only ones present during your shoot. If you have a cool location, hotel room, etc. we will often travel for an additional fee.

What if I don’t want my pictures to appear on the internet?

My number one priority is your privacy. Most of my clients prefer to keep their photos private, and that’s okay. I photograph many corporate professionals and teachers that require the utmost discretion. The images you see on my social feeds and website are all from clients that have given me permission via signed release form. Having your images shared is entirely up to you and NOT a requirement.

Is hair and makeup included?

YES! Hair and makeup are always included in your session here. Getting dolled up with my awesome hair and makeup gal contributes to the overall look and feel of the finished product and is absolutely necessary for your shoot. It also allows time for you to relax and feel pampered! Make up for photography is extremely different from makeup for everyday or a night out. Even natural makeup requires a lot of skill and expertise to apply for camera. You can choose to go all out glam or “I woke up like this” but either way, I’ve got you covered.

Do you offer payment plans?

Boudoir photography is an investment. No one wants “cheap” boudoir photos! I want you to have the experience of a lifetime and the most beautiful, high quality products to go with it. For this reason, you have the option of either a pre or post session payment plan. Some ladies like the feeling of going into their shoot and having everything paid off up front. Others prefer to make payments over time after their session. Whichever option works best for you. Your finished product is delivered once you are paid in full.

I’ve got stretch marks/ acne/ a couple extra pounds/ a tattoo that I regret. Do you offer airbrushing?

Totally! Every image that you purchase is retouched (by hand, no cheesy filters) so that your final product shows off the best version of you. Choosing flattering wardrobe and professional posing go a long way to camouflage trouble spots. Whatever is left over is handled with retouching. I won’t make you look unrecognizable… that’s not the goal. However, I totally get that most women don’t want to see their cellulite or the giant pimple they woke up with the day of their shoot.

I have no idea what to wear! Where do I buy outfits?

Besides posing, this is probably the thing my clients stress about the most. When you’re booked in for a shoot with me, I send you a VERY detailed prep and wardrobe guide. Every one of my clients has told me how much they loved them and how thorough they are. They are full of inspiration photos, explanations on what looks good on certain body types, and even links on where to buy certain pieces. I also keep a small wardrobe closet here in the studio. Once you arrive for you shoot, we will go through everything you brought with you and choose the best options together.

What type of products do you offer?

Products are my jam, seriously. I’ve hand picked my absolute favorite, high quality albums, heirloom print boxes, and wall art pieces to show off your incredible images. You can order a la carte or choose from one of my curated collections. There is also the option to add on digital files.

Can I bring my boyfriend/ husband/ partner to my shoot and ordering appointment?

Nope, and this is a big one for me. Having an experience like this is transformative and is something you should experience without distraction. I want you to revel in your moment and not wonder about what someone else is thinking. Choosing your photos is a very personal decision and your partner is going to love the photos that you chose. If you would like to invite a female friend to your shoot, make sure she’s fun and supportive.

I’m nervous AF. Help!

Nerves are going to happen, it’s unavoidable. This is a totally new experience for most, and let’s face it… being in your undies with a stranger is intimidating to say the least. I get it. All you have to do is show up. Seriously, even if you’re feeling like a hot mess, just get here. I PROMISE that 5 minutes in, you’re going to wonder why you were freaking out. This is fun and the rewards for facing your fears are life changing.

Also check out my Top 10 Tips To Prepare For Your Boudoir Session!

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Join the VIP Group

Connect with with the GB community in our empowering, ladies only, private VIP group.

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Are you ready to book your boudoir experience?

You can contact me here.

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Charleston Boudoir Featured Session: Sam

I’m usually not a fan of props, but a Harry Potter themed boudoir session is a “HELL YEAH” for me. Sam was so much fun to shoot with. From the minute she walked in with her Taylor Swift tee shirt, I knew we were going to be instant friends. Don’t let her sweet vibe fool you though, this girl brought the fire!

This is what Sam had to say about her experience:

When was your session? February 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 was turning 30 and wanted to do a Thirty & Flirty shoot for myself.

What made you decide to hire me as your photographer? The quality of work that I saw made me decide to use you as my photographer.

How were you feeling before your shoot? Any thoughts going through your head? I was excited mostly. Maybe a little nervous. I'm not a sexy person but looking at my photos, you would have no idea!

Now that you've had your own photo shoot, how was it? IT WAS AMAZING!!!

How did you feel about having your hair and makeup done? I felt glamorous. It is always strange for me to have that much makeup on but I looked smoking hot

If this was for a gift, what did your significant other say about your photos? Did they have a favorite pose or outfit? GIFT FOR MYSELF. I liked the photo of my butt while I was laying on the bed in the green outfit.

What would you say to someone thinking about doing a boudoir session? WIth Dawn? DO IT WITHOUT HESITATION. My girl creates magic with that camera of hers.

Is there anything that we could have done better to make your experience perfect? My experience with Dawn was perfect! I look back on those photos and remember how incredibly confident I felt. It was an amazing experience.

Also check out my featured blog post with Erica here.

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Join the VIP Group

Connect with with the GB community in our empowering, ladies only, private VIP group.

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Are you ready to book your boudoir experience?

You can contact me here.

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Charleston Boudoir Featured Session: Samantha

When Samantha walked in the door, she was like a little beam of sunshine… seriously. Her bubbly personality and laid back attitude made it so easy for us to vibe throughout the whole session. We decided on a natural and soft makeup look to compliment her boho inspired wardrobe and chose the perfect accessories to go with it.

Here is what Samantha had to say about her boudoir experience:

When was your session? July 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! My friend did a shoot with Dawn for her wedding some years back so I started following Dawn on her social medias. I love her work, vibe, how tasteful and elegant her photos are. After viewing her photos and always seeing her posts, I finally decided after maybe 4 years I wanted to do a shoot!

What made you decide to hire me as your photographer? I followed Dawn on Instagram and her photos are so beautiful. Not only the sets but the LIGHTING! I looked at a few other boudoir photographers in the area but Dawn's eye for natural light made me choose her instantly!

How were you feeling before your shoot? Any thoughts going through your head? I was so nervous leading up to my shoot. I stressed myself out finding the perfect outfits and worried about how my body looked. I stopped going to the gym a few months before my shoot and a week beforehand I almost cancelled. I hated how I looked and didn't want to get pictures of myseld half naked. But my husband talked me into keeping the session. It was honestly all I talked about since I booked it and 7 months later it was finally time and I'm so glad I did it!

Now that you've had your own photo shoot, how was it? I had the best time! Dawn and her team made me feel so comfortable and so beautiful. I brought a few outfits and asked Dawn her opinion on which jewelery to wear with what outfit and she helped me complete my looks!

How did you feel about having your hair and makeup done? I loved having my hair and makeup done! Who doesn't?! Getting pampered the having a full photoshoot after that makes you feel like a badass!

If this was for a gift, what did your significant other say about your photos? Did they have a favorite pose or outfit? I did the photoshoot for me, but also for my husband. He loved the photos! I did take some topless and those were his favorites!

What would you say to someone thinking about doing a boudoir session? For anyone thinking about doing a boudoir session I say do it!! Don't wait! Don't let any insecurity keep you from this experience! We are our own worst critic and if you let those insecurities stop you then you'll never do it. Put on the sexy lingerie get your hair and makeup done and rock it! Dawn will do the rest you just have to be you!!

Is there anything that we could have done better to make your experience perfect? I feel my experience was perfect! I felt so comfortable from the minute I walked in. Dawn really made the session comfortable. While getting hair and makeup done we all talked and it felt like being with friends. I did some photos topless in a thong and I didn't feel awkward!

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Join the VIP Group

Connect with with the GB community in our empowering, ladies only, private VIP group.

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Are you ready to book your boudoir experience?

You can contact me here.