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.

Woman in White Sheet Boudoir Summerville

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 :)

Woman in White Sheet Boudoir Pose South Carolina

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.

Glam hair + makeup before + after Charleston

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.

boudoir pose on green velvet couch Summerville boudoir studio

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!

black and white lingerie photo charleston

Need some more encouragement? Check out this post!

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

ARE YOU READY TO BOOK YOUR BOUDOIR EXPERIENCE?

YOU CAN CONTACT ME HERE .

Anyone that owns a business knows that referrals are the greatest way to say “thank you” when you had a great experience somewhere. And for the last 20ish years, my boudoir photography studio has thrived thanks to so many of you that encouraged your friends to book a session with me. This one, however, was above and beyond.

You may remember my post featuring Amanda from North Carolina who I’ve now photographed 3 times. This is her bestie who flew all the way from Michigan to see me. Yes, Michigan. I wish I could say we had nothing but sunshine and warm weather to offer her here in CHS, but we sure steamed it up in the studio.

Katrina booked this session as a well deserved gift to herself. She’s a homeschooling mama who is literally with her kids 24/7 and never takes time to do anything just for her.

Here is what she had to say about her session:

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 Amanda had done a few sessions with Dawn and each time her photos were absolutely amazing. I knew it was something that I wanted to do I just hadn't "pulled the trigger" until I watched a live Dawn had done showing a sneak into how she runs her sessions and it helped make me feel more comfortable about the process so I finally commited.

What made you decide to hire me as your photographer?
I live in Michigan, so traveling to South Carolina for Dawn to do my photos should show how highly I think of her work. I looked through alot of her previous shoots and just fell in love with how classy yet sexy her style was. I also loved the studio look as well! Bonus was that my friend knows her and had already told me how amazing she is in person- and she truly is 💗

How were you feeling before your shoot? Any thoughts going through your head?
I definitely had insecurities about my body after kids and trying to find outfits that I felt not only comfortable in, but sexy too.

boudoir photography pose Summerville black bodysuit

Now that you've had your own photo shoot, how was it?
Incredible! The whole experience from start to finish was SO empowering. Dawn has a way of bringing out the best in you. She's absolutely amazing at posing your body just right too.
If this was for a gift, what did your significant other say about your photos? Did they have a favorite pose or outfit?
My husband loved the photos and it was sweet to hear his commentary on them as well. He of course loved them all, but really loved the ones where I was smiling. There was one picture he pointed to and said "I love this one because this is what I see when I make you laugh." 😍

How did you feel about having your hair and makeup done?
I was actually a little nervous about the hair and make up. I don't normally wear make up and prefer a more natural look. I told the make up artist I was going for a more soft bridal look and man did she deliver! It was perfect!! Having both hair and make up done for you is also one less thing to worry about and ensures that you will be looking your best for your shoot.

What would you say to someone thinking about doing a boudoir session?
DO IT! This is the ultimate way to give you a confidence boost. It's empowering to have these photos to look at and be like "damn I look good- that's me!" You will not regret it.