Chrissi's Boudoir Experience

Boudoir photography was something that I had heard about but probably would never have considered for myself. I admire people who have the confidence to have their photos taken especially in such an intimate setting, however, I usually go out of my way to not be in photos. There are very few photos of myself that I actually like. I’ve never really had much self-confidence in my body image, I’ve gone through so many body changes with dieting, weight fluctuations and three pregnancies that I can’t really remember the times when I was ‘skinny’ and happy with the way I look. 

When a friend asked me to enter Marina’s Mother’s Day competition to win a boudoir photoshoot I didn’t really think much about it but thought I’d give it a go never really thinking I’d win it!! When I found out I won I was really nervous!! I was reassured by Marina at our first interview that she would portray me as me, not as something I wasn’t. There were many times when I thought there was no way I could do this as I’m not really happy with my body as it is now but I thought I had to give this a go. My body has been through a lot and if I could see myself in a positive light maybe that would really help me! Marina took me shopping for some outfits (I had never even been into a lingerie shop!!) and made me feel comfortable and feeling more and more positive about the photoshoot!! I loved the one-piece swimsuit we picked out, it wouldn’t have been something I would have even looked twice at usually but I’m so glad I got it!!

The day of the boudoir session I think I’d finally gotten over being nervous. I was actually quite excited! Marina made me feel so comfortable and made me look fabulous as well!! I very rarely have my makeup done and loved the look Marina gave me!! The boudoir shoot was a lot of fun! I just went with what Marina told me to do, and she knew exactly how to make me laugh. I couldn’t wait to see what the photos looked like!!

Seeing the photos was really amazing. I absolutely loved the photos and that they were me. Feminine and beautiful aren’t words I would use to describe myself but they were how I saw myself in these photos. Thank you so much, Marina, for taking me out of my comfort zone, making me laugh and showing me that I can look good even as a mother of three little children and a body that has been through a lot!!