Miss J’s Boudoir Testimonial | Trust the Professionals
We at Holly Douglas & Co. believe that EVERY woman, man, person and couple should experience a boudoir photoshoot at least once in their lifetimes. We love empowering people and boosting their self-confidence through the art of boudoir photography! Of course, people expect to hear that from us, the boudoir photographers, because we do this for a living. Boudoir testimonials written by our past clients who have actually experienced a boudoir session, on the other hand, are the most convincing! For this reason, Holly Douglas & Co. proudly features a new boudoir experience testimonial each week.
This week's boudoir experience testimonial comes from the gorgeous Miss J., who was photographed in our luxury boudoir studio in East Nashville, Tennessee!
(Miss J. chose to keep her images private, but gave us special permission to post the two anonymous photos seen in this blog.)
Tell us about yourself?
I've recently turned 40. My partner and I have been together for over 12 years. We don't have children but we do have 2 bunnies, so it's like having 2 permanent toddlers with attitudes. I've worked in a blend of health, fitness, and rehab for over 20 years and I'm fortunate enough to be an adjunct instructor in my field.
How did you hear about Holly Douglas & Co and what made you want to book with us?
I started seeing boudoir photography pop up on my TikTok feed so I started just looking at local companies as my 40th birthday approached. HDCO and a few others were at the top of my list, but after comparing images and costs, it was easy for me to feel comfortable that they were the ones that were right for me.
What was your initial reason for booking?
My first one was a gift to myself as I approached my 40th birthday. I also had never really had professional makeup and hair done and certainly had never had boudoir photos done. So, mostly, I had this burst of, "I'm going to do this for me because I want to and I deserve it."
Did you have any expectations going into the shoot? What were they?
I tried not to. I've learned over the years that professionals know what they're doing and they'll guide you because that's what they do. I think being open to see what the experience was helped me to not have nerves.
Were you nervous about the shoot beforehand? If so, what were you most nervous about?
A little bit. But everyone was so warm and welcoming that disappeared immediately. I did get a rush of nerves in those seconds right before you see the pictures, but those were good, excited nerves.
Did you become more comfortable after the session started? If so, what helped to relax your nerves?
Absolutely. I think it helped that the atmosphere was casual and chill, not uptight and rigid. It think it helps that I'm close in age to the photographer (s) and makeup artist so listening to music we all knew and talking made it seem like having coffee with friends.
How did you feel during your session?
It was just so fun. Both photographers I worked with were so encouraging and genuinely excited about their shots. The vibe was just very focused on taking great pictures and having a great time while doing it.
Describe how you felt when you saw your images for the first time.
Sometimes holding the poses you feel awkward or strained and it's so wild how you don't look strained or awkward in any of the images. I was afraid I might not like any of them, but some of them I honestly couldn't believe they were actually me because they were so incredible!
What was your favorite part of the experience and why?
I love pictures and organizing them, so I love sorting through and deciding what to keep (although that's also a little tortuous). I also love talking about the outfits I brought and figuring out what accessories and shoes they look best with.
Has anything changed for you since your boudoir experience and seeing your gallery? How has boudoir impacted your body image as a woman?
As I went through my 30s, I became so aware of the misogynistic and agist noise we absorbed and wanted to take back the idea that 40 was old. I'm not old, I'm an adult. I'm strong, I'm mobile, I can pick up heavy stuff. And you can see that.
What advice would you give to another woman considering a boudoir experience with Holly Douglas & Co?
Do it. There's no right or wrong person or age or body shape or type. All the nerves are good nerves. Do it for you.
Would you recommend Holly Douglas & Co for the luxury boudoir experience to others?
Absolutely. It's probably weird how much I encourage people to do it (like the girl who was ringing me up at Lululemon the day before my shoot).
Is there anything else you'd like to add to your interview?
I just really love that this is an option for women and want to help be a voice to normalize it.
Thank you, Miss J., for sharing your boudoir experience testimonial!
