Life Changing Boudoir Session
As a Boudoir Photographer…This woman literally changed my life. She was so vulnerable, and raw during her session. And I fell in love with her and her images. She rocked the pants off her session!
A “few” words from my adorable (and absolutely SEXY client):
“My experience with Melisa has been nothing short of incredible amazing. From being in her Facebook group by a friend, to the session, to the viewing of my products – everything just went so smoothly and effortlessly. I lurked her facebook page, and was in awe of the photos she shot.
Let me explain, I have wanted to do a boudoir shoot for YEARS — YEARS!!! However, like many, I was afraid. I am not skinny, I don’t know how to model, I have stretch marks, and so much more negative self talk. So I never even looked into it.
Well, Melisa had posted in her group that she was doing a model casting call. I literally waited until the last day of this casting call to put in my submission, due to so much crap that was going through my head. Finally I took the plunge and said what the hell is it going to hurt? I mean, if she doesn’t choose me – no loss! To my surprise (at that time, I couldn’t believe it) I received an e-mail saying I was chosen to be one of her models casted. ME? NO WAY! NO FREAKING WAY DID SHE REALLY PICK ME TO BE A MODEL FOR HER GORGEOUS PHOTOS! Sure, enough she did. Again, I waited until an HOUR before the deadline to respond and accept the terms of the casting call.
Melisa and I coordinated via email about the shoot. See, she lives in California and I am in Vegas. So, when we scheduled my shoot – I took full advantage of making a weekend trip with my hubby for this! He knew I was picked for the casting call and was so pumped for me. He encouraged me and was excited to see the photos (of course he was!)
I had been chatting with my friends and they were so excited for me and this experience. They even shared their experience with me!
Dun dun dunnnnnn… Comes the weekend, we pack up and take off to Cali!
The night before, I am stressed out. I start my period, I feel like this can NOT be a good sign. I am going to be bloated on top of my weight and there is NO way this could turn out good, fun, or even quality pictures.
Leaving the hotel, I am full of nerves. I want to cry and puke! I didn’t feel like I was worthy enough to do this shoot, let alone any way I can be photographed to see beauty. Pull up to Melisa’s, walk up, knock, and I am greeted by two women with gorgeous smiles and warm hugs! Melisa and Mandi truly are an incredible duo for this experience.
Melisa already envisioned what she wanted for me — edgy — which for me is PERFECT! When I sat down in Mandi’s chair and started talking to her, as each second passed the fear started to shed and excitement started to grow. She did my hair and make-up so gorgeous that when I looked in the mirror I was in shock! I still looked like ME! Just done up a little bit. Not too much, but just enough kind of things! I loved it so much.
Then off to the room with Melisa toting my outfit choices I brought. I was still a little nervous at this point, but nervous excited if that makes sense. I had put ALOT of thought into my outfit choices, because I really wanted them to be me. I am the girl who wears panties and a tank top and feels sexy! Melisa loved what I brought and was so excited, because it was different! We discussed some posed and how the shoot would run.
Time for first outfit, as she prepared the area I changed all while talking to her and laughing (my goodness, Melisa truly is just one of those magnificent women who graces this earth – for her smile, to her personality, and her talent). She told me I’d be okay and she would coach me along the way! Guess what, SHE DID! I am far from a model, I have curves, I am a hot mess most of the time. I feel like she used those things and made me look incredible.
After several outfit changes, being nude and wearing only converse, the shoot is over. I walked out of that room bubbling over with happiness, confidence(btw, that was something I hadn’t felt in YEARS), and just peace in my heart. Hugging both ladies goodbye, I hop in my car and head back to the hotel. I stop along the way – look around and just smile. Full of gratitude.
Typically, she does the photo reveal in person, but due to my unique circumstance of not living nearby – I was able to review them over the computer via skype. Let me tell you something….. I was not prepared for the emotions I was about to feel when she clicked the start button. As it begins, I think the first thing besides a smile was HOLY SHIT. That’s me! Oh my goodness, really? I probably looked like the Cheshire cat, but honestly when you see yourself in a way that you didn’t think was possible, how else are you suppose to look? I smiled from ear to ear, my eyes watered up, and I sat in awe/amazement from the reveal. There I am in all of my curves, all of my flaws, looking beautiful/sexy/fierce.
Then she has you PICK your favorites for purchase. How in the world am I suppose to pick a favorite when you made me look SO AMAZING? So, I did, then I decided what product I wanted. She put the book together, I was able to edit if needbe. I had the product quickly. The quality of the product is far beyond what I expected (as I didn’t get to touch it, and skype did NOT do it justice). I was able to wrap it up for my husband. He loves it. My metal wall art is over our bedroom TV, because as he says “he selfishly wants to enjoy that photo everytime the TV is on”. Men, LOL! And my album, when I feel down or struggle with self love, I grab it, check myself out, and it is an instant pick me up.
To this day, I will never ever be able to thank Melisa enough for that experience. I have encouraged the women I know in California to set up a shoot with her, because it truly is life changing. If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of doing a boudoir shoot – do it! Don’t do it for your spouse, do it for you! They will reap the benefits afterwards from the products. Do the shoot for you – love yourself…. Simply because YOU deserve it. <3″ -Dana, Las Vegas, NV
To see more images like this CLICK HERE to see my portfolio. Be sure you are following me on INSTAGRAM to see my latest work! CLICK HERE to see my availabilty and to book a session.
This is a link to my Contact Page.
xoxo,
Melisa
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Melisa Ford is a boudoir photographer in San Diego, California and the surrounding areas including all of Southern California and North County San Diego.
