“Beauty Comes in All Sizes”

Booking a boudoir shoot is a choice to be fearless for LOTS of women. However, choosing to be fearlessly authentic is a challenge in itself. I talk to women every day who aren’t 100% happy in their skin. The burden of comparison weighs on us as women: our thighs aren’t smooth enough, waistlines aren’t small enough, nose is too big (yes that’s one of my sensitive spots). The list goes on and on. What I challenge my clients to start believing is their bodies are gorgeous and beautiful as God created them. Oh yeah, those thighs you wished you had, the woman who owns them wishes she had more curves in her hips and thighs. TRUE STORY!

Every individual body is stunning in it’s own right and this is the first post in a series of that delve into the more recognizable body types I discussed in my Body Types 101 post. I’ll be covering each gloriously, wonderful shape to give recommendations on what can make you feel like a million bucks for your boudoir shoot. Because confidence is everything remember? My goal as your photographer is to help you build as much confidence leading up to your portrait session. So we are going to start with Ovals and Apple Body shapes. I grouped these two shapes together because both Ovals and Apples have ample busts with hips being their narrowest parts.

Choose outfits that play up your assets.

Listen, we all have areas of our bodies we aren’t super jazzed about but what if you spent more time focusing on the things you love about your body? Take all that negative energy and focus it on the good! What do you love? Do you have killer eyes? Beautiful lips? Killer legs? Amazing cleavage? Take a good hard look in the mirror and find something you love and let’s make it shine!

Look for tried and true colors: black and nudes are going to be more subtle and not compete for attention with your ambery brown eyes. Cheeky cut bodysuits and underwear round out that booty and frame those gorgeous legs. Deep cut V-necks make a perfect triangle with your face and right in the middle, your girls are saying HELLO! Work it girl because you got it. This bodysuit is my ultimate favorite and everyone should own at least one: The Best Lace Bodysuit

Minimize areas that destroy your confidence.

Honestly, 99% of the women I photograph mention the waistline and tummy area in their pre-session questionnaire as an area they are sensitive about. NINETY NINE PERCENT! Other popular areas: cellulite and stretch marks. I can tell you til the cows come home that those are going to be minimized or eliminated through posing and lighting BUT you have to believe me. If you are rocking an outfit that is going to destroy your confidence, don’t bring it.

Recommendations for tummy conscious: body suits, shape wear, and corsets. Make sure they fit right: too loose they won’t do their job right, too tight well you get the picture. I need you to breath during your portrait session! Body suits with plunging necklines knock out both #1 and #2 recommendations. Bodysuits like this or honeylove makes a beautiful queenbrief here that makes all your assets look amazing.

When choosing a corset, make sure you pay attention to sizing because ordering them can be tricky. Here are some purchasing tips for corsets: If your natural waist is under 38″ you want a corset that is 4-7 inches smaller. If your natural waist (where you bend at side to side) is over 38″, go 7-10 inches smaller.

Look for outfits that create definition and narrowing

As a portrait artist, I am creating as many triangles in my composition as possible. They keep the eye interested and give a lot of visual movement your brain likes. There is another plus: they create narrowing points! Choose outfits that do that and we will have a double win.

Wraps/robes with a belt, plunging V necklines, and jackets all are fabulous items to wear. As I mentioned above, cheeky underwear form a natural triangle and create an amazing frame for your tush. Go for strappy options like the very top image (blue undies) for something fun. Fitted leather jackets and button up shirts can be buttoned or zipped up just enough to create that V we are dying over. Look for pieces that play with both solid and sheer/lace panels to check off all three recommendations!

Ditch the clothes and use a white sheet!

My white sheet set is incredibly popular and timeless. Clients LOVE the end result and almost always is their favorite. All three of my suggestions above can be accomplished with white sheet set. The sky is really the limit and it really allows your natural beauty to shine. You get to call the shots on what is showing and what isn’t. I always save this set for last so you have plenty of time to get comfy and make sure you are ready. I promise you won’t regret this as an option.

BONUS TIP: Avoid loose fitting items- I know seems counter productive but hear me out. Those pretty flowy frocks flow out to a woman’s widest measurement and then fall straight down adding extra weight. We want to celebrate your curves and we can’t if they are hidden!

What do you think? Are you ready? Need help finding some of outfit options? Don’t worry- there is a full list of retailers I recommend in my 30 page Getting Ready Guide I give exclusively to my clients and if you still need help, no worries. We can book an extra clothing consultation or even set up a personal shopper appointment so I can tag along and help you decide. I mean it when I’m there every step of the way!

Hair by Danni Manning And Makeup by Zoe Harrison of Color Divine

Hair by Amanda Birdnow of Sundara Salon And Makeup by Zoe Harrison of Color Divine

Have you thought about booking your own shoot with Cassy? Download your complimentary Dream Shoot Planner by clicking HERE.  It will tell you all about the experience and what to expect.  I would love to chat with you! You can give me a call directly at 319-849-5152.  You can also email me at info@chrysalisboudoir.com.  I can’t wait to hear from you!