“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. This is the second post in a series that delve into the more recognizable body types found here in my Body Types 101 post. I’ll be covering each gloriously, wonderful shape to give recommendations to help you feel confident 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 talking about Pear and Diamond Body shapes. I grouped these two shapes together because both Pears and Diamonds have smaller busts with hips being their ample part.

Play Up Your Ass-ets

Ok that was a pun for sure BUT Pears are known for their booties. First, let’s highlight those hips with cheeky cut bodysuits and underwear to round out that booty and frame those gorgeous legs. Next, go with a gorgeous lacy bra like this one or a sheer deep V body suit like this one: Avidlove Lace Halter Teddy since both Diamonds and Pears are Bijou Babes. Take advantage because not everyone can rock those styles so embrace the beauty of your god given curves and own it!

Create Balance- define waist/add volume up top

Since I have specialized in Boudoir photography, I’ve noticed the biggest complaint from women in regards to their body is proportions. It’s not necessarily the actual body part they aren’t confident about, its generally the size in comparison to everything else. Booty is bigger than boobs so they feel their boobs are too small or waist is larger than their hips so they feel their butt is flat or lacking. It’s all about balance!

Since both Pear and Diamond shaped bodies are bottom and/or waist heavy, I recommend looking for outfits that add balance. High cut sheer bodysuits with a pattern, like the one above, add visual weight up top which decreases weight in the hip area. Bodysuits like the velvet and lace one also above use opposite panels to draw your eyes up. Bonus points for the deep V cut that opens up to your gorgeous decolletage and face. Maximize potential for the win!

Draw Attention with Shapes & Lines

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.

Off shoulder tops, plunging V necklines, and jackets all are fabulous items to wear. For instance, off the shoulder tops cinch to accentuate your waist and naturally add visual weight on your upper body. Next, strappy undies like the ones in the left image to narrow your waistline. 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! This is my all time favorite lace bodysuit from Amazon- you need this in your closet: The Best Lace Bodysuit

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 And Makeup by Kendra Aarhus of Kendraaarhus.com

Hair by Ashlee Parker 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!