Have you ever done a boudoir shoot before? If so, how does your shoot with Ayla compare to your prior experience?
I’ve never done a boudoir shoot before. I was selective in choosing my photographer and took about 6 months to find Ayla. Finding someone I felt comfortable with was my top priority because I am a BBW. I knew the minute I was speaking with her on the phone she was the one I wanted!
Why did you do your boudoir shoot?
I wanted to do a boudoir shoot because I was done “waiting to be my ideal size” to get professional photos done! It was my 34th birthday and I wanted to love my body in the body I had. I wanted to feel sexy and powerful! I had seen friends get them done and I knew I wanted them too!
What was your favorite part of the session?
Seeing myself after the make over. I had been joking that I wanted to look like a mermaid princess and that’s exactly how I felt! I didn’t recognize myself at first! I will never forget that feeling.
What did doing this shoot do for your self-confidence, self-worth, and self-image? Tell me your story.
My whole life I struggled with feeling worthy. I always thought of myself as the “fat chick”. I was funny and I “had a pretty face” but that was it. So I spent the previous year working on loving myself. I went out and joined groups, travelled, and finally got to a place where I was happy. This shoot gave me the confidence and power to never doubt myself again. Every time I feel sad, I look at my photos and I remember that day. I know I’m worth it.
Was your experience what you were expecting? If not, how was it different?
I didn’t know what to expect. I loved that I received emails through the entire process. I just followed the steps and reached out for help when I was confused. Ayla made it easy!
What was the best part of your experience? Would you change anything?
I wouldn’t change a thing. The best part of the experience was getting to know Ayla. She was more than a photographer. She was real and felt like I had a friend doing this with me.
