Why Bare Sessions Should Be for You

Today I was looking around on the interwebs for inspiration and came across this article in Magnolia Rouge (one of my favorite wedding inspiration sites).  

Artistic Boudoir Shoot in the Colorado Mountains

These images are STUNNING.  Absolutely stunning.  I love the airiness, the light, but above all I love that these are unique.  They are personal because they are telling a story.  They bring the Bride's talents and passion into the session and it takes it to the next level.

I am a firm believer in the idea that you must do things for yourself first.  While this may sound selfish at first, it's actually quite the opposite.  For example, in an emergency situation on a plane adults are asked to first put on their own oxygen mask and then help their child.  You have to make sure you are in a place to help others.  Elizabeth Gilbert goes into this topic in her book, "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear."  If you're into living creatively, I highly suggest you check it out.  It's kind of my jam right now.  

This is a lesson that I have really taken to heart over the past year as a new Mom.  It used to be that I could push myself beyond my limits.  I was notorious for pushing hard until I emotionally and physically crashed and burned.  As a Mom though, I HAD to take care of myself first.  I had to eat enough calories to breastfeed.  I had to sleep when I could or I wouldn't later.  I had to take moments of peace when I got them to stay sane.  (Those should be HAVE since it's still ongoing!)  But I believe these principals also flow over into our passions and our personal needs.  Even if you do a selfless job like volunteering for charity, it has to be because you love it for you first.  Otherwise you won't be able to give of yourself more and more.

So what the hell does all this have to do with getting naked and taking pictures?  As I have stated many many times.  Bare Sessions (or boudoir if you're fancy) are all about vulnerability, openness, and trust.  And therefore they need to be for yourself first.  You are giving of yourself, you are opening yourself up, and you are allowing someone else to see YOU.  And I truly believe that is a beautiful thing to share.  And SHOULD be shared.  But if you are doing it because you want someone to see you a certain way, or to strive for perfection, or to be someone your not...it falls flat.  Authenticity is the key to beauty in my opinion.  Authenticity is what takes those images to the next level.  So be you.  Be true to yourself.  Be passionate.  And do it for you. 

Bare Sessions Q & A

Bare sessions are intimate, raw, and a whole lot about trust.  If you're interested in trying this and exploring this beautiful process you probably have a lot of questions.  In this post, I'm going to strive to answer some of the questions I get asked most when people are thinking about baring it all.  

Q: Where will my session take place?  
A: Wherever you like!  I am passionate about outdoor bare sessions.  I dream about waterfalls, fields, and streams.  To me there is nothing more amazing than melding physical beauty and natural beauty.  However, sometimes it's just too cold!  Or you have a different vision.  I also love photographing in unique hotel rooms, or anywhere else we can find that speaks to you.  Often times for mini sessions there is a designated location.  If you are interested in a one on one session, let's chat and dream up a location that is going to inspire you.

Q:Can I bring someone with me?
A: Absolutely!  Bringing a friend to cheer you on and break up the tension can be a lot of fun.  I do request that you don't bring a significant other or your Mom.

Q: Who will be at my session?
A: Most of the time it's just little ol' me.  Occasionally if I think the location calls for some assistance, I may have a female assistant with me.

Q:Should I have my hair and make-up professionally done?
A: This is a personal choice.  I prefer a natural look to my bare sessions.  However, sometimes looking our best "natural" can help inspire confidence.  If you would like, I can suggest some local vendors for hair or make-up.

Q:  Will my photos be edited?
A: All of my photos are "edited."  My photos are not heavily manipulated though.  Let's face it, we all have days where we are broken out and don't want that saved forever.  I touch up skin, soften it but that is really about it.  I do not airbrush and I do not do photoshop replacement.  Your scars, your "imperfections," make you uniquely you and I would never want to take that away.

Q: How naked do I have to be?
A: Bare ass naked!  No just kidding.  I work with all comfort levels and this is something that may surprise you about yourself once we start the session.  The truth is that sometimes the illusion of nudity and the promise of something more is much more arousing and alluring than pure nudity.

Q: Do you provide outfits or do I bring my own?
A: I ask that all clients provide their own.  I want you to feel awesome!  Find something different that is uniquely you, that you feel good in, and that fits YOU.  Also, there's just something about lingerie being passed around that skeezes me out.

Q: Can you help me decide what to wear?
A: Of course!  I'm happy to help with any attire decision making.  The most important thing to keep in mind is that YOU feel awesome in it!  Some ideas are comfy cardigans, chambray shirts, mens shirts, body suits (these are great for showing off your curves but giving you a little more coverage), matching bras and panties, oversized sweaters with thigh high socks, and low cut flowy dresses.  Really the options are endless!

Q: Let's talk grooming...
A: Okay, some honesty here.  Grooming is your choice whether it's up top or down below.  Just keep in mind that if you are getting groomed do it at least three days before your shoot so your skin has time to calm down.  If you have never done it before, don't make right before your session your first time.  Go a month or two ahead of your session at least once and then again three days before your session. If you've never had it done you don't know how your skin is going to react and we want you feeling confident.

Q: Are my photos going to be on social media and the internet?
A: Yes.  My job is to inspire confidence in other women and I can't make that happen without material.  In the contract, you are agreeing to allow me to use the photos for advertising.  However, I also understand that these sessions are vulnerable.  I do all I can to work with clients to respect their privacy.  Bare Session client galleries are password protected.  If you are not comfortable with your images on social media there are a few ways we can work with that.  I usually don't tag my bare session clients (you can if you want to), I can also cut your face out of it to make it more ambiguous, and I can have you select at least five that you are comfortable with.  Please note that if you absolutely refuse to allow me to use any photos, I charge a loss of use fee that is $150 on top of your session fee.   

Q: I don't know what to do with my hands.  Will you pose me?
A: Most of us are not born super models.  That's where I come in.  It's my job to help you feel relaxed, look your best, and have FUN.  You're going to ROCK IT. 

Got more questions? Ready to book? Yay!  Head over to the Contact section.  I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.  

Jenna & Christian Anniversary Session

I'm catching up on some blog posts!  Lately Anniversary sessions have found a special place in my heart.  Engagement sessions are fun because everything is new and exciting.  But anniversary sessions have such a deeper tone to them.  There's something about celebrating the fact that you've made it through it all that brings everything alive.  Nothing beats saying, "I choose you every damn day and I'm going to keep choosing you."  

Beauty and Badassery

I am so excited to announce that I will be offering Bare Mini Sessions on January 23rd at The Hive!  These sessions will include professional makeup by Katelyn Comer from The Skin Studio, 30 minute photo session, champagne and strawberries (because why the hell not), 40 high resolution digital files, and a password protected gallery.  

These sessions are about loving yourself.  I am passionate about boudoir and the confidence that boudoir sessions can bring.  These sessions are all about inner beauty and badassery.  I want to show the real you.  The sexy you.  The goofy you.  The playful you.  Just you.  I do very little touch ups to my images.  If you are looking for airbrushed images, I ain't your lady.  However, if you're craving a fun time, a time to pamper and celebrate all that you are, you've come to the right place.  

Contact me today for more information and to schedule your session.  Time slots are limited!

Paperbacks and Pickup Campers

It's a huge honor to have the first of my photos featured today, along with our latest update, on The Drive.  As we continue to prep for the Adventure, reality sets in.  As much as we are excited, it's still hard.  As much as we agree with sizing down and getting rid of a lot of "stuff," it's still hard.  Change is hard.  Otherwise we'd all be doing a lot more of it.  Check out the article and continue to follow us on social media.  We should have designated social sites soon.  Until then, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and here for the latest updates. 

Heads up!

Attention all clients!  As you may have heard me say before, some big things are coming up for Runawayalice Photography!  The website, www.runawayalice.com, will be under construction for the next couple weeks.  I ask that you bare with me during this process and stay tuned for exciting updates.  Client galleries and the blog will still be available!  If you have any questions about finding anything feel free to contact me or email me at runawayalice@gmail.com.  I am so excited to be sharing all these changes with you.

Holiday Mini Sessions

It's hard to believe it's that time of year again!  It's time to gear up for the busy holiday season and this means marking your calendar to get some holiday photos done.  I'm so excited to be offering mini sessions this year at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens!  Holiday Mini sessions are SO much fun.  For me it's the beginning of the festive holiday season watching everyone dress up, enjoy some holiday goodies, and get into the spirit of the season.  Sessions are limited so please contact me today to reserve your time slot!

Lily and the Dog Days of Summer

Lemonade stands, bubbles, and sprinklers--what could remind you more of those dog days of summer?  As many of you know I had been dying all summer to do a "sprinkler" session with some willing little person.  Miss Lily volunteered!  I fell so in love with this session.  Everything from the bubbles in the air to Lily's wet hair to her sweet smile just warm my heart.  I hope it will yours too.

 

Meeting Merrick

I've had the pleasure of photographing all of Angela's kids in the hospital (see Meeting Macey and Meeting Maddox).  Each one has been special and fun in their own ways: the anticipation of Macey as the first child, the joy of Maddox being the first boy, and now the pure fun of Merrick's arrival.  Macey was SO excited to have another sibling.  You can tell she is just in love with him.  I had so much fun sharing in this time with them.  And now it's time for you to meet Merrick...