When I scheduled a session with Pamela for a boudoir photo shoot for the first time back in 2018, I…read moredid it for myself. It wasn't a gift for anyone, I wasn't creating them for my partner. I literally did it just for me, and it was one of the best gifts I ever gave to myself. Pamela was AMAZING, and the photo session and the photos changed my life. I have done three or four shoots since that time, and each has been a fun and meaningful experience.
I spent the majority of my life in a very religious group that restricted women's dress and visual appearance strongly. When I was in this religion, I couldn't show an elbow, or a knee. I couldn't allow my hair to be seen uncovered. I had to wear dresses, pants were forbidden. The collarbone was considered to be immodest.
There were very, very strict modesty rules.
I left that religion in 2016, and started a healing journey to discover what it is to live with freedom and authenticity. Learning to feel safe in my body and feel comfortable in my body was a huge part of this journey. I had to teach my mind and body that the rules I lived with did not exist in the "real world." The first time I wore short sleeves, I felt naked. The first time I tried to buy shorts, I couldn't do it--I cried in the dressing room and left without buying anything. This is to help you understand where I started from!
I eventually got past those early days, and in 2018, two years after leaving the religion, I was wanting to expand my healing further. I found out about boudoir photography, and thought--this--this is what I need to do, for myself.
I had been taught that my body was "dangerous", that it had to be covered at all times. I had been taught to feel shame for the things that make me a woman. What if I could learn or experience being in my body and showing all those "forbidden" places and it be beautiful? What if I could see myself in another way?
I started looking into local boudoir artists, and there was something really special that stood out to me in Pamela's work. Her energy came through, and it felt safe and inspiring. I reached out to her, told her exactly what I was looking for--that this was for me, as I healed from living in a cult for a long time. Pamela was WONDERFUL. She was so open and receptive. She provided guidance and support in the preparation, and then on photo shoot day, while I was so anxious, she was so wonderful at helping me feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable. She told me exactly how to pose and what to do, and I just followed her directions. It was fun and exciting and a little scary.
Just doing the photo shoot itself was healing, even without getting the images.But, when I got the photos a couple weeks later, I could not believe it.
I had never seen how beautiful I was until I saw myself through her artistry. I cried seeing the photos. When I have shared them with people, they always remark how gorgeous the pictures are. I love them, and as I mentioned earlier, I have since done a few shoots after that first one. Every experience is great. I look at my photos every once in awhile, and they always make me feel beautiful and boost my confidence.
Pamela is amazing!
Yes, you could get the photoshoot done as a gift for someone else or for a partner. But, I suggest you do them for you.