Jasmin . Vancouver Maternity Photographer

When I first started thinking about shooting boudoir photography, I wanted to stay away from the traditional approach. I believe that being beautiful and loving yourself shouldn't be about pushup bras and fishnet stockings. That there is a different and more natural way of shooting boudoir - in your own home, with your own every day clothes and not a whole lot of extras involved. I actually don't really like calling these sessions 'boudoir' per se and am still trying to think of something to call them. My goal with each session and each person I work with is to try and have you find and see that beauty that is just there naturally - the beauty that should be seen without the extra makeup, styled hair, perfect lighting and photoshop. I want you to love the body you have and feel confident with that body and who you are just the way it is naturally - no pushups, fishnets and heels needed. All that being said, I hadn't thought much about maternity boudoir photography. But when Jasmin got a hold of me, I paused for only a second before thinking, if not any time, then when else should you feel more beautiful, more loving of yourself, and more proud of your body than when carrying a baby.

Thank you Jasmin for having me take these of you. You are beautiful and I was honored to shoot these images.

Hillary . Vancouver Boudoir Photography

"I sometimes hate this broken body of mine. It's difficult not to when my scar is so prominent and unavoidable when I look in the mirror. Hormone replacement therapy and comfort eating has earned me twenty extra pounds in the last two years (I'm cringing as I type that). My deflated baby bump is visible in these shots. My hair is patchy and my skin is dry. But I don't see any of that when I look at these photos. I see a balance of strength and softness that I didn't know I possessed." -Hillary When I put the call out for a few boudoir 'test' models Hillary responded almost immediately and I knew right away that I had to take her photos. That she needed these photos. I felt like these photos would allow her to see herself as the strong women she is... and extremely gorgeous of course! These past few years have a been a little bit crazy for her. She writes about it on her blog Hillary with Two L's. As well as being an incredible human, she's hilarious and a great writer so I encourage you to go and have a look around. I think you will also come to admire her strength and character. She also wrote a little bit about her boudoir experience here.

I'm so happy I was able to do these for her. And I'm so happy with how they turned out. A few favorites -

Jeannie . Vancouver Boudoir Photography

I think boudoir photography should celebrate who you are as a person and a woman - that there is a more natural and real way to approach it. I think your images should be looked at and you should think 'wow, I am a beautiful person, inside and out. Boudoir photography shouldn't have to be pushup bras, 6 inch heels, makeup and hair artists and a fancy hotel. Don't get me wrong, there are photographers out there who do that style very well with their clients, and their clients love the images they receive. But to me, and what resonates most with me as an artist is a style of boudoir that I believe should reflect who you are, not who you can be with all the extra's included.  I also don't think boudoir should be done for your husband or boyfriend. First and foremost it should be done for you. To empower you and to allow you to see how beautiful you really are, just the way you are - minus all the fishnets and pearls that distract from your true and honest self - because that is not you and it's not what's beautiful about you. I'm certainly not the first photographer to take this more natural approach of  less 'made up'.  I've been thinking about it for some time and was encouraged  in seeing these other photographers take a similar approach and finally decided to give it a go. Jeannie was my first so called 'model' and I can't thank her enough for trusting me and  helping to create these. I hope to be doing many more of these sessions. Some of my favorites from my time with her -