Let's make 2024 the year you prioritize self-investment! Let's talk about why investing in yourself through a boudoir experience might just be the most impactful decision you make in 2024. So, prepare to make a bold statement this year-- Why Wait? Let's be real time waits for no one. Each passing moment brings us closer to a new chapter in our lives. So why wait? Why put off something that could bring you immense joy and confidence right now? After all, you're never going to be this age again, so seize the moment and make it count! Think about it: What do you have to lose? In fact, the only thing you stand to gain is a newfound sense of empowerment and self-love. You deserve to feel beautiful, desirable, and utterly radiant in your own skin. So why not make a boudoir session a priority this year? Consider adding it to your bucket list and ticking it off with pride. It's an experience like no other—a chance to celebrate your unique beauty and embrace your sensuality in a safe and supportive environment. Imagine being pampered from head to toe, with professional makeup and hair styling to enhance your natural features. Picture yourself basking in the glow of the camera, feeling like the confident and captivating individual that you are. And perhaps most importantly, imagine a day where the outside world fades away, and the focus is entirely on you. No interruptions, no distractions—just a day, all about you and your journey towards self-discovery and self-love. Adding to the excitement, Pure Beauty invites you to experience our brand-new studio space! Now, you can indulge in the ultimate boudoir experience in a luxurious and exclusive setting designed to enhance your comfort and enjoyment. With state-of-the-art facilities and a team dedicated to making you feel like royalty, our new studio is the perfect backdrop for your journey of self-discovery and empowerment. So why wait any longer? Make yourself a priority in 2024 and treat yourself to the
transformative experience of a boudoir session. Trust me, you won't regret it. Ready to take the leap? Let's make this year one to remember.
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Miss A | Mildura boudoir photoshootHow did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup? Yes!! Thank you (Calla) and Indy How would you describe the session? (poses, direction, comfort level, thoughts, FEELINGS) Lauren makes things super comfortable and explains poses pretty well Was the session different than you expected? If so, how? Was a lot more fun than I expected How did you feel AFTER your session? Exhausted and fabulous What was your favorite part? The reveal! What was your least favorite part? Making decisions on what photos to keep Would you ever do another session? Maybe How did you feel when you saw your images? Like a queen Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session? No Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session? Remind yourself that Lauren has seen plenty of gorgeous bodies in all shapes and sizes so don’t be scared! Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know?
Arch your back honeyyyy Trigger - Death and cancer2021 was one of the worst years of my life. Early January I received a phone call that no daughter wants to hear. My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer & would likely not live to see the end of the year. The next day I was researching flights and quarantine regulations to get back home to New Zealand. I was very thankful that I was allocated a spot in the managed isolation for the two week isolation program. A few days later I was on a plane, heading to Melbourne for the night, then onwards to Auckland. 11am I left the Melbourne hotel via shuttle and headed to the airport. Whilst on the plane to New Zealand, we were told we would be staying in Hamilton. There were 3 known hotels in Hamilton that were part of the Isolation program but we didn't know which one specifically we would be heading to. After arriving in Auckland International airport around 6:30pm (I had never seen it so empty), we went through customs & immigration and were individually escorted and loaded onto a bus about 8:30pm. We were taken to the Distinction Hotel in Hamilton where we then had to line up and go through our initial screening and health check. By the time I got into my hotel room, it was 11:30pm & I was exhausted. The next 2 weeks were spent in my room, watching a LOT of Netflix, calling my kids, husband, sister and mum, colouring, editing, dancing like a crazy person & a few selfies. After the initial 3 days to wait for a negative COVID result, I was allowed to leave the room 3 times a day; one was a mandatory health check every morning, another was for a 2 hour (low intensity) exercise around the fully fenced carpark) and another was a 30 minute 'grass time', to be booked in through the quarantine guards. I was rather impressed with how it was all planned and managed. There were a number of international flights at the hotel, but we never crossed paths. My 3 meals were delivered to my door every day, I even got some groceries (and clothes) delivered to the hotel. They would call me down when I could collect it. It was very lonely, and I was an emotional wreck, but more so because I knew why I was there. I missed my kids and I just wanted to go see my dad. At last, I was free. It was a bizarre feeling, going from wearing masks whenever I stepped out of my hotel room, to being free to roam the streets and shops of Hamilton without a mask at all. I was lucky enough that my childhood best friend, Libby, drove down from Auckland to see me. We spent the afternoon walking around Hamilton, getting lost before finding a cute little bar to sit down at and chat. And chat we did. It felt like 1 day had gone past since seeing her last, in reality it would have been 10+ years. The next morning I boarded the plane to Christchurch to see my dad. After a long wait, it was an emotional reunion but wasn't long until we were giving each other shit for one thing or another. Before flying to New Zealand, dad had said he wanted to spend my time there filled with activities; some new, and some revisited from my childhood memories. So over the next 10 days, we did the following (Yes, I need to do a list)
My mum, who lives in the North Island, travelled down to the South Island to see me during my quick visit. We met up for coffees & shopping dates on a number of occasions which was really special. She was very cautious and respectful of not taking too much time away from dad so we mostly timed our catch ups when dad had his afternoon nap. Just as I thought my holiday was coming to an end, Australia changed it's border restrictions; I had to be OUT of managed Isolation for an entire 14 days before being allowed entry. I had 4 additional days with my dad. Because we had no plans, My mum and I walked down the street one day and popped into a tattoo parlor. Although they were booked out for months ahead, that morning they had a cancellation for the following day. I went home and told dad I was getting a tattoo for him. Growing up, my dad grew and sold flowers and bulbs at markets. One of the flowers I will always remember and relate to dad was the Gladioli.. so I knew I needed that. The next day, It was being tattooed on my arm with dad watching (he was not interested in getting one himself, as much as I tried to convince him). Saying goodbye at the airport was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I walked away with new and old memories surrounding my heart, knowing I just had my last hug with dad, just about broke it. I flew into Auckland, where I was picked up and taken to see Libby in her element - teaching. It was amazing to see my beautiful friend teach her class, something I had never done before. After school we went to Te Ware Whare (of course) and then back to her house. My Aunty then called and told me some news - Melbourne Airport was not accepting any international flights in. I spent the next few hours re-directing my flight from Auckland, eating dinner, more talks with Libby, then bed. I managed to get a flight to Sydney but the times didn't add up, so I stayed over in Sydney and took a flight to Mildura the following morning. Travelling was all a bit of a shit show from the start, but I got there and I got back to my babies and my man eventually. Dad went downhill pretty quickly after that. He was in and out of hospital a fair bit and on regular Morphine by March. I received a message from dad one night in June saying he was on his way to the hospital. The next morning the nurses told me it was close. He would be gone within hours. I organized a video chat with my Aunty, who was by his side, understanding I wouldn't get a response from dad. I knew that it was close and I wanted one of his wishes to be fulfilled - well, as best as I could anyway. My dad wanted his dog to be with him when he passed. Unfortunately that couldn't happen with dad in hospital, so I did the next best thing; I brought out my phone and started playing a video I took when I was over there, of dad and Reuben playing together. During that video, dad passed away quietly. With COVID still raising hell around the world, we haven't been able to go back to New Zealand since for a proper goodbye, but I organised a little of dad's ashes to be sent away to make this gorgeous necklace. Looking forward
We will be heading back to New Zealand in a few months to say our goodbyes and to bring my dad's ashes home. Since Dad's passing, my husband and I have bought and moved into a new home. We have plans to renovate some of the rooms in the house and are in the process of bringing you a brand new studio, so stay tuned! Keeping your body maintained | Pure Beauty Photography BlogBreastScreen Australia is the national breast cancer screening program. Every state and territory operates a BreastScreen Australia service, and invites women aged between 50 and 74 years to have a mammogram every 2 years. Screening mammograms are used to find breast cancers early, before they can be seen or felt. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances of surviving it. Your chances of getting breast cancer increase with age. 1 in 7 Australian women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. For a few minutes of being uncomfortable, these mammograms are offered for free, and although they widely promote this service to women aged between 50 and 74 years, the service is also offered to women aged from 40 years and over at no charge. Like anything of value, you want to ensure you look after and maintain it to its best state. Isn't our body our most valuable possession? So why wouldn't you look after it and ensure it functions at its best? When I discovered this service was available to women over 40 years, I jumped online and booked myself in. One reason was purely for curiosity, and another was because I wanted to ensure I was in the best possible health. I had not had any changes within my breasts, and I have always regularly self checked my breasts. Several years earlier, self checking had located a lump in my armpit (which did turn out to be nothing, but scared the life out of me at the time!) My first mammogram showed up a few anomolies, so they spent some extra time getting images from more angles. The wait for results is usually around 14 days, when you will receive a call from BreastScreen Australia. My call back was from a nurse from BreastScreen, who advised me that a dense mass was picked up in my right breast. She explained all possible outcomes of what this could be - ranging from thick breast tissue through to breast cancer. She was amazingly supportive and gave me so much information throughout the call, and also sent me information to my email that I could read, and call back with any questions I had. We finished the call by making a follow up appointment the following week in Bendigo for more mammograms and possibly ultrasounds. I wasn't worried about heading in for more exploratory mammograms, I think because I was so well informed throughout. I didn't have a lot of time to dwell on it also, because I only had a few days down time before I had to be in Bendigo. (Ha Ha - down time....with a toddler!) I arrived at BreastScreen in Bendigo, and waited for my mammogram. Again, they took extra images from many different angles on both breasts. I then headed back to the waiting room while the doctor looked over them. I was then called in to have an ultrasound on my right breast, because the dense mass could not be identified from the mammograms.
For this, I had a nurse present, and the ultrasound was done by a specialist. Whilst I was nervous, I really just needed to know what the mass was, so I could get organised and prepare for whatever was coming. Both the nurse and the Specialist were amazing, talking and explaining everything to me throughout the whole process. They finished the ultrasound on the right breast, and then did the left also to compare. Through the ultrasound, they could identify the mass is dense breast tissue. I could have told them how thick and heavy my boobs are....as a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure I did! On discussions with my mum, the same thing had happened with her too - it seems that thick, heavy boobs run deep within my family! I have just recently had my BreastScreen check up, and whilst I am waiting on my results, I am confident that no matter what they may or may not find, I'll be fully informed of all options available to me along the way, by sincere, caring, genuine staff. And now that they have so many pictures of my breasts on file, this gives them a guide of what is my normal, and a comparison of what my tissue looked like a few years ago. So if you're over 40, get online and book an appointment, or give BreastScreen a call on 132050. Due to COVID, non urgent appointments do take a while to be confirmed (I had been on the waitlist for 9 months for a routine check up). Most importantly, do your self checks and if you DO notice a difference, don't hesitate to see your GP and book your urgent appointment with BreastScreen Australia. Mikayla's Boudoir Photography Shoot | Pure Beauty PhotographyClassic Beauty is how I'd explain Mikayla. Those beautiful eyes and exquisite lips scream timeless beauty. This selfless mother of three, came into the Studio feeling that level of nervousness that we all feel when placed in a vulnerable situation, but Oh Boy did she rise up to the occasion, and walked out ten feet tall, and feeling beautiful, sexy, confident and so full of self love and worth. All photo shoot days are the best days! Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session? I think I was my main obstacle, I really had to remind myself that I was worth feeling good, sexy and empowered. It was scary being in such a vulnerable situation, but knowing I was in full control helped me feel a little less intimated by it all. What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session? I needed the reminder that although my babies changed my body, my mind and my soul, I've come out of that change even stronger, even more beautiful, and to see those photos - it was so evident that I'm even more myself now, than I was before my body changed. Did I provide enough pre-session info? 100% How did you feel BEFORE your session? I understood why adult nappies were made, I was pooping myself! How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup? Oh they were fantastic, I loved it all. How would you describe the session? (poses, direction, comfort level, thoughts, FEELINGS) I'm normally very guarded, and by the end of my shoot I was walking around, breeze on my titties, living my best life! Lauren made me feel as if judgment didn't exist, I felt 100% comfortable and she gave direction which made it super easy for me to slide into poses and get the shot fast. Was the session different than you expected? If so, how? I was may more carefree then I thought I would have been. How did you feel AFTER your session? On top of the world! What was your favorite part? The environment, You really feel as if you can take on the world the moment you step into the studio! What was your least favorite part? The fact I even doubted that maybe my photos weren't going to portray me how I needed them to. I was scared I'd see what i see in the mirror at home, but i didn't, I saw myself in a completely new light! Would you ever do another session? Oh yes 1000000% How did you feel when you saw your images? I was shocked! I didn't think I'd ever be able to look at myself fully naked and love every part of me but I did! Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session? Um yes, mum titties are so 2021! Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session?
Just do it! Don't hold yourself back from seeing yourself the way you deserve! Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know? Make up, no make up, clothes, no clothes, hair done, or hair in a scruffy bun. You're beautiful, you're strong and you deserve to feel like a queen so just do it. You won't regret it! Releasing yourself from the Past | Pure Beauty Photography BlogFor so long, I've still remained attached...attached to my marriage that ended over two years ago. Is it love keeping me bound? That's a resounding NO! - those feelings are well and truly gone! Is it because I spent the best part of fifteen years in a relationship with him? No! Is it because we have children together? No!- but that will continue to keep him in my life - we co-parent and we do it well. The kids have always been our first priority throughout, and continue to be, and we have to be able to communicate to ensure this remains to work. My attachment, until very recently, remained by name. I chose to keep my married name after the separation, and also after the divorce was official, because "Everyone knows me by that name. It's too involved to change it again. I can't be bothered." etc, etc.... But approaching the first anniversary of my divorce, something in me began to stir. I was motivated and ready to make changes, BIG changes! Within 24 hours I was compelled to change my name back to my maiden name. This was like an unseen force was driving me to do it. Yes, it was going to be annoying, going to Centrelink, the Bank, all the updates everywhere, but none of it was putting me off.
I truly felt it was the right time, for me, to make the change, and to release me back to my own self once again. "A name represents identity, a deep feeling and holds tremendous significance to its owner." - Rachel Ingber Really, who would have thought that doing so would make me feel lighter, like I'd just had heavy chains lifted from around my shoulders? I do feel somewhat lighter, ready to move forward in my life, to live for me. The future somehow seems brighter and easier. I'm coming back to being the "old me". The me that had fun, didn't care about people judging me (not that I really ever have anyway!). I feel like my parenting style is different - more chilled out and relaxed - mostly! And my attitude! Cue that sassy, fun attitude once more. I do wonder what the deep rooted reason was that was stopping me from making the change? But I also fully believe that our own intuition will lead us in the right direction at the perfect time in our lives. As for dating.....well, let's just leave that one for another time... Love Kim xo Kellie's Boudoir Session | Mildura Intimate PhotographyIf you have been lucky enough to meet Kellie, you know that your life is that little bit richer! This beautiful soul got to experience her own Boudoir Session, and lucky for us....we now get to have a sneak peek at the finished product! Kellie not only got her Pure Beauty Experience, but she also gained a new found love for her incredible booty, and has once again discovered her self confidence. Kellie truly embraced everything that a Boudoir Experience gives you, and she celebrates that with love, excitement and enthusiasm, so much so, that we had to have her as a Brand Ambassador! Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session? Yes, nerves, a lot of nerves. Was I going to look ok?, Was I going to be able to pull of poses?, Was I going to love my body again? What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session? I saw Karen’s posts and how amazing she looked. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t know it was available here. Did I provide enough pre-session info? OMG yes, Lauren is amazing, she was always willing to help me with any question I had and constantly was updating me with info about how things were going to run. How did you feel BEFORE your session? Nervous but excited at the same time. How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup? Yes make up was really natural and hair was lovely. How would you describe the session? (poses, direction, comfort level, thoughts, FEELINGS) Poses were tailored to what I could do, Lauren provided a lot of instruction and was constantly telling me where to put hands, feet, legs etc. The poses are hard at times but I understand why seeing the end result. It’s worth every awkward pose. Was the session different than you expected? If so, how? Didn’t really have any expectations so no wasn’t different. How did you feel AFTER your session? Amazing, happy, sexy, empowered. What was your favorite part? The laughs, but every part really. The team make you feel so relaxed. What was your least favorite part? Just the aches afterwards but really worth it. Would you ever do another session? Hell yes!!!! How did you feel when you saw your images? Amazed that even though I felt awkward doing the poses the end result was well worth it. Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session? Yes, I feel more comfortable in my skin, sexy isn’t a size 6 or 8 or 10 or whatever size you are. Sexy is confidence Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session? Do it!!!!!! You’ll feel amazing, relaxed and empowered. Follow the instructions Lauren sends out prior, those little tips really help the preparation process. Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know? Don’t ever change Loz. What you are doing is amazing and life changing ❤️ Michelle's Boudoir Photo Shoot | Mildura Intimate PhotographyI truly get so excited when a Beauty walks in to the Studio, and they don't yet know their worth or their beauty. This was Michelle. This brunette beauty with the piercing eyes absolutely nailed her session! She brought sexy, fun, laughter and light with her, and had us all smiling along with her! Michelle shone bright in her amazing outfits, and had us all not wanting the session to end. Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session? No, I was just full of excitement. What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session? I've felt pretty down on myself for a while and started feeling back to the real me again and wanted to capture it and enjoy it when I'm old and grey. Did I provide enough pre-session info? Yes How did you feel BEFORE your session? Pure excitement How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup? Absolutely loved working with you and your team. You all did such an amazing job. How would you describe the session? (poses, direction, comfort level, thoughts, FEELINGS) Very comfortable except for not being able to get my bum out - Ha Ha! It was a great deal of fun. I did feel awkward at some points but that's just me not thinking I can do sexy (I was mistaken). Was the session different than you expected? If so, how? It was perfect. How did you feel AFTER your session? I still feel great and am sure I will continue to. What was your favorite part? The whole experience. What was your least favorite part? Nothing. Would you ever do another session? Absolutely. How did you feel when you saw your images? Excited and amazed! Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session? That I have sexy within me! Ha ha ha! Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session?
Do it! It's worth every cent. Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know? It's a very calming space, there is no need to stress or worry about it and you will be so grateful you did it. Kale's Boudoir Photography Shoot | Mildura Intimate Boudoir PhotographyKale is outgoing, bubbly, confident and a wonderful, self assured woman who knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to get it! Kale first put her hand up, just after launching Pure Beauty Photography, for an outdoor lingerie photo shoot, and she nailed it! Racy in red, juicy booty - this gal has it all! So when Kale put her hand up for another shoot, but this time with Pure Beauty and for herself, I knew I was in for a fun filled shoot! Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session? Not really What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session? Knowing that it would make me feel more empowered, and to capture my youth and beauty. Did I provide enough pre-session info? Yes, absolutely was happy to answer any questions forwarded. How did you feel BEFORE your session? Slightly nervous, but excited more so. How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup? I think it was enough for me to be happy, a few minor things could have been better but overall, still satisfied. How would you describe the session? (poses, direction, comfort level, thoughts, FEELINGS) It was all good, the process was easy, I didn't feel rushed. The explanations given for poses and guidance was just phenomenal. Was the session different than you expected? If so, how? Not really different to my expectations actually. How did you feel AFTER your session? Sore, tired and on a high. What was your favorite part? The boomerang taken with the nipple pasties falling off! Would you ever do another session? Yes How did you feel when you saw your images? Yeah, surprised, and in awe of how wonderful the images came out! Mmmm :-) Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session? I have not many problems with body confidence, so not really. Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session? Just do it!!! Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know? To know that there are parts of them selves they don't love or like, that other women wish they had, that! Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and we have to love the one and only body God gave us.. Bowen Therapy - Investing in your health | Mildura Intimate Boudoir PhotographyPhoto by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash If you have never heard of Bowen Therapy before, you are not alone. Prior to local Bowen Therapist Lisa Tessier posting on a business callout on the Pure Beauty Facebook page, I didn’t know what it was either. Pure Beauty reached out to Lisa to gain some insight on what the form of holistic remedial body technique does and the philosophy behind it. As Lisa explained to me, Bowen Therapy is a hands on, holistic, soft tissue therapy. “It uses gentle rolling movements over different muscles, tendons, fascia and joints that initiate a healing response in the body,” she continued. “It manually gives the body a break from flight, fight or freeze." “It hits that reset button and drops your nervous system down into rest, digest and heal (parasympathetic nervous system).” Lisa discovered Bowen Therapy in her early teens while living in South Australia. When she moved to Mildura, she noticed there was a lack of therapists offering the service locally and knew she had to change that. This was particularly important to Lisa because Bowen Therapy is different to other hands on therapies, in that it is holistic. “We treat the body, mind and emotions during every session,” Lisa said. “We aren't just treating one area of the body in isolation, every body system is affected." “For example in one Bowen session, we could treat your anxiety, digestive issues and knee pain.” There is no denying the last few months have been particularly stressful for everyone and Lisa said Bowen Therapy is essential when we are feeling anxious, exhausted and overwhelmed. It can also assist with autoimmune conditions, digestive and respiratory issues, emotional and mental wellbeing, fertility, pre and postnatal care, headaches and migraines, jaw and sinus issues, muscular pain and tension and recovery from accidents and injuries. Bowen Therapy can also be beneficial for babies and children, with it being able to assist with birth trauma, colic, constipation and neck restrictions as well as assist children on the spectrum. While you’d be forgiven for thinking it is only the patient who is appreciative of what Lisa does, she said she finds being able to assist someone in changing their life for the better incredibly rewarding. “Sometimes it's a small change, sometimes massive,” she said. “And sometimes the most important thing I can do in a day is just listen and be present with my client." “The relationships I build with my clients are the most important part of it all. I am always honored to be part of their healing journey." “It's a big thing to be honest and vulnerable with any sort of therapist and I never take that for granted." |
WelcomeHere you will find my featured babes, #wearepurebeauty , as well as some tips for your boudoir shoot- from lingerie shopping to hair and makeup Something to add?We are excited to announce we are now accepting blog features. If you have something you would like to add to our blog, click here
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AuthorMildura resident and Photographer, Lauren Southwell launched Pure Beauty in late June, 2018 & is committed to helping woman feel beautiful, sexy and empowered through the art of Boudoir Photography. |