Rebeka's Maternity Boudoir Photo Shoot | Mildura Intimate PortraitsI was so excited to capture Rebeka for her Maternity Boudoir Shoot, not only because it is such an exciting and wonderful time, but also because of the journey Rebeka has been on to conceive. It was my honour to capture Rebeka celebrating her beautiful body and embracing her confidence. Doesn't she just radiate in her pregnancy! Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session? Just a fear that I wouldn’t be able to pose properly. What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session? I fell pregnant with my IVF miracle and wanted to capture something truly beautiful. Did I provide enough pre-session info? Definitely. How did you feel BEFORE your session? Nervous/scared but super excited. How would you describe the session? (poses, direction, comfort level, thoughts, FEELINGS) Full on (in a good way). I was comfortable the whole time (except some poses were uncomfortable due to my belly) Even doing the nude ones I never once felt uncomfortable. They are so well thought out and Lauren knows what she’s doing. I’m so happy with how it all turned out. Was the session different than you expected? If so, how? It was everything I thought it would be plus more. Being pregnant I felt amazing, beautiful and sexy and never once felt frumpy or ugly. How did you feel AFTER your session? I felt inspired, beautiful and complete. What was your favorite part? Honestly taking all my clothes off and showing my body properly. What was your least favorite part? The hot weather! Would you ever do another session? OMG of course! How did you feel when you saw your images? I almost cried seeing my little preview photo. I never thought I’d look that good and whilst pregnant too! Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session? I'm more comfortable within my skin, and it made me realise I am beautiful and I can do anything! Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session? Just bloody do it! Don’t um and aah, just book the session, turn up and rock that boudoir shoot! Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know? Just be yourself and it will come to you naturally.
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Steph's Boudoir Photo Shoot | Mildura Intimate PhotographySteph is an amazing personality - this girl can light up the room! I was thrilled to be able to photograph Steph, and achieve her vision for her Boudoir Shoot, and was also honoured to help her celebrate her Birthday in such a positive, empowering, fun and unique way! Steph definitely lit up the room, and completely lit up every one of her images! Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session? That I won’t know what to do properly. What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session? The information night I went to, and wanting to celebrate my 25th birthday with something special and to empower myself. Did I provide enough pre-session info? Yes - loads! How did you feel BEFORE your session? I felt nervous, but thrumming with excitement! How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup? I absolutely adored your prep team! They did a wonderful job on my hair and makeup, and helped relax and pump me up for my session. How would you describe the session? (poses, direction, comfort level, thoughts, FEELINGS) The Directions given by you were awesome! They helped me to know what I needed to do, and to feel comfortable and bold enough to pose as I felt was going to be best. I was extremely comfortable having you capture these moments and your encouragement was wonderful.. Was the session different than you expected? If so, how? It was a lot more in-depth with direction on how to pose, and a lot more of my own free choice to do what I wanted. This was a good thing, and I didn’t expect you to be commanding but you gave enough direction to help me know exactly how I wanted to pose. How did you feel AFTER your session? I felt amazing and so much more confident, like I can face anything! What was your favorite part? It was the laughs we had, and that you were so invested in the time we had. I could see it was the main focus at the time. I also love that you went over and above with providing a birthday cake ?❤️ What was your least favorite part? Deciding which photos I had to cull because I loved so many!!! Would you ever do another session? Yes I strongly want to!!! I’ll wait a few years, but I’m excited to get back into the studio.
How did you feel when you saw your images? I felt dumbfounded that they were me, like I knew they were, but I couldn’t believe that I am that beautiful! I could see my personality shine through in many photos, and see myself in a different light. Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session? I have a lot more respect for myself, and that I shouldn’t just let people take my energy and time away from me. I’ve always been a giver to the point of being drained and still giving, but now I respect myself too much to let people do that anymore. I know I am worthy of my own love. Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session? Do it. Don’t think about what other people say. Do it for you for the power you get from it. Don’t be afraid to say it’s what you want and don’t be afraid of Lauren or the Prep team. Tell them exactly what you’re imaging and how you want it to go. If you don’t know what you want don’t hesitate to research and discuss it to make your dream a reality. You walk out feeling lighter and happier after your shoot. Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know? Just a Massive Thank You for letting me into the Studio, and embracing me during this shoot. It is a Birthday I’ll never forget and an experience I’d do again in a heart beat! Amanda's Boudoir Photo Shoot | Mildura Intimate PhotographyBubbly Amanda is a hard working Mum, and is also a beautiful soul, and I couldn't wait to finally get her in the Studio for her Boudoir Photography Shoot! Amanda has always been so excited and enthusiastic about Pure Beauty, so it was a really special treat to have this blonde bombshell come in and nail her session! Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session? I did... What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session? I needed to do something for myself for once. Did I provide enough pre-session info? Hell yes! How did you feel BEFORE your session? Nervous AF! How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup? Fuck Yes!!! How would you describe the session? (poses, direction, comfort level, thoughts, FEELINGS) Easy, Funny as hell! Comfort level just got greater as the session went on. Was the session different than you expected? If so, how? Yes. I thought it would be a lot more serious, but it was so much fun! How did you feel AFTER your session? Fantastic! Let's do it again! What was your favorite part? Having a good laugh! What was your least favorite part? Getting dressed afterwards! Would you ever do another session? Um.....Fuck Yes!!!!! How did you feel when you saw your images? Completely in love! I never knew I could look so good! Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session? Just that I now believe people when they say I have a good ass!!! Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session?
JUST DO IT! Yes you'll feel a little nervous at the start, but Lauren really breaks the ice! Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know? Book me in again! Elite Ambassador Vee - My Personal Journey with Congenital Breast Asymmetry | Mildura Intimate Boudoir PortraitsNever, in her wildest dreams, did Vee picture herself wearing lingerie for a Boudoir Photography Shoot, let alone become an Elite Brand Ambassador for Pure Beauty Photography. Vee shares with us her very personal story about Congenital Breast Asymmetry and envelops us in her emotional and powerful journey to loving and embracing her body. Growing up, I was always a happy kid, with really supportive parents and siblings. As I started high school, I struggled with Breast Development and I spoke to my mum about it. I had always struggled with bras, both padded & not. My mum was amazing, and always had me professionally fitted. When we went shopping it was my biggest insecurity, I developed on my right side - around a B cup, but was flat chested on my left side. I was always assured by the women whom fitted me "It’s okay, it’s normal, everyone has different sized breasts.” That helped to a degree at the time, but my insecurities became worse as I was getting older. Girls around me, were a lot more developed… but I was still the same... I was 18 when I went back to my GP. I had waited to see if I would develop, but there was no change at all. I didn’t feel right about it My GP referred me to a Specialist in Breast Surgery, who told me I had Congenital Breast Asymmetry - I was born that way and it wouldn’t have developed naturally. It was an emotional rollercoaster that day, but my Specialist advised surgery was available. I would have two implants, one larger than the other, to make them the same size. Unfortunately the price of the surgery was extremely expensive, but was offered to go on a waiting list. It was a relief knowing that there was help available. Some people think it's silly, but being at my age and not being able to fit in a bra was a massive struggle. I would look at my body every day in absolute disgust and hatred. I travelled to Melbourne many times, meeting my Surgeon and hoping a date would be confirmed. Every time I went, “We still don’t have a date for you”, it became harder and harder. The travel, appointment and returning the same day was so difficult. I was tired - physically and emotionally, but was lucky that I had such a great support network from family and my boyfriend, who all flew with me at individual times. My Surgeon was so lovely, and she helped me understand the procedure, the side effects if the surgery happened, the bonuses and what I would have to do post surgery. But every time I went, there were tears. I was becoming a woman and constantly covering or hiding myself. At my final appointment (I didn’t realise it would be my last), they said they didn’t have a date, and I could still be waiting for a really long time. I cried so much, but my Surgeon was amazing - very comforting and understanding. I called mum and told her that they still had no news - we both cried a lot. A few months later, I received a call from the hospital and was told my surgery would be in 2 weeks if I could attend! I was in shock! I cried and had to ask several times if she was serious! She assured me she definitely was. I had to get a mammogram and ultrasounds before my surgery. I called mum and told her the news, we both couldn’t stop crying! I called my dad and my boyfriend, and they were so happy for me. I told work that I finally got my appointment, and they gave me all the leave I needed for the surgery and recovery. The lead up was so exciting and it also made me extremely anxious, but FINALLY it was happening. It was the day of the surgery. I checked in and waited for an hour before seeing the nurses and doctors. I cried a lot due to my nerves and the “unknown”. Being knocked out scared the hell out of me, and having waited 4 whole years for this, all culminated to this moment - TODAY WAS MY DAY! Before I knew it was in the hospital bed, in my gown and being dotted and lined ready for the dissection (well, that’s what it looked like to me at least!). I met my Surgeon once again, and she comforted me and told me it was going to be okay. I met the other staff for the surgery and they were all so amazing, I couldn’t have been left in better hands. BAM! I was asleep and all of a sudden it was done. A doctor from the surgery rolled me out, and as I was waking up he said he had called my mum and my boyfriend to let them know that I was awake. Even though I was super out of it from all of the anesthetic, I was crying, I couldn’t believe after all this waiting it was over. I was in the hospital for just under 24 hours, was looked after wonderfully by the staff and nurses. I went home the next morning and stayed with my family and mum. Later in the week, I was surprised by my Dad, sister and boyfriend a few days earlier than expecting them. I had an amazing week, my recovery was incredible. I was booked in to see my Surgeon for a check up the following week, I gave her the biggest hug and she honestly changed my entire world. She fought so hard for me to get this surgery. If it wasn’t for her I may still be on that waiting list. I want to thank my family, my amazing siblings and especially my parents for all the support and reassurance through the tears and stress and insecurities. My Surgeon, Dr Yvonne Chow - I couldn’t have picked a better Surgeon. My aunts for having me stay, and my beautiful friends.
I really hated my body beforehand, and I wish I hadn’t. Congenital Breast Asymmetry is a lot more common than even I realised. I am glad I went through it, and now, FINALLY after two years, am able to share what I went through. I am now an Ambassador for a Boudoir Photographer! Never in my mind did I think I would pose for photos in lingerie! This surgery has given me so much more confidence and happiness I ever thought I’d be able to have. I’d be lying if I didn’t say some days I still look at myself, and if in a negative frame of mind, I will doubt myself. Then I look at myself again and smile, because I have come so far! I still cover up a lot, I am generally a lot more comfortable, but I’m not afraid to wear something a little more revealing anymore. If you have Congenital Breast Asymmetry, I am always happy to talk, or even if you suffer from body image issues, I am here to listen. See your GP and discuss it with them and ask for a referral to a Specialist. There is so much help out there. Please don’t look at yourself in disgust like I did. You’re beautiful, and amazing There is so much more I could write about this journey but it was crazy emotional. Thank you for reading this, it was hard to write and share but I did it. Love you all, Vee xx Serena's Boudoir Photo Shoot | Mildura Intimate PortraitureSerena has been a long time supporter of Pure Beauty, and has always been a big contributor to the VIP Group. She is always uplifting women with her beautiful comments, and submitting a Featured Blog for the Website. Serena was also one of the first ladies to start paying into her Boudie Bank for her Boudoir Shoot. So, when it was time for Serena's shoot, you can just imagine how excited I was, after so much anticipation! I can't wait to photograph this beauty again for her Ambassador Shoot.... Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session? I did want to lose a tiny bit of weight from my tummy and legs, but then I didn't. But I didn't really worry about it today, I felt sexy and beautiful just the way I am. What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session? I don't know! I just sort of decided to go for it and figured the rest out later - Ha Ha! I'm glad I did though! Did I provide enough pre-session info? Absolutely How did you feel BEFORE your session? So excited!!! My nerves kicked in a little bit right before I walked in, but they soon disappeared. How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup? Yes! I loved having my hair and makeup done. Thank you so much ladies x How would you describe the session? (poses, direction, comfort level, thoughts, FEELINGS) Lauren made me feel so comfortable, and easily gave me directions if I wasn't sure what to do with myself. I love how she showed me what to do first, then I got into position. I was actually quite relaxed and just having so much fun. The poses were a little tricky, but they came out amazing on the camera. Was the session different than you expected? If so, how? I was much more relaxed then I thought i would be. It was fun, empowering and just seemed like I was hanging out with the girls, just getting my photos taken in underwear - Ha Ha! How did you feel AFTER your session? I felt excited,happy, wanting to do another one straight away! So sexy and empowered. What was your favorite part? The feeling you get when you're comfortable and totally in the moment. What was your least favorite part? My sore knees, and trying to balance in heels! Ha Ha! Would you ever do another session? Yes! Can I book another right now? lol How did you feel when you saw your images? The sneak peeks I've seen look incredible, and I couldn't believe it was me! I looked amazing! Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session? Definitely! I'm less worried about how big my butt is, or my legs. They look sexy from other angles! I'm happy with myself and I'm beautiful just the way I am. Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session?
Don't worry about how you think your body looks so much. Push your insecurities aside and just have fun and enjoy yourselves. You will be amazed at how incredible your body looks from different angles through someone else's eyes. We are always hating on ourselves and we don't need to. We are gorgeous, hot, sexy women! Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know? Start paying into your Boudie Bank! Book your session and just go and have heaps of fun in your underwear! Trust me you'll love it! xx Easy Entertaining | Platter It Up for your Boudoir BabesI love entertaining, but I also love keeping things simple! So what is my best weapon, whilst still catering for a group of people with different tastes? Platters! If you have ever been to a Pure Beauty Photography Information Night, you would have experienced one of my platters. So here's a few tips and tricks for creating your own Platter de Resistance!!! Start with several larger items and position them at the centre and ends of your platter I purchased several large plastic platters (from Cheap as Chips of similar) for around $2 each. I also purchased a couple of smaller ones, for when it's just a small nibbles platter for two or three people. These are great because they are reusable, easily stacked away in my pantry, and can be used for a multitude of serving different foods! I always purchase a few different types of cheeses and at least one dip. I try to cater to most people's tastes - not everyone is a fan of Blue Cheese or a Spicy Chilli Cheese! My usual suspects include Brie or Camembert, Tasty Cheese, a Herb or Mild Chilli Cream Cheese, and I like to mix it up with a Goats Cheese or something a little different. I chop and change which dip I buy too - no one wants the same thing over and over! Some of my favorites are Spicy Pumpkin, Beetroot Hommus or Pesto and Cashew chunky dip. I like a bit of colour! I then place the dip in the middle of the platter, and then a cheese north, east, south and west of the dip. This works as a great starting point for placement of your other items. I tend to find that starting with the larger items, makes it easier to visualise where you want to place the rest of your items. Don't be afraid to add meat to your platter - unless you are catering purely for vegetarians - the sky is the limit!! Again, I try to cater to everyone's taste! Not everyone likes Hot Salami or Spicy Twiggy Sticks! I like to add the traditional favorites, like Kabana and Twiggy Sticks, but love adding some Shaved Ham or Prosciutto and Salami. Fruit goes with Cheese AND adds an element of something light to your Platter Grapes are always a perfect addition to a cheese platter, but don't be scared to put on Strawberries, Cherry Tomatoes (yes, tomatoes are a fruit!) or Figs! Mix it up, you might really surprise yourself and your guests! I love an Antipasto element, but remember to select wisely. For example, I love a Fetta stuffed Bell Pepper, but as these are bathing in Olive Oil, these are NOT suitable for a Pure Beauty Information Evening. Think about it......touching all these beautiful photos with oily and greasy fingers! Aggggghhhhhhh! (I can hear Lauren quietly dying inside as I wrote that!) So, I save my Antipasto additions for other events where beautiful and expensive photographs are not being touched! Of course on a Cheese Platter you want to have crackers! I don't like to inundate my platter with crackers - I can always (and do) take another packet with me to add to the platter when the initial supply is running low. Remember your guests too - anyone gluten free, Keto??? An addition of crudites (carrot sticks, celery etc..) is a great option, or look for crackers that are gluten free. And don't forget the Cheese Knives!!! Don't just limit yourself to Cheese and Nibbles! The possibilities are endless....Fruit platters are always amazing, and can offer so much fresh variety. Mix it up with the fruit and don't be scared of a fruit you haven't tried before! Dragonfruit is really pretty with its magenta skin and inner white flesh with little black seeds - whilst this doesn't have much taste, it makes a great palette cleanser to move on to the next fruit. I love it when exotic fruits are in season and I can play with the different shapes and tastes - fresh and ripe Starfruit is amazing and a beautiful addition to a platter (or a Punch! Proven recipes to follow in another blog!) Again, start with the larger fruit and work your way down. I love breaking up the colours too where I can - mix it up, separating colours so you don't end up with a big block of orange or red, but don't be too hard on yourself if you have some of those colours together. Ensure your fruit is fresh and ripe! I can't stress this enough - there's nothing worse than taking a bite into rock hard and tasteless Honeydew Melon (which I personally find tasteless ALL the time, but I still put it on a platter because I know so many people enjoy it), or worse.....an overripe & mushy strawberry! And always, ALWAYS rinse your fruit under gently running cold water, and let it drain properly. You don't need a big puddle of water on your platter! Remember a nice glass of wine is a fabulous accompaniment for a platter! But drink responsibly my Beauties! My next platter is going to be a mixed dessert platter - think waffles, strawberries, chocolate dipping sauce etc... Now I only haven't attempted one so far because I'm really not a sweet tooth, I love my savories, BUT I can see the enjoyment so many people get from these (think of those yummy dessert platters from Royal Copenhagen or Bobby + Me!!) They do put a smile on my face (before the sugar kicks in on the kids and I have to deal with the after effects!) Kim xo Laura's Boudoir Photography Shoot | Mildura Intimate PhotographySometimes, we lose ourselves in our everyday roles - worker, student, business owner, mum... So I was thrilled when 29 year old beauty, Laura took the Leap of Faith, and booked her shoot! This brunette babe totally nailed her session, and realised that she is so much more than "just" Mum, or "Student", and truly embraced the skin she is in. Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session? Overcoming the whole "Mum Body". What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session? The empowering messages Lauren wrote in posts I've seen, and turning 30, I decided it was time for me. Did I provide enough pre-session info? Yes. Everything was all so helpful, as I didn't know where to start. How did you feel BEFORE your session? Excited! How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup? Loved them all! Vee herself was amazing! How would you describe the session? (poses, direction, comfort level, thoughts, FEELINGS) Great! The instructions and demonstrations were all so helpful, as I had no idea beforehand! Was the session different than you expected? If so, how? No. It was everything I expected and more! I was made to feel so comfortable in my own skin. How did you feel AFTER your session? Amaze balls! What was your favorite part? The laughs - Ha Ha! - and the choice of lingerie from the wardrobe! What was your least favorite part? Ha Ha! - The love heart stickers rolling into a ball! Epic Fail on my behalf! Would you ever do another session? Yes! I can't wait to! How did you feel when you saw your images? Amazed at how good I can look, and I am not "just" a mum! Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session? Yes! I am so much more happier within myself, and am an empowering woman, and can do anything I put my mind to! Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session?
Do it! Take that leap of faith! You'll have no regrets, and walk out of your session walking on Cloud 9! Lauren and the Team are amazing, and you'll love the skin your in! Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know? I can't wait to see the results and book the next one! Danni's Boudoir Experience | Mildura Portrait PhotographerStunning Bombshell Danni signed up for her Boudoir Photo Shoot as a Spur of the Moment decision. And aren't we the lucky ones! Danni embraced the full experience and lapped up the pampering before her shoot, having her hair and makeup done by the Team, which also helped ease any nerves she was experiencing before. Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session? Nervous and excited What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session? Last minute spur of the moment, just went for it Did I provide enough pre-session info? Yes How did you feel BEFORE your session? Excited How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup? Yes yes yes How would you describe the session? (poses, direction, comfort level, thoughts, FEELINGS) Amazing experience, very comfortable and relaxed. I had lots of fun Was the session different than you expected? If so, how? No How did you feel AFTER your session? Beautiful again What was your favorite part? Can't choose one What was your least favorite part? Don't have one Would you ever do another session? Yes How did you feel when you saw your images? Relaxed, happy and beautiful Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session? Yes I feel beautiful again and have my confidence back Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session? Do it , it is the best experience you can reward yourself with and so fun
Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know? Everyone is beautiful all shapes and sizes. Embrace your unique beauty, you are beautiful.
Written by Serena Philp, edited by Kim Long "I'm a Mum of 2 crazy boys, obsessed with makeup and helping women get there confidence back! I spend my days being a boss babe and a housewife (not a desperate one, an empowered one! ) xx" Want to Feature on the Pure Beauty Blog? Click here to apply.
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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. |