Meet the Boudie Babes - Vee Finocchiaro | Mildura Boudoir PhotographyVee Finocchiaro is a ball of infectious energy. You only have to spend a short amount of time with Vee, or read through her encouraging and supportive posts on the Pure Beauty Facebook VIP group, to understand why Lauren decided to have her on her team. When Vee describes herself as chatty, funny and outgoing, she is spot on. She brings to the group an extra level of enthusiasm and positivity in her role as Elite Ambassador. We caught up with Vee (and believe me, it was hard to catch her in one spot) to get an insight into what makes the 24 year old tick: I’m Virginia or Vee as most people know … obviously! I am Australian, part aboriginal, Italian and Scottish. I love Halloween, Makeup, Harry Potter, Singing and many other things. Pure Beauty: What is your role within our team? Vee: My role in Pure Beauty is a few things really! My full time role in Pure Beauty is continuing to empower myself, other women on and offline and other men, children and people in general. My other roles in Pure Beauty are makeup artistry for the clients who come through Lauren’s door and to be an assistant to Lauren. Pure Beauty: Talk me through your background in makeup? Vee: My background and passion in makeup started around six or seven years ago but I have always admired winged liner - it is everything! My bestie in high school (who is still one of my best friends) actually really got me into it. I learnt a lot from watching her and seeing what she used. I began loving it after high school and I had a real passion for coloured lipstick. I bought a couple of bold pigmented colours that really stood out. I basically just did winged liner and bold lips, then I started really showing an interest in becoming a MUA around 2017 and started taking on clients in 2018. By 2019 I was working and taking on more than I ever imagined and a massive thanks needs to go to Lauren for helping kick starting my makeup career! Pure Beauty: As a makeup artist, what do you want to achieve for clients before they have a session with Lauren? Vee: What I aim to achieve with every client is comfort. I love talking to them, seeing what they are interested in and what they have in their own mind. I usually chat to them about their shoot, hoping it eases their nerves, then get excited about what we are about to do. But generally just to get the ladies comfortable and excited! Pure Beauty: To be involved in such an amazing concept, what does that mean to you? Vee: It is so amazing because I get to empower myself and others. I get to be part of a movement and it means everything. I am able to encourage and pass on beautiful vibes and share my story and be part of others. Pure Beauty: So be involved in something that is life-changing, how would you describe it? Vee: It is truly inspirational I am so honored I can be part of this life changing process. It can be super confronting toward yourself, knowing how hard you can be on yourself and see what other women are like to themselves. So seeing women grow and being able to tell them and show them how beautiful they are is just breathtaking and exciting. Pure Beauty: What would you say your most memorable and powerful moment has been while being involved in Pure Beauty? Vee: Being a part of an ambassadorship has been powerful in itself. Every moment I have had with Lauren in Pure Beauty has been powerful and memorable but personally, my own recent photo shoot changed everything. Pure Beauty: On that, we have chatted about being the scenes, when you aren’t the focus of Lauren’s camera. But what about when you are in-front of the lens - how would you describe how the session makes you feel? Vee: It is so hard to explain everything you actually feel having your own shoot but here goes! Everyone is their own worst enemy and critic so I recommend having a shoot more than anything! Having a shoot made me feel like a beautiful confident woman, and it still does! It made me emotional, happy and I laughed so much! It made me feel the best I have ever felt. I now look in the mirror with a smile and I am so fucking happy! Pure Beauty: What about seeing the absolute magic Lauren creates with her work? Vee: Seeing the magic Lauren creates is so fucking beautiful! That woman deserves awards; I tell you what! It really is like magic, seeing these women walk out differently, or sometimes seeing them in a few weeks or months - they are different women! Pure Beauty: You are an inspirational and strong woman yourself, but who is the most influential woman in your life and why?
Vee: My mumma! She has always taught me to be true to myself, kind and honest. My mum always told me that I was beautiful and to dress how I wanted, and she always said the right and empowering things. My mum is also the strongest woman I know. I cannot praise that woman enough! She has influenced me in the best ways possible! I love you Mumma x Pure Beauty: What about in the public area, who do you look up to most? Vee: Lauren is definitely one of the females I admire most. She’s a beautiful woman, boss and friend! Her work speaks for itself and she is an idol to myself and I am sure many others. And my friends! I look up to them because they are also kind hearted and empowering and seeing them strive for their dreams is inspiring as hell!
0 Comments
Meet the Boudie Babes - Kim Long | Mildura Boudoir PhotographyCHANCES are around town or through Pure Beauty you have come across Kim Long. Kim’s one of those people that dabbles in a lot of things. One of those people that you wonder how she has time to do it all. But she does and she does an amazing job; from being an elite ambassador for Pure Beauty, to her full time job in mental health, to volunteering, and of course who can forget - single super mum. Kim’s been with Pure Beauty since the introduction of ambassadors. On the Facebook groups you’ll always see her name pop up beside comments full of encouragement and wisdom. But who is Kim? What makes her tick? She shares the honest and refreshing story of Kim Long and being an Elite Ambassador below: So, here’s me in a nutshell…. I’m a 47 year old, single mum of two amazing boys, who both drive me nuts, but I would kill for, in the same breath. I work full time in Mental Health (and love it), but have a habit of over committing and am looking to sink my teeth into some part time study in all of my spare time! Ha! I was married for 12 years, and I’m now really comfortable being on my own again after my marriage broke down 2 years ago. I hate baths, actually like long walks, on the beach or wherever! I love Reformer Pilates and practice aerial yoga at home in my aerial hammock. But who am I as a person? I struggle with social anxiety and have done for the past five years - which is interesting, considering I ran my own business, was always putting myself out there and attending launches, business events and promotional events, getting up and doing speeches, demonstrations and running events either by myself or with my beautiful clients to help back me up! I’m always the first to get up and speak publicly (for Lauren), which is why many people are surprised that I struggle with social anxiety! I am a passionate and caring person and love to give back when and where I can. I volunteer, and get such a feeling of peace and happiness in doing so, usually to the point where I cry when I’m talking about the charity and what we do! I am a fierce friend, although I’m useless at ringing people to catch up for a chat! I always try to self sabotage friendships (thank-you anxiety), but I do eventually manage to talk myself out of it. I doubt and second guess almost everything I do except for work decisions and modelling for Lauren. But I’m constantly questioning my worth to other people which is at times really overwhelming. Even while I’m with my friends I’m still telling myself that they will figure out I’m not worth it and stop keeping me around. Anxiety really sucks! I firmly believe in removing the negative and toxic relationships from my life, and living in the now and doing what I enjoy. Other people will always have a perception of who they think you are, and you will never please everyone, so I don’t push myself on anyone or try to change their opinion of me. I am a confident person (even with the anxiety), but am useless at making decisions about myself. I’m fantastic at making decisions for business and steering conversations back on track! I talk … a LOT! (And write a LOT too!) I love having time to myself - there is nothing quite as good as losing yourself in a great book. I have a great imagination and I love acting - a passion I haven’t followed for many a year now, but I love losing myself in a role and being completely swept up into that character. Pure Beauty: What is your role within Pure Beauty? Kim: My role as an Elite Ambassador is supporting Lauren in her business in any and every way possible. This involves promotion, public speaking, sharing my beautiful images, empowering and uplifting our amazing Ambassadors and VIP Group ladies, and realistically ALL women! Talking about Pure Beauty and what it can truly do for anyone having their own shoot, considering a shoot or saving for a shoot. Knowing the business, the products and the packages available and being confident speaking about them to anyone. I am so passionate about what Lauren does and have supported her and been so excited about this since the very second she told me what she was up to. I’m a sounding board for Lauren, I offer my input and suggestions about so much. I give her advice, bring her back down to the boring, stable business decisions. I help paint backdrops. I make platters for everything. I drink coffee with her, laugh and play with her kids, try to get everything organised with lists and shopping and get to have beautiful photos taken of me that I get to share everywhere! I also do many of the client blogs for the website. Pure Beauty: As an ambassador what do you want to achieve for clients before and while they have a session with Lauren? Kim: I love it when clients come to me asking questions or to confide in me when they are terrified the day before their shoot. I love being a calming and reassuring person that they feel they can talk to, to support them and help them realise that everything will be perfect at their shoot. I want the clients to feel confident, but also to know that it is perfectly normal to feel nervous, scared, overwhelmed etc. the day before (because we do all feel that ping of self doubt and nervousness!). I love helping them to realise that they are so beautiful and they will be treated as the Goddess they are on the day and all those feelings of doubt about themselves will completely vanish. I am truly honoured that so many wonderful women have asked me questions or trusted me with their worries before their shoot and so very flattered that so many ask me if I can be there for their shoot for moral support. I also know that they are going to have the very best time on the day, will have a sore face from laughing so much and that they will probably cry at the reveal, seeing themselves the way that everybody else does - truly beautiful and flawless! Pure Beauty: The Pure Beauty concept, what does that mean to you? Kim: To me Pure Beauty means to believe in yourself. To feel uplifted, empowered, comfortable and confident in the skin you’re in. Pure Beauty helps you see the person that you are - the way that everyone else sees you - with love, beauty and assuredness. As Margaret Wolfe Hungerford wrote, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Lauren’s eye (and camera lens) captures both your inner and outer beauty. Pure Beauty: Lauren is delivering a service to women that can be life-changing. What is it like to be involved in the process of reminding all women how amazing, beautiful and unique they really are? Kim: I really am honoured to be an Ambassador and beyond flattered that she has kept me on as an Elite Ambassador. I get very swept up in the emotions that women go through after they have a shoot - seeing how their opinion of themselves changes so much - watching them bloom and shine and their confidence building so much. Hearing them speak about themselves afterward is such a reward to me, because they are building themselves up every time they talk about their experience, their images and how they view themselves afterward. It really is a life-changing process, and having gone through it myself I get caught up in the emotions and memories of what it felt like for me. I do cry a lot! Pure Beauty: What would you say has been your most memorable and powerful moment while being involved in Pure Beauty? Kim: I have been lucky enough to experience a few moments but the one I always think of was during the first group ambassador shoot with Vee, Jess, Bella and Kayla. My marriage had only just broken down, I was really at my lowest emotionally, in self confidence and I was terrified of what was to become of my kids and me with no job, the house to be sold, no income and bills piling up. Having this mini shoot (with complete strangers) was the only thing I felt I could throw myself into and knew what I was doing! I was so sad, and it was so hard to hold back the tears and try to hold it together. I was truly broken and out of that, Lauren got the most incredible photo of me - this is the image that I immediately think of. It’s powerful, it’s raw, it’s devastatingly beautiful! It reminds me of the fear, loss and sadness of that time, but I also see how far I have come. How strong I am and how I showed my kids that you can overcome anything if you put your mind to it. Pure Beauty: To those that haven't had a shoot before, how would you describe how the session makes you feel? Kim: A shoot can give you a different feeling each time. It can depend on how organised you are feeling, nervousness, confidence - all of these things come into effect! My very first shoot was amazing. I wasn’t scared or nervous - I was so ready! I had all of my outfits (and plenty of extras), shoes and accessories. My Pinterest Board was overflowing with ideas, I was confident, I felt amazing about myself and I wasn’t focused on any areas that weren’t my favorite. We laughed so much and I was being silly - striking 50’s housewife poses in the kitchen of the B and B! It definitely helped that I had known Lauren for quite a few years and she had taken many photos of me previously for the Babywearing Group, Breastfeeding Normalisation and Kangatraining. Needless to say, I was pretty comfortable with her taking pictures of me even if I was in lingerie or almost naked. My first ambassador shoot was so different - I was so nervous! I had placed a lot of pressure on myself! I had such a clear vision of what I wanted. My Pinterest Board was overflowing, I had so much lingerie but I felt so disorganised! Thankfully it doesn’t communicate in any of the photos though, and obviously the stars aligned, and we got up on the roof and out the back of the studio to get the industrial images I really wanted! My last shoot in the sandhills was different again. I felt confident, amazing, didn’t care about taking off my bra and throwing it away! This was by far my absolute favorite shoot and I think that this is purely because I felt more like myself again after such a long road back! Pure Beauty: How does it feel seeing the absolute magic Lauren creates through her work? Kim: Lauren is incredible at what she does! She is always studying different poses, trying out different ideas and scouting for locations and props and furniture. She did so much research about boudoir photography well before she launched her business! She really planned and thought about this in detail. Lauren can capture the most amazing and beautiful images. She focuses on areas you love about yourself, so that you don’t needlessly focus on areas you may not love about yourself. She is definitely a very talented photographer with an incredible eye. She will get the absolute best out of you every time and you will actually see the incredible beauty you are! As well as that, she has scouted the very best high end product and the images just pop on that metallic paper! The products available for your images are really second to none! Pure Beauty: Who is the most influential woman in your life and why? Kim: I definitely have a few, but the most influential woman in my life is my amazing bestie Kylie. This woman is a powerhouse! Her heart is so huge and she has got me through so very much. She is truly my rock and I couldn’t survive without her. I’ve watched her run a national business as if it were her own, while raising three beautiful and incredible children, survive so much and still be there for so many people as their support, mentor and friend. I look up to this incredible woman and I am so damn proud that she is in my life! Pure Beauty: Do you have any idols in the public area you look up to and why? Kim: I follow several Australian women - mainly mums keeping it real. I do love Laura Mazza - Mum on the Run. Laura keeps it straight up and says it how it is. She is brutal and honest with her journey with motherhood, postnatal depression and anxiety. And being a mum from Melbourne, I find her honesty and posts to be refreshing and relatable. Pure Beauty: If you could send one message to all the females out there, what would it be?
Kim: Be kind to yourself! You truly deserve the world and although you may not really believe that right now it’s true! Everyone is beautiful, everyone has infinite potential, everyone is unique. The perceived flaws you think you have, no-one else sees - most likely others see what you think as flawed, as perfect. Let your inner light shine and do what makes you feel happy. Book a session with Lauren and see yourself the way you need to see yourself! Boost that confidence. Love yourself and love the body and skin you are in, because you are exactly as you should be! Perfect. xx Finding your flair - Cocktails post COVID-19 | Mildura Boudoir PhotographyThe time is getting nearer when we can have gatherings once again, so aside from hitting up Kmart, many of us are dying to have our friends over and entertain with nibbles, a delicious meal, dessert and of course, Cocktails!!!! Here's a couple of my go-to recipes to get you going, and a few pointers when organising an event that includes cocktails. I've also snuck in a delicious mocktail too! So let us begin with some sensible suggestions for your shindig:
Pink Punch Makes 2L or approximately 13 drinks 150ml Lime Juice 3 cups Caster Sugar 1L Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice 350ml White Rum Ice Stir all ingredients in a large bowl until sugar has dissolved. Garnish with sliced Ruby Red Grapefruit. Kiwi Cocktail Serves 4 5 Kiwifruit - peeled and finely chopped 3 Limes - cut into wedges 1/3 cup Mint Leaves 1tbsp Brown Sugar 1/4 cup Vodka 1 1/2 cups crushed ice 4 cups Soda Water Combine Kiwifruit, Lime, Mint and Sugar in a bowl. Pound with end of a rolling pin until crushed. Spoon mixture among 4 glasses. Add Vodka and Ice. Top up with Soda Water. Moscato Punch
Serves 8 750ml Pink Moscato 750ml Sparkling Rose 1 cup Guava or Orange Juice 100g Strawberries, thinly sliced 1 cup Crushed Ice Mint Leaves to serve Combine Moscato, Rose, Juice, Strawberry and Ice in a Jug. Serve into glasses and decorate with a sprig of Mint. Summer Iced Tea Serves 12 4 Herbal Infused Tea Bags (eg: Twinings Cranberry and Pomegranite) 24 Mint Leaves, torn 4 cups Boiling Water 4 cups Pineapple Juice 4 Passionfruit, Pulp and seeds to be used 6 Lychees, peeled and de-seeded (optional) 2 cups Ginger Beer Ice for serving Place teabags and half the mint in a large, heatproof jug. Add boiling water. Jiggle teabags for 1 minute. Discard. Refrigerate until cold. Divide tea, juice, pulp, lychee (if using) and remaining mint between 2 large carafes. Stir until passionfruit seeds separate and all is well combined. Half fill glasses with mix over ice and top with Ginger Beer. Enjoy your time with your friends, and always, Drink Responsibly. Kim xx Keeping It Real | Mildura Intimate Boudoir PhotographySo often, we are so critical of ourselves... Our body, our hair, our clothes, our makeup... the list goes on and on! We need to stop being so hard on ourselves! Why are we so judgmental and unforgiving on ourselves, but yet, these perceived "flaws" of our own, are usually what we see as beautiful and unique in others. When was the last time you were naked in front of your partner/sexual partner? Did they pick out all of your "flaws"? Did they criticise you or look away in disgust? No! They were excited and thrilled that they had a beautiful, confident, sexual woman standing in front of them offering themselves for a night of pleasure! So if our chosen partner (whether it be for a lifetime, years or a night) is not critical of us, then why are we??? Our "flaws" are what makes us unique, what makes us US - what we may perceive as horrid is seen by another as beautiful BUT how can we turn our way of thinking around? How can we start to perceive ourselves as beautiful, our "flaws" as being sexy, attractive, beautiful? Everything has beauty, You have heard it from everyone who has had a shoot - you feel empowered, confident, sexy - but does the feeling last? Does your own body image improve for good? Do you begin to love yourself and those pesky perceived "flaws"? The answer to these questions is a resounding YES! Or if you prefer, YAAAAASSSS QUEEN! That is the absolute beauty of a Boudoir Shoot - you are possibly at your most vulnerable, posing for someone with a camera in your lingerie (or nude). It's possibly the most terrifying and freeing thing you can do! All your opinions and judgements come flooding forward, mixed with questions of yourself such as "Am I good enough to do this?", "Will I get the poses right?", "Will I look as amazing as XXX did?" Again, all the answers to these questions are YES! You are unique, no photo shoot is the same. Lauren will capture you in a way you have never imagined or seen yourself before! Lauren sees your inner beauty and draws that out of you during a shoot, so your natural beauty is radiating, and everyone who sees your photo's will see that inner essence of your beauty shine! All the images you see from Boudoir Photo Shoots from Pure Beauty Photography are the real person - there's no airbrushing body shape or manipulation to make your breasts sit up or give you a bubble butt - What you see are real people, starting to love and accept themselves exactly the way they are.
Yes, bruises and red marks (from previously worn lingerie) will be manipulated, but what you see in the mirror, is what you get in your photographs - just with gorgeous hair and makeup! I'm going to tell you a little story.... There was a young (I use the term loosely!) lady who was so excited about her first Boudoir Shoot with Pure Beauty Photography, BUT her confidence had been almost completely eradicated. She was full of self doubt, anxiety, stress and judgement of herself, but she barrelled ahead with her shoot, because she was just so excited about it, and supporting her beautiful friends new business - and she was also stubborn as a mule! Outfits and accessories were picked out and packed, but so were her critical views of her belly and her thighs. A lot of time was wasted by her thinking negatively of herself and being critical of these perceived "flaws" that no-one but her saw! She adjusted her breasts constantly, she continually held her breath and sucked in her belly as much as she could, but a beautiful thing happened quite soon into the shoot......She Let Go! She let go of her inhibitions, of her self judgement, her self negativity, her anxiety, and embraced the shoot for everything it was - A Celebration! A Celebration of her strength, her beauty - inside and out, her confidence, her assured outlook on life, her ferocity. My favorite images from this shoot, and my subsequent shoots, are actually the ones where my boobs aren't perfectly adjusted, and the roundness of my belly shows - these are always the first images I select from my shoots! And every time I look at any of my photos, I am flooded with all of the feelings of confidence, sexiness, strength and beauty all over again! So what are you waiting for girl? Love yourself that little bit more, and take the leap like I did! Kim xo Winter Warmers | Mildura Boudoir PhotographyWinter Is Coming.....No, this isn't a promo for another GoT season - it's a fact! So what is the greatest thing to consume whilst you're in your cosy ugg boots and Pure Beauty Photography hoodie with the heater keeping you toasty???? Soup!!! It really is so simple to make, and the sky is the limit! You can basically make a soup out of almost anything! Do you know you can make Cheese Soup? Sounds dubious, but I kid you not, it is actually delicious!!!! Here's a couple of my Winter Soup go-to recipes that will warm the cockles of your heart! Go On - Get Cookin' Good Lookin' Pumpkin and Roast Vegetable Soup 1 Pumpkin *I use Japla pumpkin, but any is fine! 1 bulb Garlic 1 Brown Onion 3-4 Potatoes 1 knob Ginger (you can omit this if you don't like Ginger) 3-4 Carrots You can add any root vegetables you fancy! Vegetable Stock Water Salt & Pepper Peel & Chop Vegetables to roasting size & place on oven tray with bulb of garlic, ginger & season with Salt & Pepper & drizzle in Olive Oil. Cook in preheated oven at 180 degrees for around 40 minutes or until roasted & starting to caramelise. Once vegetables are softened & caramelised, remove from oven tray to large saucepan, remove garlic cloves from bulb (you should be able to squeeze gently from the bottom of the bulb & clove will pop out - but be careful - it will be super hot!) Add in enough hot water with stock cubes crumbled & dissolved to cover vegetables. Use a stick blender to puree roasted vegetables & mix together all ingredients. Once blended, Simmer & stir over stove until all ingredients are fully combined. If soup is too thick for your liking - add some more water & stir in. Season with Salt & Pepper to taste. Serve with crusty buttered fresh bread (Sour Dough is awesome!) & stir in some fresh cream or goats cheese & Enjoy! ** Use however many vegetables & pumpkin looks good to you - I don't really measure anything, but I taste during the cooking process to ensure it's to my liking ** Lamb Shank and Vegetable Soup
4 Lamb Shanks 2 Brown Onions 1/2 Celery 4 Carrots Vegetable & Chicken Stock Cubes Water ** You can add in potatoes, barley, lentils - whatever you want! ** Dice Brown Onions, Slice Celery & Carrots and Place in Stock pot on medium stove. Add in Lamb Shanks (don't get the frenched ones - they are more expensive and have so much meat removed). Cover with enough water to cover all ingredients. Season with Salt & Pepper. Crumble in 1 of each stock cube (keep tasting, as you may want/need to add in another 1 or 2 during the cooking process). Heat up until soup is boiling & turn stove down to a slow simmer. Simmer, stirring occasionally for 2-3 hours until meat is falling off the bone & easily removed. Taste the soup, you may need to add more seasoning, or another crumbled stock cube. Keep in mind that the flavours will develop while cooking - so don't over season! If it tastes too salty early in the cook - it's only going to get stronger later! If the water starts to evaporate during cooking, add more. This is a hearty soup & again, fantastic served with buttered bread on the side! This is also really good for your gut health by cooking the meat on the bone throughout the whole process. I also love Hot & Spicy Soups - think a delicious Thai Curry inspired soup! Another favorite is the Kick Start Soup - so full of vegetables & really filling & good for you too! Happy Cooking! Kim x 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. 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! Easy No Bake Recipes - Fun for you and the kids | Pure Beauty Photography Iso ActivitiesI know that not everyone likes to bake or cook, but these are some great little recipes to try at home - getting the kids involved in measuring and mixing (it's called Sneaky Maths!) These are no bake yummy goodness, and if your kids are anything like mine, they will clean these bad boys up super fast! The truffles do require some melting on the stove. Chocolate Truffles (if you like Lindt Chocolate Balls - then these are your jam!) 340g Dark Unsweetened Chocolate 1/4 cup Coconut Oil 3/4 cup Coconut Milk (or Coconut Cream) 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Not Vanilla Essence) 1/4 tsp Salt Maple Syrup to taste Melt chocolate and oil in bowl over simmering hot water on stove top. Stir in coconut milk. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract, salt and syrup. Place in fridge 2 hours to set. Remove from fridge and scoop into balls. Coat in desiccated coconut or slivered almonds if you want to be fancy! Place on tray lined with baking paper and refrigerate until set. These do start to melt once out of the fridge, so only remove when you are wanting to indulge! Bliss Balls
These are super easy and take no time at all! There are so many variations of these, but here are my kids two favorites. These never last long in our house, and are relatively good for you (I did say relatively!) Nut Bliss Balls 1/4 cup Honey 1/2 cup Peanut Butter 1 Tbsp Cocoa 1 cup Desiccated Coconut Place Honey and Peanut Butter in bowl and mix. Add cocoa and mix to combine. Add coconut and combine. Roll into small balls. Refrigerate overnight or 2-3 hours to set. Strawberry Bliss Balls 2 cups Desiccated Coconut 1/3 cup Goji Berries 3 Tbsp Strawberry Jam (I used to add fresh strawberries too - about 4 or 5) Process all together in a blender until well combined and sticking together. Roll into balls and coat with coconut. Refrigerate 2-3 hours to set. Happy eating! Kim xx LAUREN Southwell is the face (and personality) behind Pure Beauty, a beauty and boudoir photography business in Mildura. Those that frequent the VIP Pure Beauty Facebook group, the website or have been lucky enough to have an experience with Lauren in her studio will know she’s easily identifiable by her enthusiasm and passion, for life in general but also for empowering females across all mediums. But who is Lauren, how was Pure Beauty born and what inspires her to be the amazing person she is. We find out: Pure Beauty: Can you give me a bit of background into yourself? Lauren: I have always known I would be in a career where I could “help people”. Since primary school I was always someone my friends could confide in. I gained a sense of importance when I was trusted and it is, still to this day, one of the most powerful motivators for me in life. On the other hand, for as long as I can remember, I had a very distorted, negative view of my body. I would feel disgust looking in the mirror or thinking about sexual activity. My self esteem lacked, as did my confidence and I found myself living with a number of mental health issues including anxiety, depression and anorexia nervosa. I spent a lot of years trying to improve my mental health through therapy, medication and other lifestyle adjustments. Once I began talking to people about my own thoughts I realised most women have some degree of negative self talk. Ater buying my own lingerie and taking selfies, I gained an appreciation I never thought possible. Two years on (and numerous selfies later) I have never felt as much love for my body in my whole life, than what I do now. Pure Beauty: Can you explain to me how the concept of Pure Beauty came about and why? Lauren: When I was pregnant with my twins in 2013, I spent a fair bit of time off work. I started to understand my importance as a photographer and to value my work and myself, which made me want to research into the selling of printed, tangible products. I watched hundreds of hours of video resources, including a lot of live videos by one photographer in particular. She lived in the US and just happened to be a boudoir photographer. When I first saw her images, I was in awe but thought “I could NEVER do that”. The more I watched her videos, the more I saw the client's perspective and the change in their confidence was incredible to see. I started to think perhaps I could do this. I began researching beauty and boudoir poses, lighting, marketing and everything in between. I thought I was ready to launch in 2015 but soon enough, we were delighted with the pregnancy of my daughter. I continued to research and was close to wanting to launch when I realised I needed to work on my own self esteem first. One day I was out having a few drinks with two photographer friends and I announced to them why I wanted to launch boudoir. By the end of my blabbing, one of them said “you have even convinced me to do a shoot!”. Two weeks later we were shooting the very first Boudoir shoot in a hotel room. It was the very first time I had felt 100 percent confident in a photoshoot. The feeling I got from showing her images of herself was incredible and extremely addictive! Pure Beauty: How old is Pure Beauty? Lauren: That first Boudoir shoot was March 22, 2018. From that moment, I knew I wanted to make this my career. I was scared, excited and so nervous, but I planned my launch party and officially launched on June 29, 2018. Pure Beauty: Before Pure Beauty you had Purely Taken Photography. How did you originally get into photography? Lauren: When I was 12 I was given my very first film camera for my birthday. I literally took it everywhere. I became known to be the girl with the camera. I’m sure my friends and family got sick of me pointing a camera in their face but that didn't deter me. My love and passion for photography continued after school as I enrolled in a photography course and grew with me when I moved to Australia at the age of 18. It was then, I started getting asked to photograph families, people, animals and even a wedding. The more images I took, the more I was asked to photograph, the more passion I had. Pure Beauty: The Pure Beauty concept puts you in a powerful and unique position of being able to either remind or show each and every woman just how amazing and beautiful they are. What is it like to be able to deliver this to your clients? Lauren: It is something that is extremely hard to explain. I don’t think I truly understood the power of an intimate portrait shoot until I started to hear back from clients, hours, days, weeks even months after their shoot, thanking me for changing their lives. It is the most honest work I have ever done and I am so incredibly thankful to each and every client for trusting me! I have never felt as proud as when I look back on my Pure Beauty journey. Pure Beauty: What is the most rewarding thing about your job? Lauren: It would be easier to say what’s NOT! I love hearing my client's stories, meeting new ladies and forming amazing friendships along the way. During the experience there is a point at which each woman “let’s go” of the fear, worry, pain of feeling judged, not good enough or just looking silly. That is definitely one of the most memorable moments for me as I know it is that exact moment where the empowerment truly happens. Showing my beauties their images both behind the camera and at their reveal, is of course another hugely rewarding part and again when they collect their images. But perhaps one of most rewarding things is when I get messages like: “Thinking of you for many reasons but just wanted to let you know how proud I am of my postpartum body and no longer even having any negative thoughts about my body. A boudoir experience lasts way longer than the photo shoot xx”. Pure Beauty: It's most people's dream to be doing a job they love. How does it feel to be doing what you love each and every day? Lauren: Absolutely incredible! I have so much energy, passion and love for Pure Beauty. I am so, so lucky! Pure Beauty: You've got an amazing team of professionals behind you. How do they assist you in what you want to achieve for your clients? Lauren: I am so lucky to team up with some amazing women that share the same passion and vision as I do with helping women and grow my business into a recognised brand. Pure Beauty: Are there any challenges that come with your role at Pure Beauty? Lauren: Because I love my job so much, I am never rushing out the door to get home. Which is a great thing for my business, but does mean I miss out on quality time with my children. Although I have dedicated “no work days”, where I’ll only do VIP group fun. That’s not work right? Pure Beauty: What would you say is your biggest accomplishment with Pure Beauty? Lauren: When you walk into my studio, you will see a frame filled with polaroid photos of me with my clients. The smiles on their faces says it all. I am changing lives. What more could I ask for? Pure Beauty: What do you bring to the Pure Beauty team? Lauren: ... Take photos? (Haha.) I hope: leadership, friendship, guidance and a good kick up the butt if anyone talks negatively about themselves. Pure Beauty: Who is the most influential woman in your life and why? Lauren: To be very honest, I have never seen any one particular person as an inspiration. To me, each person who comes into my life teaches me something; either about the world or myself. I look at my beautiful friends or clients and when I hear their stories about what they have overcome and accomplishments, it literally brings me to tears - I am so incredibly proud of my clients. These are the women who inspire me to do better and be better. Pure Beauty: If you could send one message to all the females out there, what would it be? Lauren: Point your toes and arch your back. (Haha!) But in all seriousness: Imagine waking up, looking in the mirror and actually being happy with what you see and more importantly, who you are. A boudoir experience is far more about the mind than it is about the body. My clients leave happy, empowered and uplifted without even seeing the final images. You are worthy. You deserve to do this for yourself. Special thank you to my girl El at Inner Soul Photography for these images
|
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
Categories
All
Archives
March 2024
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. |