Beauty in Boudoir

POSE FOR THIS NEW BOUNDARY-PUSHING ACT OF SELF-CARE Written by Mi Chuinda Levy, Lifestyle Staff Writer Photographed by Bela Orzechowski, Staff Photographer Modeled by Emily Kriner-Woodworth Makeup by Mi Chuinda Levy

Let’s get raw for a second here: At the end of the day, when everyone and everything has gone away, what are you left with? That’s right, you are only left with yourself. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to embrace yourself, imperfections and all. It’s time to be vulnerable. A great start to conquering such a feat is to strip down bare, celebrate your beauty and find your own sense of power. Having a boudoir photo shoot is the perfect way to do so! Boudoir photography emphasizes romance and intimacy, often featuring sensual and erotic imagery. Boudoir photoshoots are often shot in intimate clothing like lingerie and take place in private settings like bedrooms. Some people get these photos done for their significant others as a gift; however, boudoir offers a great opportunity for you to celebrate yourself. Taking photos in which you feel confident and sexy is the newest act of self-care—a boudoir photo shoot can help you discover the beauty that is you and alive inside of you. When boudoir photography emerged in the roaring twenties, it was regarded as a strictly feminine artistry.1 For-

¹ Marisa Leigh, “Where Did Boudoir Photography Come From?” Huffpost, Dec. 6, 2017. tunately, stigmas surrounding boudoir have begun to fall away. Now, anyone can partake in this beautiful art, no matter your gender identity, sexuality or physique. There is no perfect body, and as cheesy as it sounds, we are all perfectly imperfect. The art of boudoir photography allows for you to be vulnerable; not only in front of the camera but also with all of the notions you hold about your personal image and identity. Boudoir is about uplifting your raw, natural beauty and learning to accept all that you are. You are the whole package— you deserve to treat yourself as such. Boudoir photoshoots are empowering, but they can also be intimidating. One way to reduce the intimidation that sometimes surrounds boudoir is to take your own pictures. Boudoir photoshoots do not need to be done professionally! They can be done in the comfort of your bedroom with a photo

timer and tripod or with the help of a significant other or trusted friend. To make a session even less daunting, and more intimate and rewarding, consider writing a love letter detailing all the qualities you adore about yourself, ideals you would like to add into your life, mentalities and habits you want to leave behind, and a general reflection on where you have been in life and how far you have come to be here today—all while loving who you are as much as you possibly can. While posing, think about all of the uplifting things written in the letter. As you gaze into the camera lens, recall all of these declarations of love. Envision yourself basking in your beauty and power in all of its glory. Looking back at these beautiful, raw photos after the shoot, remember the vows you made to yourself—and most importantly, remember to proclaim, “Damn, I look good!” ■