As a photographer for Silk & Lace, one of my favorite parts of the experience is the client’s Reveal session, where they come back to see all their final images. It’s the perfect moment for me to share one of my core boudoir beliefs: that there is a power in displaying yourself.
I recently had a client who was at a pivotal point in her relationship with her health and body. I won’t go into detail, but her circumstance was such that when we got together again for her Reveal to see all of her images, her reaction to looking at herself was profound.
The emotion in her eyes nearly made me cry. Sharing that moment of reveal with my clients, getting to witness that experience of them seeing themselves – it’s one of the best parts of my job.
It got me thinking about that moment, the Reveal, that I get to share with all of my clients. At these appointments, a few things almost always happen.
- Without fail, a few images have such a powerful effect on my client that they literally take her breath away. These are powerful images. It’s a magical moment to see a picture of yourself that is so striking, empowering, and jaw-droppingly inspired.
- As my clients decide on their favorite images and which Collection or products they want to take home, I always point out some of the boudoir wall art we have hanging around the studio so they can see the size and quality of these products up close. Sometimes they’ll point to a larger wall art piece and say something like, “Oh, I couldn’t imagine displaying myself like that.” And I always wonder, “Why not?”
- At some point I always seem to give some version of the same talk, and it all has to do with how important I feel it is to display your boudoir images as artwork in your home – some place you’ll see it all the time. I can’t NOT mention it!
It’s a proven fact that having a beautiful, powerful image of yourself displayed where you can see it often has profound positive effects on the relationship you have with yourself. From your daily self-talk to your overall level of confidence.
I like to think of it as a sort of visual mantra.
Another thing I often hear my clients say when they first see their images is, “Oh my god! I can’t believe that’s me!” And while I get that, I also hope that each and every one of the women I work with is capable of seeing those striking images of themselves and thinking, “Yes, absolutely that’s me.”
Even if it’s just a small image on your nightstand, my wish would be for all of my clients to proudly display one of their favorite boudoir images. And to consider the practice of looking at it like they would a beautiful work of art in a museum.
Consider this: Science has shown that viewing beautiful artwork can cause you to experience the same physical reactions as falling in love, and that it can trigger an immediate release of dopamine to the brain.
So don’t be afraid to be your own inspiration! Don’t be afraid to fall in love with yourself, and to walk around your home feeling inspired and badass all the time.
To be your own visual mantra… I think it’s one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself. xo
–Cynthia
