Body positivity is being talked about more than ever right now and I am here for it! Growing up, I never felt ‘seen’. In magazines, on tv, or while shopping for clothes. There was not a representation of girls that looked like me.
Thankfully, that has changed. The world has become more inclusive and finally steps have been made to represent people that look like me.
Representation matters. Inclusivity matters. Body positivity matters.
Don’t get me wrong, there is still so much more work that we have to do. Representation matters. Inclusivity matters. Body positivity matters.
Body positivity is not just a trend. It is crucial. There is not one reason on this planet that anyone should feel as though they are ‘less than’ or not good enough. Not one reason.
As a boudoir photographer and sex coach in training, I have taken several courses to perfect my craft. Body positivity and inclusiveness should be required in these courses. I have made it my mission to ensure that it is included in all areas of learning. I have included it in my Erotica Guide for Photographers.
Even well meaning people can negatively impact our body image. From the parent who makes a nonchalant observation out loud about your appearance to the new boudoir photographer who isn’t knowledgeable about boudoir poses for your body type.
I’ve experienced both.
I have been the child of a parent who made a comment about my appearance and that comment has been frozen in time.
I have met with clients who bravely decided to have another boudoir session after their experience with another photographer left them feeling horrible about their body.
This absolutely breaks my heart. There weren’t bad intentions at all in either of these scenarios. We cannot fix what we don’t know. Which is why it is so fucking important that body positivity is being recognized!
I became a boudoir and erotica photographer for many reasons. One of those reasons was to show the world that women who look like me exist. We are sensual, we are sexy, we are powerful, and our bodies deserve representation too!
In my last blog, I talked about How Boudoir Photography Helps You to Love Your Body. We all deserve to love these beautiful vessels that our souls reside in. As a boudoir photographer, it is so important that I know how to best serve you. You have so many reasons to have a boudoir session, I want your boudoir experience to be even more amazing that you ever dreamed of!
Not all bodies are the same.
That requires me to know what the fuck I’m doing. Not all bodies are the same. We aren’t the same size, height, etc. Not all poses will give the same results. I have worked with a variety of body shapes and sizes. I teach other photographers how to pose their clients so that they can better serve them. I’m even teaching a Sexy Selfies Class in the studio this month to teach you how to take the most flattering selfies with just your cell phone! No photography experience needed.
When you have a boudoir session with me, I want you to fall in love with your images and in love with your body! Which is why before you and I meet for your session, I ask some pretty intimate questions. It’s important for me to know what you want to highlight during your boudoir session.
Ms F came to see me for her boudoir session and she absolutely killed it! Not only is Ms F a gorgeous badass that modeled some of our Lux In Tenebris Intimates lingerie, but she like many of us struggled with a negative body image.
Personally, I think Ms F is absolutely stunning! So I was surprised to hear that this was something that she struggled with. Isn’t that always the case though? We are our own worst enemies sometimes and we don’t see ourselves the same way that others see us. Ms F was a huge reminder to me of why body positivity is so important and how boudoir photography can help you to love your body!
Boudoir & Body Positivity Featuring Ms. F
Why did you decide that you wanted to do a boudoir session?
I wanted to do a boudoir session so I may be able to have more self confidence and love for the way my body is now. And I wanted to feel empowered and beautiful, like I did at my past shoot with LeZandra. I have past sexual and emotional trauma that made it difficult to embrace my sexuality and body. So being able to be feminine and sexy on my own terms and express myself was super important to me. I do so much to be there for others (with family, friends, and work) that this shoot was doing something to be there for myself for once. Self care!
What made you decide to hire me as your photographer?
I love LeZandra omg! She’s so powerful, fierce, and genuine – and she inspires me so much to be authentic and embrace my differences and my journey thus far. She guides you in posing, and she really hypes you up to make you feel beautiful and sexy.
I love her aura and personality and love that she also takes the time to understand her clients on a deeper level. LeZandra makes sure you’re 100% confident coming into your shoot. Also I feel my “cup was full” after my shoot. 🙂
How were you feeling before your shoot? Any thoughts going through your head?
I felt nervous since I put on a few extra lbs since my last shoot, though LeZandra
knows all my best angles! I definitely feel there’s no doubt in my mind that I’m going to be in LOVE with all my photos!
How did you feel about having your hair and makeup done?
Loved my hair and makeup so much. The MUA and hair stylist were super personable and sweet. They made me feel beautiful and helped hyped me up for the shoot by complimenting me and just carrying on great authentic conversation. I requested beachy waves and natural makeup with a little glimmer and both the girls nailed the look. I was so happy with how I looked and wish I could look like that always haha.
Now that you’ve had your own photo shoot, how was it?
I just love shooting, as I’m a model so the whole experience is just a dream. From the silky robe, to being asked if I want to use a leg spreader or stand by the stripper pole just was great hahaha. I loved the sex swing so so much, and the fact I got to wear the famous red bottom Louis Vuitton’s was just absolutely a dream come true. Some people think boudoir shoots are exposing or too sexual, but they allow me to express myself and enjoy the power of being the woman I am and am becoming. Also I love how LeZandra let me meet her pet snake and took a cute Polaroid with me.
I just love everything about the studio and how different looks and ideas are offered. Maybe one of these days when I tone I’ll come back for a 3rd shoot.
What would you say to someone considering doing a boudoir shoot?
Just do it! Trust me it will change your life and allow you to see you in a way you never saw yourself before. You deserve it! Don’t be afraid of not looking a certain way, cause LeZandra will make you look like a goddess…that you absolutely are!
Is there anything I could do that would make this experience completely perfect?
I feel I was highly accommodated and there’s nothing I would change. 🙂
Any other thoughts or suggestions you’d like to tell me about?
LeZandra helps so many people by helping them see their beauty when they may not be
able to see it in themselves. She provides a safe place for expression and she really takes her time to understand her clients. The little talks we had in between shooting really made my experience killer. I felt I didn’t just come for a shoot, it almost felt like a very therapeutic experience. Love LeZandra and all her guidance and advice. I just need to record her yelling compliments and play them back when
I’m feeling ugly lol. Definitely worth every penny invested. Thanks LeZandra for pouring into me and being a light. You’re so beautiful and inspiring, and I’m so proud of you.
Boudoir CAN Help With Body Positivity
Let me show you just how amazing a boudoir experience with me can be! And if you need more convincing, join our Babe Cave and ask my previous clients themselves. I can’t wait to show you how boudoir photography can promote body positivity and help you learn to love your body!
LeZandra McGinnis is a Norfolk, Virginia Photographer specializing in Boudoir Portraiture and Erotica Photography. LeZandra’s life motto is: Fuck What They Think! And she encourages her clients to do exactly that! She can best be described as a Metalhead, Adventurer, and Whiskey Connoisseur.
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August 31, 2022
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