This event was an outstanding gathering of baddass women embracing who they have have become through both portraits and stories.
“I really think that sexually, your session with my spouse, has opened many doors between us.”
“Sifting through the bullshit and highlighting the truth: women are queens, miracle makers, goddesses.”
“I felt strong, powerful, and beautiful and those images really told the story of my rebirth after my divorce.”
“Afterwards, I was energized and felt like I had really done something important for my self. I couldn't wait to see my photos!”
“The next day I broke down in tears. I think because it made me understand how much I needed to do it FOR ME”
“Life gets crazy and you stop doing things for yourself. This was the beginning of me reclaiming something that was mine that I forgot that I had and now I remember.”
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“I am a queen, a miracle maker, a goddess.”
“Sifting through the bullshit and highlighting the truth: women are queens, miracle makers, goddesses.”
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“I felt strong, powerful, and beautiful and those images really told the story of my rebirth after my divorce.”
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“When I look at this image I see Strength, Confidence, Allure, Poise, Beauty, Power, Sex Appeal, a Badass.”
“I was very nervous leading up to the day because of past experience with a shoot like this. I was made comfortable with a phone interview with Shawnalee and meeting her in person. When I arrived I was greeted and set up in make up. The mood was up and the room was gorgeous. I sat down with Shawnalee and talked about outfits and set right to work. I walked in feeling not my best and not excited about my body and I left feeling like a goddess. As a photographer, Shawnalee is so easy to work with and she’s encouraging and empowering with her words!
I walked out feeling more confident and truly seen!”
-Miss. J
“Our backs
tell stories
no books have
the spine to
carry.”
Rupi Kaur
For me, it’s challenging enough to choose what I’m going to wear on any one given day! So I totally get the feeling of overwhelm and perhaps intimidation at the thought of choosing what to wear for a boudoir inspired photoshoot!
“So What Should I Wear for my shoot?!”
When it comes right down to it, I often say: “If it makes you feel amazing then it’s probably the right thing.” “So I could wear my Overalls?” You ask half joking. “Absolutely, yes. Overalls = Yes.“ (This is the moment when your head explodes) Confused, you then say: “But I thought this was a boudoir shoot!!” “Doesn’t that mean lingerie?” Well, no not necessarily.” I say. And our conversation goes on from there.
Lingerie is not a have to. At least not for my shoots. Which is why I like to use the terms: Modern Boudoir and Boudoir Inspired. If at all possible I wouldn’t use the word Boudoir. That said, I find it is an excellent umbrella term that everyone has heard of. There are many interpretations and possibilities. For my style, reserving some of the mystery is something I strive for. I prefer a more ‘implied’ approach. I believe in personal story. That’s where wardrobe plays a big part by reflecting who you truly are.
What you wear should speak to you in some way. Since no two people are alike, what you wear can and should be equally unique. Playing with layers, textures… comfy socks! Boots. Who doesn’t feel like they can accomplish anything in boots? If no boots, barefoot! What is your story? Who are you?
When we get together to design your shoot, I make sure we talk personal style and what inspires you. And, the designing doesn’t end at the meeting. We exchange inspiration and ideas leading right up to the shoot date. I am there along the way to make sure you feel totally confident in your choices. And yes, I have been known to shop for clients. In the end, I want you to identify with the person in the images. I want you to connect on a deep level with your portraits. So, from Overalls to Lingerie, it’s all possible. There is no one size fits all wardrobe style. It’s about story, it’s about you.
Light test with my lovely assistant.
“This picture brings me to tears.
This picture was taken 6 weeks ago, I wasn’t as thin as I am now, I was broken out, VERY nervous, very unsure.
But I see this picture and cry. Because I see something In this that I’ve never seen in my pictures.
This photo shoot was a pivotal moment for me.
I was selected with two other women, from many, to participate in this shoot to empower women with tattoos.
I was so nervous it almost led to panic. I have never been photographed this way. I have never 𝑺𝑬𝑬𝑵 𝑴𝒀𝑺𝑬𝑳𝑭 this way.”
“I am in tears as I write.
This picture, I don’t see shame. I don’t FEEL shame.
I see 𝑺𝑻𝑹𝑬𝑵𝑮𝑻𝑯.
I see 𝑪𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑨𝑮𝑬.
I see a 𝑺𝑼𝑹𝑽𝑰𝑽𝑶𝑹.
𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒌.
It was time for me to let go of the old me. Full of shame, regret, insecurities, and pursue the life I deserve. One that I love.
A life of 𝒂𝒃𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒋𝒐𝒚, and 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆.
I wasnt my thinnest. I didn’t do my hair right. I didn’t have my nails done.
𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒊 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆.”
“I almost backed out. I felt I wasn’t worthy. Felt I wasn’t attractive enough.
And after surviving sexual assault, I FELT ASHAMED OF SHOWING MY BODY.
I have always felt shame for my body. Being a big girl, it’s hard to dress the way I’d like to without ‘showing too much’. After the assault, I was BLAMED for how I looked in what I was wearing. A baggy t shirt and sweat shorts.
This day was MONUMENTAL In my self growth.
When the shoot started I could barely raise my head. By the end of the shoot, 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑺.”
-Miss S.
This is probably one of the biggest things I love when I photograph women. The sharing of stories. Especially in the ‘undone’ less clothes state, ‘free’ state. It seems to bring up all kinds of beautiful conversations. Often deep personal ones. The sessions fly by with all kinds of laughter, vulnerability and absolute, jaw-dropping beauty. There is something lighter in the way a woman walks when she leaves the studio.
How do you celebrate yourself? Your deep relationships to others? Your moments of growth? Your personal stories? I am a perfect example of driving myself hard to reach a goal and then just sailing right passed that achievement without taking pause to acknowledge it. To feel it deeply. I'm a thinkin', not only has Scottie achieved this with her tattoos, she will also have the opportunity to walk by this (it would look freaking amazing blown up on her wall, just sayin') and see herself as the goddess that she truly is. Art within art. Hell yes!
“Life gets crazy and you stop doing things for yourself. This was the beginning of me reclaiming something that was mine that I forgot that I had and now I remember.”