She Left Feeling Like a Goddess

“After seeing the images of myself I feel I have a little better glimpse into what others see in me. I can forgive more for not being where I want to be and more gentle with myself. The photos are powerful and fun and I feel that way more now too!”

“When I look at this image I see Strength, Confidence, Allure, Poise, Beauty, Power, Sex Appeal, a Badass.”

Running empowering photoshoots create opportunities to meet such amazingly resilient women. Miss J. is incredibly strong, generous and playful. Before her shoot however, was a woman who had a mistrust of the process.

I’m happy to report that I was able to create a positive experience for her! It all began with that first phone call. We discussed shoot details, the history & meaning behind her tattoos. She also shared how impersonal and rushed she had felt in a boudoir shoot she had a few years back. How disappointed she had been with her images. With this knowledge, I was a little nervous myself! This was a group shoot which meant I had less time to spend with each client.

On the day of her shoot I could detect some nerves but they soon faded. This woman was unbelievable. Brave to no end. Open and trusting. Read on to find out about how this shoot turned things around for her. -Can I just quickly say that I am sooooo happy right now?!…

 “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!”

"When I look at this image I see Strength, Confidence, Allure, Poise, Beauty, Power, Sex Appeal, a Badass, I see me for the first time in a very long time. I met with Shawnalee to look over my photos from, “The Story Behind Her Ink”, project and was overwhelmed by what I saw.
I loved my images! I saw in me, maybe what others see every day and I refuse to because of the walls I’ve built to “protect” myself from hurt and disappointment. Realizing the only thing that wall has done is keep me from myself." 

-Miss. J

“Our backs
tell stories
no books have
the spine to
carry.”

Rupi Kaur

How to Choose Wardrobe | Portland OR Boudoir Inspired & Tattoo Photographer

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.

Beautiful Words from Miss S.

“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.”

“It’s time for YOU to let go of the old you, and see yourself the way you deserve to be seen.”

-Miss S.

The Stories Behind Her Ink. In the Making...

To describe these three women -hard to find words…. They were incredibly playful, vulnerable, STUNNING.

I created this project to compose the tattoo’d body with beautiful light as well as incorporate personal story. I was looking for a result that would show the women that they are true works of art with incredible personal stories.

I asked the women to write a few words. Sharing their story about their ink. I plan to do more layering of their words as in the group shot above for their individual photos.

I'm really looking forward to working with more tattooed people. I want them to be able to experience their tattoos in a deeper way. To see them from the outside vs. looking in a mirror or a selfie.

By creating intentional images, composed and lit in a thought provoking way. What an amazing thing to have of one’s self and one’s tattoos.

Women Have Stories...

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.

Women with Tattoos Have Stories

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!

I have sent out a model call for women with tattoos. It is my goal to capture their beautiful art and create empowering portraits as well as details of their tattoos.

If you or perhaps someone you think might be interested in participating, or you would simply like to book your own shoot. Please get in touch ASAP. Booking space is limited.