Empowering Boudoir Photography | Miss A
“YOU ARE BRAVE, BOLD, AND STRONGER THAN YOUR WILDEST IMAGINATION!”
Last week I decided to run a “model call” I was in search of someone who felt strong enough to share their “Why.” Strong… Because I knew it would be difficult to ask someone to dig deep down to share something that would truly inspire others and make an impact. I wanted to create a narrative of their story using boudoir as a catalyst. I wanted to reach those of you who might be struggling with body confidence or self-love, and create a safe space that allows you to take control of your journey to find confidence in the self that you are in this moment.
The model call looked a little something like this.
✨MODAL CALL!!!✨
“I’m looking for 2 female models ages 25-50, no modeling experience needed! One for a boudoir shoot (tasteful lingerie) and the other for a sexy glamour-type shoot. Your shoot would take place at the studio in Downtown Ann Arbor. For modeling you will receive a complimentary photo shoot and the experience to be a model for the day!
If you’re interested please comment on this post/ share with or tag any friends who would also be interested AND then email hello@becomingfireboudoir stating WHY you want to model
- Thanks ladies!”
“It didn’t take long to receive my first few responses, but this was the email I received that blew me away…”
Hi Jarrett,
I am writing regarding my interest in being a model for your upcoming shoots!
I would love to model for a shoot because I have found seeing other women that look like me (having imperfections, stretch marks, uneven skin) to be so empowering. I have come a long way in my self-love journey and know this is only the beginning. I feel that photoshoots and glamour shots can really give people the opportunity to see themselves in a new light and through someone else’s eyes. Something like that is powerful and can give you a newfound confidence that allows you to be a magnet for the life you want. Being part of this shoot would not only bring me even more joy, confidence, and power but it would allow me to contribute to doing the same for other women.
On a more personal note, I would also love to have this experience because I am entering medical school soon. I think when people become medical students, it absorbs their life and we can often begin to see ourselves in a very one-dimensional way. I want to be a physician AND be a woman AND be sexy AND be confident. This shoot is just something that would reinforce those ideals for myself and other career-driven women.
To give a bit more background as well, I have struggled with disordered eating most of my life. I also used to self-harm but most of my scars have faded. I have spent the majority of my life absolutely hating my body, putting it through the ringer with self-starvation, bingeing and purging, masking my disordered patterns as being just super into fitness, and I am finally just letting my body be. I love movement, dance, and working out but I have stopped going through the bulk and cut phases of weightlifting and am starting to understand that my body is okay just as it is naturally. However, I am struggling with accepting my body the way it is now, and do not feel sexy or as expressive. I would love to bring more confidence with me into my next phase of life and see myself in a different way. This really is about me and doing something for myself to find self-love and appreciation again.
All the best,
Miss A
“How brave is she!? For having the courage to open up to a stranger and share her story. Let her strength be your confidence to take that next step in your story!”
“Live unapologetically bold and fearlessly. Take risks, chase dreams, and live life today. Because tomorrow isn't promised.”
What’s even braver is what followed in the next email!
Hi Jarrett,
This aspect does not necessarily have to be part of my story if it seems as though it would be too heavy but my body and sexuality were taken from me for many consecutive years. I dated a partner that would constantly compare me to other women and put my body down and shamed me. My next partner repeatedly assaulted me throughout the majority of our relationship. I developed severe muscular dysfunction and had chronic pelvic pain as a result and had to go through a lot of therapy and pelvic floor PT to make it through the day without pain. Over the years I have slowly put the pieces back together for myself and doing photography like this would just be another step in me gaining comfort in my own skin and reclaiming my body. Part of my mission going into medicine is to increase the representation of trauma survivors in the medical field and help educate other clinicians on how to provide trauma-informed, quality care to ALL patients.
A few things I absolutely love that I see in your portfolio are 1. The to-die-for sweatpants and t-shirt combo! 2. the leash & mask combo (lifelong dream is to be photographed with a collar or leash of some kind) 3. What I think is honey on someone's face/lips.
Let me know what other information you need from me and what next steps I need to take. Thank you so much for your consideration!
All the best,
Miss A
“I am still just so blown away at how much courage it took to send that next email… Her strength speaks volumes and I know there’s strength in YOU!”
“I was truthfully very nervous and apprehensive about immersing myself in the boudoir experience but am so so grateful I did. I was not quite sure what to expect but the experience was different than I expected in the best way possible! The studio is GORGEOUS but what struck me most was how relaxed and laid back the whole session was. It was a no stress, no pressure, move at your own pace, fun time! I have little to no experience posing but Jarrett helped me every step of the way and gave me cues that made me feel at ease and natural in my body. I felt safe, appreciated, beautiful and empowered.
As someone who has has struggled a lot with body image challenges since childhood, boudoir was something I was scared to try but also something I knew would bring me power. Everything about the photoshoot made me feel affirmed in myself, comfortable in my skin and in the room, and emboldened to be me and love who I am now. Jarrett facilitated me just having the best time and forgetting all about my “insecurities.” I cannot wait to see the final photos but from the snippets I saw, I am OBSESSED. I could not even believe the photos were of me!
I cannot thank Jarrett enough for giving me this platform to express myself and share my story. This really was such a life affirming experience and something I will cherish. THANK YOU!”
Miss A-
