Self Value: Accepting Yourself As You Are

We all have those days when we just don't feel like things are going the way they are supposed to. Do you feel that way? I do, today at least. I feel like just throwing myself down on the ground and begging for guidance. Just some clue as to what I'm supposed to be doing. 

I love what I do, and I know what I do is important. The impact I make on the amazing women who hire me is life changing. It's in times like this it's important for me to remember WHY I do what I do. I craft images of NOW so that in thirty years you can look back and remember the moments, the feeling, the smells, the memories of today. 

Boudoir is a very specialized form of portraiture. There are as many different forms/flavors as there are photographers. I always dreamed of being a therapist. Someone who was able to see clients, sit them down and unpack their problems for an hour or two and then send them on their way better than they were when they came in. ​

Celebrate them for their individuality and beauty in that moment.

Quickly, I realized that's exactly what I wanted to do with my photography. I wanted to design visual concepts with my highly creative clients in a way that will fully express your inner self. To capture that existence in a completely non-judgemental way and to take it one step further; to celebrate you for your individuality and beauty in that moment. 

For me, boudoir is more about accepting yourself perfectly as you are than the pretty lingerie or gorgeous shoes; although those things can be a great part of the process. When you look in the mirror, do you love the person looking back at you? I hope so. There is so much strength in that. In fully loving every fiber of your being and the experience. 

It is easier said than done, right? We all have those days. I'm having one as I write this. But I continue to remind myself, and my clients that the raw moments are the exact moments you need to catch. The good, the bad, and the beautiful. 

All images are copywritten by MattiasGraves and shall not be copied or used in any other location, except under the express permission given only by the photographer. The woman pictured is model Justine Marie (@justinemariemodel)