I remember feeling pressured in my teenage years to have a birthday celebration that looked cool and happening. Naive me believed that the more people attended my party, the better. Nah uh girl....why do we need validation of our worth from others that our existence is a big deal?
I grew out of wanting material things as physical gifts and wished to be gifted with experiences instead. Sure, but what? Then, things kept coming my way (adulting)!
So, if you have been in the same situation as me, DO A SEXY PHOTO SHOOT FOR YOU! It is a celebration of your growth and embracing your life. I wish I had known about such photography sessions in the past, especially in my early twenties when I remembered how I was engulfed in the darkness of depression. However, as years went by, I was hoping to do one for myself, but I could not find a photographer in Singapore who could connect with me, as most boudoir photographers were men, and I did not feel safe being photographed by the male gaze.
Therefore, as your female boudoir photographer, I wish to give women (like you!) a rare opportunity because it can be a healing tool to peel back the layers of masks you have been shielding yourself with. Hence, I invite you to step before my lens as I encourage you to face your truth and celebrate your birthday with gusto like this Pin-up Rebel in this blog.
Here, we feature the glorious Pin-up Rebel, Ms G, who carries such a playful spirit. She has been lively since I first spoke to her on the phone. It was as though I could hear the vibrance in her, ready to have herself photographed with no second thoughts to hold her back.
Upon her arrival at the studio, her bubbly personality created a carefree ambience. During the hair and makeup session, we had conversations about how the mental labour of looking after our family takes a toll on us as women and the crippling effect that comes with it. My favourite line from her was, "Motherhood is a second shift!"
When we started her birthday boudoir session, she would not stop chuckling. I swear, 80% of her pictures are images of her laughing heartily - a good sign!
Every pose tickles her! I'm unsure if she was nervous or just finding it all awkward. When I pried on her constant cackling, she responded with an uproar: ``WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?!" Well, Ms G, you wish to celebrate your birthday differently, so here you go - a boudoir session that brings out your adventurous spirit and the best version of you. Wink.
Here's the thing: posing for your boudoir session can get slightly exaggerated and tricky. If the pose is comfortable, you are doing it wrong. Yes, that triggered her funny bone.
My style of coaching you with poses involves direction and plenty of emotion. I guess there were moments when I used specific scenarios that got her laughing like a drain.
As your trusted female boudoir photographer, I shall paint a scene to bring out your emotions: Imagine looking out the window and suddenly seeing the delivery man arriving with your long-awaited order! You can feel the excitement brewing in you!
The pose direction above would instantly make anyone giggle or brighten their eyes.
She responded well to every pose coaching I gave her, which sums up her session well. There are moments when she would be catching her breath from all the excessive howling. It's the same here. I lost my breath at some point because her laughter was contagious.
In any case, I humbly introduce our amusing muse, Ms G, to tell us more about her story and experience on her empowering birthday photography session with us. Here's presenting Pin-up Rebel, Ms G!
Ms G, what is the definition of sexy to you?
Sexy is having the body that is riddled with all the “battle scars” - be it from pregnancy, recovery from a trauma etc. Every stretch marks, every scar, every sag, every cellulite, every “flab and folds” tells a powerful story that only the owner of the body knows.
What motivated you to go ahead with the photoshoot?
Because of my milestone age of hitting 40. It was time to reflect and recalibrate.
If you meet your younger self, what do you wish to tell her?
Fk it and embrace it. Screw the insecurities. Live for yourself and not for others. Filter out the noises. You are so much more than what you’ve given yourself credit for.
Since boudoir photography is about vulnerability but bravery, please share a low point in your life and how you responded to it.
It was the low self esteem and taking to heart on other ppl’s unwarranted critique (most of the time are from the ones closest to you). It’s thinking that you are so “unpretty” in other ppl’s eye. We need to be kinder to ourselves and learn to cut out these “cancerous” ppl from our lives.
Did you tell others that you will be doing this photoshoot?
No, cos I wanted it to be a surprise element and not have others influencing me on how/what I should look, pose, wear, or adhere to a particular theme.
What was your biggest fear before working with me?
Hmm… not nervous just pure excitement. I think you can tell during the session - the quirkiness, laughter etc. I just trusted the process.
What was your favourite part of the entire photographic experience, and why?
Everything ! There is one particular sentence that you used which struck a chord , when I was doing the back breaking yoga pose on the floor. U told me to “look at my reflection as though I’m looking into the soul of my younger self and tell your younger self what you want her to let go of”. That’s powerful and made me contemplate a lot.
If you meet your younger self, what do you wish to tell her?
Fk it and embrace it. Screw the insecurities. Live for yourself and not for others. Filter out the noises. You are so much more than what you’ve given yourself credit for.
How do you see the future version of yourself
Zen, fun, jovial and only care about what truly matters.
In three words, how would you describe your feelings when you saw the photos?
Amazement, loved, and beautiful
If you were to recommend us to your best friend, what would you say?
Just go fking do it ! It’s a journey of self discovery!
Some behind the scenes taken by the magnificent makeup artist, Gerra, of @lovebeautysociety !
Ready to take the plunge and treat yourself to something extraordinary for your birthday? Click the button below to learn more about how this intimate photography experience can transform you!
Comments