Please welcome my longtime client, Diana, to be our guest blogger! She has become my muse, the one I try things out with, and best of all, my great friend!
Enjoy a little of her story and just a few of her portraits, there are so many good ones it’s definitely hard to narrow them down! Click on any photo to make it bigger.
I met Sue in 2018 through a model call that she advertised on Facebook. I had already been doing vintage pinup shoots, and although I’m a very introverted person, I LOVED it. So I decided to apply.
I was surprised when Sue contacted me to let me know I was IN!
If you’ve worked with Sue before, you know that she takes such care to learn as much as she can about you. Your life, your passions, your vision for a shoot, your happies in life and your sads. She wants to know where you feel the most confident and where you don’t.
Our first phone call started that process. Right away I felt like this here is a woman’s woman! During that call, I confided in her that I had very recently lost my sister and my dad. It was a very difficult time. I mean, I’ve dealt with depression and anxiety most of my life, but grief on top of it, with all the “business” that must be taken care of after losing your family members, it was all too much. She was so compassionate to all of that!
I let her know that I had never done a boudoir shoot, only vintage pinup styles. She showed such enthusiasm, and certainty that I would enjoy this too.
The next step was the in-person consultation at the studio (she has two studios!). When I saw the wardrobe options available, I felt like I went into “dress up” heaven! I had some ideas of what I wanted to bring to wear, and props I wanted to include. She was open to it all and truly wanted to make sure I knew what to expect on shoot day.
I had never done a boudoir shoot like this before, so I was a bit shy. Like I said, I’m an introvert!
Shoot day came, I was nervous.
Coming into the studio, with all my stuff, I was immediately put at ease by beautiful makeup artist, Kristina. She is absolutely gorgeous with a bubbly, fun personality and she has the greatest style!!! Her kind voice and sparkling eyes made me feel comfortable right off the bat. We had such a fun chat while she worked her magic on my face and hair! I felt so cared for, and pretty! I felt instantly comfortable with her and enjoyed her so much!
Shoot time came, I was nervous and excited. Vintage pinup and modern boudoir styles are very different. I’m not the greatest at posing in ways that are the most flattering for me, but the good news is that Sue was my guide and coach during the entire process so I didn’t have to worry about posing. She didn’t let an eye cross, a derp face remain, or a dorky look get through! There wasn’t even an eyelash out of place. She remembered everything I told her I love and everything I don’t about myself and was sure every pose showed me at my best. Like I said, I’m not the best at posing, especially not in modern boudoir. I can do a pinup girl face all day long, but boudoir is a whole different vibe. She helped me every step of the way to go from “cutesie” to “sensual woman”. If you’ve seen the huge wall art in her studio, one of those is me and I swear she brought out a side of me I never knew was there!!!!
The day that I got to see the photos I was shocked at how amazing they were! Mind you these were raw images, not edited yet. But as the slideshow went on, I just laughed and laughed because it tickled me inside! “That is NOT me” I laughed. Sue’s expert posing, her God given talent and decades of experience are unquestionable! Wowie!
It was the confidence boost I needed to get through the stress and grief I was going through at the time.
Now, getting the final images back after editing? GIRL! Talk about feeling fantastic!
I ordered an album and since have done MANY shoots with Sue! I have lots of albums, and grateful to have been chosen to also have some of our work published in magazines!
Over the years I’ve gone through menopause, massive weight gain, debilitating depression, some weight loss again, and my confidence level dropping to zero.
Sue has been here with me through everything, always adjusting to anything new going on and making me feel like each “me” is the best me. She has that gift. Every session is my favorite, and the photos show me how she sees me and how I want to see myself. The most recent session we did was a pinup style Christmas shoot and WOW. My favorite yet. But they all are. She shows me what I want to see in myself. What a beautiful gift to give someone.
I feel like a million bucks during every session we have. With the albums and wall art, I have the opportunity to feel like that every time I look at them. Aging and post menopause have brought many changes to my face, body, hair, and confidence level. These albums will be reminders, and future shoots will be reinforcement and reassurance, that I can be, will be, and AM a badass woman.
We can’t afford to forget that, ladies.
Thank you so much, Miss Diana, for sharing your deep emotions and your experiences with me! I love continuing to be creative in every session we do together, coming up with new concepts and ideas!
Is this blog speaking to you, to finally give yourself the chance to shine? To do something truly special, just for you? I’d love to chat with you and get to know you, and tell you about the process. You can fill out the contact form on my website, nevadaboudoir.com, or give me a call or even a text! 775-745-0445 If you prefer to email- sue@sierraelegance.com
When you are ready to have a boudoir session in Reno, Nevada, or if you’re coming from surrounding areas in Northern Nevada or Northern California, I will take amazing care of you!