Coastal Siren: Vancouver Island Outdoor Boudoir Photography
"What she didn't realize was she was a pearl; a rare sight who had the power to create tsunamis within hearts and storms to be talked about. She belonged to the oceans where she was wild and set free."
— K.K. Lall
I want to preface this post by saying I adore this woman. We went to middle school together, but the universe took her on an adventure to Manitoba where she found the love of her life. We have, like most people our age, stayed aware of each other through social media. In a recent chain of events, she found herself back on the island for a visit. The island has always been a huge part of her heart, and she contacted me and asked if we could do a West Coast inspired outdoor boudoir session. I was ecstatic! A chance to catch up with an old friend, AND go on a wild adventure? Yes. Yes, please. I took her pretty far, and I was a little worried that I would lose her and her energy would get lost (it is a pretty common thing - photo sessions can be intense!) but she was AMAZING. The drive out took about an hour, followed by a 45 minute hike to the beach and up on top of a waterfall. She was in such great spirits the whole time - even after jumping into pools! It was such a great day, one that I will definitely hold close to my heart. And to top it all off, she knocked her session out of the park and we created some pretty incredible magic together! Without further ado...
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I have never been a person who has enjoyed seeing myself naked. In fact, I generally shy away from a full length mirror if I'm wearing anything less than a bathing suit. I, like a lot of people struggle with body image, and the self worth that goes with it.
It has been a long and winding road (that a lot of the time has detours that send you backtracking) to acceptance and self love in terms of body image.
The first inspiration behind my boudoir shoot, began with the complete adoration I have for Molly’s talent and the self love community she has built. The second was that I met the love of my life, someone who always makes me feel like the most beautiful person in the room, no matter what I am (or am not) wearing.
I wanted to book this session with Molly in hopes that the photographs would capture and help me see myself the way my partner sees me. When the opportunity arose to do the shoot I was ecstatic, and then immediately nervous AF. I bombarded Molly with emails about locations, clothes and pre-shoot rituals which she graciously responded to quickly and eased all my worries. My time with Allison at the hair studio was fun and relaxing, things I didn't realize it could be since I'm a bit of a control freak with hair and makeup.
The drive and hike to location with Molly took away any pre-shoot anxiety I was having, and replaced it with laughs and love and excitement. The location was stunning, and everything I didn't dream to hope for, since I had basically asked Molly to provide all my island favourites (trees and ponds and ocean) and she delivered on all fronts like the magical photo-elf she is!
I thought I was going to feel ridiculous trying to pose, but Molly consistently showed me how to pose whenever I was unsure and made me feel like a natural in front of the camera.
I felt amazing during the entire experience, I was absolutely glowing the rest of the night!
Getting to see the photographs and share them with my partner was an experience I will never forget! I recommend boudoir photography to anyone, especially with Molly she is so talented at not only her craft, but in her ability to make people feel confidence that may not have been there before!
