10 Oct Client Feature Friday | Champagne Wishes and Boudoir Dreams
Jezebel VonZephyr loves to shine a spotlight on womxn of every age and size. We live to connect with each client; and we pride ourselves on holding space for each of them so we can hear their stories and capture their unique spirit. We believe that every session is special in its own way, and we want to share that magic with the world. On Fridays we shine a spotlight on a client so they can share a part of their story.
Our client feature Friday this week introduces us to a feral and whimsical Belle who has a fondness for the magic of the ocean, Kesha, and our Widow Robes! After a recommendation from her therapist, she did a little digging and decidied she loved Jezebel’s vibe, booking herself a birthday session as a treat! Pull up a seat and read on as this amazing human tells us about how she knew she was gorgeous on the inside, but now she can see the evidence on the wall every day ♥
Where are you from? Where do you live now? What’s your favorite thing about where you live?
I’m originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, although now I live in Tigard, OR.
I love living near mountains and the ocean now. I grew up on the prairie, so being able to go see The Ocean is still such a magical concept to me. And it still feels like I’m looking at a movie backdrop when I can see Mt Hood as I’m driving around town.
What are some of your favorite songs/artists? Do you have a theme song–if so, what is it and why does that song(s) resonate with you?
I’ve been listening to “What It’s Like Loving You” by Maddie & Tae. Yippee-Ki-Yay by Ke$ha has been great to get me pumped up.
I’m a big fan of “guilty pleasure” songs, but do they really count if I don’t feel guilt for listening to fun songs? My theme song lately has been “When I Pull Up” by Justin Champagne.
“When I pull up in the whip they be sayin Goddamn”
exudes confidence. I like to imagine rolling up to a class reunion or just showing up to work and having the crowd collectively drop their jaws. I had a major glow-up after high school. I was a bit of an ugly duckling, but now I’ve stepped into my confidence and I want to shine for everyone to see. Also, the song “Champagne” by Lindsay Ell was how I felt during the session. I was the moment.
What are three words you’d use to describe yourself?
Feral. Whimsical. Gorgeous.
Is this your first Jezebel session? If not, how many have you had and in either instance, what was your favorite part?
Yes, Baby’s first session!!
I got to be a Princess! As an independent woman, I sometimes forget to play and have fun. It’s me holding my own against the world most of the time, so I have to be serious. Sara encouraged me to play with my dress, flirt with the camera, and get silly.
My day job deals with high pressure decisions, so I’ve forgotten what it felt like to let loose for a few hours. This session brought life back into my step. We were laughing and singing and joking. My session also let me be bossy and say, “this is what I want. I want my music. This is my vision. Can we try this pose?”
Women’s voices tend to get muted in society, so I loved that I found a pocket where I can be heard. And I got the total Princess Treatment. I was pampered and showered in compliments.
Yes, I am a middle child; how could you tell? Joking aside, I was moved by the genuine care that the team put into making sure I knew I was killing it.
Kaitlyn asked during the consultation what ways I found to feel the most seen. And Sara remembered that I wanted certain types of praise. (I’ve been working out, so hearing, “wow, you’re so strong” really validated all my hard work from the gym.) We had a day that was about me and I didn’t feel guilty or selfish about it.
What made you want to have a boudoir session and what made you choose Jezebel as your studio?
I decided that I’m hot as fuck and I wanted to commemorate that for all time. After putting time in at the gym, I’ve been seeing my efforts showing. It’s vain, but it’s the truth. I am in my prime and I deserve to have a wonderful reminder.
My birthday was the catalyst. That’s the time of year where I don’t overthink my splurges. I thought, “Why not?” and there wasn’t any reason stopping me.
I chose Jezebel because my therapist recommended the studio. When I mentioned that I wanted to do something empowering, she suggested Jezebel.
So I looked into it, and the vibes matched what I was looking to do. Then I saw that there was a birthday package. It felt like my session was meant to be.
What were your expectations going into the session and was the experience different or as you expected and how?
I expected to just have my picture taken. I didn’t expect to be so supported! Since I’d never met the crew before, I was worried that I was too forward when I said I was okay with full un-implied nudity.
My anxiety was whispering so many insecurities that I needed the hair and makeup time to melt out of the panic.
(What if I look dumb with the poses I try? What if they don’t like me? What if I can’t express my vision? Did I pick a dumb dress to wear? Am I going to look ugly if I pose wrong? Are they going to hate me for bringing snacks? Should I bring enough snacks to share?)
By the time we got to the first outfit, I was chatting away and we were all friends. I’d done the nervous nerd thing and watched a load of posing and boudoir reels/tiktoks for inspiration on how to pose beforehand.
And we slid into the session the way a seal slides into the water. It was fluid, natural, and beautiful. I wasn’t “the 10am slot,” I was “here’s Rhees and we’re going to capture the pin-up dream girl Rockabilly look she wants.” I left my session riding a high that I still haven’t come down from.
Tell me about your session–your favorite set? outfit? prop? moment? favorite studio piece you used/wore? What stood out the most?
The green Widow’s Robe was PERFECTION. (You know those fancy sheer robes that are used by beautiful gold diggers who say, “Oh dear, officer, that was my husband in that explosion! Is the life insurance policy cash or check?”)
It is grand, dramatic, and infused with charisma. There is a Transatlantic silver age diva within me and she demands a stage. The Robe announced my regal intentions. I was flouncing around as soon as I put it on! The way it flowed gave me the motion and silhouette that screamed grace. And the emerald colour contrasted with the orange of the rug and the red in my hair.
It was exquisite! I am heavily considering finding my own Widow’s Robe. I have no events where I could wear it, but the confidence it gives me is heady! Pair that with the Tiger Room and I was unstoppable. I was in my element. I was a Thoroughbred given free rein to run. I was a caged tigress finally given a suitable enclosure to explore. It felt natural to prowl around the set. You can see it in my eyes the way I came alive in that room in that robe.
How did you feel about the guidance you received during the session?
Sara has mastered gentle guidance. I never felt like my suggestions were silly or dumb, even if they were a touch out there.
She’s great at Yes And.
I’d say, “is it okay if I sit like this?” and she’d grin and help me get into the position to best work with the camera angles.
For example, I was trying out an idea that had me squished a little and she asked me to move a lower on the couch so that my hair would fan out better on the cushions. It wasn’t a criticism of my idea; she wanted to make sure that my plan looked its best.
At one point, I wanted to sit upside-down on the chaise and she was totally game. She even compared me to her burlesque clients (and I adore burlesque!!).
I thrive on positive reinforcement and I think I mentioned that to Kaitlyn. So hearing, “yes, I love the way you sit so tall and have such good posture,” made me want to sit up taller and show off my posture more.
Those compliments sprinkled in gave me inspiration for what poses I wanted. Sara got me chatting about working out and I remembered that I wanted to do a bicep curl flex. The poses never felt like it wasn’t Me, if that makes sense. I didn’t have to do anything I didn’t think capture my personality.
A couple of times, I felt a little silly, but it wasn’t like I was trying to be someone else for the camera. The silly was good because it brought out wonderful smiles where you can totally see the joy.
Tell us about your hair styling/makeup application? How was your time in the chair? What did you really love?
Jackie did a fantastic job! My eyes are very sensitive to the point where I’ve needed someone to pin my head against the wall to apply mascara.
Jackie was so gentle that I didn’t even flinch or tear up for my makeup. I looked like an effortless model. I know how much skill and effort it actually takes to make anything look effortless!
Generally, I don’t take as much time as I’d like to do my makeup, so she took my vague knowledge and created a masterpiece.
I was taking selfies in the parking lot after my session to brag about how cute she helped me to look! My hair looked so great. I was trying for a Rockabilly pin-up idea. I wanted feminine, but alternative, which is tough to balance. With my haircut, I didn’t know how we would be able to even style it. Half of my head is shaved, so I was concerned that we wouldn’t have any options.
Unfounded concerns!
The curls were bouncy and held the whole session. The time flew by in the chair! I was cozy in my “getting ready” robe and slippers, so I was happy to sit pretty.
She even complimented how soft my hair is and how nicely the dye turned out. I take pride in the state of my hair, so I was preening that someone noticed!
Humblebrag, but I dye my own hair. It’s become a passion of mine to do the dye job myself and having that recognized without prompting gave me the biggest ego.
How do you feel JVZ managed your privacy and confidentiality, both of your images and of you during your time with us?
I feel safe.
This might be TMI, but I had to use the washroom when I got inside. The room had a lock and then was around a corner, so even if someone accidently opened the door, I was still private. That set the tone to know that my privacy was a priority.
As someone who’s survived careless disregard of my bodily autonomy before, I notice these subtle touches. Even in the consultation, I felt like my concerns were taken seriously, so I knew that I could trust JVZ.
Every wardrobe change, I had the room to myself to get ready. They made sure I knew that I was not required to show anything more than I felt comfortable showing, even if I’d mentioned nudity before; I could back out of that at any moment.
The location was up a flight of stairs, the windows were covered, the glass panes were obscured or frosted. The website and links all had password protection. I could tell that thought had been put into keeping my privacy. In a world where there are so many data breaches or leaked nudes, I am relieved to know that JVZ is actively doing what they can to look out for me. Thank you!
The release forms were also verbally explained and in writing. My photos will only be shown if I give express permission and I can tailor that as I feel comfortable. (I’m proud to show off everything, but it comes from the security of knowing that I can say no thank you if I wasn’t sure about a picture.)
How were you feeling leaving the studio and leading up to your photo reveal appointment?
I was on Cloud Nine! I was taking selfies to send to my friends about how beautiful I looked. I called several friends to brag about how good I felt.
The polaroid was such a fantastic touch! I was waving that around and showing it off to everyone!
I’m thankful that Sara took the time to reassure me that we had everything and pack up. It was nice aftercare to help me return to my baseline after such a huge dopamine high. It was like waiting for a field trip to get to the photo reveal appointment.
I could barely sleep the night before in anticipation.
The workday dragged as I counted down the hours until the reveal! In the photo reveal appointment, I was doing my own drum roll to see the slideshow.
How was your reveal appointment? What did you like the most about it? What did you take home with you?
Sensational! I jumped on the call like I was walking onto the red carpet. “Hello! I’m here!” And Sara and Kaitlyn matched my energy! We were there to celebrate me and they let me have my moment.
The music perfectly matched the vibes for each outfit/set. I was LIVING when we hit big band swing for my Tiger Room Widow’s Robe pictures. It was IMMACULATE. I grinned like a beautiful idiot at how fitting is was. I loved that they gave me space to just bask in the photos, but also would point out their favs.
I was so star struck that I was telling them, “That’s ME! I look like that!!” We got to share the joy in the way it all turned out.
I was speechless for half of the reveal (which is remarkable for me!) Sara and Kaitlyn would point out, “The EYES,” or “I love the shadows here.” It didn’t feel like they were letting the slides roll; they were invested in my reactions.
I liked that they took pride in the work and delight in seeing me gush over the reveal. It was nice that there wasn’t pressure to upsell me. I was in charge of what I purchased. I work with greasy Sales guys in my day job and it makes my skin crawl when I hear a pushy sales pitch, so I was grateful that JVZ didn’t push anything.
That said, I decided that I needed the aluminum metal photo to put up on my wall so I have something to inspire me at my work from home station.
Have you had any lasting impact/perspective shifts since your appointment? If so, please share as much as you’re comfortable with.
I’m hot as fuck. I was thinking it before, but now I have the receipts! Call me Lil Nas X the way can’t nobody tell me nothin’!
My spirits have never been higher! I’m going to be vulnerable here for a moment:I have been under a lot of stress lately and it’s weighed me down heavily. Body dysmorphia. Work stress undermining my confidence. General depression. Family drama. I needed something to live for and look forward to.
The session was intended to be an impulsive splurge to feel nice. I was FLOODED with how kind and supportive JVZ was to me. This blew my expectations out of the water. My session filled a chronically empty cup. I let myself have a happy cry in the car after my session at the relief of how loved I felt.
Other than “just do it”, what advice would you offer a friend interested in a session to book with Jezebel? What tips might you give? What were the best tips you received either from us or from others?
Plan an outfit or an emotion you want to feel. We have to start somewhere. They can work with a direction, but in order to get to where you’ll feel best you need a general concept.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by too many choices, so if you come in with a rough draft or an outline or at least some things you don’t want, then you’re set for success.
I found comfort in looking up posing tips from social media. It was my version of studying before the test. It’s not mandatory or necessary; Sara is great at bringing out the model in you if you’re not sure what to do. Be okay with not being the expert because you hired experts. Let go and relax. It’s not as serious as you think. I could tell when I finally relaxed and had fun with it. You can see my poses coming more into myself.
When I let go of overanalyzing every detail, it was easier to flow through my poses naturally. WEAR THE WIDOW’S ROBE. I don’t care. Give it a shot. Please. It’s potent and delightful. Talk it out. If you want to try out a pose you’ve seen in a magazine or a scene from a movie, I’m going to bet that they can find a way to make something like that happen.
Trust the process. I thought it was goofy to, “run your hands down your face and then keep going down your chest.” Then I saw the results. I was humbled. It was pretty. You are hot as fuck. Believe this.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Worth it. Love you. Thank you.
That pretty much covers it succinctly. I’m not great at leaving it there, though. I am fulfilled and grateful for the experience.
It overshot my expectations and I’m over the moon with everything. I’m planning my next session already. This may become a new birthday tradition for me. I know that it’s a 3-hour drive to get to the studio; it’s still entirely worth the drive.
Now I feel like I’ve found a community. The facebook group is supportive, engaging, and uplifting. I see other Belle’s and I want to encourage them the way I’ve been encouraged. Thank you for letting me babble and explore. I’ve found my joie de vivre again thanks to Jezebel.
This client’s story really shows how empowering a boudoir photoshoot can be in reclaiming our authentic selves. Her session with JVZ wasn’t just about taking beautiful photos; it was an uplifting, genuine space where she got to feel pampered while still being a boss babe. Her inner silver screen starlet was front and center, allowing her to rock her vision for this first shoot.
Were you inspired by this clients session? Are you looking to celebrate an exciting event? A birthday? A professional milestone? Maybe you just want a little getaway for Fall? A boudoir session may be the answer! Check out our availability here and give yourself a little treat – you deserve it ♥