19 Sep Client Feature Friday: I Wanna Dance with Somebody
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 curious, creative and compassionate Belle who has a fondness for a wide array of music, E.E. Cummings and the stunning visuals of Seattle as you cross the I-5 Bridge – even after living in the city for two decades! After leaning in to a journey of understanding and celebrating her body for years, a fellow Belle and “bonus mom” shared how incredible her session was at the Jezebel studios, prompting this week’s featured client to experience a boudoir session for herself! Pull up a seat and read on as this amazing human tells us about how she walked away from her session with a newfound confidence and a deeper understanding of who she is on the inside ♥
Where are you from? Where do you live now? What’s your favorite thing about where you live?
Originally from a small town in Wisconsin — moved to Seattle in 2009 and live in Lower Queen Ann. After nearly 2 decades in Seattle, I still love the sight of downtown as you head south over the I-5 bridge on a clear summer day. The mountain is out, sail boats are cruising lake union and the space needle still hugs my heart.
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 enjoy a wide range of music, but when I’m in my feels (think: Max on Stranger Things), I tend to go back to Dave Matthews, Third Eye Blind, Billie Martin and Ballroom Thieves. Favorite songs from each: Sea Legs (BT), #41 (DMB), Heavy Weather (BM), and Motorcycle Driveby (3EB). Yeah, any of these songs would save me from Vecna
What are three words you’d use to describe yourself?
Curious, Creative, Compassionate
Is this your first Jezebel session? If not, how many have you had and in either instance, what was your favorite part?
Yes, this was my first session! My favorite part was connecting with Sara — she made me feel so comfortable I felt like I could just be myself.
What made you want to have a boudoir session and what made you choose Jezebel as your studio?
I’ve been on this journey to connect with my body over the last decade. As an ace-spec person and someone with an autoimmune disease — there are a lot of personal struggles I engage with on a daily basis that are completely invisible to the world around me and very underrepresented in general society.
I’ve done a lot of hard work to see, understand and love myself — to heal and grow — to thrive. And I decided that deserved to be celebrated. I chose Jezebel because a bonus mom of mine has had such an incredible experience with Sara and Kaitlyn I just knew they were the ones to help me with my celebration 🙂
What were your expectations going into the session and was the experience different or as you expected and how?
I had attended one of the open-house parties, so I was somewhat familiar with the space — and that helped with early jitters. I’m a quirky person and I don’t fit what I thought of as a typical “boudoir woman” image — and I felt a little worried I might have to fit some mold.
But Sara and the make-up artist (forgot her name, I’m the worst!! She was so so sweet!) made me feel so completely comfortable. They listened to me and heard me and really let me guide the session to my comforts which helped me to open up and explore the possibilities of what I could bring to the photoshoot, too. ♥
Tell me about your session–your favorite set? outfit? prop? moment? favorite studio piece you used/wore? What stood out the most?
My favorite outfit was the lace gown that I used from Jezebel’s collection. I had brought pieces from my wedding day that I wanted to incorporate and the gown was absolutely perfect. I wound up looking like some mixture of an elven goddess/queen/warrior princess with a dash of a classic Hollywood silent era Lillian Gish. Needless to say those images are stunning.
My favorite set was the “sitting room” where I was just in a comfy pair of jeans and a T-shirt. This was the most “me” outfit and we saved it for last so I was at my most relaxed. Those are some of my favorite photos and really bring out a sassy, sexy side of me while capturing a playful “afternoon delight” mood.
How did you feel about the guidance you received during the session?
Perfect — incredible. Sara knew just when to tell me to move my arm or chin and how to turn or rest to catch the light a certain way. The proof is in the proofs — she has an incredible eye.
Tell us about your hair styling/makeup application? How was your time in the chair? What did you really love?
I’m generally a no makeup gal — so I’ve only been glammed up like this one or two other times in my life. I felt very comfortable in the chair and really enjoyed the experience. She was so sweet — never over-bearing (which would have been difficult for me). We talked, we laughed — she was incredibly knowledgeable about what she was doing and my makeup was perfection for my entire shoot and the entire rest of the day. I’m still a no make up gal but maaaaaybe I put a little more on these days….(don’t tell anyone teehee). 🥰
How do you feel JVZ managed your privacy and confidentiality, both of your images and of you during your time with us?
10/10 — I think JVZ goes above and beyond to respect your privacy by being confidential and requesting consent at every stage, step, email, action — it made me feel so safe. Thank you 🙂
How were you feeling leaving the studio and leading up to your photo reveal appointment?
Like a million bucks! haha. I filmed a video singing along to “I Wanna Dance With Some Body” in the car ride home (I wasn’t driving!) because I felt incredible.
How was your reveal appointment? What did you like the most about it? What did you take home with you?
The reveal was fun! I was nervous, but really enjoyed sitting with Sara and Kaitlyn to go through the photos. Many ooohs and ahhhhs and “oh my gosh I love that one too!” were said.
Sara and Kaitlyn helped me figure out what kind of package was best for me — and even modified a bit to meet a request I had for a special gift for my husband. I really appreciated the payment options JVZ offers, including very reasonable timelines without interest, payment amounts that I felt comfortable with, and automatic payment system so I didn’t have to worry about missing one.
I left my reveal appointment knowing that I had made the right choice to both do the session and to work with JVZ.
Have you had any lasting impact/perspective shifts since your appointment? If so, please share as much as you’re comfortable with.
I thought when I decided to do this that everyone I told would be so happy for me, but I learned pretty quickly that not everyone was going to understand why I chose to do a boudoir session, whether because of the cost or the style of images.
It was confusing and a little hurtful — it drudged up feelings of shame and guilt, feelings I’ve been working so hard to unpack and heal from. And then I remembered why I wanted to do this. I did this for me.
Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you how much I do for those around me: I give from my heart, I give of my time, energy, patience, skills. I do it because I can, because I love deeply and because I am able. But this one thing — this was for me. 100%. I showed up for me the way I show up for others which is a very difficult thing for me to do and I am so proud of myself for doing it and I cannot wait to hold my book in my hands 🙂
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?
Boudoir doesn’t have to be “sexy” in the sense that your body is an object. I think it represents a space where you are most relaxed, comfortable — and provides a space where a kind of truth is given breath. Not the only truth you hold within, but one canto of an epic poem that is your whole being — and one that we don’t necessarily nurture enough throughout our lives.
But for those few hours while in that session, you get to live in that truth. And for years and years after, you get to experience and remember that truth again and again whenever you want. That’s what this experience was for me and why I would always recommend it to another.
Anything else you’d like to share?
The last six weeks have been incredibly challenging time for me, ending in a sudden death in the family this last week. Getting my proofs and having the chance to sit down and reflect on all of this has been therapeutic and given me a much needed distraction as well as something to look forward to! Thank you for that 🙂
This client’s story really shows how magical 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 and walked away with newfound confidence to be the Elven Goddess/Queen/Warrior-Princess she sees in the mirror.
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 Spring? A boudoir session may be the answer! Check out our availability here and give yourself a little treat – you deserve it ♥