Client Feature Friday: Boudoir Sessions as Self-Care!

Jezebel VonZephyr works with all kinds of women, from the suburbs of Seattle to all over the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We love connecting with each client, hearing her stories and capturing her unique spirit. We believe that every session is special in its own way, and we want to share that magic with the world. Every Friday we feature one of our clients and share a little about her. 

This week we hear from a Belle who decided to come in as a gift to herself–and her daughter. She was doing some hard inner work and wanted to deepen her relationship with herself, so she bravely booked a Soul2Soul session. She ended up loving the experience (and herself!!) so much that she’s come back a few more times! We love her and we hope you love her story!

Where are you from? I was born in Detroit, then moved to the San Juan Islands when I was 10. I currently live in Bothell.

What is your theme song? Right now, it’s “Best Friend” by Doja Cat and Sza! Or anything by Lizzo.

What are three words you’d use to describe yourself? Smart, loving, loyal.

Is this your first Jezebel shoot? If not, how many have you had? Ahem, well, see, here’s the thing…I think I’ve had…5? Plus a family session with my daughter? 

Why did you decide to book a session with JVZ? I was coming out of a really hurtful divorce. I had been doing a lot of work around body image issues, for so many years really, and that accelerated significantly when I had my daughter in 2011. I decided I’d be damned if I would raise my girl to grow up questioning herself, judging herself by other peoples’ standards, and trying to make herself small and acceptable.

I realized in order to give HER that gift, I had to give it to myself, too. And in the beginning, I did the “fake it ’til you make it” thing. Over time, parts of it became more real and true for me, and then my divorce really cut my legs out from under me. Around that time, I stumbled across JVZ’s Facebook page and started following it. I loved seeing these gorgeous images of beautiful women of all ages, sizes, colors, shapes, abilities, etc. It was kind of a revelation for me. And I thought, “what if that could be me?” Not, like, ON the JVZ page. Oh, no. I would NEVER do that. I couldn’t be so public about my body. But maybe I could find a little beauty in myself if I went for a photo shoot. So I booked a Soul2Soul session for May 2018.

How did you feel before your shoot? I was soooo nervous! But also very excited. I didn’t have a significant other and I wasn’t dating any one person at the time, so I knew this photo shoot was 100% for me, and honestly it was the first thing “just for me” that I had done in so long, I can’t remember.

How was your session? What was your favorite part? My session was amazing. To this day, whenever I’m chatting with someone who is considering a shoot, I recommend the Soul2Soul session wholeheartedly. The prep call and “homework” ahead of time prepared me for the reality that this was a lot more than just having my photos taken. Jezebel is about helping women to see themselves truly, and the way the people we love us see us.  

For me, it was like a puzzle piece falling into place that allowed me to see my internal and external beauty. I had done so many years of therapy and other types of self-work but seeing PHYSICAL IMAGES of me being beautiful was life changing.

What was your favorite look from your session? Why? My favorite look was one near the end: I was wearing a black strappy/harness-like bra and panties standing in front of a fan blowing my hair back, and there were twinkle lights behind me. There are a few close-up images where I am looking right at the camera and I look – and seeing the photos makes me FEEL – so powerful and sultry. 

How are you feeling since your session? Well I’ve been back for four more boudoir shoots and a family session, so…amazing, I guess? LOL! Truly, I love the experience that I had and I look forward to periodically doing more sessions. They have turned into a form of self-care for me.

Did you bring anything special with you to the studio? Why? No objects, plenty of lingerie. And it was so fun to see how the team mixed and matched, what they chose, and at the very end we got me naked under a white sheet and those photos turned out great, too! Now I pack a little suitcase every time I go. I pick up pieces here and there – lingerie, shoes, props – and keep them in a corner of my room for whenever my next shoot will be. It’s so fun to think about and plan for a session that isn’t even scheduled yet!

How was your reveal? Amazing. I know a lot of people cry when they see their photos. I laughed and laughed and laughed. I was thrilled and overjoyed and I wanted every. Single. Image.

Any advice for anyone thinking of booking a session with JVZ? Absolutely: find a way to make it happen. Every obstacle you can think of, I guarantee the team or previous clients have thought through before. Jezebel has photographed women older than you and younger than you. Fatter than you and skinnier than you. Women with disabilities, medical conditions, and insecurities that run so deep, you aren’t even aware of them sometimes. And not once has a client not loved their images. So if you’re considering a session and you’re not sure, reach out to one of us, or to the team as a whole, and ask your questions. Let someone walk through the struggle with you. I promise you won’t be sorry you did.

Do you need some self-care in your life? Are you looking for a way to see yourself in a new light? Or perhaps this Belle’s story resonates because you want to do the hard work on yourself in order to give the gift of your whole, happy self to those you love. Whatever your reason for wanting to do a Jezebel VonZephyr session, we are here waiting with open arms, ready to help you shine! We are booking fall sessions right now–the autumnal light flowing into our historic space is a dream come true! Check our calendar then start planning your outfits. We can’t wait to help you grow and shine!