When I asked Ashley to write about her boudoir shoot experience with me, she agreed enthusiastically. When I first read her words, it nearly brought me to tears. Ashley’s transformation has been one of the most memorable ones. Here is her story, in her own words:
“Let me start off by saying that I have always always wanted to do a Boudoir Photoshoot! I have admired them for as long as I can even remember….
But let me give you a little background…. So, you can fully understand what my journey has looked like & how much this Boudoir Photoshoot means to me….
Almost 11 years ago I moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. I was plus size girl had gained weight over the years … I was actually fine in my skin… Then tragedy struck my life & my first husband died tragically & in front of me. I lost everything. During my intense time of grief I became an emotional eater and I gained another 70 pounds on top of my already plus size body. As the years went on I ended up rebuilding my life , taking step by step & now dealing with depression, anxiety, ptsd… in the mist of rebuilding I met someone I very special and decided to give love another chance and I remarried. Last year I was getting to a good place in my life however, I was 330 pounds, I was in awful shape , the worst I had ever been in and extremely unhealthy! So, I started a health journey.. I did it the old school way! I worked out, ate better, and changed my lifestyle tremendously! I wanted nothing more to be back in the 100’s and I never thought deep down I could do it… but I stuck with it and did it… 330 pounds to 195! ( was what I was at when I did this shoot) This was such a deep journey for me that there are so many layers to the experience and I’m so happy I documented that moment.
My husband encouraged me to do this boudoir shoot – Even though I had more to go on this health journey, these pictures captured not only 135 pounds of weight loss, but captured my confidence, empowerment, and determination of myself to push on even when life throws extreme obstacles your way. I don’t see the girl who is heartbroken with grief, pain, anxiety and depression … I see someone so unrecognizable… And it makes me emotional but a happy emotion where I feel so PROUD!
Danae captured that….and it honestly gives me chills when I see my pictures. Anyone can click “snap” on a camera, but to be able to capture more than a snapshot is pure artistry. Working with someone who gets what this means to you, takes their time and keeps going to get every angle , the perfect lighting , to help you with every pose and not rush through a session, that’s what you get with Danae and so much more! She’s a class act , and so knowledgeable and makes you feel beyond comfortable! To the point of not wanting to leave the session!!
Her work has been someone I have admired from afar… Her creativity is unmatchable… She runs quite an amazing experience!! One I will never, ever forget!! I absolutely loved the entire process and look forward to coming back to document my next part of my journey because it’s not over… Thank you for making me feel so incredibly comfortable! I cannot thank you enough!
And you better believe that I’m still on this health journey & I can’t wait to document more of my success as I’m already down another 20 pounds from when I did this shoot. Some ask me why I didn’t wait, how could I? That was such a moment and a milestone I wanted to document it & I will continue to document with Danae in the future!
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