Why did you decide to have a boudoir photography session?
I decided to have a boudoir session because I thought it would be a great birthday gift for my husband. The eternal question arose while shopping for him, "What do I get the man who has everything?" The answer, of course, was "More of me!" Since men are incredibly visual, I thought that if I could make myself into a centerfold for him, he would really appreciate the effort. The answer to this question actually has a second part. While I was convinced it would be an awesome birthday gift, I was equally convinced that I needed "proof" that I was still sexy and desirable after two children. While a little scared, and having spent most of my life nit-picking my every flaw, this would be a challenge. THIS body.......half naked? Well.......here goes!
How did you select Karina Marie Diaz to be your boudoir photographer?
Having a background in graphic design and advertising, I knew exactly what I was looking for as far as aesthetics go in photography. What drew me in first of all was the beautiful imagery along with the mesmerizing music on her website. As I delved further and began really viewing her work, I felt how much she "cared" for women through her photography. None of the imagery was harsh or tasteless or demoralizing in any way. It was artistic, sensual, feminine, elegant and respectful. I was sold immediately..
What was your experience of being photographed by Karina Marie Diaz?
Upon entering her studio, I was greeted warmly by her and her two cats. After getting to know each other for a few minutes (the cats included), we began choosing outfits, and then we got started. Funny, but right from the start I felt as if I was being photographed by a friend. We laughed, played music, talked, shared stories.....all the while, she was clicking away. She would pause every once in a while to show me a shot that "I just had to see". When I gazed at the beautiful woman staring back at me in the tiny little screen on the back of her camera, I asked, "WHO is THAT?" I had to wonder if I really was that beautiful, or the lighting was just special that day. Or maybe they had done an outstanding job of makeup. Oh, I KNOW! She must have been showing me somebody else's shoot. Ya...that's it. But the fact was, it WAS me. And I looked amazing. One of the best parts was the constant encouragement and compliments I received by Karina while she was shooting. I felt like a princess.
How did you feel when you got your photographs?
I felt as if I had received a packet of shots from a lingerie magazine. I was excited, amazed, and rejuvenated.......reassure
How often do you look at your album and digital files online?
My husband has the album with him, but I have the digital files on our computer, and look at them often. I even downloaded them to a small digital picture frame that I can carry in my purse and either give myself a boost with, or brag about Karina to others with.
How has your perception of yourself changed since your portrait session with Karina Marie Diaz and why?
As I had mentioned, my perception of myself has not been great. Even though I am healthy, work out, eat well and stay active, having children changes things that don't ever seem to bounce back. Add increasing age to the factor and it's a often a mixed bag of pudge, crows feet, little gray hairs, and the "droop factor". We as women tend to obsess over the little imperfections to the point we don't even like to have pictures taken of us at family events fully clothed! I had to start forcing myself to hand the camera over to others so that I could be included in shots so that my children actually knew I was a part of their lives! I even told Karina I wanted to drop 10 pounds before the shoot so I would look perfect. That never happened, and truth be told, if it had, the pictures would have been fake. Because I was who I was at the time of the shoot, not the skinny super model I wanted to portray. When I was in my twenties, I had the perfect body, but lacked every ounce of confidence and strength. Now, at 37, the perfect body is gone, but what has taken its place is the body of a real woman, with real experiences both painful and joyful. I bear the scars of childbirth and traumas, and have gained the curves and definitions that distinguish us as women. My new found confidence is due, in large part, to my experience with Karina and my photo session. I was brave that day. And I am proud of it.
How has your boudoir session with Karina impacted your relationship?
I think he realizes now, that I know that I'm sexy and that attitude is attractive to him, as it is to most men. They want a confident woman who knows she is strong and sexy. I think he is very proud of me, and proud to show me off.
