Through the Grace of God: A Veteran's Story // Kierra Josette Artistry

Today's featured beauty has quite the story. Not only was this boudoir session a journey of self discovery, but a healing process for her past. Below she'll share her story of why she booked a session and some of the experiences that influenced her choices. I want to personally thank this woman for courageously fighting for our country and acknowledging the fact that she was worthy enough for self love.  With that I give you a true inspiration: 

"Through my life I have endured many types of abuse, most by the hand of someone who was suppose to be the "Love of my Life".... After divorce and a few years of healing, along with seeing the images from the Worthy Project, I thought maybe I just had an impaired way of viewing myself. Even though my new husband is amazing, the hurt is was still there. Prior to my photo shoot my fiance, now husband, had never seen me naked. I was terrified of what he may think if he saw all of me. I believe the hurtful words and believed I was unworthy, broken, ugly, fat, and a waste of space. I new for me, that the negative life style was no longer going to own me. I was going to break the cycle of self hate and this was just the way to do it. I needed to see myself the way that I truly am and not the lies I heard time and time before.

Honesty, leading up to the experience up to the day before I was excited and ready to tackle the session without hesitation. The morning of, I literally woke up almost terrified, thinking of how many gorgeous women had done this before and what I must look like in comparison. I was so scared. I mean at that point my fiance had not seen me naked, but I was going to go reveal all to Kierra. During the drive I kept thinking of why I needed this. Why I needed it for myself and also to believe the amazing compliments of my fiance. I needed to see what he saw, instead of the image in the mirror. I am not going to lie, I prayed long and hard before walking into the studio. I prayed for God to calm my nervous and let me see myself as the beautiful creation that he has made. I also selfishly prayed not to vomit or breakout in splotches as I typically do when nervous or upset.

Then the session happened. Kierra was absolutely amazing. She knew my fears and concerns, because she took the time before the session to know my story, to know my reasons, and to share in the pain I was trying to overcome. Believe it or not, I was calm and confident during the session. I trusted and put my faith in Kierra and her skills to show the beauty in all women. 

We began with outfit choices and moved from there. I had in my mind that I would only do outfits, however by the end of it, I exposed all. I was beyond comfortable with Kierra and I am thankful for that. I can't imagine bearing myself to someone I wasn't completely comfortable and confident in.

My favorite part was the time spent overcoming the negative comments I heard so many times. I could finally see I wasn't at all what I had believed for nearly a decade. All that paired with the amazing images that followed made it an amazingly uplifting experience.

Prior to my session, a friend of mine criticized my choice to do a boudoir session, she felt that as a Christian I should not engage in such activities. This is my response. God created us as beautiful beings. The images that were created are showing God's beautiful creation. God intended us to be pleasing to our husbands. I find absolutely nothing inappropriate or pornographic about sharing such things with your husband. I would also like to encourage all women to engage in such an amazing uplifting experience. It is worth every single moment of stress and penny spent.

If you are considering doing a boudoir session, I would ask you why? No matter the reason, for yourself, to overcome hurts, to surprise your significant other, the answer is ABSOLUTELY YES! Do it! Do it for yourself, regardless of where you are currently with your self esteem we all need a boost. So do it! Book today!"

The respect I have for this woman's bravery, strength in her faith, and ability to handle what life throws at her with grace is immeasurable. I'm truly thankful our paths crossed and I was able to connect with her. 

Breaking the Ice. Let's laugh a little // Terre Haute, IN Boudoir Photographer //Kierra Josette Artistry

If you've read my blog then you know that a common feeling for clients is to initially be really nervous--usually because they're stripping down and being photographed. However, this babe had a unique outlook on her session. I've known her for so many years now. I've photographed her engagement, wedding, births, countless family photos, and now TWO boudoir sessions. 

" I was a bit nervous( more about getting lost lol than anything) but I was pretty confident, she's seen me more vulnerable than just being naked! She showed me a behind the scenes shot and it shocked me... I thought looking at myself in that raw of form I would hate it but I almost cried at how beautiful I looked and felt in that moment. It gave me that confidence back that I had years ago. I can look in the mirror and feel beautiful. No matter how many times others tell me I'm pretty if I don't feel it, it's not true!

My favorite part was the goofs... when your so nervous and something happens, whether it's me or Kierra and you just laugh and laugh and the nervous feeling is just gone!"

She's completely right. I am a big goofball. You think a boudoir photo shoot is all about being sexy and sultry. Well let me tell you, it is......but there's so many more emotions going on! There's a 90% chance I'll set my camera down to help pose you and then forget where it is. *cue awkward laughing*. There's also a chance that since I forgot where the camera was I'll trip over it and both of us will be cracking up laughing at my clumsiness there's absolutely no reason for you to be nervous in front of me anymore. 

There's also excitement. Seriously, I'm probably more excited about these images than you are. Partially because I get to see them in the instant they are taken and you have to wait until your reveal session and trust that I know what the heck I'm doing (I promise, I do ;) ). Do not be alarmed when I break out in a "YAASSS GIRL. That looks so good. Hold that. YAAAASSS". Because it will 100% happen. Then I will apologize for being an overly, excited supporter and we'll both be laughing again. 

"Kierra really knows how to break that ice of nerves and let you free and enjoy it all! And if there's something you want or don't want she doesn't force you to do anything! And she always asks if you want something that she didn't do. She wants to make sure you got everything that you ever wanted in a session(with in means of course!)

Do it! Don't wait untill you lose the weight or "tone up". Don't wait till you can fit into those clothes do it now! And again after you've lose that weight or toned up your belly... I did it when I was 30lbs heavier and again when I lost the weight and I'm so glad I did... it made me appreciate that "pooch" and show me that I HAD lost weight more than just what a scale can show me!

Always remember that she allows payment plans!! So you can always get the images you want and deserve!! That even if you 100 or 300 lbs she takes shots that flatter you in your unique shape, don't hesitate to do it, you won't regret it!"

There you have it. Another beautiful babe rocking her newfound confidence.

xoxo

Kierra

First Impressions + Frantic Thoughts // Kierra Josette Artistry

"I had seen Kierra's work and I was blown away by the beauty of these gorgeous fierce women. I just knew I had to make myself try to do it. I was a nervous disaster. I spent several hours over several days trying to talk myself into it. I knew I wanted to do it....but I was so nervous especially after I took the time to really look at myself in the mirror naked. I had NEVER done that before. I couldn't imagine how "all of this" could look like anything beautiful in pictures. Part of me wondered if Kierra would be laughing in her head since we had never met before". 

Ladies. Please know that I would never laugh, assume, or judge you in any way shape or form during your boudoir experience. I know how scary and intimidating it can be to be in front of the camera. I'm here to help you and support you. Think of me as your personal cheerleader! Go team babe!

"When I arrived and I met Kierra my first thought was: There is no way I'm getting naked in front of her."

FREEZE.  Hello. This is real life, ya'll. I love how completely honest she is. Because, guess what? People judge, first impressions happen.  If you don't know what I look like (go visit the About Me tab on this website) but let me summarize-- I'm a petite 5'2, squeaky voiced gal with big glasses. Do not be intimidated by me!!  Seriously, I'm probably more nervous about your gorgeous self standing in front of me than what you are of me. 

"I got to know her a little while I got ready. I couldn't believe how sweet and down to earth she was. Once we started it wasn't 3 minutes before I forgot that I had no clothes on. I was having fun! She kept telling me how awesome and gorgeous I was. My nerves just melted away. I actually FELT gorgeous.

My favorite part was my first reveal session of all my pictures. Seeing myself so raw and exposed but so sexy. I couldn't believe it. Then when she told me I hadn't been edited or air brushed.....I was shocked".

You read that right. I do not Photoshop you. I won't make you 2 sizes smaller or bigger. I won't smooth your skin until your pores are non-existent. Now, I will remove a zit or touch up that bruise--because hey, hormones happen. But I won't alter anything that changes your true self. Learn to love those smile lines, girlfriend. 

"The self confidence I have gained with all of my sessions with Kierra is out of this world. I can now see the beauty that is me. I don't try to hide or blend in anymore. I'm no longer scared to accept a compliment. And when I look in the mirror now at my naked self....I see beauty not horror like I used to.

 DO IT! Just do it NOW. Not after you've lost 10lbs. Not when you've lost the baby weight. Not when you've got a tan. NOW. You're beautiful right now exactly as you are. And if you can't see that....you sure as heck will after you've had a session with Kierra. All of my sessions with Kierra have been wonderful. It's so easy going and comfortable. You really forget that you're naked. Working with her is so effortless. She amazes me more and more with each session

Don't do it for your significant other, although they will really enjoy the images, do it for you. These images are something you will look at for years. And this is an experience every woman needs to do for herself."

Her very first boudoir session with me!

Now, here are some favorites from our most recent session!