Unapologetically me: A’s vibrant, dramatic outdoor boudoir session at Black Beach
A is a client I’ve worked with several times before, reaching out to me about once a year to schedule a session to document the prominent themes in her life at that time. Her first session had poised, self-reflective energy. Her second session was outdoors at Tettegouche State Park and had an effortless and epic vibe.
For A, 2022 was a year filled with self-discovery and empowering change. It was a year where she began really settling into her own skin and living with an internal confidence in who she is, without having to explain or justify that to anyone else. She wanted the session to celebrate this significant step in her self-love journey and to feel dramatic, artistic, and extra- like an explosion of self-assuredness! She wanted the portraits to capture her feeling confident, unencumbered, and in her words, “unapologetically me.”
CHOOSING A LOCATION
A knew she wanted to do another outdoor boudoir session, but she was interested in suggestions for where to go this time. Keeping her dramatic & artsy vision in mind for the photoshoot, I suggested Black Beach, which is a beautiful spot along the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Black Beach has these big alcoves right on the edge of the water that feel bold and powerful. With A’s session taking place in early October, the color palette looked magical and so well aligned with her vision. The rich red rocks, charcoal sand, and deep blue-gray water created a stunning contrast with the trees offshore, just beginning to burst into a medley of fall colors.
A’s OUTFITS & OUTDOOR PORTRAITS
A was super intentional in choosing her wardrobe. In line with her vision, she wanted to wear clothing that felt authentic and dramatic. For her first outfit, she wore a favorite black dress of hers that has this striking off the shoulder sleeve and long slit in the skirt. You can tell by her expression that this dress felt very “her.” The portraits of her near the towering rocks feel confident and epic and have a bit of a high-fashion vibe.
Next A wore this incredible flowy, white robe. The sheer fabric had an almost ethereal vibe and contrasted beautifully against the dark sand and water of the beach. In some portraits, she’s standing, and in others she kneels on the shore and even lies down in the water, creating a very grounded and sensual feeling.
A ended the session wearing this amazing, berry-colored, ruffled gown. These portraits feel epic and dramatic, bursting with self-assuredness. A looks so full of life and confidence, exuding that deep joy that comes from being totally at ease and at peace with yourself. Looking at these portraits, you can feel that A knows who she is and loves herself as she is. What a special moment in A’s journey to document and celebrate!
