Today, I’m highlighting a photo from my first boudoir shoot and comparing that with a more recent shoot!  Oh, get ready for this!

When Heather first asked me to write this post, I am not going to lie – I was a little nervous, and maybe had a mild panic attack.  As I looked back at those old images, I kept saying to myself, “Oh, I don’t want to show this.” I also found myself saying, “What were you thinking, Maura?!? That pose, lighting, angle and photo are terrible.”  I didn’t want to show anything from that old session but as I thought more about it I realized how much I’ve grown.  And, the growth is something to be celebrated.  My journey is something to be celebrated!

Here’s what I found myself reflecting on:  It’s not magic.  It’s hard work.  It’s developed skilled.  It’s constant education and attention to my craft.  I want to look back at old photos and see progress and major growth.  And, as I thought back on that earlier boudoir shoot, I remembered how much I loved the photos and how my client loved their photos!

My passion for boudoir was realized the first time I photographed one – I wanted to know more, I wanted to grow, THIS is what I wanted to do.  And, I remember that feeling very well – it’s something I still feel with every boudoir photo shoot!

Success doesn’t happen overnight, skill doesn’t happen overnight.  It takes practice, it takes patience, it takes DRIVE!

So, here we go…this is from my second ever boudoir.  My first – I don’t have permission to share those photos publicly.  Don’t get me wrong – there were some great photos from this shoot but I decided to pick the worst of the worst for you!

EXIF Data:  Canon 7D, 17-55 F/2.8, at ISO 2500 F/2.8, 1/50.

This might not even be in focus, it’s not straight, and you see those extension cords laying on the floor! 🙂 “Maura, what were you thinking?!?”  At least I can laugh about it!

And, here are a few photos from some recent boudoir sessions.

EXIF Data:  Canon 5D Mark III, 24-70 F/2.8 at ISO 800, F/2.8, 1/1000, exposure comp -2/3

EXIF Data:  Canon 5D Mark III, 24-70 F/2.8 at ISO 800, F/2.8, 1/640, exposure comp 0

EXIF Data:  Canon 5D Mark III, 24-70 F/2.8 at ISO 1250, F/2.8, 1/80, exposure comp -2/3

EXIF Data:  Canon 5D Mark III, 50 F/1.2 at ISO 800, F/3.2, 1/125, exposure comp -1

I hope in 3 years I can look back at my most recent photos and say, “What were you thinking?!?!” At the same time, I want to applaud myself for continuing to grow and push my abilities.  I wish that for all you as well!