Why I flew from Europe to Usk for my boudoir!
A guest blog from a beautiful client from Europe who flew to the UK for her boudoir session.
JC
7/31/20264 min read
When I told my friends I was flying from Switzerland to Wales for a boudoir photoshoot, there was a long silence. Then one of my sassy friends asked, "You know we have photographers here?"
I did laugh. Well it is a fair question, but the answer was less about practicalities and everything to do with feelings. Big feelings.
I'd spent months looking at photographers, reading websites, scrolling through Instagram and wondering whether I was brave enough to book. I played with the idea for nearly a year and always found an excuse to put it off. I am a passionate amateur photographer myself so maybe I was looking for too much,
Then I met Liz and it felt different. Not in a flashy, "look at me" kind of way. It felt like I was sitting down for coffee with friend I'd known for years; she instantly made me feel comfortable. We met on a photography tour in Nepal - surreal I know. I got to see first hand how she engaged with local people, made them laugh, built trust and without speaking their language. When I saw her photographs, they blew me away. She created images that captured personalities and were such an incredible quality. One night we were chatting over dinner and I told her that I really fancied the idea of boudoir, but hadn't had the nerve. "Come to the UK," she said in a way that sounded so natural.
So I booked a flight! I packed a small suitcase, flew over from Switzerland feeling nervous and excited, and perhaps a little unhinged. On the way over, the doubts crept in - I was convinved I'd be awkward, awful even. By the time I was over the Channel I genuinely believed I'd spend the whole time looking like someone trying to recreate a perfume advert after watching too many episodes of Next Top Model.
Turns out... ...that's what most people feel. But I really didn't need to worry.
The Cowshed is breathtaking. It is an old, stone building and has so much character. It is set in stunning countryside; next to a field and windmill, with hills in the background. It is completely detached and set away from other buildings. It feels very private and has a peaceful, mending calm about it.
Once inside, the building is thoughtfully decorated and is welcoming, but the biggest welcome is Liz's smile. I felt instantly at ease again. She showed me where my changing area was and then offered me refreshments - I chose a glass of prosecco (well why not?) - which accompanied the most delicious grazing platter. We sat and chatted - no rushing. Liz explained that she did appreciate the extra time that a Lux session allows her, but she never rushes clients where possible.
We agreed which outfit I was to put on first and Liz suggested a robe explaining that the first few shots were just about getting us into a relaxed space. I wasn't expected to know how to pose. She didn't expect me to suddenly become confident. She reminded me, with a wistful smile that we are all imperfectly perfect and to trust in what we were doing - focussing on the parts of me that I liked. Everything was gently guided, and somehow, in-between the laughter, the nerves disappeared without me even noticing.
It didn't feel like a photoshoot and that surprised me. I'd imagined bright lights and someone issuing continuous instructions like you might see in the movies; it wasn't like that at all. Liz was always reassuring me and I knew that she genuinely wanted me to leave feeling better about myself than I did when I arrived. Every so often she would show me an image on the back of the camera and, even though a raw unedited image, I was amazed by what I saw.
Nearly 4 hours went by in a flash. It was surprisingly tiring, but there was absolutely no stress along the way. The opposite in fact and I found myself not wanting it to end as I was loving Liz's creativity and passion for what we were creating. I very much felt part of the process, but without the pressure.
How did I feel when I left? Lighter. Actually, like walking on air. Defintely kinder to myself and proud of what I had done. I felt stronger and more confident.
But I still wasn't prepared for the impact of seeing my photographs once they had been edited. I returned for my showing not really knowing what I was expecting. Liz had set the scene and once I was comfortable we sat down to watch a slideshow of some of my images, before viewing all of them as individual photographs.
I cried. Lots.
The first image went up and I literally caught my breath and felt that tingly feeling you get when you are experiencing something very special. I looked beautiful. My eyes were drawn to the parts of me that I do like - ok now love. All worries about cellulite, loose skin and my stomach just didn't surface. Instead I was drawn into these beautiful portraits of me, looking beautiful, looking sensual, looking strong.
Liz doesn't reshape you in Photoshop (or perform digital cosmetic surgery as she calls it). As she says, the biggest impact comes from knowing that you are seeing the real you, not a fake or over-filtered version of yourself. She had guided me so perfectly that my body looked great and it was all me.
So, would I recommend travelling? Without a second thought. Would I do it again? I am already planning another visit to celebrate my next milestone.
And here's where I have to laugh a little. I flew from Switzerland and it was so worth it. Women travel for spa days, hen dos, concert, meals with friends, so travelling to feel the most confident than I have ever felt in my adult life is a no brainer. Unlike the other experiences, this one really lasts.
So if you're reading this in Cardiff, Bristol, Cheltenham, Worcestershire or even Edinburgh and wondering whether it's worth the drive... ...take it from the slightly nervous Swiss woman who got on a plane. It absolutely is.
Make a day of it. Stop somewhere for a treat afterwards, but whatever you do, definitely treat yourself to the experience. Years from now, you won't remember the journey, but you will remember how you felt when you saw your photographs for the first time.
And trust me...
That's the bit that stays with you.