Alternately titled:
- “For girls only”
- “The gift I gave my husband that turned out to be a gift to me”
- “A big step toward loving my body”
My dear husband is often frustrated that I’m self-conscious and negative about my body. We women have had years to perfect the art of criticizing our bodies. So for his birthday this year, I decided to gift him with boudoir pictures.
Boudoir pictures.
And I still can’t believe I’m writing this post.
Here’s the thing: I thought I was giving him something special. And I was. But it turned out, I got a gift, too.
Let me back up.
I’m not into maintenance. I don’t go to spas or salons very often. I buy 1 tube of lipstick and mascara every year or so. I get my hair cut maybe once a year. I’m really happy if I get a shower every day. Heck, I don’t even use shampoo. Those things aren’t bad and I think it is great to spend time on looking good. I just don’t take time for it. I used to.
When I decided to do boudoir pictures, I went online for ideas. Bad idea. Those women were so polished! I panicked. I booked a spa day. And while I felt like an old car going in for repair, I left feeling wonderful. Spoiled. As shallow as that sounds.
Of course, I wouldn’t do boudoir pictures with anyone except Tracie Birch. The first question she asked me as we planned this together back in August was “What do you want from this? What is your goal?” She made me think beyond the obvious. I told her I wanted my husband to see me feeling confident about my body. I admitted I didn’t know how to make that happen. I broke out in a cold sweat just thinking about the execution of these pictures! She was incredible to work with and captured exactly what I wanted. Tracie also made me feel beautiful and powerful. I was surprised to find I was having a ton of fun during the shoot! Really. I had FUN! Even when she made me lie naked on a fallen tree. Even when she picked a leaf out of my derriere. We’re pretty close now, Tracie and me.
Why am I sharing this intimate information on my blog? I’m taking a risk that one or two women who are reading would, like me, benefit from such a daring gift. It is a no-brainer that your partner will be over the moon. My bets are that you will be thrilled, too.
I put Scott’s collection into a leather-bound photo book. It won’t be placed on the coffee table, mind you. This book is for his eyes only and will live in his nightstand. For the shoot, I used his favorite business shirt, one of his sweaters, his work gloves and woodworking apron, etc. I don’t think he’ll ever use those work gloves without thinking of his wife.
I’m sharing a few of the cropped and tame images so you can see how incredible Tracie is. She is a photography ninja when it comes to catching light.
I still partly feel this blog post is a big mistake! I might delete it tomorrow.
But girls, tuck this idea away.
(And maybe do an indoor shoot so Tracie won’t make you get cozy with a tree).
Inexplicable Ways 