Chicago Boudoir Photography featured on Curvicality

Kandis Draw recently came to the Chicago Boudoir Photography studio for a photoshoot. She was nervous at first, but settled in had a blast during her boudoir photoshoot! She wrote about her experience for Curvicality in an article titled, “Why A Boudoir Photography Session Made Me More Bold.”

Curvicality describes its mission on its homepage like this:

Curvicality is a digital media platform and monthly digital magazine specifically designed for plus-size women. The inspiration for the project came when two best friends, Mary Beth Cooper and Andrea White, were tired of the lack of media available for plus-size women. They wanted to read sites and magazines filled with options specifically tailored to their curvier bodies, not photoshopped women who wear a size zero. They also wanted to know more about fashion options available for women like them, as most of the department stores in their area had closed.

As a result, Mary Beth incorporated the company in Illinois in January of 2019. A number of people soon joined the team. By May, individuals in Georgia, California and Illinois were all working on the project. In July, the company began building a large advisory board to get as many community voices involved as possible.

In our digital magazine and on our digital platforms, we share information about fashion, lifestyle, intimacy, body image, fitness and relationships, as well as personal essays on life, growth and body positivity. We also offer courses and products designed to promote positive body image and personal growth.

Kandis describes her initial hesitation with booking a boudoir photoshoot at the Chicago Boudoir Photography studio:

For weeks, I fumbled through lingerie I had bought over the last few years, some with tags still on items. Concerns flooded my mind as I thought of the models I see in mainstream media lingerie shoots. Those models are skin-TAY! I do not have the body type, nor the look of those models!

My mind started racing, and I got nervous. Truth is, I already have camera anxiety, and now I’m going to be wearing lingerie in front of a camera lens? Am I up for this?

The closer it got to the shoot, the more my nerves started getting the best of me. I wanted to cancel. What if this experience wasn’t worth it?

Kandis then goes on the describes how her fears melted away as she got started with the boudoir photoshoot experience:

I walked into the studio, and there was Liz, smiling and welcoming me, along with her makeup artist Rosie. We were quickly introduced. I sat in the chair and began to get my makeup done while sipping wine from my fancy wine glass. (This, of course, relaxed me.) After my makeup was done, I quickly changed outfits.

I ended up picking two pieces from my ever-growing lingerie collection. I wore black lace panties, a black lace gown, a red lace nightgown, my favorite pearl earrings and red bottoms. I also decided to wear only a bra and panties with a coverup in a couple pics.

Kandis then goes on to explain the process of posing for the camera (easier than she thought!), seeing her photo reveal slideshow after her photoshoot and signing the wallboard at the Chicago Boudoir Photography studio. Her closing paragraph encourages other women to book a boudoir photoshoot to have the same confidence-building experience that she did! She writes:

Boudoir photography is a true luxury experience and expression for EVERY woman. Your body type doesn’t matter. You don’t have to be skilled at posing because you will learn how. This is about your self-esteem and your body expression.

Do what you want and let them capture it. Don’t let your weight stop you from exploring your true feminine side. You are worth it! Most importantly, you will be comfortable and at ease from start to finish.  (Kudos to you, Liz.)

Beauty exists in every woman. Empower yourself. Get in your skivvies and give your secret sexy a chance to roar,  Trust me, it’s in there.

Thanks for coming into the Chicago Boudoir Photography studio, Kandis! We loved having you - you are beautiful inside and out!