"The things you don't like about yourself are the things that make you beautiful and unique." Tamela Martin Boudoir
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Hello! I'm Cortney. I live in Cottageville, WV with my husband of 13 years and our 2 younger children. Our oldest daughter has moved out and is starting a life of her own. I work full time as a nurse at a local long-term care facility and am also in school to complete my BSN degree. I love traveling and hope to get to do more of it in the years to come. I enjoy reading in my free time and watching the kids grow.
Why did you choose to do a boudoir shoot?
I have wanted to do a session for a long time. I have always admired the pictures from afar and thought to myself "those women are beautiful and badass" but never saw myself in that light. Now that I am in my 30's, I decided that it was finally time to see myself like I see other women.
What made Tamela Martin Boudoir stand out to you?
Tamela does a great job no matter what type of picture she is taking. She actually took my youngest daughters newborn photos and they were absolutely amazing. I have also been following all her accounts on social media and just like the newborn pictures, the boudoir photos were beautiful and creatively done.
What was the biggest thing holding you back from booking sooner?
My lack of self confidence and worrying about what other people would think or say if I booked a session.
What made you the most nervous going into the session? Did that change? How?
I'm a shy and backward person anyway, so going into the shoot I was a ball of nerves. I had never done anything like this before and to be honest am the one usually taking the pictures. Tamela ensured me that by the end of the shoot I would feel like a brand new woman and she wasn't wrong! Tamela took a "before" picture and after getting made up by the hair and make-up team and taking a few "after" pictures, Tamela showed me what she was capturing and the transformation was crazy. Not just in my appearance but my whole demeanor had changed.
What was your favorite part of your photoshoot?
The feeling of total comfort. I walked in nervous and self-conscious but as Tamela started taking the photos and talking me through the poses I began to loosen up and could feel myself opening up to the process.
What is your favorite part of the whole experience?
I loved everything about it! But if I have to choose I would say the reveal. The pictures were stunning!
What would you tell someone thinking about having a boudoir session of their own?
DO IT! Don't even think twice about it. The things you don't like about yourself are the things that make you beautiful and unique. Be proud of who you are.