Though I am trying to specialize in the footsteps of firms similar to JG Boudoir in Boudoir Photography, I do dabble in it. It is one of the most exciting forms of photography I have even been a part of and is truly a rewarding experience for me as a photographer. I LOVED spending the day with REAL women…not supermodels, though they totally could have fooled me, but REAL moms…businesswomen, nurses, etc. From pink champagne, treats, professional hair and makeup and more Britney Spears and Madonna than one can handle…these days shooting boudoir really allowed us ALL to embrace our gifts and talents and show off the real beauty within.

When I started shooting boudoir I would search for inspiration. Whether from Pinterest, Google or right within my own community of photographers; The Showiteers. This is where I heard of, met, began to follow/aka ‘stalk’ the ever fab Dawn V Gilmore. She is such a kind spirit. Always offering up help to others and always coming up with some insanely creative shoots that leave many in awe of her creative genius. I asked her to guest blog for me simply because I admire her talent, drive and decision to specialize in this realm of photography and embrace who she is as a woman, photographer, and recently a fellow participant. To hear more from the amazing Dawn, please read her thoughts on Boudoir and how she helps her clients feel INCREDIBLE and look INCREDIBLE in their own skin.

“Boudoir sessions are more than just a set of sexy pictures; it’s about embracing your body & accentuating those things that you love about yourself. That is the main reason why I decided to “specialize” in shooting boudoir & glamour photography. It is so important for women to love the skin they’re in and to learn that they are beautiful WITHOUT photoshop! I don’t want women to believe that in order to have gorgeous images they have to be photoshopped or morphed into something other than they are. I want them to see that with the right posing, lighting & an experienced photographer they can have the most beautiful images of themselves naturally.

Over the years I have photographed practically anything; as I am sure many of us photographers have. It took me almost 5 years in the business to realize that it was time for me to focus my training, education, and skills in specific areas of photography that really made an impact on my client’s lives; boudoir & glamour photography was that!

I am a plus size woman and I have battled self esteem issues all of my life. In the world of media that we live in where they focus on body image so heavily; it was hard not to. I have learned to embrace the body that I was given and to focus on the things that I love about my body. I wanted to teach women everywhere how to do that. Then the “Celebrate You” session was born. I realized that I wanted women to do a session for THEMSELVES! Not necessarily just because they wanted to give a gift to that special someone in their life; but because they wanted to document the things that they loved about themselves.

 

There was a major gap in the main stream market for that because many photographers shoot boudoir but don’t publicize it. I decided to do the exact opposite. I created a website, a blog, and a Facebook page all dedicated 100% to building women’s self esteem through boudoir & glamour imagery. Imagine this; it was a HIT! Before I knew the fan base was tremendous. I think when I saw so many of my clients ASKING to use their images on Facebook, I realized that it was working.

 

Specializing in one particular field & turning down business in other areas is very scary. Especially for me because I am a full-time photographer and don’t have any other source of income myself. For me, it was more important to show women how to love themselves and to really embrace the body & curves that GOD gave them. The most impactful statement that I have heard to date from a client was when I photographed a 50+ woman and she kept insisting before her hair & makeup were done that there was no way that we could make her look good; then she looked in the mirror & began to cry. She told us that she had NEVER felt so beautiful in her entire life, not even on her wedding day! That was it! That was EXACTLY why I do it! There is nothing more inspiring than to see that switch where they finally see themselves in a positive light.”

Thank you for that amazing post Dawn—you are a true inspiration and delight to stalk….I mean follow! You rock for sharing all this with my clients, fans and followers. Keep up the amazing work!

xoxo,

Kaitlin Noel

To keep up with Dawn and follow her work click on the ink below : )

Dawn V Gilmore is a Fine Art Glamour & Boudoir photographer in Delaware who specializes in making women feel comfortable in their skin & empowering women to love themselves as they are! My passion, ability and skills will reveal your seductive side and capture your inner coquette while being tasteful and professional. Celebrate You and bring your sensuality to life! Serving the Mid-Atlantic Region of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. http://glamour.dawnvgilmorephoto.com