This past weekend, I had the privilege of experiencing something that every woman should have the opportunity to do at least once in their lifetime...a documentation of themselves as a sexy, beautiful and confident woman. Thanks to photographer extraordinaire, Rachael Michael of Metropolitan Imageworks, I was able to do just that. It was, in a single word: Awesome.
During the "Intimate Moments" session (what is essentially a modern twist on traditional boudoir photography), Rachael tastefully and playfully captures a woman's sensuality while showcasing her most beautiful features. Some women do it for their significant others. Some do it as a celebration of their own body after motherhood. Some do it as a reminder that they're hot stuff after a divorce. And others do it just for themselves and no one else.
I was someone who did it for themself.
The husband was cool about it, but didn't really know what to expect so he wasn't exactly "into" it...at least not until he saw the end result (that's a completely different story that nearly got me mauled). So I went into the photo shoot wanting a documentation of myself at 28 years old...in the skin that got me through an Ironman triathlon...still in denial of being an adult...but before the wrinkles and gray hair and saggy boobs set in.
The end result? Hubba, hubba...I couldn't believe that I was looking at a photo of myself.
Here's a look at a select few teasers (gotta leave something to the imagination, right?)...along with a few snap shots that my gal pals had done as well during their sessions...
I should preface that I am a self-proclaimed tomboy. I have the grace of a mack truck. The coordination of a drunk sorority girl. And would rather go run 20 miles than have to go shopping for a new pair of jeans.
And for the first time in a long time, I actually felt hot, thanks to the photo shoot. Most gals will agree...looking hot and feeling hot are two completely different things. And I am confident that any woman that works with Rachael in an Intimate Moments session will walk out of that photo shoot with a little more pep in their step, feeling like they are radiating with sexiness flowing through their veins. And really, who doesn't want to feel sexy and awesome?
Rachael is inherently one of those people who you immediately feel comfortable around. She puts you at ease and her years of professional experience help her know exactly which angles are the most flattering for individual body types. So when you pair her keen eye and her meticulous ability to capture the perfect light, the end results are nothing short of stunning. As evidenced by the photo stream. Plus what you wear--or don't wear--is entirely up to you and your own personal comfort level.
But Rachael wasn't the only one who worked their magic to make this happen. My particular shoot was part of a marathon session at a swanky hotel with several other ladies (no...we didn't go in at the same time...we all had our own respective times, sorry to ruin any pillow fight images you have running through your head, boys) with hair and makeup styling done by the talented Nikolina Gubernat of Moya Makeup. The woman made me look and feel like a million bucks.
Metropolitan Imageworks "Intimate Moments" packages start at $375 and include an online photo gallery, digital files and pocket album, which is upgradable to a linen or leather bound album. The shoot can be done in the comfort of your own home, a hotel, or during one of the several marathon sessions throughout the year. You can even do it as a couples session if your man is willing to go under the lens right along with you. Just email info@metimages.com for more details, or check out IM section of the website.
So ladies, if you're looking for an awesome gift to give yourself (or that special someone)...take the time to document just how truly beautiful you are. Love your curves. Embrace your flaws. Appreciate those frustrating bits that make you who you are. Because you're absolutely stunning in your own way. And I can't think of a better way to document your true beauty than a one on one "Intimate Moments" session.
No doubt, when I'm old and gray and incapable...I'll pull out the photos and fondly remember the good ole' days when I was lookin' good.
One final note: I want to add that I was initially a paying customer on deck for the shoot who ended up winning the "Intimate Moments" free of charge session in an anonymous voting contest. No services were given for free in exchange for the writing of this post, nor do I have any personal affiliation with Metropolitan Images. Ultimately, the photographer had no idea I was writing about my experience until after the fact.
Rachael began shooting weddings while majoring in Photojournalism at Columbia College Chicago, capturing her first event on film in 1997. She gained experience through internships and stringing for the Pioneer Press.
Since 2001, Rachael has photographed over 350 weddings in the Chicagoland area and the surrounding Midwest states Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Kentucky. In 2007, she expanded her coverage to include all of Arizona during the winter months. Her talent has also landed her gigs in California, Florida, Rhode Island, Maryland, New York and Mykonos, Greece.
When not working with wedding clients, Rachael can be found shooting portrait sessions that feature babies & families, engagements & anniversaries, Intimate Moments and other special occasions. She also currently handles the photography needs of about a dozen local commercial clients.
Intimate Moment Sessions are a modern, funky and fresh take on boudoir photography. Rachael believes each IM session is an uplifting and empowering experience for the client and a way to bring out the vixen that is hiding within.
...and a fun little twirl from me for the camera. And yes, that would be my backside. Another set of saucy legs, courtesy of my girl, L. Someone's ready to work up a sweat!...oh, and C's legs go on for miles. Meow!Beauty meets brains with my girl, C. Mad scientist by day...mad hot by night. Every lady needs a corset. But don't be fooled! If you need more evidence that I'm not a girly girl, those aren't my heels...I had to borrow them.
Advertisement:
Gal Pal "M" had some quality time with Rachael before me. Not only is she smokin' hot...but she can bake a mean cake, too.Sporting only the hardware...when you're an Ironman you tend to be a glutton for punishment and pain. Who would've guessed that I'm really a tomboy deep down?! Shopping? Hell no. Let's go ride a bike...or maybe ride something else (bad sexual pun totally intended)!
You WERE one of the guys until you posted these photos...
Aww...I'm still one of the guys! Just a cuter, less hairy, less smelly version of a guy!
Seriously smokin'.
I feel like this calls for a "are your legs tired?" cheesy pick up line. :)
Yikes!!!! They look great! You look great. Congratulations.
Thanks, Wallach!