Diary

I grew up in a poor home, raised for the most part by my single mother. The church sponsored my sisters and I to attend a private religious school where we were expected to dress up for class every single day.My schools' standard of what looked 'presentable' wound up shaping my own standards for dressing in every-day life. I loved the way I felt when I dressed up for the day versus how I felt when I did not.I felt more confident, prepared, and motivated. Over the years, I've continued this tradition of dressing up, no matter the day. Especially on days when I'm not feeling my best.

Recently, I was rummaging through old files when I came across an article I saved in 2019 titled, "Come As You Are." I remembered saving this gem because it spoke me, as I'm sure it did many others, of the heavy burden of unrealistic beauty standards we women carry around. We hear new outlooks on body positivity all the time, but what stood out to me in this message wasn't the typical 'love yourself' mantra, it was the idea that we are actually losing time and productive energy to worrying about the way we look. This is time and precious energy spent loathing the bodies that serve us. These are not hours men accommodate for in their daily life. Why should we? So I wrote a list for you— A list of ways you can snap out of negative self-talk and tap into a more fulfilled and fired up energy to spend on making memories and impact where it actually matters most to you.

Constance shares her journey of vision, drive, and endurance in her own words this week in the diary. "When I was growing up I wanted to be a Marine. Once I got to college I signed up and went to US Marine Corps Officer Candidate School later turning down my commission in the military to study abroad in Estonia and Russia...

Congrats to Benita! And to strong vibrant women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them. Benita won a complimentary photoshoot during a Voulez Vous Zoom party last year! Her photos really display the fun, spunky energy that Benita brought into the studio. Benita spent many years filling the role of head of the household for her family. As a result, she fell out of touch with her feminine nature. Our goal for Benita's photoshoot was to highlight her "hidden feminine side" so these images would serve as a reminder of her true womanly self. I hope Benita looks at these images and feels just as bold and beautiful as she looks!

The first thing I noticed about Leslie was her soft, peaceful voice. She had a calm and confident demeanor. You can't help but be drawn to a person like that.Leslie came to me with a clear vision for her photoshoot. She had a lot of ideas, but her conviction and enthusiasm sparked my inspiration and we managed to do it all - Paint splattering, feathers, floral headdresses, abstract strip lighting, neon gel lighting and more. Ask and you shall receive, as I always say!Leslie's presence reminded me that sometimes the most attractive thing you can be is compassionate and self-assured.Meeting someone so calm and confident prompted me to ask, "What are we scared of? So what of our insecurities. Who does it matter to anyway?"We get so caught up in how others physically see us that we forget- it's how we make people feel that draws them in. The people who love you will always love you, whether you've gained a few pounds, wrinkles, or whatever else you feel insecure about at times.So what are you scared of? Embrace the thing that makes you shine and flaunt it with calm, radiant confidence!

I'm so happy to share this decadent photoshoot with Shannon Rich!Shannon is an outstanding woman in business. She came to Voulez Vous for branding photos as she gears up to launch an empowering service for women. I have been so inspired by her dedication to advocating for women to be "at the table". Her visionary goal is to make sure future generations of women are in every room where decisions are made. I loved the bold bits of personality captured throughout her images. Shannon wins the award, hands down, for "Voulez Vous client showing up with the biggest wardrobe." She showed up to the studio with an entire truck load! If this indicates the level of preparation Shannon brings to the table.. I have no doubt that she is on her way to changing the future for women's representation in the work place.

“I took in Mila’s long, beautiful, silver curls, her captivating smile, and big blue eyes with those forever lashes- I was giddy to start the photoshoot…”I can’t remember the last time my sisters and I were all in one location at the same time. We rarely have time without children or spouses for just the three of us to catch up on a more personal level. I felt in my heart it was time to make this a priority.I hadn’t photographed Mila in many years. Now that we were all over the age of 50, it felt like it was time. I booked my flight to Greensboro, packed up several pieces of clothing from the studio, grabbed my camera gear and headed for North Carolina. The lull of the engine accompanied by white puffy clouds and gray skies drifted me into deep thought. Memories flooded my mind of our childhood, adult years, the families we created and just how much love we all had for each other.I felt sad that I hadn’t taken more portraits over the years, but I was going to make it happen now. The thought of the experience to come excited me.We had no plans for the 5 days we had together. The only thing on our agenda was to enjoy each other’s company on my sister’s 4 acres in her beautiful, cozy home.We made one stop at the grocery to load up on easy meal prep items and wine, then headed to our girl’s retreat.A huge tradition in our family is game nights (and days too). Let me tell you, I was beyond excited for this! Not because I win— ever— but for the pure joy, laughter and giggles that come from it all.On Saturday morning the skies were gray with bouts of rain on and off. Still in our PJs, we sat circled around the living room, giggling with cups of coffee as we talked of ideas, politics, religion, memories, and family. At 3:00 pm we decide it was time to start the party.While Mila sat in a chair getting her hair and make-up done by sister Sonja (aka Rene), I poured our first glass of champagne and made a toast. I took in Mila’s long, beautiful, silver curls, her captivating smile, and big blue eyes with those forever lashes- I was giddy to start the photoshoot.As I photographed her in a cozy brown chair, my mind flashed back to an image of Mila at 13 years old—a photo I always thought she looked so beautiful in.I saw the same beauty linger in her eyes that day. She was so beautiful and at ease in front of my camera. A natural.We played with different outfits, locations in the house and in the yard, and drank champagne while the rain came and went for hours.That evening, Mila and Sonja made dinner while I made cocktails and got the cards ready for our games. I continued taking pictures of our journey the rest of the weekend with my phone (yes, my phone.. lol).Sunday looked pretty much just like Friday, with just as much enthusiasm!We messaged and FaceTimed our brother, the youngest of us four, so he wouldn’t come down with FOMO while he was stuck quarantining at home. We missed him being with us in person, but we were all together in spirit.That long weekend with my sisters is one I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. I’m overwhelmed with pure love & joy knowing I’ll be able to give my sisters the beautiful gift of portraiture. That means everything to me.

It's Samantha here! One may wonder, what does it really mean when we say "The Voulez Vous Experience '"? I have a unique perspective of what it's like to, both, work towards the mission of Voulez Vous and also be photographed by the woman behind it all. This week I am here to share my intimate photoshoot experience with you, images, behind-the-scenes & all. Realy simply put, the Voulez Vous Experience means that this is NOT your basic JC Penny photoshoot ladies.. When I first started working with Lana, I didn't anticipate the emotional roller-coaster that came along with the position. Lana works from a sincere belief that photographs are one of the most sacred belongings you are gifted in your lifetime.

Many of my clients come to Voulez Vous Boudoir on a journey to be less self-conscious about their bodies. As a result, it takes some people a while to warm up (although they always do). That was not the case with this lovely lady! I absolutely adored Paij. She has such a bubbly, bright personality and made the photoshoot such a treat to work on! Paij realized in order to be less self-conscious doing boudoir she had to leap right in with enthusiasm. Here's a little love note from Paij sharing what the Voulez Vous experience did for her:

I'm honored to share this stunning photoshoot from the Great Salt Plains of Oklahoma featuring my dear friend, Ana Berry. Ana is a TV personality, media specialist, content creator, social media influencer, yoga teacher, vocalist, and mother. This is the life story of a woman who does it all with her whole heart.Our friendship continues to bring me inspiration and a greater appreciation for all the beauty a women can be.