Diary

Amanda came to Voulez Vous at a pivotal time in her personal and professional life. After leaving her job of 15 years and losing her father at the beginning of the year, Amanda embarked on a journey to pursue her passion.She launched her own business, A.R. Clinton: Communications, Content & Strategies, in a move to pursue more of the work that truly inspires her, but shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Rather than letting that scare her from pursuing her dream, Amanda chose to see the glass as half full. Amanda spent the following weeks reconnecting with the land and her roots at her family's farm. She took this time to slow down, cleanse her life and and reset her priorities.Amanda shared. "After years of regularly working 60 to 70-hour weeks, spending hours upon hours in my car every week, letting my health go and just being exhausted and always mentally drained, it was the best thing that could have happened to me — being forced to take a break.” After getting balance back into her life, she proceeded forward with her business as well as a few other passion projects. Amanda is now finding her voice as an activist for Indigenous, environmental and feminist causes and recently spoke as a contributing analyst to a Supreme Court decision and the removal of the Washington Redskins mascot. Amanda's empowering shift has also encouraged her to self-produce a documentary and take on a home renovation.

Meet Michelle Baca Life Coach, Author, Marketing Consultant and Yogi One of the greatest gifts I receive doing what I do is all of the beautiful souls I meet along my journey. Michelle Baca is a very inspiring woman that I had the privilege of photographing. She has spent the latter of her career building up others to shine brightly and speak their truth in pursuit of their own passions. Her book, The Sweet Spot, teaches '"how to get out of your head and into your body," an invaluable skill that we've all needed at some point. It's such an empowering read. I definitely recommend checking out her website if you're looking for a life coach who can teach you how to embody all of the beauty you hold within.Read Her Book and learn more at MichelleBaca.com

Brooke is a doctor on the front lines fighting COVID-19. I wanted to share her story here as a thank you to all of the medical professionals who are risking their lives to put an end to this pandemic. I'm grateful for the sacrifices everyone is making so we can go back to connecting through art-making, culture, and business as usual.Back in 2017, Brooke came to me with the desire to be photographed. Her one request- "make it beautiful". I'll be honest, she's one of the most modest clients I've ever had in the studio. But her shine isn't any dimmer because of it. In fact, Brooke's modest nature transformed into stunningly vulnerable portraiture that captures the true inner goddess which lies within every woman.

Sometimes a client comes in the studio and has the ability to unleash new visions through their essence alone. This was the case with April. She entered the studio full of creativity and humor. We went through more sets than I can share in one post. Her openness to try anything led to the creation of timeless imagery that speaks true to her character. True visual magic happens when a woman is confident inside and out. I hope to inspire this kind of experience for every woman I photograph. Imagery is a powerful window to the soul.

Sometimes boudoir gets a reputation for being overly provocative imagery, but that's never been my take on the art form. Every client I work with has a unique character that I aim to capture through striking imagery. Julie came to me with a vision of poise and class. She has a presence reminiscent of a modern Grace Kelly. I did my best to capture her elegant nature in the images shared below!

Wow.What a time we're living in.We have all been affected by the COVID-19 crisis in one way or another. Whether it be economically, emotionally, or in work. It’s difficult for me to get my head out of the fog as I process the unfolding of this pandemic. The thought of editing or even getting on my computer feels gut-wrenching. But we all must stay positive and persevere!I took last week to absorb it all and here’s what I came up with: Replenish.

All Voulez Vous portrait sessions are fine art creations— but what makes fine art different from other portrait experiences? Fine Art is defined as art developed primarily for aesthetics or beauty (as opposed to art that is designed for practical function). In photography, fine art is classified as imagery created in line with the vision of the photographer to express an idea, message, or emotion.Booking a session at Voulez Vous means that you are signing up for an opportunity to bring a creative expression of your own beauty to life. I conduct every shoot with a well thought out creative process. None of my clients are subject to pose merely for the sake of a sexy photo. I work intentionally with light, shadows, curves, and lines to accentuate the unique beauty of every individual.

This week we are facing fears. We all have fears that hold us back from stepping fully into our divine life path. For most of us, our fears stem from insecurities. We focus too much on all the things that could go wrong. Sometimes we play through worst case scenarios in our mind that only feed that voice of fear.In order to really lean into the life that is most fulfilling for us, we have to be willing to take a few chances on ourselves. Most of the negative outcomes that feed our fears never actually play out in reality. It's important to remind ourselves that we have the power to manifest positive outcomes in our life just by shifting our thoughts to focus on all the ways things could go right!I faced one of my fears this week when I recorded a LIVE video to promote the Rise & Shine Retreat happening in April. There's nothing scarier than going live online for all of the world to see you completely unfiltered. All of the negative what-if's were racing through my mind.What if I can't think of anything to say, ramble too much, or forget the name of my own studio?!Focusing on these what-if's only take away from the energy I could spend getting excited to share my message! And you know what, I went LIVE yesterday and I'm still smiling and breathing today. Plus, more people are excited for the retreat and know a lot more about my vision.Thinking negative detracts from really preparing yourself for all of the abundance that could pour into your life when you take a leap of faith and do something that scares you. So what scares you? I want to know. Identify a fear that keeps you from making your dreams reality and face that fear head on this week. Let me know how empowered you feel after!(Another fear I faced this week: Sharing this self-portrait I took in Scotland! Even the photographer gets nervous ladies.. Do what scares you!)