Last week, while I was getting ready to close up the studio before my trip to Vegas for WPPI (photography conference) I received a Facebook chat message:
Critsey Rowe, (one of my photography heros) is a boudoir photographer in Charlotte, but travels to NYC and Europe to shoot her Couture Boudoir sessions. Her work is absolutely amazing and I’ve been a huge fan since finding her website about 2 years ago. We’ve never actually met, but because I’m a dorky fan, I added her as a friend on Facebook. Her asking me to model was super flattering and terrifying all at the same time!! I mean, her work is the best I’ve ever seen but the truth is, I’ve been feeling pretty crappy about myself lately…I work a LOT, which involves a lot of time sitting at the computer and eating healthy has unfortunately become an afterthought. About 2 years ago I worked really hard to lose about 20 lbs and since then I’ve gained it all back. So the thought of putting on lingerie and getting in front of the camera made me feel pretty uneasy…mainly because I wasn’t mentally prepared and didn’t have any outfits that fit and looked flattering.
So, because I decided 2012 is my year of saying ‘yes’ I agreed to do it and ran out of the studio like a bat out of hell to hop on the Skytrain over to my favorite sexy store – Scarlet Lingerie before it closed. I was leaving the next morning so I had no time to mess around, I needed to get my shop on! Upon arriving at the store I was a hot mess…wet from the rain and from running my chunky ass from the Skytrain station to the shop. I took a couple of trips around the store grabbing corsets and other things that would suck in my middle. Once in the changeroom I felt a bit like Bridget Jones…squirming and struggling to get the damn corsets on while still sweating and feeling like the heater was blowing directly at me. The salesgirl was very sweet and helpful although I was kind of being a spaz (thank you!!). She brought me some great pieces and I ended up getting 2 bustiers and a bra for myself. I was starting to feel better about this whole thing.
The next morning I hopped in a cab, picked up my girl Kelly and headed to the airport for our flight to VEGAS!
Sunday morning arrives and I’m surprisingly calm. I suppose I had kind of surrendered to the fact that this is happening, and Critsey is not only a professional, but she is amazing at what she does. I sit down in the makeup chair and let her stylist do his thing. I’ll admit I was a bit shocked to see myself in the mirror, I hardly wear makeup and it’s been a while since having the ‘full meal deal’ on my face.

(here’s me getting an application of fake tanner and the finishing touches on my hair)
The workshop begins and I just do my thing. I try to remember all the things I tell my clients to do…boobs out, butt out, chin up! We’re having fun and the girls are learning a lot about posing and lighting.
After it’s all over I said goodbye and continued on to enjoy the rest of my time in Vegas, including the Barbie Suite Shootout that Leah Aubrey and I organized (blog post coming soon).
After getting home I’ve been thinking about the shoot and how much I enjoyed meeting Critsey. She’s such a cool person as well as an amazing photographer. I was still kind of nervous to see the shots…I mean I felt great but was nervous about how I would look.
Well, this morning I got an email from Critsey…
Thank you Critsey for making me feel amazing about myself again. Love you girl! xoxo
Critsey Rowe is located in Charlotte, NC and is available for boudoir sessions worldwide.
Holy crap girl! you look AMAZING! Almost want me to get one too. The second to last is definitely my fav.
Great job and Koodos for becoming the model! I knew you would rock it.
Holy hotness! These are stunning Jennifer and I’m so glad you had a chance to have your own session done! 🙂 Gorgeous! PS…my roomy at Vegas this year was Jennifer Williams from California – small world!
Holy smokin hawtness!!! Amazing shots! You’re forcing me to get off my butt and do it, too!
Holy hotness batman. Jen you are so beautiful and brave. Your clients will be inspired by you.
And how freaking cool to be photographed by Critsey?
Jen, You are so gorgeous! And the sweetest! I am so happy we got to hang out in Vegas. Thanks for inviting me to your desert shoot and to the Barbie Suite. I can’t wait to see your shootout photos. I know they will be amazing. I look forward to seeing you again this summer in NYC!
xoxo
Dammmnnnn… you look amazing!
Wow, those photos are amazing!!! Absolutely breathtaking, with just the right balance of dark & light, and your sassy additude. I will have to check out Critsey…
It’s nice to see you get in front of the camera and rock your shoot! Gorgeous inside and out:)
These photos are gorgeous, would you by any chance care to share her site I have been following a photog in canada that does this type of art and wanted to do something for my husband for our anniversary! I didn’t know there was anyone so close to me!
holy hot tamale jen, your are always gorgeous! The 2nd to last photo is absolutely beyond fabulous! hellooooo sultry bedroom eyes! 🙂
wow, amazing jen. you look unreal!!!! beautiful
Yeah, yeah, you’re hot. Everyone else out here knew that already.
That said, Damn, girl.
Wow, Jen!! You look totally beautiful, glamorous and confident. Way to go doing something out of your comfort zone and nailing it! I’m sure this helps for your own work as well & communicating to clients (not to mention upping the hotness level all around!).
WOW, girl, you are smoking hot!! You look so awesome!!
Wow! Bombshell! You look gorgeous Jen! Amazing work by Critsey!
Boudoir is such a special gift to one’s self. Your insecurities are the same as many women. But doing a boudoir shoot brings out all the confidence and makes a person really see the beauty they possess!
Love this post 🙂
Hot stuff!
Oh. My. GOD!! You are my new favourite girl crush.
**insert whistle** Smokin’ hot, Jenn. Fabulous work (as always) Critsey. 🙂
I mean, sweet Jesus. You look AMAZING. Absolutely stunning. Critsey does sensational work, for sure, but you’ve got what it takes my dear friend. LOVE!
XOXOX
Awesome! 🙂
I think the best boudoir photographers are the ones who can really relate to their clients… 🙂
Those are amazing photos!!! I am feeling the exact same way about doing my shoot which I hope to do later in the year!!
You look GORGEOUS!!
jen, you look so incredible. simply amazing. what an inspiration for you clients and all clients-to-be. thank you so much for sharing 🙂
gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!!
Look at you! Hot stuff!