Why I Shoot Boudoir...

Those of you who know me personally might be thinking "Why in the world is Sarah photographing half naked women?" among other things ;) I love the Peek-a-Boo side of my business. In an effort to explain why I'm drawn to this type of photography, let's begin with what Boudoir is, and also what it is not:

bou⋅doir
[boo-dwahr, -dwawr]
–noun
a woman's bedroom or private sitting room.

In Photography:(Wikipedia)
A great deal of "boudoir" is now created in the photographer's studio, where it has become very fashionable to create a set of sensual images for ladies of all ages, shapes, and sizes in the "boudoir style". This often takes the shape of partly clothed images or images in lingerie, and has become more than just a passing fad for brides to surprise their future husbands. Although in the past there were many negative connotations associated with boudoir photography, in recent years the trend has begun to gain momentum, and the entire look of boudoir photography has begun to change.

What Boudoir is not:
Distasteful or pornographic.

"Peek-a-Boo" by New Beginnings Photography

My goal is to make every woman feel gorgeous. Too often, we see images like this in a magazine or on tv:



These images reinforce the notion that as women, we have to be a size 2, 5'11" blond bombshell in order to be beautiful. That, ladies, is just not true. I fully believe every woman is beautiful no matter her age, size, hair color, etc. and feel blessed that I am able to pick up a camera and show average women what they don't acknowledge when they look in the mirror every day.

I have always loved fashion mags and watching Bravo's Project Runway. In High School, my dream was to photograph super thin, stylish models for the cover of Elle and W. I have discovered that it is much more rewarding to show a woman who doesn't know the extent of her beauty how gorgeous she is than to take pictures of girls who make a living off of how beautiful they are.

These sessions are geared toward women who are either in committed relationships to share with their significant others or who want gorgeous photos to boost their self confidence and show their kiddos 30 years down the road (see Freddie, Mommy was a hottie!)

If you have questions or reservations about this style of photography, please pick up the phone or shoot me an email. I would love to give you a tour of my studio and get to know you a little better! (217-679-2757 or Sarah@nbpstudio.com)

Thanks to Victoria's Semi Annual Sale, We've added a few A-dorable pieces to the wardrobe (and check out the new chair- the pink stripes totally remind me of VS!):


After hours of sewing, My fabulous mother created this A-mazing curtain to separate the consultation area from the changing room:


Peek-a-Boo!

Eleni

I.Love.This.Image...

And the Winner is...

I put out a call in late November for nominations to give a deserving family $500 of custom photography. It is by no means on the same scale as "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" but I wanted to give back to the community and use my gifts and talents to do so.

I received an email while at work and was blubbering by the third paragraph. I photographed Megan's family in the spring and was delighted with her thoughtful, loving description of this family:

"When I first read the nomination idea I immediately considered one of the families that until recently was much like every other “normal” family. The moments that I have been in the presence of the "T" family as they embrace their situation and face it head on, have left me feeling amazed. Amazed by their emotional strength, their connection to one another and their perseverance to battle onward.

Brian and Heather decided to plant their family roots in the small town that they too grew up in. Home to 3 girls, 2 very tired parents and more nurses and hospital equipment then most people see in a lifetime!

"B" was born 2 months early. There were some signs late in Heather’s pregnancy that raised some concern. True to her intuition, there was something wrong. You see, B could not breathe, on her own. After many weeks of testing with no results, she was taken into surgery where a tracheotomy was performed, muscle biopsy taken and a feeding tube was inserted. Weeks later, B was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Myopothy Disorder. Four months and three days later after she was moved to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, B returned home. She survives with her ventilator in tow, 24 hours a day, a vitamin cocktail may times throughout the day and the nurses who provide nearly constant care.

Heather has taken a leave of absence from her teaching position to be with B and her sisters. B’s care alone would cause most people to become overwhelmed and become down beat. However, Brian and Heather have taken this wrench thrown into their life and try to see the positive in any situation. As focused on the positive and all of Brooke’s improvements, it is hard to look beyond the obvious reminders that their little angel is living a different life. Their home is quite crowded. B must sleep in a chair that folds out to a twin bed in their living room to give space to her, the ventilator, and the nurse providing care. However, B is able to move throughout the home, with her four feet of ventilator tubing and the ventilator carried in a backpack! Brian and Heather are willing to follow B wherever she goes, because their goal is to create a life for her that is like all other girls. Their hope is that she will be vent free, running and playing like all other children! They say, “With her attitude and personality, we have no doubt she will be someone very special!”

For this reason I nominate Brian and Heather and their children to receive complimentary custom photography. Memories are all any of us have as time quickly passes by. My Christmas wish would be to give them the chance to beautifully capture the essence of their spirit and keep it alive on their walls. A professional photo opportunity is one that I am certain they would love. IF they had the money to pay for this, I am certain they would use it to put towards an expense for not only B, but their other girls. If selected, this chance will allow them to hold on to their beautiful family of five, in an artistic fashion, for all the years to come.

Thank you Megan for your beautiful nomination- I am looking forward to photographing both families in the next few months!

Christmas Gif

My Grandy passed along this Christmas morning tradition to Rachel and I. She and her siblings (she was one of 5) would wake up to open stockings, properly clothe themselves (Christmas attire has always consisted of dress clothes in this fam- gotta look good for all of those pictures!) and eat breakfast before they were allowed to see the tree and open presents. The kids would wake up and try to be the first to say "Christmas Gif" to someone else. Supposedly this is what slaves in the south once did because they weren't able to give gifts- it was their way of celebrating.

This year, NBP is offering a "Christmas Gif" to a deserving family.

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography - $500 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $250 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be?

The rules:

- You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

- The nominee must reside in Illinois. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

- You must e-mail me the full story : Sarah@nbpstudio.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Day - get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season - and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Sarah (and Gigers!)

Thankful...

In my tear to get coffee, fill up my gas tank and leave town yesterday, I managed to lose my debit card at the filling station. I have seen so many 60 Minutes episodes about identity theft, I don't need to be reminded of how lucky I am that some honest person picked my card up off the ground and called my bank instead of racking up a ridiculous bill on my bank account. I'm so thankful that person chose to ignore my flaky-ness and do the right thing!

And, what's a blog post without a photo? Another shot from my Jersey beach vacay-

Move Over Real Housewives of NJ...

the Chatham Chicks are in town! (Who needs the drama and fake boobs when you've got us?) Thanks to my fab cousins for taking shots of all three of us (normally, my head gets photoshopped in b/c I'm the one behind the camera!)











One of the best shots of me. Oh cowl neck sweater...

Crouse Fam | Bay Head, NJ

Part II of my trip to Jersey. Couldn't get enough of the beach!

Bay Head, NJ

It was a wonderful, relaxing weekend with family in Bay Head, New Jersey. Even though it was "off season," weather on Saturday was a perfect 60 degrees and sunny. I had forgotten how much I love the east coast- being near the beach is so revitalizing- it's like rehab for my workaholic life!

Lindsey | Session III

I know I'm super behind on several things this week- I came home from the race Saturday night to a sick Gigi... We've been in and out of the vet all week and I think she's finally on the mend!

Here are a few from Lindsey's final session. She's so fierce!

Race to Cure Lymphoma

Saturday was the 3rd Annual Race to Cure Lymphoma in STL. My fam is so rad- my Dad (aka "Race Director Extraordinaire") organizes and executes the race and my Darling Sister decided to (gasp) RUN her first 5k (she trained in 8 weeks!). I can't articulate how proud I am of them both.

With 450 participants, the race raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society . This was the first year for an LLS Team in Training to participate- these cool cats (20 total) raised $17,000 in 8 weeks! I was so honored to be an Honored Teammate for this team and loved cheering each of them on and watch them cross the finish line. So inspiring!

While Dad was running around like a crazy man with one hour of sleep, and Rachel was running 3.1 miles in 30 minutes (2nd place woot woot!); I did manage to do a little something and take a few pictures:


Balloon Release, in honor/memory


Dad looking very official explaining the course


Seriously- she has a smile at mile 3...?


Alisher came to support his super fab girlfriend


Don't judge, she just ran a 5k and we'd been up since 6:00.

It's been a week. One of those weeks where all the bad stuff seems to overshadow all the good stuff. Thank goodness for my A-mazing clients. Without them, I think I would crawl under the covers and hibernate until spring.

A few things that have brought a smile to my face this week:

1. Dana's sweet words about her Senior Session experience- "I just loved taking pictures. I have never had anyone really take pictures of me so it was a lot of fun. Sarah made me feel comfortable and not shy around the camera." Compliments like that make me fall in love with my job all over again.

2. The way my sweet Gigers curls up with me at night. She'll lay on my back, balance herself on my side and curl up by my stomach. It's nice to have that unconditional love, even if it is from a cat.

3. Coming home to find a beautiful package at my doorstep! There is a horribly hilarious story regarding my purchase of a Shootsac which I will share with you once my ego has recovered.

What gorgeous packaging! I cannot wait to work on my photo packaging this winter once things have settled down a bit!


Flower Child! To match my Hippie Girl car!


Here's to Friday, and a better week ahead.

October | Personal

I love October. Even though it's starting to get chilly (I'm totally a warm weather girl) October is the perfect excuse to wear PINK! As a Cancer Survivor, I believe in the importance of awareness and prevention- guys and gals, grab your pink ties, tennies and tees and rock the pink every Friday in October. Maybe you can even find a super fab shirt like mine:



My new PINK shoes from Gidley's in Fulton Mo (seriously, I am drooling over these shoes. Paired with my skinnies- shut up!)



And my super fab book from Bath and Body (couldn't pass this one up- a graphic novel about a kick butt chick with Cancer? Fab!):

Ode to the Pumpkin Spice Latte (and other exciting news)

Oh Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, how I love thee...
You invigorate my glazed-over, staring at the computer screen too long eyes
and encourage me after a long day at the office.
Pumpkin Spice, you remind me why I love Fall
not only for the red and orange trees, smell of bonfires and crisp air,
but for your caffeine-coma inducing autumn taste
topped with whipped cream.

Ok, I never claimed to be a poet... or a writer ;-) I'll stick to hiding my face behind my camera.


And for other exciting news: Book your session in September or October and get a free session or $25 print credit-woot woot!

Soarin'

"You can't be anything you want to be" my 3rd grade teacher lectured, "if you're in a wheelchair, you can't be a basketball player, can you?"

I have always remembered those "words of wisdom" (this was the teacher who put my name on the board- the only one ever to do so mind you!) and for some reason, I was mulling over them today.

As I'm deciding whether or not to jump into photography full time, open my own studio, and follow my dreams, I find myself putting up walls. Now isn't the right time, the economy is awful, what if I fail, what if I'm not good enough... the list goes on. Today, I stopped myself- I have so many people in my life who support me, love my work and believe in my dreams. I am the only one putting up barricades.

So, it probably isn't realistic for a wheelchair bound individual to aspire to be an NBA player, but did my 3rd grade teacher ever consider the NWBA?

You can be anything you want to be. Details may have to be modified, but never allow anyone to discourage you from following your dreams, setting goals and believing in your passions. Surround yourself with encouraging friends and family, and as my high school photography teacher told me "go soar."





Disclaimer: I don't make these awful faces when I'm shooting- I promise! Anyone willing to take some shots of me looking pretty with my camera?!

Unconditional | Personal

I had to think about it awhile. "What is your favorite memory?" a client asked me during a consultation the other week. I stuttered "Well.. humm..." I love my job. Everything about it. Being behind the camera, talking with people, helping them to look their best and feel comfortable enough with me to expose their personality- I love it. So when he asked this question, I was stumped.

It hit me this evening.

One of my first weddings- TJ and Maria. I've grown up with Teej and was blessed to be asked to photograph his wedding. His little sister Taylor has special needs and is a total doll- She's always smiling and laughing, a complete joy to be around.

During the reception Taylor was dancing in the arms of her mom, her feet 12 inches from the floor. It was a moment. To see them both giggling and smiling, Taylor's little hands wrapped around Tracy; I got choked up.

The love between mothers and daughters is indescribable. The best word I have to express their love in that moment: unconditional.

Hales | Personal

Rachel, Haley and I made the 2 hour trek to Champaign this morning to drop Hales off at U of I. We were not given a lot of options, and none of them were pretty. We made the decision to have her leg amputated and hopefully give her a few more happy years with the Chatham Chicks. I wanted so badly for the puppers to be able to tell us what she wanted- I think that was the most difficult part- having to make the choice for her.

Surgery is tomorrow and she'll be home by Friday. I know the awesome vets @ U of I are going to take great care of her, spoil her rotten (they mentioned peanut butter to get her to swallow her pills!) and send her home tumor free.

VBS | Personal

I have been burning the candle at both ends this week (is it Friday yet?!) My day job, editing pictures for viewing sessions and then off to VBS in the evening! I love helping out at vacation bible school. The kids are absolutely adorable (I lift my camera and these kids instantly go into Tyra Banks modeling mode- too funny!) and it is so cool to watch these little ones learn about God. I may be exhausted by the end of the week, but I will also feel incredibly fulfilled.



I know I've got some CPC blog stalkers- fess up people (and leave me a comment, I wanna see some love!)

Life's Ruff

We have a menagerie of pets, a zoo if you will. My family has always had a soft spot for animals: rescuing strays and always having a dog in the house. Seriously, as the movie (Disney) Earth ended and the lights came on, the three of us were stifling our sniffles and wiping away tears!

Haley has been a member of the family for 14 years. She's the chowhound, the "sheep herder" and the loudmouth. This has been a difficult week for Hales since a tumor has popped up on her leg. She's been in and out of the vet, poked and prodded and we still don't know what's going on. Through it all, her eyes are still bright and she hasn't lost an ounce of personality. She's dealing with it much better than the rest of us; animals are resilient like that.

A New Leaf

I'm making a change. Not just regarding my business, but with my life. I'm done being unhappy and dissatisfied with life. I've been in this rut for much to long and I'm so over it! "I'm coming out, I want the world to know!"

My inspiration: Miss Jasmine. Not only is she is a fabulous photographer, but what I really appreciate and admire about her is her spirit and love for life. She doesn't hide it, this girl is open and honest- she puts her emotions and experiences out there ("there" being the world-wide web) for all to see. Unapologetically (is that a word...? It is now!).

So I'm done. Just like that. I'm holding onto life with both hands, but I'm going to enjoy the ride. It's too short. How quickly I am to forget and take for granted what I have been given.

So, Jasmine Star, thank you for the wake-up call.