What do you get the man who has everything?
Well he doesn’t have everything if he doesn’t have a half naked book of you, right? 😉 Mrs. A made her husband’s birthday one to remember. Here’s the teensiest peek at what her boudoir photo shoot looked like.
A says:
Hi Stormy,
My husband absolutely loved it and was completely blown away by it!!! Thank you so much for everything, the book looked beautiful! Funnily enough, my favourite picture was also his favourite!
A x
A few thoughts and a little back story from Efena.
“Marking the three year anniversary of the horrific and catastrophic car accident that rendered me paralysed from the waist down was indubitably a bittersweet experience. On April 21, 2014, a doctor broke my heart in a way I never thought was possible; when he told me I had a complete thoracic spinal cord injury. In layman’s terms, this directly translates to zero possibility of ever walking again.
Cut to April 2017. Months prior, I decided the best way to celebrate how far I had come was through what I call my #NoFear photoshoot. Inspired by the LA-based wheelchair model/makeup artist Steph Aiello, I wanted to send a clear message with the pictures.
The idea behind #NoFear is simple. My aim is to shatter misconceptions of disabilities whilst spreading awareness of spinal cord injuries. To show that being disabled does not necessarily translate to being unable.
Being suddenly confined to a wheelchair is certainly no walk in the park. Side effects of a spinal cord injury include sporadic & crippling nerve pain, bouts of insomnia and working out regularly becomes an excruciating must to facilitate recovery.
Stormy Sloane and Victoria Reynolds were the fantastic team behind my amazing photos. Our natural chemistry and undeniable synergy made my first professional shoot extremely fun and comfortable. Everything was utter perfection. The location, the wardrobe, the shoes and especially the make-up. My eyebrows were totally on fleek!
Without Stormy’s genius guidance, my poses would probably have been kinda lacklustre. She has this ineffable way of making you feel immediately at ease; the shots can’t help but be absolutely beautiful. She creates an atmosphere of comfort and giddyness. Furthermore, the entire process from introductry emails to signing the contract is so streamlined; you just end up focusing on being thoroughly excited the whole time.
Through some divine connection, Rebel and Romance and Efena Smiles (my social media brand) have produced something much larger than us. To me, they defied, nay obliterated my expectations. These photos declare that my disability isn’ t going to hold me back from ‘overcoming paralysis one step at a time’ (which has been my manta for the last couple of years).
All I can really say is a massive thank you to Stormy and Vic for helping me illustrate #NoFear in powerful, perception-altering visual imagery.
The photos really speak for themselves.Love ya StormyXxxxEfena E. OtoboFreelance Writer and BloggerWebsite: https://efenasmiles.wordpress.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/efenasmiles/ Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/efenasmiles
She said/he said from Cassie and Steve. The chillest, nicest couple ever.
“Stormy has boudoir photography down to a fine art, so when I had the opportunity to shoot with her again and bring my other half with me, I was on cloud nine. The whole experience with Stormy is of no comparison. It was amazing to feel so at ease and see my boyfriend getting on like we were a group of old friends, talking fine dining, job quirks and cute pet prospects whilst shooting glorious imagery. Stormy radiates calmness and positivity because she is such a genuine and uplifting person to be with. I was naturally quite nervous of this photoshoot because not only I am so insecure about my smile but Steve was never exactly a ‘photo kind of guy’ but I was confident that Stormy, with her keen eye and gentle prompts, wouldn’t do anything that was less than fantastic and the images are the proof in the pudding. Stormy made us both feel like we were magnificent together and the photos reflect that calm, happy and comfortable feeling on camera resulting in the most beautiful pictures of us. I definitely welled up when I saw them because having something so perfect of someone you adore is just indescribable. Here’s to my new favourite photo of us both smiling! Who’d have thought it?”
– Cassie
“If you’d have told me 10 years ago that I’d be in front of a camera I would have laughed, because I am the last person who would consider having general photos at the pub, let alone a boudoir shoot. But now, I can say nothing has made me feel so good. I was nervous and shy at the thought of being in my underwear in an intimate setting with my girlfriend, but I soon realised, after meeting Stormy, that everything was going to be fine. Stormy’s nature being so welcoming, friendly and conversational made the whole experience really enjoyable, and when I saw the photos it certainly exceeded my expectations. Seeing yourself in such a light for the first time really is sensational, I’ve never seen myself as a handsome man, but this experience has made me feel more confident. I’m definitely not ashamed to say I showed everyone those photos because they made me so proud and happy and it was wonderful being able to share that with an amazing photographer and the woman of my dreams.”
– Steve
It was my pleasure to work with Ms. A a few weeks back, and she’s very kindly provided a report on our time together. You can find her thoughts below:)
In this image, A is wearing the Agent Provocateur Lacy Bra (£85) and Suspender Belt (£75). We paired these with stockings, heels, and (if I’m remembering correctly) black knickers from another AP set with a slightly better fit. Mixing black on black is a great trick – you can almost never tell in a photograph, and in ensures you get a fit and cut you like.
If you’re new to Agent Provocateur, their lingerie is beautiful and well made. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something luxurious or unique. I find their sizing to be pretty consistent across different styles, but as they have their own 1-5 sizing scale it’s worth trying a few things on your first time (or ordering a size up and down). They have an excellent return policy so nothing to worry about. I also highly, highly recommend looking out for the legendary AP online sales, where you can get up to 70% off even their best pieces.
“I was incredibly pleased with my photoshoot with Stormy, and I loved the pictures that she took! 🙂 There were so many pictures that I liked that it was difficult to decide which to go in the app and in the album! The photos were beautifully shot, with a real variety of styles and background; some are more dramatic and sexy, whilst others are more playful and elegant.
Stormy was very professional throughout and did a really great job. I was really pleased with the location that Stormy chose for the shoot – the light in the space was great, and it allowed for different looks. Stormy also did a great job beforehand about advising on what looks might work best for me. On the day, Stormy was very friendly and it was a really fun experience! Debbie did a great job with my make-up too; I love my smokey eyes in the pictures!
I would really recommend working with Stormy. Not only do I love the pictures, but its nice to work with such a professional and friendly person. I hope to have another shoot in the future!”
-A
A lovely bit of press for the blog today…
I’ll let Olivia, my new favourite wedding planner, tell you about her experience in her own words. A few screen shots below, and a full writeup (plus some fun wedding mood boards, ideas, and advice) is available on her blog, Nulyweds.
Olivia is lovely, I thoroughly enjoyed working with her. I feel certain that if I hired her for a wedding everything would go smoothly and look more put together than I could possibly manage on my own. If you’re in the market for an organised, reliable wedding planner who loves bright colours and knows how to create a magazine-worthy tablescape, I’d check her out:)
xx
Stormy
“My shoot with Stormy was nothing short of fantastic! I have done a few photo shoots in the past, but my shoot with Stormy is easily one of the best shoots that I’ve ever done. I was made to feel welcome from the moment I walked in, and I felt so comfortable working with her. She clearly has a strong understanding of how to bring out the best in every person she photographs.
When I received the finished photos I was completely blown away! Not only are the photos flattering and well edited, but I feel like I can see the true version of myself looking my absolute best in them, rather than someone else’s idea of how I need to be changed and edited to qualify as ‘beautiful’. The photos are phenomenal, and I absolutely love them. Everyone I’ve shown the photos to loves them too!
Thank you for such an amazing experience Stormy, I can’t recommend you highly enough!”
-Imogen
“Hi Stormy,
We are now back home now and getting over our jet lag. I wanted to write to you as soon as we saw the pictures, but we got a bit busy. So here goes…WOW!!!! really Stormy, it was absolutely exquisite. You really have given us a wonderful experience and a memory we will physically treasure always. Thank you for that. Thank you for making it so comfortable and enriching in every way. I can never remember my mirror showing me that fantastic a body :)))) Lying on a cold floor has never been so rewarding…Please convey my thanks to your makeup artist Gemma too, she was absolutely wonderful with her work and her personality…and you both make a wonderful team. My husband and I genuinely thank you for all that you have created, and wish you and Gemma all the very best and success in all that you do.
Warm regards,
Mrs. P”
Shante says;
“I met Stormy over five years ago, and she was the first camera I was in front of for any sort of ‘modelling’ session. Since then we’ve worked together at least 10 times. She has always been exceptional at her craft, but this was a whole new experience. Having been involved with Stormy since the start of her career I can tell you that she is meant to be doing this.
Over the last year I have gone through a pretty significant transformation, most noticeable is my 70 lb. weight loss. It’s been an adjustment to feel confident in my body, and as a Health Coach I am often overly critical of my figure. Stormy has a way of making you feel free and beautiful just with her presence. She makes it easy to be comfortable with her clear, articulate directions and has an impeccable ability to see all the tiny details like stray hairs or a piece of grass in the way to ensure the shot is flawless.
Looking at the photos from my session was a liberating experience. Yes, Stormy is an unbelievably talented photographer and she knows how to take a beautifully executed shot but that’s isn’t what separates her from others. It’s her ability to capture a women being authentically her. Being around Stormy is a trusting and loving experience where you are free to be as you are and she instinctively knows the exact moment to press the shutter to capture the real you.
Thank you Stormy for helping me to see myself and my body for what it really is. It has helped me on my journey in accepting and learning to love myself more than I can put into words. I have appreciated every opportunity in the past to work together but this time was life changing. You have reached a point in your talent that it almost scares me to know you are going to continue to get better.
If you have even a hint of intrigue to shoot with Stormy, listen to that voice. She doesn’t make you look beautiful, she captures your authentic beauty. You deserve to see yourself as the rest of the world does, beautifully YOU.”
Tia says,
“In my adult life, being in front of the camera has always been uncomfortable for me. As a makeup artist and stylist, I prepare clients to be photographed, not the other way around. Stormy and I have worked together in the past and I knew her talent. Her images are fantastic and the women she has photographed are absolutely beautiful! What I didn’t know was how beautiful I would feel being photographed, and how it would carry over in my daily life.
As I stared at my wardrobe, before the shoot, I felt sweaty and anxious. I was nervous as hell to pose in my UNDERWEAR and had no idea how to position my body in a flattering way. I didn’t know what to do with my hands, clothes, face…ahhhh! Stormy helped with my wardrobe making sure aesthetically, everything was in harmony and we began! I took my first pose and she has this way of authenticating your pose; waiting for you to settle into yourself a little. She makes very direct and clear adjustments- chin down, drop your leg, relax your hand, etc… I never felt awkward or uncomfortable!
I left the set feeling incredible, beautiful and confident and she hadn’t even shown me a photo yet. I trusted by the experience that she had made me look incredible and real. That’s all I needed…or so I thought. When she sent the email invite to the gallery for the shoot, the cover photo was stunning. At first glance, I didn’t know it was me. Viewing the gallery confirmed that I had never felt or looked more beautiful than I did that day. I am sure I stand a little taller and shine a little brighter these days. Having an incredible photo of yourself and seeing you as someone else sees you is an experience of a lifetime.
Thank you so much Stormy, your talent and empowerment is so inspiring. I cherish our experiences together and I hope there are many more in the future!!”
View the rest of Tia’s boudoir photography session here🙂
I’ve honestly delayed writing this testimonial a bit because I couldn’t think of a way to best convey how amazing an experience it’s been working with Stormy. From my very first email to her, through to the build up of the shoot, the shoot itself and even on through to post-shoot picture selecting, she has been SUCH a pleasure!! She is the consummate professional while at the same time, completely accessible, friendly and simply great at easing any and all concerns. I did my shoot strictly for myself, mostly as an exercise in self-appreciation and self esteem boosting. I was super nervous, had never done anything like it before and could not have found a better person to work with. She even managed to pick THE perfect boutique hotel for me. Honestly, it was almost spooky how perfectly matched I felt to the room. Stormy provides a 5 out of 5 stars service!
If you haven’t already done so, you need to look at ALL of her pictures. One of the things that attracted me to Stormy was seeing how she made a woman in body shaping undergarments and rollers (typically not considered sexy attire) look AMAZING!! That’s not to say the woman herself isn’t beautiful. Clearly, she is. But I suppose that’s the point. All of us carry our own sort of beauty and Stormy is simply brilliant at helping to bring out our most beautiful selves and captures it on film.
Now several of my friends and family members are hoping to do their own shoots and I’m just trying to figure out an excuse to work with Stormy again myself…
Best,
Ms. K
