Guest Blog Post: Boudoir Photography is Power.

Hey herd! It's Brianne. You know I seem to think outside the box, and I'm probably one of the bigger risk-takers of any small business owners you know.  You might go as far as saying that I am "too much." Well, this is another one of those instances that you are either going to LOVE me and what I stand for, or you may HATE me for sharing this.  

I'm nervously excited to introduce these incredible images and accompanying blog post written by one of my employees, Cassidy Steger.  

Cassidy is an absolute riot with a laugh as big as her heart.  She's a big drinker [caramel vanilla lattes all day] and she loves a good day of ranchin' as much as she loves chattin' it up helping people grow. She's a talented photographer with a very specific editing style that I call "moody."  I haven't been behind her lens yet, but I am confident in saying that she's going to make your photoshoot wild, fun, and crazy!

After reading this blog post, you'll realize that Cassidy is extremely passionate about women empowerment.  She's been BEGGING me to do a Boudoir shoot.  What do you think? Have you done one? What opinion do you have about boudoir photography?  Read this and then tell me if your thoughts on this topic changed with a little inspiration by Cassidy Leigh Photography. ;)

*all images have been shared with the permission of the subjects.*

@cassidyleigh_photography writes:

Living in a world of hate SUCKS. As women we are always being judged, it starts at a young age. Taking it back to the “old” days where women wore corset dresses to make them look skinnier. The mothers would cinch the dresses so tight that the young women could barely breathe. But, WHY?!! Why couldn’t a broader, curvier, bigger lady be accepted FOR HER!! Why can’t a lady welder, farmer, trucker and anything in between be taken seriously?!! Women have been degraded for years and it’s not okay with me.  

I am a firm believer that we are birthed into this world to serve a purpose. A purpose that needs to be voiced and heard. So, that is why women empowerment, positivity, and making your dream life become a reality is so close to my heart. I know what it’s like to feel alone, scared, put down and all of the other feelings. Instead of making my negatives into other peoples negatives, I choose to turn negatives into positives. 

I can’t say my life has been hard because others have had it worse. What I can say is every hardship and negative person has made me a stronger woman. A woman who fights for what she wants and that’s what I want others to do. Nobody feels the way you feel, looks the way you look, and views situations the way you do. You are your own person, own it!  Owning it is harder said than done. The truth is, growth and wanting more for yourself doesn’t come easy and it doesn’t happen overnight. It happens with hard work, dedication, and discipline. 

In a perfect world, I could say I am happy with myself, but that’s not reality. In reality, I hate the way my body looks. I don’t hate my stretch marks on my stomach, I hate how I’ve let myself go. I had a " Come to Jesus” meeting with myself today. Hiding my fat is easy, but hiding my fat in the mirror isn’t easy. For every negative there is a positive. I love my smile, my hair, and my curves. It is up to “us” to change and grow. I can tell you this, I don’t want to live the rest of my life not taking care of myself. I want to live my life being damn proud of every decision I’ve made. 

Everyone seems to have an opinion about boudoir photography. I view boudoir photography as power. Last year around this time I set my camera up and gave it to my friend. I had her take close up photos of me in a bra. I instantly felt like I could conquer the world. That is when I knew for sure I wanted to pursue boudoir. Looking at yourself in the mirror and looking at yourself in a professional camera are two different things. Even though I had a friend take close up’s, it was enough for me to not pick out all my flaws. To look at myself and say “Wow, I really am beautiful in my raw skin!!” That was my breaking point of falling in love with myself. Even though I am struggling with my fat and wanting change, I still find the beauty in who I am, the way I look, and what I stand for. 

It doesn’t matter your size, skin color, friends or where you are from. As long as you feel like a badass B, that’s all that matters. Last year, I was 20lbs lighter and still a bigger lady, but I felt like I could take on the world. There is no shame in being proud or confident in your body, life, friends, job, or dreams. You are you and you are here to build the life you want.

Let’s be a little wild and little crazy together so you can fall in love with yourself the way I did. Join my Facebook group Desperado Women to find inspiration and listen to other women’s journey to help you with yours. If you want to keep up to date with my daily life, follow Cassidy Leigh Photography on Instagram. 

STAY WILD & STAY CRAZY FRIENDS

A final note from Brianne: Let me know if you choose to schedule a Boudoir photoshoot after reading this.  I'd love to hear all about your experience!

If you have any writings you'd like featured on our Blog, please e-mail me your ideas at brianne@brokerleather.com.