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Finding Freedom in Your Own Body
A few weeks ago I joined Clubhouse after swearing I wasn’t going to do it because I am team Android. Many of the business womxn I know told me it was made for me and my message. I got on and whoa! It was like the damn Wild West on this Clubhouse streets. I was not impressed and was really ready to chuck the duces and keep it moving. After more exploration and really cultivating my interest, I think I kinda got the hang of it now.
A few days into my journey I ran across a room for photographers and decided to join because the title of the room was Purpose and Positivity in Photography. I listened for a while and then decided to get bold and raise my hand to go on stage. I did this because representation matters. As I recall there was only one person of color on the stage. I got on stage talked my shit, answered a question or two, and left.
I received so many messages and follows after this. Amazing messages thanking me for getting on stage and how much it meant to see me there. I was even invited to be apart of a podcast! There will be times when you are uncertain about what you are going to say, but you know you need to speak up. Always speak up, because you never know who is listening and who you inspire.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST EPISODE HERE:
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A year in review
Whew child! 2020 has been a year where I have stepped fully into damn myself. No longer worried about what others think of me and how I express myself. It has been a year for telling my story on my own terms. Embracing my spirituality and growing into my relationship with my Ancestors. Realizing that I have to be honest with myself, even when it hurts. Healing is a journey, even when you think you are finished, there is always more.
This year has also been the year for asking for help and building community. Being dependent on others and allowing people in has been a struggle. Not just a struggle, but a strug-gleee! Past trauma does that to us if we are not careful. Our past will show up in the present as self-sabotaging behavior or imposter syndrome and we don’t even realize it. I am grateful to my Ancestors and the Creator that amazing sister-friends are in my life who give it to me straight, no chaser! The end of 2020 has been emotional, but very much needed. A purge of my past to bring forth the love, sisterhood, and abundance I deserve.
Now that, that is out of the way, this has been a year of self-portraits for me. Honestly, it has helped me be a better boudoir photographer when I practice posing. It has also helped me get in touch with my inner goddess, sensuality, and sexuality. Check out my Tulum selfies here. My phone has been my self-portrait camera, but I decided to take it up a notch and use my baby with it’s self-timer. I plan to make this a monthly personal project and at the end of 2021 see my progression. Enjoy and Happy New Year!
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Fearless and 35
Fearless and 35! 34 did not end how I thought it would… in a damn pandemic! I didn’t let it stop me, but propel me to plan. Every year I plan to do something that challenges or is out of the ordinary for me. Before my 34th year ended I did three things, that were out of the ordinary for me. I traveled solo to Tulum, Mexico, and relaxed like I have never relaxed before. I did nothing, but read, ate, and got massages. I even had time to do an affirmation video that you can check out on my IG TV . I did travel to Greece solo, but this trip I was actually by myself. No meetups planned, just me.
I logged out of social media and enjoyed my company. I sat outside and listened to the roosters be loud as hell. I ate tacos and drank tequila. I walked the streets of Tulum and even went to the beach. Going to the beach was so freeing. I stuffed my face and me and my big belly walked right to the ocean. I felt at peace.
Check out my mini self portraits I took during the trip.
The second thing I did was get my nose pierced! I was scared shitless for sure, but I did it. I even had to do it twice because it fell out a week after I got it the first time. That was not fun and I do not recommend it.
The third thing I did was have a boudoir experience with Celeste Patrice Boudoir. Whew child Celeste got me and I felt like a damn goddess. I was even able to help her by modeling with a friend for a couples experience. I cannot wait for the adventures I plan to take during 35! What are some things you plan to do this year by stepping on the other side of fear? Will you be fearless and free at any age?
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My purpose is to empower women
I am so excited! This is my first blog post in years. I used to blog all the time when I photographed weddings. I have been a professional photographer since 2007. I have gone through many names: OTCH Photography, O2weddings Photography, and Oh Boudoir. I have photographed weddings, branding portraits, babies, children, etc. I have done it all! It has been a long journey of doubting myself and my abilities. Luckily I have an amazing support system that picks me up when I am feeling in doubt.
I choose boudoir photography , no I mean boudoir photography choose me, because it allows me to be the support system to empower other women through my lens. I am a cheerleader, a supporter, and sometimes life coach during my boudoir experiences. I would not have it any other way. So thank you for wanting to take this empowerment journey with me.
Remember to take care of yourself first. It is not selfish, but self care and you deserve it.
