CLIENT FEATURE | ANYA
OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER | 2024
Everyone, meet Anya. An amazing, badass human that I worked with in July. The best part of my job is getting to connect with and meet some of the coolest, more rad people ever. Anya is one of those people. Someone who you feel instantly connected with the moment you meet.
Her session was so fun for me because Anya came in truly trusting and leaning into the experience. She trusted my creative direction and gave a few inspiration images - which is normal - but other than that, she let me do my thing and you can always see that reflected in the gallery.
Anya made it clear from the moment we began planning that this photoshoot was for her and she wanted to embrace the female gaze and feeling confident in her body.
i teamed up with Anya to ask her some questions from her session and what it was like to work with me. If you are interested in booking a session, this is definitely worth the read, as it will give you in-depth insight into what it is like to book a shoot with me!
01. Why did you decide to book a session with Carrie Anne Kelly Studios?
Anya: Booking a session was not easy and for me was the hardest part. I had long admired Carrie Anne’s work, but had a lot of anxiety about stepping in front of the camera. After facing a miscarriage and many changes in my life I was at a point where I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror and knew something needed to change. I didn’t recognize myself and was anxious all the time in my own skin. I was tired of letting my anxiety control me and wanted to take ownership over my body again. Once I booked I felt empowered, excited, scared, but most importantly like I had accomplished the hardest part of the process, the choice to do something for myself. Knowing I had booked decreased my anxiety and actually gave me something to look forward to, and permission to purchase clothing for myself without guilt. As well as a challenge to look in the mirror and get comfortable with who I am.
02. What was your favorite part of the photoshoot experience?
Anya: I loved how organized everything was leading up to the actual shoot. It really helped me know what to purchase and look into. My favorite part was finally coming to the studio after all the energy and effort I had put into preparing for it. I made myself a yummy breakfast, got ready, and went over. It was a super comfortable space and felt like I was going over to my besties house.
03. How did you feel after the shoot vs. how you felt before the session?
Anya: Before the shoot I had a lot of anxieties, but had spent months preparing. I was reframing in my head constantly to be able to get in front of the camera.
After the shoot, I felt free. I felt confident in my skin again. It was very empowering and exciting! I honestly felt silly for being so anxious and was already considering doing another shoot in the future.
04. Advice you would give someone also thinking about booking?
Anya: I would recommend doing research on who you book with, and really think about what you’d like to get out of it.
It is an investment and feeling safe is huge, as well as knowing what you want. Carrie Anne provided a safe space that made the entire thing easy to navigate.
It took me a year to finally get over the nerves and book. For me it was a lot of reflection and self work before finally feeling comfortable to take the jump. Making sure you’re ready for that commitment to yourself is a large part of the process in my opinion. You’re investing in yourself and you don’t want to waste it on doubt or anxiety.
