reconnecting to myself through a boudoir session.
I think we can all agree that 2020 was a really difficult and trying year. We all felt it differently, but what a lot of us don’t understand, is how difficult and trying it was for those on the front lines. When Lauren reached out to book her session, and explained that she was a nurse in an ICU unit, dealing directly with COVID, I knew this was really important for her. My heart hurt for her as she explained how she felt like through the pandemic, she lost herself. But I felt joy knowing that she wanted to reconnect to herself and her femininity.
I’ll let Lauren tell her story below, but I just wanted to say that the work I do is so unbelievably important. The people I get to work with are truly some of the most incredible humans I’ve ever even met.
I also wanted to give a content warning. Brief talks of COVID-19 and the ICU unit.
I first happened upon Carrie Anne's Instagram kind of on accident, but I quickly learned that it was definitely not on accident.
Starting January 2020, I ended a very difficult relationship and all of a sudden, I entered quarantine single and as alone as ever.
I was a registered nurse in a cardiac ICU that quickly became a hot spot for the sickest COVID patients in the hospital. During the pandemic, I pretty much was only "Nurse Lauren." Work and my patients were all I could think about, all anyone asked about, all anyone cared about. I very much felt disconnected from ME. I had zero time to think about how I was coping with what I was witnessing, let alone think about my self confidence. I was all work, eat, sleep, repeat. For an entire year.
When I finally decided to reach out and book my photoshoot, I was in a huge transitional period in my life. In February 2021, I was a year out from my breakup, COVID numbers were starting to go down, and I decided to switch to a hopefully less stressful job. I was finally able to prioritize myself and take a huge damn breath. I reached out to Carrie Anne because I knew that this would be the perfect way to reconnect with myself and remind myself of how much I have overcome this year.
From the first email interaction, I knew Carrie Anne was the right fit.
She outlined the process in a very detailed way, even before I had confirmed my serious interest in booking a shoot with her. Once I did set my photoshoot date, she was constantly checking in and seeing how I was feeling and making sure all my questions were answered. Everything she does is personal and tailored to you and the experience you want.
The days leading up to my shoot I was of course nervous, but because of all the information and encouragement she had given me, I felt prepared and ready, and I hadn't even met her yet!
My experience in the studio was very relaxed and natural. I told her that I honestly wasn't all that familiar with the boudoir world and that I just wanted this photoshoot to feel like "me" and didn't want it to be too forced. I had zero ideas in regards to poses so I was pretty up for anything and I am so glad I let Carrie Anne take the reins here. You know how when you take a picture with your friends and in your head you're thinking * ok make sure your arm looks ok, and your jeans are pulled up just right, and your stomach isn't sticking out, and make sure you get your good side *?
I literally didn't think about that once. I knew I looked amazing and I felt it. I felt calm...a feeling I hadn't felt in so long. I seriously felt like I could breathe again and was able to just soak up every single inch of myself.
As for the photos she took, they are nothing short of extraordinary. She captured so much emotion and when I look at some of these photos, I see the strongest version of myself.
I am so much more than JUST "Nurse Lauren."
I am strong, powerful, resilient. I always knew those parts of myself were still around but this photoshoot helped bring them back to light. I will never forget this day and I now get to look at these photos with the most pride I have ever felt.
Carrie Anne is amazing and I am lucky to know her. Do yourself a favor and invest in her and in yourself.
Ready to book your session?
My books are open for October - December.
You deserve to feel like the badass babely human that you are. Don’t hold back on yourself. Show up for yourself.