What Is The Love Yrself Project?

The Love Yrself Project originally started as a fundraiser for The Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project. A group of amazing folx all came together to encourage each other, have their hair and makeup done, take some beautiful photos, and feel better about themselves than when they walked through the door. We raised $1700 that day for reproductive justice, and I realized that this was more than just a fundraiser, it was the beginning of a collective support system. 

I'm here to create a safe and welcoming space for you to just be yourself, and I'll help show you how amazing you are in the process. We will celebrate your body, as it is in this very moment. Every dimple, roll, stretch mark, scar, birthmark, and freckle. You are perfect just the way you are, and you are ready to conquer this! When you step into the studio you’ve entered a place of body neutrality, we are fat-positive and work towards being present in the moment and in touch with ourselves. We will only encourage and uplift each other here in this sacred space.

Whether you want to celebrate a milestone in the journey of your body, or just simply remember what it felt like to be who are at this very moment, I'm here for you and I support you.

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CHOOSE YR SESSION TYPE

LOVE YRSELF Events

A truly magical experience. A group of folx will gather together to encourage and support each other. Champagne, chocolate, and amazing photos are guaranteed. New friendships are a pretty good possibility. Read more about the Love Yrself events here.

IN THE Studio

Come hang out in the studio with me!
It’s by far my favorite place to shoot, and I’m constantly adding new furniture & backdrops and creating new ways to work in this lovely space.

 

On Location

The world is our backdrop. On location sessions can take place in nature, or in a rented space (think an Airbnb or hotel room). I travel often, so check and see if I'll be near you! No travel fees if I'll already be in town.


Shawnee made me feel so comfortable. She was encouraging, supportive, and fun! I had an awesome time despite being really nervous before we started - and on top of all that, I think the photos are stunning. She managed to capture what makes me, well ME! I couldn’t be happier with the entire experience.
— Emma

FIND ALL THE DETAILS HERE!

The Session fee is $300 and includes everything below. This is required to get you on the calendar and is non-refundable.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?
  • 1-on-1 consult where we get to know each other a bit and chat about your ideas and intentions for your session.

  • A guide on what to wear, and some self-love practices that will ultimately lead to being more comfortable in front of the camera.

  • Planning for your session and style collaboration.

  • Professional Hair & Make-up.

  • 90 minute session in the studio.

  • Access to client closet with 150+ pieces sized XS-4X.

  • Minimum 50 professionally retouched images for viewing.

  • Virtual gallery reveal and personalized ordering appointment.

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HOW TO BOOK YR SESSION
  • Choose what kind of session you would like and reach out using the contact form.

  • You’ll hear back from me within 48 hours and we’ll set up a consultation to talk about packages and availability.

  • In order to reserve your spot and get your session on the books, a consultation and retainer is required.

  • Customized payment plans are available + PayPal Credit is also accepted.

FAQ

Where are you located?   I am located in Richmond, VA! My studio is downtown in the Manchester District inside Blue Dot Studios. Sessions are available by appointment only and generally start between 8am-11am.

How do I book a session?  Use the form on the contact page to reach out, and I'll be in touch soon with more info!

How much does it cost, and what's included? There is a $300 session fee to get on my books, which includes hair & makeup, your session time, access to the client closet, editing of your photos, and a personalized reveal appointment. Most clients invest around $2000 for their entire package. All products and images are purchased separately. Please reach out so we can decide which package will best work for you!

Love Yrself events are each priced differently depending on the venue and cost of other vendors. They are typically less expensive than an individual session and always include hair & makeup services. Check out the Love Yrself Events menu tab for more info. *Due to Covid restrictions, Love Yrself events will not be happening for the foreseeable future.

I have no idea how to pose! Help?!!! Don’t you worry! I’m here to walk you through everything, and by the end of our session you’ll be a pro. We’ll discuss posing and what you feel comfortable with at the beginning of your session, and for most things I’ll be getting myself into the pose and showing you exactly what it will look like and how to achieve it.

I want to book a session but am worried my photos won’t turn out like the ones you post. I promise that you will look amazing in your pictures. None of the photos I have on my website or social media are of professional models. There are all every day folks who walk into a session with their own fears and insecurities and leave feeling absolutely radiant.

I don’t identify as a woman or feel very feminine in general, will a boudoir session still work for me? Absolutely. These sessions are for everyone and I love working with folks who want to be photographed in a more masculine or gender-neutral way. I firmly believe that gender is a patriarchal construct, and will never assume that just because someone presents a certain way, that’s how they want to be photographed.
I’m also very passionate about working with the trans community-if you’re interested in documenting your transition over time please reach out as this is one of my favorite things to shoot.

Do I have to be naked for these photos? The degree of clothing you wear or don't wear during your session is completely up to you! These photos are meant to empower you to feel confident and beautiful, and that has a different meaning for each person.

What should I bring? Will you be providing clothing/lingerie? You will have access to the client closet which has pieces ranging in size from xs-4x, and draperies, sheets, and sheer fabrics and blankets. I recommend bringing at least one thing that you already feel fabulous wearing, we can always add to that. Definitely bring any jewelry or other accessories that you want to wear!

How far out should I book? - You should plan to book out about 2+ months in advance. My books fill up very quickly as I also travel to photograph weddings frequently, and this will also give you plenty of time to get any outfits or clothing if you want to purchase anything to wear for your session. Winter months are a bit more flexible at the studio. If you need a weekend spot you will most likely have to book further out then if you can shoot on a weekday.

Do you travel for sessions? - Yes! I already travel quite often to photograph weddings, check the travel list and see if I'll be near you anytime soon! If I'm already in town, your session is priced as normal (unless a rental space is needed). If I have to travel to you, then there will be a fee depending on costs and distance.

Can I book a private party? - Absolutely! If you have a group of folks that would like to do a boudoir event, please reach out! It can be hosted at the studio or at your location of choice. This is a great way to celebrate a birthday, bachelorette weekend, or just because you all want to feel fabulous! Please reach out for pricing and details as it will vary per event and amount of participants.

Will you post my images online? - Only if that's okay with you. After you receive your gallery, you will have to option to mark photos as okay for me to share. It can be as many as you'd like, or none at all, totally up to you! For every photo that is posted on my website or social media, I’ve received written or verbal consent to share.

I'm not ready/no one wants to see this/maybe after I lose x amount of pounds? First of all, I hear you. Whenever someone asked to photograph me I had the exact same response. But please, push those thoughts out of your mind, because they simply aren't true. You are absolutely STUNNING and this is an incredible experience and wonderful practice in self-care and learning to love your body. No one is ever 100% “ready” to do a session. I promise that I will be there every step of the way for you; cheering you on, helping you with outfits, and guiding you through poses and movements during your session. We will laugh, dance around, and probably shed a few tears together. It is such a powerful moment in time, and I wish nothing more than for you to treat yo' self to some good 'ol fashioned self-kindness. I’ve got you babe!