The Bee You Beautiful Experience: This Is Me Luxury Photography Sessions

We believe that our This Is Me sessions are transformational experiences.  We start with a simple phone call to discover who our client is, and what she loves about herself.

Then, when a client comes in, she's usually filled with nervous excitement, even though she's had her calls to discover who she is and how she's being photographed.  It's just super-exciting to do something for herself!

However, the magic begins when she sits down in the chair and gets her hair and makeup done.  As the makeup artist works her magic and talks to the client, all of those fears start to melt away.

After getting into her clothes, we start the session.  I carefully pose my client, coach her with expression and other details... and then at the end of the first segment, I get the pleasure of showing her one or two of her photographs, and the reaction is priceless.

"Are you kidding me? Oh my god, is that me???"

Tears and laughter are mixed together as relief washes over her, and then we really get to business.  The reality of her beauty, confidence, strength, and empowerment starts to glow, and the smiles and posing comes more easily.

So by the time our session is finished, we've shared something that is almost sacred.  We've laughed, we've shared, and we've been vulnerable in such a beautiful way; it's an experience that my client will always remember with joy and nostalgia.

The next part is probably the most fun:  The Premiere and Design Consultation.  We project the photographs so that you can truly enjoy them... and seeing them gasp with shock when they see their authenticity being displayed in such a beautiful way is life-affirming.  

This is the magic of a This Is Me session.

But wait... there's more!

But first, can you imagine going on a very fancy date with your partner, at a fine restaurant, and you get dressed up, and you're so excited!  You haven't eaten in three days because you want to savor every bite.  You arrive, and valet parking takes your car to the parking lot for you.  As you walk, escorted by your partner, you take in all of the sights and sounds and smells.  So far it's an amazing experience.  The tuxedo-clad server brings you champagne, and assists you in making your choices for your appetizers, dinner and wine pairings.

And then, you are brought all of the ingredients, ready for you to cook yourself at home.

WHAT????

That's kind of what a shoot-and-burn photographer does with giving their clients a USB with all of the photographs.  At home, you have no idea what should go with what, how to crop them, send them to a lab, there's no guidance.

During your Premiere and Design Consultation, we'll put a collection together that best tells your story and will help you to feel confident, strong, empowered, and beautiful, every time you look at your artwork.

A few weeks later, I come to your home and deliver your artwork to you!  I'll even help you to install your collection.  This isn't any old print... we use a professional lab that has the most beautiful pearlized canvas and metal for this kind of artwork.  The best thing is that your artwork doesn't need framing!

Here's a testimonial from a client who had a This Is Me session done:

"I recently came into my 40s, and with 2 young children, I was really not paying attention to myself.  Megan helped me remember that I am special, that I'm a woman, and I'm my own person.  When I look at my photographs, I'm reminded that I'm beautiful, every day, and I am empowered to follow my dreams.  I love these photographs of me, and my artwork is beautifully displayed in my bedroom.  We redecorate our bedroom just to go with the theme of my photographs!" - Brandie, age 42

She started out wanting some mainstream boudoir photos and you won’t believe what she did!!

What a Transformation!

When Robin called me, she wanted to ask about doing boudoir photos, but definitely wanted something different, but had no idea.

With this in mind, we talked about different things, such as what she loves about her life, what she loves about her partner, what they enjoy doing together, and what her hobbies were. 

She loved that she was in good shape, had just quit her job to pursue a business, and felt free.  She loves her husband because they enjoy life together and they are best friends.  They enjoy road trips together, and they golf together.  She gardens, reads, and loves to decorate her home.

As we were engaged in our conversation, I noticed that she got really excited about golfing.  I asked her if she had her own clubs.  She very proudly said she received new ones for Christmas, and she was excited to use them in good weather.

I said to her that we could use the golfing theme for her session, and she was so excited!  She wondered how we could do that, though, because she didn’t want to get a cheesy costume.

Together, we planned her outfit:  a red or black cute bra that would peak out of a button down blouse, tied right under her bust, red plaid hot shorts, white knee socks, and black heels.  We added a visor and some jewelry, and we were practically done.  This was going to be totally unlike any outfit for a pinup shoot she’d thought of!!!

We discussed some other looks, and she ended up with a cute black dress she liked to go on fancy dates with him in, and finally, she wanted to do the classic big bow in front and nude behind… that was sexy and daring.  She loved the idea of her outfits!

Next we talked about how she wanted to feel about herself during the session.  She said she wanted to feel elegant but fun, strong and gentle, and definitely sexy.  I asked her to visualize where she would put her artwork in her home, and she chose over her bed… then I asked her how she thought it would make her feel to see that every single day, as being the last thing she saw at night, and the first thing in the morning.  “It would help me see that I am confident, beautiful, and strong, and that I love my husband, and myself!  What a great reinforcement!”

We scheduled her experience, and then I had Stephanie call her to discuss makeup needs.  Stephanie got a really good idea of what Robin wanted, and was prepared for the day.  Robin was already in the zone, prepping her skin with scrubs and moisturizer, drinking water, getting a massage, her hair done the week before, her mani-pedi done about 2 days before to match the reds, and also ordered all of her clothing and accessories.  I coached her every couple of days with emails and calls.  We really got to know each other well.

The day of the session arrived, and Robin entered my home studio with confidence, and a little bit of nervous excitement.  However, after we did her before shot, Stephanie got her in the chair and started her transformation, ending with gorgeous eyelashes that Robin was so excited to wear.

She got changed into her first outfit, and when she emerged, there she was, the Pinup Girl of her dreams.  She was blown away by the transformation, and said, “I’m ready!”

We did fun poses and laughed a lot!  We pretended to “shoot a hole in one” as the double entendre joke in one of her pinup photographs, and many other fun photographs that are influenced by the famous artwork of Gil Elvgren.  Then we photographed her in her gorgeous black dress, and finally the peek-a-boo giant red bow.

Then it was time to view her photographs.  These, of course, were not retouched, as she was seeing them minutes after her session.  She was really eager to see them, and started to cry as we went through them, choosing her favorites and then we came upon her absolute 5 favorite photographs to create the collection, Hollyhock.

I retouched them, sent her a sneak peek of each one, and then the day arrived to deliver her beautiful artwork.  She was breathless.  When she opened it under layers of protective covering, she gasped and said, “This is even more beautiful than I thought it was!!”  We clinked sparkling wine and enjoyed a light snack of cheese, crackers and grapes, and celebrated her beauty, strength, empowerment, and humor.

The next day was Valentine’s day.  She presented it with a big ribbon on their bed for when he came home from work.  She was wearing the black dress, as they were going to a fancy restaurant after.  He was so thrilled with his gift, and told her that she looks like a superstar!  His reaction was the final confidence builder she wanted, and she called me the next day, crying and laughing because she couldn’t believe that photos like these would make her feel so wonderful!

The reason I give the experience the way I do is because I want women to feel beautiful in their own skin and personal style every single day.  With asking question about what’s most important to a client, coaching her, and giving her attention, pampering her, along with gorgeous photographic artwork, the feelings of confidence, empowerment, beauty and strength are sure to boost my client’s day every day.

And that’s my why.

If you would love information about experiencing this kind of attention and artwork to remind you everyday how amazing you are, please click here.  If you would love to join a forum that encourages, empowers, and helps women rediscover their best selves, click here to join our private Facebook Group.  In there, we'll discuss all kinds of topics pertaining to women, encourage and uplift each other, and sometimes there will even be giveaways!

Bee You Beautiful Session Experiences: This Is Me

Your Authentic, Beautiful Self

Every woman deserves to feel beautiful, at every age, in every season, and even when she looks in the mirror to study and criticize every fine line and blemish.

"Don't you know you're beautiful, Just the way you are?!"

Okay, okay...  So we all need help with our eyebrows and brightening the circles under our eyes... insomnia and the stresses of every day life are just NEVER fun.  Worrying about your teen's college career and scholarships, your partner's job promotion, your beloved pet's old age problems, and so much more, can make you feel less than beautiful, especially after a night of low-quality sleep.

This, in turn, can make you lose sight of who you are, as an individual:  a woman, talented, skilled, intelligent, and loving.  We women have a tendency to care for everyone else, first, and leave ourselves for last.  Here is where the disconnect begins, and we want to help you to reconnect to that woman you really are.

My team and I are excited to introduce a brand new session experience to the Honey Bee Photography species of styles:

Are you a woman who has gone through a recent transformation, and feeling more empowered and confident than ever?  Perhaps you’ve been working out and you’re proud of how far you’ve come! 

Perhaps you’ve gone through a change in your relationship with someone and you’re starting to heal and ready to embrace this new chapter in your life! 

Could you be going through something right now and you need a break and a breather, and you need to stop and rediscover who you are?

Looking in the mirror, you’re surprised to see someone who has been through a lot and you see a person who is a little different, a bit wiser, bolder, and certainly more beautiful, inside and out.  All of your recent experiences and how you’ve handled them has imprinted upon your heart, and the way you see yourself now is so different than you used to.

Your essence, your authentic self.  This is who you are now.  It’s time to express yourself and enjoy an experience that will reflect who you are and the hope that is now blossoming within you.  It’s time to celebrate You with a “This Is Me” Experience.

Together, we’ll discover what you love about yourself, and what you want to remind yourself of who you are.  Strong, empowered, beautiful, sexy, elegant, bad-ass, you name the characteristic, and we’ll design a session for you, that is authentic to who you are right now.  Together, we’ll create artwork that you’ll be proud to display in your favorite space, where you’ll be reminded every day of who you are.

Our prices for sessions start at $195 for the session and MUAH fees.  Please click below to enter your email address and we'll send you  a free guide on Three Tips on How to Prep for a Bee You Beautiful session along with a mini-pricing guide.

To be in the know about all the recent photography we've been doing (shared with permission, of course), giveaways, and encouragement and empowerment, please join our private Facebook Group.

Why I Photograph Boudoir the Way I Do, and All That Jazz

Why do I offer unique versions of boudoir for women?

I offer the kinds of boudoir I do, because I believe that many women want something different from what’s typical out there.  I believe they want to feel authentic, empowered, strong, and beautiful.

This Is Me

I believe there is a group of women out there who would love photographs of themselves that their lifestyle, what they love about themselves, and what they’re capable of doing and being.  With a more natural hair and makeup transformation, and personal cute outfits that fit their lifestyle, in their happy place, we’ll be able to create artwork that is unique and transformational.  Our in-studio versions are a bit more elegant, but authentic, none-the-less.

Some ideas would be an outdoors-woman who loves to be around her horses; a woman who loves to cosplay; or a woman who loves fashion and wants a diva-styled session.

“When Megan first told me about these sessions, I wasn’t sure exactly what
I really loved about me and what I do.  As we conversed, she helped me realize where my inner light is.  I love the photographs that she created of me; I have them displayed in my bedroom so I see it every night and every morning.  They are my absolute favorite photographs of me!”  Martha, age 62

Blanc Boudoir

If you love the airy spirit and femininity of the photographs of Marilyn in the white sheets, this is the session for you.  I offer this session because I believe there are some women who want something playful and sexy, without being overly provocative. These are women who love simplicity, and feel that less is more.  The amazing thing about these sessions is that they can be as mild or as wild as you want.

“I wanted something pretty and feminine, without being overly promiscuous.  When Megan asked me if I knew about the photos of Marilyn in the white sheets, I knew that this was the perfect session for me!  I’m so glad I did it, and what’s so fantastic about them is that if others see these, I’m not embarrassed for people like my mom to see it.  I receive compliments on my artwork all of the time.  I feel like I really identify with Golden Hollywood, and this session helped me play with that identity.  Every time I look at my photographs, which is every day, I remember that even though I have an every day life, I am beautiful, strong, and sexy!”  Lauren, age 33

Bee Burlesque Pinups

I believe there are women who love to be in the spotlight and embrace their unique beauty, and want to express themselves with purpose.  These sessions have the possibility of being absolutely outrageous and fun, or elegant and sophisticated, and everything in between.  The difference is that these photographs offer a double entendre humor, and are influenced by the great pinup artist of the 1940s, Gil Elvgren.

We've modernized these sessions to reflect today's culture, but have kept the flavor and spirit of those gorgeous paintings and photographs of a bygone era.  Of course, if you want to be completely vintage, we can do that as well!

 “I told Megan that I loved the idea of pinups, but I didn’t want to wear bustiers and pencil skirts.  We talked about what I love doing with my husband, and so I mentioned that I am a new golfer, because he loves golf.  She helped me to create a fun and engaging outfit for that, as well as suggestions for other photographs, and truly made my session and artwork all about me and what I love about myself.  My artwork hangs over my bed where I get to see it every day!  My husband told me, when I presented it to him for Valentine’s day, that I truly looked like a superstar!  When I look at my photographs, to this day, I’m reminded of how fun my life is, and that I’m empowered to do anything I put my mind to.”  Robin, age 54.

If you would like a downloadable PDF of this, click here.

If you'd like to always be in the know of everything we're doing, any giveaways we might do, and receive encouragement and empowerment, join our private Facebook Group today!

How to Prep for Your Bee You Beautiful Session Without the Headache

Eight top answered questions for our boudoir clients!

I’m asked all the time about how to prep for a boudoir experience and what to wear.  Here are my top eight questions and answers to help you prepare and be excited while you do it!

8.  What is the first thing I should do after I’ve made my appointment?

I suggest getting organized with what you want to wear.  Check out Pinterest for “pinspiration” with clothing, lingerie, shoes, hair, and makeup.  Props are always a good thing to bring that are appropriate to the finished artwork, as well as jewelry and other accessories.

7.  Choosing the right clothes is difficult.  What kind of look should I go for?

• Since we have 3 different types of BYB sessions, there are hundreds of different looks. 
•   If you are doing a This Is Me session, then you want to choose an outfit that you feel confident, beautiful, and strong in; something that empowers you.  You could choose a cocktail dress, a gown, a cosplay outfit, a tight t-shirt and a thong… whatever you love. 
•   If you are doing a Blanc Boudoir, beautifully simple lingerie will do the trick.  
• Finally, if you choose to do a Bee Burlesque Pinup, then you can choose risqué lingerie, a cosplay outfit, or an outfit that represents your lifestyle. 

We can guide you through figuring out what to wear during our phone call when we are planning your session.

6.  I have 4 weeks before my session, and I feel a bit bloated.  Is there something I can do to help me?

Absolutely!  I have the perfect solution.  A dear friend of mine, Liz Hostetler, is a Brand Promoter for Le-Vel products, and she offers a solution that will help your gut feel healthy, raise your spirits, and help you get rid of belly bloat.  She tells me that 4 weeks on her program, Thrive, will help you with everything you need.

5.  When should I go to the spa to get myself gorgeous?

Here’s a great timeline to follow.

• Five days out:  if you wax your bikini area, this is the time to do it, so that in the chance that you’ll have redness and bumps in that area, the inflammation will go down.
• Get your hair cut and colored.  This way, your hair will look fantastic for your session.
• Get your brows groomed, and any other waxing done.  Follow instructions to keep it looking good if you choose to get microblading or eyelash extensions done.
• Two days out:  Get a mani-pedi done with a flawless finish.  Be sure to get lotion specific to those body parts.
• DON’T GET A SPRAY TAN.

4.  What can I use at home to prepare my skin?

About 2 weeks out from your session, you want to start getting that glow on your body, your face, and your lips.  I have the perfect person to introduce you to, my friend Maria Blythe, Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay, and a guru who helps her clients figure out what’s best to help skincare concerns and cosmetics.  She will help you with a great regimen and answer any questions you may have. 

Also, drink plenty of water to make your skin luminous.

3.  What should I do to make my clothing choices look perfect?

• So the very first thing I would suggest is trying everything on before leaving the store, and check how it fits in the 3 way mirror.  Sit down in it, bend over, and stretch.  If it feels comfortable, doesn’t do weird gaps, or doesn’t stretch across too tightly, then it’s a good piece.
• If you order something from Amazon, or another highly recommended website, as soon as it arrives, try it on, and make this the first thing you order, so just in case it doesn’t fit, you can return it for a different size.
• Once you’ve gotten the perfect outfits, launder or have dry cleaned your pieces.  Remove all tags and iron or steam them, and then hang them so they look perfect upon arrival.

2.  I’m really nervous.  What can I do to calm my nerves down before my session?

• The day before, I suggest pampering yourself at home.  Take a leisurely bath, shave, and moisturize.  Wash your hair and blow it dry.  Have a healthy dinner, and relax in the evening.  It’s best to get eight full hours of sleep.
• Go over your outfits and ensure that everything is there.  Pack everything and double check to make sure that everything is clean and wrinkle-free.
• Being present for your session is important, so some meditating, saying affirmations, and listening to relaxing music (like what spas play) will help you.
• Checking the weather, and using the Waze app on your phone, you can schedule your drive and get the best directions for getting to our event.

1.  What should I do to prepare the day of my BYB session?

• Make sure your face is clean and moisturized, and that your hair is washed the day before.  Wear clear deodorant.
• Don’t wear tight undergarments, jeans, or socks the day of.  That will cause marks that will need extra retouching.
• Eat a light but filling snack before your session, but avoid foods that might make you feel uncomfortable later on.
• You’ll be seeing your photographs shortly after your session, to design your artwork or album.  Please be sure to have your payment, whether it’s cash, check, or card.
• Most of all, be prepared to have fun, enjoy your time, and be authentically transformed!

See more tips for our BYB sessions, empowerment, encouragement, and more by joining our private Facebook Group!

Guest Blog Post: Liz Hostetler with Le-veL

 Meet my friend, Liz Hostetler.  She's a consultant with the Le-Vel company, and has been using their Thrive Experience for over 18 months.  I have watched her become much more energetic, happier, and I know from her stories, it's helped her family, too.

I invited her to say a few words about her product, because even though we just celebrated the holidays, including New Year's, Valentine's Day is in six weeks... And you know what that means!

We are going to be photographing all kinds of Lovelies for three different types of sessions:  "This Is Me", "Blanc Boudoir", and "Bee Burlesque Pinup".  When I spoke with Liz about how her product could help my clients, she said that her clients could get started right away and start seeing results with decreased belly bloat pretty quickly. 

It’s that time of year when it seems everyone is looking at their current health situation and starting to make resolutions to “fix” it.  Making a lifestyle change is what can really make a difference. Diet plans, especially ones with time frames, are temporary “fixes”. Most people fall right back into old habits when the time period ends.

Thankfully, I was introduced to a simple, three-step process that is completed in the first 30 minutes of my day that has made an incredible difference in how I feel each and every day. I used to do very restrictive diet programs combined with intense workouts two or three times a year that had good results each time, but I was not enjoying life.

 

Now I can enjoy life – have that glass of wine (or two), eat that brownie or have a piece of cake – and remain healthy, active and full of energy. Now I know - it all starts with your gut.

GUT health matters!

 Why am I so tired (gut health)
 Why do I keep getting sick (gut health)
 Why do I toss and turn at night (gut health)
 Why is my mood low (gut health)
 Why is my digestion irregular (gut health)
 Why do I hang on to weight around my waist (gut health again!)

They say our GUT is our second BRAIN for a reason! 

How can you create a happy, healthy gut?

Add Thrive to your daily routine!

Thrive is an easy, three-step system that can fit into anyone’s life and provide amazing results. Thrive is about filling in the nutritional gaps in your daily routine by supplementing your body with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and probiotics it needs to function at a premium level.

 

Adding Thrive to your morning routine will help prepare you for a Bee You Beautiful session. You will notice your belly bloat will decrease, your mood will elevate, and your energy will improve resulting in a more confident, comfortable you.

When you start using Thrive you are not alone. As your coach I will guide you. We will have a conversation to discuss what Thrive can help you with (increased energy, improved sleep, mental clarity, etc) before you start. We will then stay in contact each day as you begin to discuss how you are feeling and to help with any questions that may arise. I am here to help tailor the product dosage to your specific needs. I will coach you throughout your journey to a healthier, happier you.

Liz Hostetler 

240-508-7589 cell

Lizhos.Thrive2Point0.com

If you would love to contact Liz to discover more about her product and how it can help you prep for a Bee You Beautiful session, please give her a call!

Bee in love with the artwork of your life!

Authentically yours,
Megan