A story from Sarah // In their own words (from Ritual Intimates ~ Ohio Boudoir Studio)
Ritual Intimates | Ohio Boudoir Studio
I send a reflection survey after each session and the answers back are held so close to the heart - here's one of those stories 🤍
She had two sessions several years ago and remembered the confidence carried after those experience. This session carried a different meaning.
Your stories are what make this art come to life. Here's Sarah's -
"...Even though this year has been incredibly hard and challenging, I’m still standing. I made it out the other side and I didn’t lose myself along the way."
What was it that first pulled you in? Maybe it was curiosity or a clear moment when you knew you wanted to be photographed. Tell us what got you here.
"I remember having a self esteem high after my last session several years ago. I had originally just wanted that but with everything that happened this year, this shoot turned into so much more. It turned into showcasing my strength and the beauty of life and just living it."
Before your session, what feelings did you hope to carry with you? And once you were there, how did you actually feel in your body, in the room?
"Confidence in myself. In the room. I felt even more confident and comfortable with myself than I did before"
Was there any point in your session where you caught yourself off guard - in a good way? Maybe a reaction, an emotion, or a side of yourself you hadn’t seen in a while?
"I was excited to see myself taking risks, trying new things, not being afraid to be my weirdo self 😅"
Through this experience, were there parts of yourself you felt returned to - pieces you reconnected with, or discovered in a new light?
“I felt more free and reconnected to that part of me that would just spontaneously do things instead of being fearful. I missed that part that would jump in head first and anytime you were like “how do you feel about….”, I’m so happy that I just answered without hesitation and we made some magic ❤️"
Imagine your experience as something you could capture outside of photographs. Would it show up as a mood, a color, or music? How would you describe it?
“Color-that beautiful orange/purple of a sunset that fills you with contentment after an amazing day”
When you think about your session, was there a part that stands out above the rest? Maybe it felt especially moving, strong, or completely unexpected.
“I have been very self conscious about my scar and I felt very strong not even thinking about it and just being present and remembering to love my body again"
What would you tell someone who’s curious about this experience but hasn’t taken the leap yet? Imagine they’re standing where you once were - what words would you share with them?
"Do it!!!!! The nerves are normal and you will thank yourself in the end! You will get a giant boost of confidence and the best women building up women experience ever! There’s no excuse not to try it!"
As you reflect on your experience, how did it shape the way you see beauty, vulnerability, or embodiment? Did anything about your relationship with these parts of yourself change along the way?
"Doing this always reminds me to be kind to myself and my body, that I am beautiful just as I am and not to be too hard on myself for not being “perfect” in society’s standards. I love the confidence I leave with and that it’s okay to be vulnerable and with that comes beauty."
Your stories, humanness, and weirdness are what makes art come to life.
Each session and story is a reminder that no matter what realm of vulnerability, self, or path you come from, that you are worthy of existing in art - simply because you exist.
Thank you to everyone who trusts this space with their story. it's an honor to hold them.
Ritual Intimates | Ohio Boudoir Photographer
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