Q: How did you first hear of Rachel Jasmine Studio and what made you want to book with us?
A: About a year, year and a half ago, I saw photos posted on a friend’s FB page from a shoot that she did with your studio. Oh. My. Word. I loved them. Did a little searching and found your RJS page. I’ve been following you ever since. The artistry, the beauty, the depth, and oh man, the eyes. I seriously love everyone’s eyes. I was intrigued.
Q: What was your initial reason for booking?
A: I had a previous boudoir experience that was, in hind sight, not at all what I had envisioned. My photos were good, but looking back, I realize how uncomfortable I was with the photographer and the environment, and I think it showed through the lens. I wanted to try boudoir again, and after following Rachel on FB for a few months, I felt as though this is exactly where I wanted to go.
Q: Did you have any expectations going into the shoot? What were they?
A: I don’t know that I had specific expectations, but I was really excited to see how I could be portrayed through Rachel’s camera. And I was so NOT disappointed.
Q: What was it like seeing your images for the first time?
A: When Cassidy started the slideshow reveal, I literally had tears in my eyes. I could not believe that was me. I was stunned, thrilled, in awe. Like many others women, I struggle with appreciating and liking myself and my appearance. My husband tells me daily, for the past 36 years, that I’m beautiful, but I’ve never believed him. When my digital photos arrived about a half hour later, I kept pulling them up on my phone during work to sneak peeks!! I think he just might be right……..
Q: What products did you purchase, and why do you think other women might love the same pieces?
A: I purchased the digital version (for which my husband immediately downloaded the app/photos on his phone!!! LOL!) and I also purchased an album. The digital version is awesome, and having an album is cool as well. The hardest part was choosing my favorites form the digital group to be printed for the album.
Q: Has anything changed for you since your boudoir experience and seeing your gallery? How has boudoir impacted your body image as a woman?
A: I can’t stop smiling. Seriously. Every time I look at them, I smile. At my first shoot, I was about 2 years post-breast cancer diagnosis/surgery/reconstruction, and was still getting used to looking down at my chest and seeing a whole different landscape. I had reconstructive surgery with a terrific plastic surgeon, and my hugely supportive husband found an prosthetics artist in Utah who created a ‘fake’ nipple for me to use on my left side. The reason I wanted to try boudoir the first time was sort of a gift to myself for what I had gone through. I’m now 6 years out, in the clear (yeah!!), and decided okay, let’s try this again. I’ll be 57 in a couple of months – not thinking I look too bad for my age! In talking with Rachel during my shoot, she mentioned several clients older than me and all I could think of was ‘goals!!!’.
Q: Would you recommend Rachel Jasmine Studio for the luxury boudoir experience to others?
A: Absolutely – without hesitation. I was in Rachel’s studio for about 5 hours. The time just flew by, but I had the best day I’ve had in a really long time. It was, in a word, fun. Incredibly fun. I adored meeting Kasey – she is so talented and makes you feel relaxed and welcomed. Rachel is one of a kind – genuine, talented, gracious, gorgeous, funny, and at one point, had to help me up off the floor when I was down in a challenging pose for a bit too long, had spike heels on, and my knees locked up. It was hysterical!! LOL!
Q: What advice would you give to another woman considering the boudoir experience with Rachel Jasmine Studio?
A: Go. Do it. You deserve it!!!
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add to your interview?
A: Just to thank Rachel and her team for making my experience far exceed any expectations I had. You have something wonderful going on here and the support that your RJS community has for each other is phenomenal. So glad I am part of such a fabulous group!