THIS YEAR’S BOUDOIR PHOTO CONTEST WINNER IS KATE. CONGRATULATIONS!

I am pleased to announce that Kate is the winner of my 6th Annual Valentine’s Day Boudoir Photo Contest. Kate will receive a makeover, photo session and an album with 10 of her favorite images from the photoshoot.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY to all, and thanks to everyone who voted!
Erica

Thanks so much to everyone for participating in our 2013 Valentine’s Day Boudoir Photography Contest Giveaway, we greatly appreciate all those who entered and submitted such touching stories. As always, it was really difficult to narrow it down to the finalists! Now we need your help to select the winner, so please vote for one of these finalists.

The finalists for this year are:

1) Amanda
2) Kate
3) Julia

To Vote:

Send an email to contest@taitboudoir.com with just the name only of the person you are voting for in the subject line. Feel free to include comments with your vote, comments may be posted to our blog. Also leave a comment in the box below, thanks!

Voting ends on Thursday, February 14th at 5pm PST. The winner will be announced later on Valentine’s Day on our Facebook page.

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Amanda’s Entry

My name is Amanda, and I would love a free boudoir photo shoot!

I have been looking to do a boudoir photo session for quite some time now, but with a new baby, I just can’t justify spending the money on doing the photo shoot when my daughter requires so many things.

I know my boyfriend would just love something like this as it would be totally unexpected! With a baby around, we don’t have a lot of time or energy to be ourselves anymore, let alone be as playful and intimate. I feel like having an album, some pictures, an experience like this is another way for us to kind of reconnect on a deeper level that we are now lacking.

I have never had any professional photos taken of myself, of any kind, so it would be nice to be able to treat myself to a little pampering and attention for a few hours. Along on this same note, I hardly have any pictures of myself at all, so attached is a photo of my best friend and I, I am on the right.

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Kate’s Entry

Good evening!

You asked for us to tell you why we deserve to win this contest. In reality, I don’t necessarily think I “deserve” to win it so much as I think my fiance does. This would be a gift for him.

My fiance, Andrew, has been in the PA Army National Guard since 2005, when he was about 22 years old. That year, he was deployed to Iraq for over a year. Within a few months of him being there, he had already lost a number of his friends to IEDs, and he spent Christmas doing patrols in the desert. Around 2007/2008, he deployed again, this time for about 9-10 months in Egypt. Luckily, this was a much safer deployment, as his time was spent doing patrols of different camps there.

In November of 2011, I met him at a wedding of some mutual friends. He is absolutely one of the funniest, most honest, and down-to-earth people that I have ever met. I knew going into our relationship that he would be deployed again, but it was something I was willing to risk in order to be with him. In November 2012, he asked me to marry him, and by December 1st he was on a plane to Kuwait. It’s only been two months, and it has been difficult, but I know he’s the one for me, so it makes it worth it.

So, I want to have this session for him, because he’s given so much of his life for our freedom and I want to give something-anything-back to him, and make him feel like I’m there with him. I also want to do this for me: I have lost about 90 pounds over the past four years. I still have more to lose, but to see myself all done up in beautiful photographs like this would be AMAZING!

I’ve attached some photos! Thank you for your consideration,

Kate
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Julia’s Entry

Hi! My name is Julia and I would be honored to be considered for the 2013 Valentine’s Boudoir Contest.

I am a full time Mommy who thrives on Starbucks, chocolate, and slobbery kisses. Most days you will find me running around in sweat pants and a ponytail, trying to keep up with my very active three year old son! My husband is a medical resident, so his hours are long and often unpredictable. When he accepted this position, we moved ten hours away from family and friends to a town where we do not know anyone. It has been very isolating to be in a new town alone with a little one while my husband is gone 80 hours each week. It also leaves a large weight of responsibility on my shoulders which I am (mostly) happy to do, but it can feel exhausting.

At 29 years old, I have already experienced the loss of my father when I was 18 and struggled through postpartum depression. Both events have left parts of me feeling empty. My husband and I got married in 2007, and our sweet son was born in 2009. I had a rare condition during my pregnancy that required me to be on bed rest for the last three months and made me gain a large amount of weight. I was considered a high risk pregnancy and the doctors were uncertain as to whether or not our son would be healthy when he was born. After 12 hours of labor and no progression, my son was born via emergency c-section. I was so overly medicated that I do not even remember meeting him, which is something that still haunts me. Thankfully, our baby boy was very healthy, but my recovery process was complicated both physically and emotionally. I continued to have pain in my c-section incision for 6 months, and struggled through postpartum depression until my son was two years old. Though I have lost most of the weight I gained during my pregnancy, my stomach will never look the same as it did before, and body image is something I have struggled with for three years now. Going through such difficult experiences have left me struggling to maintain a healthy self image. My body certainly does not look like it used to and at times I’m afraid my internal emotional scars show on the outside.

My husband and I will both be turning 30 this fall, and as much as I would like to tell you that I think a boudoir session would make a great 30th birthday present for my husband, (because I do think he would be thrilled!), the truth is, that I feel like this is something I need to do for myself. Though I am extremely self conscious about my body since the birth of my son (and I have not worn lingerie since my honeymoon in 2007!), boudoir photography is something I have been thinking about for a long time. There are many photographers that offer boudoir sessions, but the tasteful and gorgeous pictures from Tait photography as well as the extremely positive testimonies have made me fall in love with Tait. There is no other photographer I would rather go to to have this empowering experience. Winning this contest might just give me the push I need to actually make this experience a reality.

I would love to capture myself in this last year of my twenties to remind me that beneath the struggles and the daily grind of responsibility, there is still a beautiful woman in there. Perhaps if I could see myself for a moment through someone else’s eyes, I could get a glimpse of the glow I still have, even if it’s usually hidden under Goldfish cracker crumbs from my son. In this last year of my twenties I would love to remind myself, if just for a moment, that I am still beautiful. I can think of no better way to end this decade, and as I enter into my thirties this fall I would love to have this empowering experience to know that the best is yet to come. Thank you so much for considering me!

It’s that time again for our  6th annual Valentine’s Day FREE Boudoir Photo Shoot Giveaway! The winner will receive a free photoshoot with 4 outfits, hair & makeup, plus an album with 10 images (a value of over $700)! The contest is open to anyone who would like to enter, whether you have a special someone as your Valentine this year or if it is just for yourself. The session can be at any of our upcoming Boudoir Photography Marathons in the US or Canada.

To enter the contest: 
Please email your story of why you deserve a free session along with a photo of yourself to
 contest@taitboudoir.com with the subject line “2013 VALENTINE’S DAY BOUDOIR CONTEST”.

If you are a finalist then your story, first name (or initial), and images that you submit will be posted on our blog. Feel free to nominate a deserving friend just please have their permission first and send us their contact info so that we can confirm.

We will be accepting entries until February 11th, voting on the 12th & 13th and the winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day!

You can also view past contest entries and winners here.

ATTN GENTLEMEN: Are you looking for that special Valentine’s Day gift? Chocolate and flowers are nice, but giving the gift of a makeover & boudoir photo session is way better!

Boudoir photos will not only make her feel great about herself but in return you also get some sexy photos of her that you will love. It is a gift that you will both enjoy.

Purchase a boudoir gift certificate here.

Gift certificates can be used at any future boudoir session (valid for any of our locations, no expiration). Larger denominations are also available by request.

For a mailed physical gift certificate, please order by February 8th.

Digital gift certificates that can be printed may be ordered anytime through Valentine’s Day itself and will be emailed the same day.

Don’t get caught without something special for your Valentine!

Why did you book a boudoir photoshoot?
To feel confident and to present them as a gift to my fiance on our wedding day.

Why did you choose TAIT Photography?
She is the best at Boudoir Photography in Calgary. I have seen lots of her work and I feel touched by how all women can look so amazing in all of her photography.

How did you prepare for your shoot?
I went shopping and more shopping and had a great time picking out outfits. I got ready early and was there for a great relaxing makeover of hair and make-up.

Who are the images for?
The images are for my soon to be husband on the day of the wedding I will give them to him. I know he will cherish each and everyone of them.

How was the experience?
I felt so comfortable and it was so much fun. Erica is very upbeat and helpful in posing and the experience couldn’t have gone any better.

How do you feel about your boudoir photos?
I have so many favourites I had to come down from 44 favourite pictures. I like the laying down and looking into the camera shots and the views from the top and the leg photos are amazing too.

Did you have your Hair & Makeup done?
I did have my hair and make up done and it was so nice. I gives you time to relax and get pampered before. It allowed me to think about my hair and my make up before instead of how I am going to pose. It truly made the pictures. Erica directed me through the poses and the results were amazing.

Why should other women do a boudoir shoot?
To boost your confidence. You will truly feel better about yourself when you receive your pictures you will be like, is this really me, I am beautiful!

Anything else to add?
It’s the best thing to spend the money on if you can. I think it is so rewarding and boosts your self esteem to the roof.

Why did you book a boudoir session?
To have something special to give to my boyfriend, knowing that he would appreciate the photos; but also to do it for myself because I’ve always wanted to have the courage to do a boudoir session and feel pampered and beautiful.

Why did you choose TAIT Photography?
After looking into Erica’s website and seeing her other photos, I liked her style better than any others I could find in my area.

How did you prepare for your shoot?
I thought of a few outfits I would feel pretty and comfortable in, and talked to friends about ideas for props & jewellery to bring.

Who are they for?
The boudoir pics are for my boyfriend. He knows I went to the shoot but I’m keeping the photos secret until the calendar arrives for his birthday. He keeps asking me to have a sneak peak!

How was the experience?
I think everyone feels self-conscious about themselves at times, so I went there thinking I might feel shy but I had fun during the shoot and I felt really sexy. I was way more comfortable than I thought I would be.

How do you feel about your images?
I love them all… My favourite are the mardi gras images with the gold mask because they feel a bit original and I feel like they go with my personality. Also, the ones with the pearls are really pretty.

Did you have your Hair & Makeup done?
It was great. Gaby (Gaby Ramirez Makeup) made sure to ask me what I preferred for each part and it turned out just like I would’ve hoped.

Why should other women do a boudoir shoot for themselves?
A lot of my friends want to be in perfect shape before they would even think about it, but really it makes you feel in perfect shape once you do it, because you can see how beautiful you are already.

Why did you do a boudoir session?
I wanted to do something special for my husband’s 50th birthday. He has always wanted pictures of me and I felt this would be a memorable and long lasting gift. I also feel that it is important to keep the “sparkle” in a relationship! It takes hard work to keep a marriage exciting!

Why did you choose TAIT Boudoir Photography?
My husband had come home from work and someone at the office had given him a “sneak” viewing of his wife’s pictures. He couldn’t get over how beautiful they were. I spoke to the woman and was told wonderful things about TAIT Photography.

How did you prepare for your shoot?
Erica led me through what I needed to do and what I needed to think about. I also spent time on the website looking at what would help make my session memorable for my husband.

Who are your boudoir photos for?
They are for my husband. I can’t wait to give them as a birthday gift! I know he will be amazed that I ever did something like this for him. I think it will continue to make a strong relationship even stronger.

How was the experience?
It made me feel beautiful in a way that I never thought I could.

How do you feel about your images?
I loved my images. It is hard to choose a favorite since Erica does everything so that it looks like it is done with class.

Do you have an interesting story about your experience?
It was fun to choose the pictures with my siblings. Since I am the oldest of four they were in awe that I would do something like this and now they want to do something for their spouses as well.

Why should others have their own boudoir shoot?
I think it is important to remember that men feel very special being given beautiful photos of the women they love. It also makes the women feel beautiful!

Why did you book a boudoir session?
The photos are for an anniversary gift for my wonderful husband. I have never had a lot of confidence being a plus sized woman, and he has never seen me in lingerie so I figured, why not!

Why did you choose TAIT Photography?
I found their boudoir photos to be extremely professional, flattering to all the body types they’ve photographed and really really beautiful sexy photos.

How did you prepare for your photoshoot?
Mentally, I said to myself, it’s a private session, just me and the photographer and she has seen it all, so don’t be shy, be sexy!! I arranged my own hair and make up done prior to the shoot with Madd Pretty Makeup Studio and that helped me prepare for the shoot quite a bit! Once I saw myself all dolled up, I said – I’m ready, let’s do this.

When will you give your photos to your husband?
Well I haven’t given them to him yet, I will be next Wednesday which is our Anniversary…. he will be simply shocked! And not expecting it, I gave him some hard hints and he guessed exhaust pipes and a new couch set… so, he will be blown away!

How was the whole boudoir experience?
Simply put – life changing. I walked out of there thinking to myself, I am a beautiful woman, no matter what my body size/shape is. I feel sexy, I know that I looked sexy for sure…. I seriously felt like a new woman.

How do you feel about your boudoir photos?
My images were breath taking! Incredible angles, perfect lighting, Erica was so helpful in guiding me where to sit, stand or lay and what to do with my hands, how to tilt my head, what to wear, and even had some extra accessories that I used and looked gorgeous in!

Do you have an interesting story about your boudoir experience?
A bit of a story… When I met my husband 7 years ago, we always had a thing for each other but both of us were in other relationships… but after several years, we finally got together and have been happy ever since and now celebrating our 1 year anniversary. He’s always said how beautiful he thought I was and I never had the confidence to really come out of my shell, so because of him and because of my photo shoot experience, I have climbed out of my shell and threw it away and have become a whole new sexy confident woman!

Why should other women do a boudoir shoot?
It brings out your inner beauty and it lets you see yourself in a way you never thought was possible, we all critique ourselves and are all too hard on ourselves. Seeing other beautiful woman in boudoir photos is one thing, but seeing YOURSELF in one, is a life changing experience I guarantee your breath will be taken away when you see yourself!!

Why did you decide to do a boudoir photoshoot?
I’d never done anything like this before and wanted a creative gift for my boyfriend.

How did you prepare for your boudoir photo session?
I went to the gym for a few weeks before hand and tried not to eat too poorly.

Who are your boudoir images for?
They are for both myself and my boyfriend of two years. He was surprised when I told him but very pleased with the results.

How was your experience at our boudoir studio in Calgary?
The experience was far less awkward than I expected. Everything was taken care of in advance, all I had to do was show up! It was actually very fun.

How do you feel about your boudoir photos?
I love them! I have many favorites.

Why should other women do a boudoir photoshoot?
It’s a huge confidence boost – to see what my boyfriend sees instead of what I imagine I look like.

Why did you do a boudoir session?
This is the most difficult question to answer. I didn’t have a session to give the images as a gift or because I was a bride to be. I have a hectic life between my career, 3 children and a husband who is deployed to Afghanistan (again). It is all too easy to lose myself in the everyday routine of life. I wanted to do something that was outside of my comfort zone. Something that pushed me to remember that under all of my roles there is a slightly impulsive sassy woman. I wanted to feel beautiful for one moment.

Why did you choose TAIT Photography?
I researched photographers using Internet wedding boards. I noticed post after post which had glowing reviews of Erica’s work and her professionalism. I went to her website and visited the galleries. Her work was far superior to that of other photographers I had researched. The images that Erica is able to capture are simply beautiful.

How did you prepare for your shoot?
In the beginning I considered how I wanted to look and thought about the proper exercise schedule to ensure that I looked just right. Then I took a step back and reminded myself that I want to feel beautiful just as I am. I want to be comfortable in my own skin. So I didn’t do anything (other than shopping) to prepare for the session.

Who are your photos for?
The images are for me. I love the photos. My husband is currently deployed to Afghanistan and he was a little shocked when I mentioned that I had scheduled a boudoir session. He hasn’t been able to see them yet but he is excited and reminded me that the only opinion that counts is mine.

How was the whole experience?
This experience was completely out of my comfort zone. I was nervous and excited. I turned complete control over to Erica and the make up artist and trusted their judgement. Both were so professional and having an all female staff was great. Everyone was warm, light hearted and happy to be there. Once we finished I realized how amazing the entire experience was.

How do you feel about your photos?
I love all of them. I was a little worried that the make up would come across too dark or the photos wouldn’t look like me. The make up was perfect and Erica was able to capture me in these images. Some are a little goofy, and others are a little sultry and some are just beautiful! I really like the range of facial expression and body movement. They all look like me.

Do you have an interesting story about your experience you would like to share?
After my session I needed to run into Target. I was back in my jeans and blouse but still had on the makeup with false eyelashes: Glamour meets soccer mom. I got so many positive comments on the makeup and especially the false eyelashes.

Why should other women do a shoot for themselves?
Every woman should do this at least once in her life. Going through the makeup and photo session is amazing but the moment you open your gallery and see these beautiful images of yourself is beyond words. WE all put so much pressure on ourselves to be thinner, smarter, be a better wife, get a promotion etc… that we rarely take a moment and think about how beautiful, intelligent and capable we are. Having a boudoir session gives you a moment to challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and to see yourself as an amazingly beautiful woman.