Elements of Freedom

Golden Handcuffs. 

I use this phrase a lot. Not just when it comes to work, but exercise, and food too. They’re all just pieces of the puzzle and at times can be elements of freedom, but also a modus operandi - like dangling a carrot in front of a horse to get it to go from point A to point B. My life, is a patchwork, incorporating elements of freedom: it requires patience, demands hard work, can sometimes be overwhelming, liberating, restraining and satisfying.

One of these elements is competing. I love challenging my body, restricting foods (freeing myself from a high carb diet), and being the best possible version of myself. But I HATE getting on stage (this is not free-ing for me, in fact, brings about a tonne of anxiety).

But that doesn't mean I am going to give in to my fears. The plan is to continue paring down as if I am going to compete but the goal in mind right now is to do a fitness photoshoot (May 2012). If I feel up for it I will compete, if not, well I can always wait till other summer dates or even October!  This time around comp dieting has been relatively easy! I’m already down to my competition weight from July 2011. Looking forward to the changes to come. 

New Year, New Goals

As 2011 comes to a close, I decided to take a quick look back at the biggest goal I set for myself. Competing.

When I make a commitment, whether or not I want to do it, I follow through. Don't get me wrong, my dream of competing was realised. And though I had many ups and downs along the way,  I did something I thought was impossible. For me the hardest part was conquering a deeper fear. A fear of being on stage and not making a fool of myself. Worst case scenario, having my suit malfunction!

With 2012 just around the corner new goals are being put down to paper and I am going to make them a reality. A new date has been set for my next competition March 31, 2012. This means another round of kicking my own butt, and I am hoping all of you will be around for the second ride! I'm most grateful for the love and support you all have showered me with and it all started with this blog. I am looking forward to writing more and getting back full swing into what has brought me so much joy.

I also received some more pictures from my fitness photoshoot with Andrew. I cant wait to share more of these pictures with you in another post.

What goals are you setting for the new year?

Say Yes To The Dress

As promised here are some more pictures from my Bridal Gown shoot from this past August. As I mentioned Andrew the talented photographer who's taken pictures of me here and here, was the creative lens behind the photos. Luxe Bridal Boutique of Ottawa generously lent out these dress and gave me (seriously?) the opportunity to wear them. Words escape me! What a great experience this was...so you get to relive it with me.

  A big Thank you to all who gave me this opportunity!

Blushing Bride

Ok

CLEARLY not blushing….nor a bride. But, this past August, I was given this AMAZING opportunity to be a model for Luxe Bridal Boutique in Ottawa and do a photoshoot in some of their gorgeous gowns. I'd like to backtrack here for a minute and just point out that I am NOT a model. I have no experience behind a camera (minus the "shoots" that Kat and I take). But I have to say, this was one of the most AMAZING experiences of my life. If it hadn't been for Andrew, I'm not sure I would have done the shoot at all. But, the fact that he saw something in me - well….I was floored, humbled and taken aback!

The pictures were taken at the brand new Ottawa Convention Centre and the hope was to do a "stylised" Bridal shoot. One thing I wasn't so thrilled about….my makeup. We won't go there but all in all I enjoyed the experience.  My Hair was done by the fabulous Cut+Blo designer and owner off of Murray St.

Apologies again for slacking on posts. I havent really taken any photos for the last little bit, because as I have said…feeling uninspired by my closet these days.  Hopefully, this will tide you all over until I get some of that inspiration back. Part two of pictures will be posted shortly!

XOXO

N

Ottawa Beauty Blog

As many of you know, there are fabulous and talented photographers in Here is a bit more on the Ottawa Beauty Blog and Boudoir style Photography.

For more information Make sure you check out the Ottawa Beauty Blog for more information, pictures and details!

1. Please tell us al little bit about how you got into photography? 

Photography started early for me. Most of my family including my father, brother, sister, and a few cousins were all avid amateur photographers so I was constantly exposed to mountains of photos and the act of taking them. By the time I was 8 I was taking my own and collected cameras from then on. While I worked in government and private industry my passion for the craft grew to the point where I needed to work on it full time. I started slowly and worked my way up to the point where I now have a full time studio.

2. What makes you stand out and above the rest from other boudoir photographers?

I'll try to keep this neutral and avoid phrases like "above". Boudoir photography has a huge variety of style and influence from other areas of photography. The styles that dominate in boudoir are the 70s-80s style with lots of red silk and lace and mottled back drops, to fashion and editorial styles that are much more slick and modern. My style leans towards the latter but with a heavy dose of personality and life. I'm not a fan of lifeless posses where the subject could be replaced by a mannequin so I like to pull out my subjects personalities and make the shoot unique to them. They can pick the location and under-lying style and I make sure it's about them. From what I have seen, most boudoir seems to be shot with a specific image in mind and the subject is just dropped into the scene. There are some great exceptions to this of course.

3. What is the most important thing to keep in mind when doing a boudoir photo shoot? 

There are 2 sides to this question. 

From a photographers point of view, the most important thing to keep in mind is your client's comfort. A photographer should never shoot a boudoir without being honest about their level of experience. By being open about everything, the photographer and client can enjoy the experience without trying to fake it. This is why if you don't have much experience, you should shoot with people you know. An experienced photographer will know that a client feels comfortable when you are confident, and completely yourself during the shoot. If you are not an experienced photographer to begin with, you can get caught up in the technical details and make the client uncomfortable if you get stressed out.

From a client's point of view, you should choose a photographer with plenty of experience and a good reputation. Never choose a photographer by price or gender since anyone can claim to be a photographer and the inexpensive ones are for sure inexperienced. It's a a good idea to meet with the photographer prior to the shoot to be sure that you get along very well since if you don't, you will not have a successful shoot. This also gives you a chance to discuss your expectations and ideas.

4. Do you do these types of shoots in peoples homes? 

On occasion yes when it is suitable, otherwise in studio or in hotels. This is up to the client and what they are most comfortable with and what environment suits their requirements.

5. What have you learned from your clients in the past? 

That's a great question. I have learned that there is a fantastic variety of people from infinite back grounds and cultures, shapes and sizes. They all have one thing in common and that is that they are all beautiful in one way or another. For some it's mostly physical, some mostly personality, but the majority are gorgeous when they are being themselves and feeling confident.  I have also learned that no matter how beautiful someone is externally, they are no more confident or happy than anyone else.  We all have our issues to contend with and are essentially the same.  That's a valuable lesson for every day life since it affects how we all treat one another.

6. Why is having a male boudoir photographer better than a female boudoir photographer? 

I would never try to label one as "better" than the other. This all boils down to personal preference and my personal favourites are male. These photographers all excel at bringing out the personality in a beautiful image. There are great photographers of either gender but males do tend to see things a little differently from women. You should not consider the gender when choosing a photographer but look at the style and the personality.  Of course there are women who just prefer to shoot with women for their own personal reasons and that is their business. 

Leather and Lace Part 2

Loves,

I want to thank you for the overwhelming comments from my first photoshoot ever! As you can see I have changed the About Me photo with many of you liking the last picture on Leather and Lace Part 1 


I have added a second post to this thread for some of the outtakes and more pictures on what was such a great experience. Andrew of photoVanBeek was gracious enough to take the pictures for me. As I mentioned before being infront of the camera is as nerve wrecking as it gets for me. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. And if you can imagine it was probably the last time I saw sunlight as it has been raining and gloomy in Ottawa nonstop since then!

Andrew and I will be working together in the future but int he mean time take a look at his blog  where he showcases some of his talent!

Thank you again for all your support and kind words! And I know this is kind of a cop out because you have to look at the same outfit but I felt the need to post a few more of the outtakes.

What I am Wearing:
Dress: Forever 21
Belt: Urban Behavior 
Booties: Coach
Jewellery: Coach
Jacket: Mackage 
Sunglasses: Coach

Leather and Lace Part 1

Loves,

I have some exciting news...I've paired with an amazing photographer in Ottawa who graciously took my first photo shoot pics ever! I cant wait to show you all how I changed my outfit from day to night with his help.

This Ottawa Photographer has such an ease and helps his clients both male and female learn to let go and be natural (as natural as possible as it may be in a photo shoot setting).

Andrew of photoVanBeek is located in the heart of Downtown Ottawa in the Byward Market. His studio located above the restaurant Play, is a beautiful space, that allows natural sunlight to pour through. Not only is the studio a great space, he has some beautiful antique furniture. The Van Beek Studio was simplistic in nature, but has this ornate mirror that was to die for and if I could have some how snuck away with them, a pair of Damask lounging chairs (If am obsessed with the Damask pattern!).

Andrew and I will be working together int he future so be sure to look out for future posts and more about this amazing photographer and how he got started in the business. Make sure to check out his blog as well where he showcases some of his talent!

Would love to hear your thoughts on the outfit and the shoot!

What I am Wearing:
Dress: Forever 21
Belt: Urban Behavior 
Booties: Coach
Jewellery: Coach
Jacket: Mackage

One of these pictures is also going to become my "About Me"  Page Picture. Which one do you like best?