Queen Candace-"Comfortable In My Vulnerability"

Hello, beautiful Queens! Every shoot is different, but there’s one thing I see time and time again—women showing up for themselves in a way that’s bold, personal, and long overdue! Boudoir isn’t about chasing some perfect version of you. It’s about meeting yourself exactly where you’re at and saying, “I’m allowed to take up space. I deserve to feel powerful in my own skin.” Whether someone walks in nervous, excited, curious, or all of the above, what unfolds is always something real. Shoots like the lovely Queen C's are about owning your story, body, and energy without apologizing. And trust me, that kind of power sticks with you long after the photos are taken, but don't just take it from me, read her sweet words below!

-Quinn xx

Have you ever done a boudoir shoot before? If so, how does your shoot with Quinn compare to your prior experience?

I have done an amateur boudoir shoot before, and I remember the feeling of empowerment that came along with it! My experience with Quinn, however, was completely different. She came with a wealth of knowledge and experience with every aspect of the shoot. Her choice of makeup artist, outfits, posing, and changes to poses all came with an air of someone who has been doing these shoots for a long time and is passionate about her work! But she's not a copy/paste photographer. The same poses and angles are used with every client. Quinn listened to my vision for the shoot and collaborated with me to make it possible. Every photo in my shoot screams that!

Why did you do your boudoir shoot?

I had been thinking about doing a boudoir shoot for a long time. But the persistent thought that held me back was, "I'll do it when I lose weight, when I'm fitter, when I look more like the women who inspired me to want to do a shoot in the first place." Then, one day, I realized, "This is my body, and I should celebrate it!" My whole adolescent and adult life, I've been a woman who has struggled with her body image. I've worked with a trainer in the past who got me to my goals of what I wanted my body to look like, but it wasn't sustainable, and I wasn't happy. Though I still live a very healthy lifestyle, my body doesn't look like it did back then, and I'm more than ok with it! I always thought I should return to that version of myself before doing another boudoir shoot. But that wasn't my reality, and that's not what's real! Me, now, in these images, that's what's real. This is me, my BEAUTIFUL body, and I'm proud of it :)

What was your favourite part of the session?

I felt empowered! I wasn't doing this for anyone else but myself. Quinn helped me get to that point. I was incredibly nervous; it was a very vulnerable experience. But I had to remind myself that I was doing this for no one else but myself.

What did doing this shoot do for your self-confidence, self-worth, and self-image? Tell me your story.

I'm so PROUD of these images! No, I'm not at the fittest I've been, but I'm a healthy, beautiful, young woman. Quinn could probably tell it took me a while to get into the zone, but once I did, I owned the feeling of being sexy and empowered! I may not post them on social media for personal reasons, but that doesn't take away from the empowerment I feel from having them.

Was your experience what you were expecting? If not, how was it different?

I wasn't referred to Quinn by a previous Queen; she came across my Instagram offering Healthcare workers a discount. I looked at her previous work and decided Quinn was the photographer I wanted to work with! Her style was exactly what I was looking for! Her vision can be dark and sultry, but it can also be bright and sweet! I wanted a mix of both, which is hard to find in this field. It's important to find a photographer that fits your personality and vision.

What was the best part of your experience? Would you change anything?

Quinn—plain and simple. Not a thing I would change. She welcomed me into her home and space, but she made me feel like it was mine! She made me feel comfortable in my vulnerability and empowered me in my body!