My name is Penny, and yesterday I embarked on an adventure of a lifetime. Before I go on I must tell you that having my “Intimate Portrait” done was something I wanted to do after I lost the 30 pounds that has magically appeared on my not-so-young anymore body. OK, maybe not magically appeared.
This was so not what I wanted to do feeling the way I did, short, fat, and old, yet here I was plumb out of time. Stepping out of my comfort zone not to mention my predetermined time frame, “I would do an Intimate Portrait in one year, after I lost the weight and felt good about my body,” was something I needed to quickly come to terms with. I consoled myself that the photographer would be sensitive to my concerns. I also told myself that women not only go to Maureen for her magic in photography, but also to help them feel beautiful, sensual, and realize their personal power as a woman.
The studio sent me to the most amazing lingerie store Naughty But Nice and the proprietress, Sharon, was this fantastic dynamo of a woman who totally took charge of dressing me. She pulled out combinations of lingerie, costumes, shoes from her inventory and dressed me, tugging, pulling, and adjusting until she was satisfied with each “look.” I’ve got to tell you I have never shopped for lingerie beyond bras and panties. This was a whole new experience. After my initial uncomfortable-ness of looking at my “body” in the full-length mirrors, I began to relax and have fun. It was especially interesting when she strapped me into six-inch platform heels and had me stand up. I am a Converse sneaker woman myself, so you can imagine.
I was at the shop for several hours with Sharon thoughtfully assessing the effect of each outfit, complete with hose and shoes. By the end of the fitting session three distinct “looks” had been achieved and I headed home. On the way I realized that I may be short, fat, and old, but I could still be sexy. I felt like I had undergone an amazing transformation in my opinion of myself that was not just intellectual, but touched my spirit as well. I’ll let you know how the photography session goes next month.
For more information, please call Intimate Portraits The Art of Maureen Benoit at 661-476-9772 or 818-701-5001 and visit www.intimateportraitsbymaureen.com .