Before getting married, when I weighed 30 pounds less, I didn't do a boudoir session. It was something I contemplated, but getting married is stressful and I didn't have the time and we didn't have the resources to throw at something that seemed superfluous.

Our lives have changed a lot in 6 years, and so has my body. I've seen boudoir become really popular, but most individuals are heavily edited to mainstream ideals of beauty. When I saw the work that Ella produces, I wanted the opportunity to feel powerful and have images of my body, which took many years for me to love. When I told some friends I was doing this, they thanked me. There were conversations in online communities where friends of mine were looking for photographers who showed plus sized women in their boudoir imagery, but it was few and far between to find that without it being fetishizing. So, I did this for myself. To help me love my body as I am today, I got undressed and recorded it. But, I also did this for other women, so they can feel confident about themselves and know that boudoir is for every body.

How did you feel during the boudoir session?

As this was the second one we shot together, I felt pretty confident. There wasn't anything I was scared to do because I trusted my photographer implicitly and knew that she would kindly and gently guide me to pose as necessary to get the shots that made me look strong and confident.

What was your reaction when you saw the session photos for the first time?

Wow, even with my rolls, even with very little makeup, my body is beautiful.

Was there anything in particular that Ella did or said that helped you relax during the session?

One thing that I'll never forget is when she told me even thin, professional models have rolls on the midsection when they sit or stand a certain way. That had never occured to me! Once she showed me a photo and I said, "oh man, my stomach looks gross," to which she matter-of-factly responded, "no it doesn't." That moment was really huge for me and my own confidence.

Words by Angie. Photos by Ella Sophie Photography.

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ELLA SOPHIE

I’m Ella Sophie, I’m a visual artist, and my medium of choice is photography. I photograph weddings, portraits, editorial art and boudoir — because I'm a bit of a workaholic and love it all!

Originally located in the Hudson Valley and NYC, I'm now based out of Oakland, California. I studied commercial art and then followed that with a BFA in Fine Art Photography from the School of Visual Arts in NYC. I’ve been in both solo and group exhibitions and have had my images in fashion, art, and bridal publications throughout the US. I take a fine art approach to my work, so my image delivery is tactile with prints that can be touched, turned, and cherished. I offer a full range of professional fine art print products because I believe your memories are print-worthy. I'm an advocate for finding your unique voice, and I believe every wedding should be totally different from the next because no two people are exactly the same. I also love adventure and to travel, and am happy to take assignments just about anywhere in the world. And last but not least, at heart I'll always be a punk rock kid and a feminist!