JOURNAL

I AM JESSICA RAE

Jessica Rae 12/16/17 Jessica Rae 12/16/17

Photography Mentoring

“She knows her shit!
You can tell she absolutely adores what she does and she has a love for showing women how beautiful they are. Being a photographer myself, I should know how to pose - but being in front of the camera is completely different and nerve wracking to be honest. But Jessica was a rock star in helping me feel comfortable and relaxed and she made me feel so good in my skin. “

Vancouver Boudoir Photographer and Educator Jessica Rae

Photography Mentoring

I first met Michelle back in 2010 when I joined Helping Hearts, a non-profit photography program she co-founded. We lost touch over the years but she recently reached out to me on facebook and asked if I would be open to Photography Mentoring, as she had recently taken up interest in photographing boudoir. Quite the divergence from the newborn photographer I had known her for over the years!

When I found out she was staying in town for a few days I invited her to come by my studio for a quick in-person mentoring session. Well this quickly unfolded into an impromptu photo session! haha It is always such a pleasure and a honour to get to work with other photographers. Below is what Michelle had to say about her experience with me and her Photography Mentoring :

Vancouver Boudoir Photographer and Educator Mentor

"Let me start off by saying Jessica is amazing. She knows her shit! You can tell she absolutely adores what she does and she has a love for showing women how beautiful they are. Being a photographer myself, I should know how to pose - but being in front of the camera is completely different and nerve wracking to be honest. But Jessica was a rock star in helping me feel comfortable and relaxed and she made me feel so good in my skin. I’ve had two children and like most women, I am uncomfortable in the skin I’ve been left with. But Jessica helped me to embrace my body and love it for what it is. To feel sexy and empowered in my skin. She took the time to talk to me throughout the session, reminding me what to do with my arms, how to pose my legs, where to look and what to do with my body. I walked away from our session with such confidence - I was on a total high! Thank you Jessica! My experience with you was so fantastic!!! " - Michelle

"She took the time to talk to me throughout the session, reminding me what to do with my arms, how to pose my legs, where to look and what to do with my body. "

Vancouver Boudoir Photographer and Educator

"I’ve had two children and like most women, I am uncomfortable in the skin I’ve been left with. But Jessica helped me to embrace my body and love it for what it is."

Don't you think it's time to celebrate YOU!

9/1/17 9/1/17

Dedication Payoff - Vancouver Boudoir Photography

After working hard on her personal health and fitness routine for 16 weeks leading up to her intimate lifestyle photoshoot, Miss N was still feeling nervous.She worried about how to position her body and manage facial expressions... as well as feeling silly. These are common concerns with all my clients. You are not alone!Let's hear firsthand what Miss N had to say about her overall experience. Check out a few of her amazing images from her first session with me below! "All of my worries disappeared with Jessica Rae's expert coaching and calm disposition, and the fact that she obliged me when I preferred more anonymous body pics vs pics with my face! I feel that JR really knew what direction I wanted to go in and honoured it. Looking into her camera and seeing some of the shots she was getting was also helpful and visually informative for me.Being in a safe studio space and working with a female photographer really helped me feel open and comfortable. Also being guided by Jessica Rae during the session, in terms of how to hold and position my body, was very helpful. After the shoot I felt very proud and invigorated by the overall experience, and was so happy that I was able to document my best shape in such an artistic and classy way - in addition to really pushing myself outside my comfort zone and trying something new and exciting. After the session I felt like a model - lol! Overall liberated, scared, and excited! The most significant feelings of pride and awe though came from sitting with Jessica Rae and my husband post shoot and seeing the INCREDIBLE photos of me she presented to us!"

I would say this experience was remarkable! Worth every minute and penny. I've never looked so good!

Can't wait for session #2 hopefully a couples session... also looking forward to ordering a metal estate art piece." Vancouver Intimate Lifestyle Photographer Vancouver Boudoir Photographer Boudoir Photographer Vancouver Vancouver Intimate Lifestyle Boudoir Photographer Boudoir Fitness Photoshoot Vancouver Intimate Lifestyle Portrait Photographer Vancouver Vancouver Boudoir Studio Boudoir Studio Near Vancouver Boudoir Photographers Near Vancouver Boudoir Photographer Near Vancouver

3/13/17 3/13/17

Schöne Seele - Vancouver Boudoir Photographer

intimate portrait maple ridge photo studio

natural light boudoir photo studio maple ridge

Kate emailed me about doing a boudoir session for herself a few months ago. She is still relatively new to Canada, originally from Germany, and she was feeling a little down and needed a pick me up. A little self confidence boost. I am so glad that she choose an intimate lifestyle photo session with me in order to accomplish this!Here what Kate had to say:"I loved everything! From the make up to the shoot. I loved how friendly Jessica is. We spent a lot of time chatting, she really took the time to get to know me. Her studio is lovely and I really love my pictures."It was a such a pleasure to photograph you, Kate. Thank you for trusting me and for being so open. You are a courageous and beautiful soul ( Schöne Seele )xoxox Jessica RaeThank you to Ashley Paints Makeup Artistry

10/13/16 10/13/16

Smile Pretty or...?!! - Greater Vancouver Boudoir Photography - Daily Inspiration

I often get asked: "What should I do, should I smile? Am I suppose to keep a serious face?"An intimate portrait session is all about YOU. I want to capture your personality. I want you to feel comfortable being yourself, whatever that might be!Are you serious? Are you bubbly? Are you conservative? Do you like to push boundaries?It's all about you, so BRING IT!

xoxox Artist Jessica Rae

short haired curvy girl wearing a boob shirt giving middle fingers black and white image of woman lying on bed talking on phone smoking a cigarette photograph of a girl sitting on a bench with tattoos making a silly face tongue out wearing black mesh lingerie black and white photo of tattoo blonde woman laying on bed black and white image of girl sitting on bed giving middle finger wearing a tutu black and white image of lady on a bed in a pleasure pose

10/10/16 10/10/16

Birthday Surprise - Abbotsford Boudoir Photographer

Ms. N came in to create an unforgettable birthday gift for her husband, but I think she would agree it was just as much a gift for herself.Ms. N had this to say about her session:I didn't know what to expect in the full scale of things. But I think it went perfect for what I was looking for. It made me feel beautiful.My favourite part of the experience was seeing the images, to see what I looked like in that element was pretty amazing.Jessica!! You are an amazing woman, your work is fantastic. I am so happy that I got to spend that time with you.Any words of advice for women who are thinking about booking a boudoir session?Breath and enjoy every moment. Woman laying on a bed in white lingerie lit by natural window light black and white image of a woman reclinging on a blue vintage chair woman with blonde hair kneeling on an antique couch with pink lingerie woman reclining on antique couch and chair black and white photo of womans floral cut high heel shoes

6/6/16 6/6/16

Because TuTu's - Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Boudoir Photographer - Daily Inspiration

Because Tutu's...I love getting my hair and makeup artist in front of my lens. It helps them to understand and empathize with my clients what their experience is like. Ashley Paints Faces was so much fun to work with, I just LOVE her tutu!!! TuTu Artist Jessica Rae with Ashley Paints Faces

5/22/16 5/22/16

Self Love - Domestic Violence and Abuse - Vancouver and Fraser Valley Photographer

What does Domestic Violence look like to you?

Does it look like a bruise or a scar?

Did you know that there are numerous types of abuse, not just physical...

Self Love - Domestic Violence Abuse Awareness - Artist Jessica Rae Vancouver Boudoir Photographer

I have struggled with whether or not to even make a post about this - as vague as it may be, because any energy I give the situation, I feel, only gives it more power. HOWEVER, I also believe that we cannot help each other in silence and that we must talk about it.It is extremely difficult to escape your abuser when you share children with them, as you cannot simply cut ties with them. They always look for ways to maintain their sense of control over you, no matter how slight.#MaybeHeDoesntHitMe - have you seen this hashtag making its rounds on the interweb. 'Maybe He Doesn't Hit You' Twitter Hashtag Reminds Us That Intimate Partner Violence Isn't Always PhysicalWhen my ex sent a nasty email to me (not the first, and surely not the last), after a recent afternoon visit with our children, my heart broke. His words did not wound me in the way he had hoped, I'm sure, but it impacted me none the less. Did I take his insults personally? No. Rather my heart ached for our children. I cried because, a man like him, is their father. When I discussed with my children how their day was with their dad, they looked solemn. I find out that their father had gone on at length, insulting me, their mother, to our children.Children are comprised of two things.... their mother and their father. They share the DNA of both. So when you put down, insult or make light of one of their parents, you are in essence doing the same to said child. They take it personally, and why wouldn't they?! They not only love their parent, but they are a physical part of that parent.Rather than let his words burn me though, I have chosen to use it as fuel for my own fire.You only make me stronger.Self Love. Self Respect.xoxox Jessica RaePS: If you, or someone you know, believe you may be experiencing domestic abuse I highly recommend THIS BOOK, by Lundy Bancroft. If you are in immediate danger please call 911, contact your local women's shelter. <3Doing an intimate portrait session can help you to reconnect to yourself. Show you a fresh perspective. Embrace and love yourself"Never let your struggle become your identity" - Dana O'dell (The Beautiful Real)

"Words As Weapons"

I feel your knife as it goes right inCut to my core but I'm not bleedingAll that you say trying to make me smallWell, the bigger you get the harder you fallYou use your words as a weapon dearBut your blades don't hurt when you have no fearYou think that you're deep under my skinYou're trying to keep me sufferingIf you use your words as a weaponThen as a weapon, I'll shed no tearsYou (had) my heart but I lock it upThis burning flame has been burnt enoughMy window's cracked they can be replacedBut your arm will tire throwing stones my wayYou use your words as a weapon dearBut your blades don't hurt when you have no fearYou think that you're deep under my skinYou're trying to keep me sufferingIf you use your words as a weaponThen as a weapon, I'll shed no tearsI feel your knife as it goes right inYou use your words as a weapon dearBut your blades don't hurt when you have no fearYou think that you're deep under my skinYou're trying to keep me sufferingIf you use your words as a weaponThen as a weapon, I'll shed no tearsI'll shed no tears

-Birdy

4/1/16 4/1/16

Curvaceous Plus Size Boudoir Photography - Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley Photographer - Daily Inspiration

"There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologeticlly herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty." - Steve Marabolixoxox Artist Jessica Rae

3/30/16 3/30/16

Ridge Meadows Boudoir Photographer - BookWorm Beauty - Daily Inspiration

“Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another’s skin, another’s voice, another’s soul.” — Joyce Carol Oates

Hair and Makeup: Amaris Beauty

3/26/16 3/26/16

Hair & Makeup Artist - Vancouver and Maple Ridge Boudoir Photographer - Daily Inspiration

I'm pretty spoiled having such a beautiful and willing hair and make up artist that will step in front of my lens.

1/17/16 1/17/16

The other side of the lens - My Personal Session with Jana Roller Boudoir

Last summer I took a road trip to visit fellow boudoir photographer Jana Roller up in Williams, BC. I found in her in a local photography group on Facebook and sent her a message about her amazing red hair and we have have been online friends ever since, haha. I was so excited to meet her! She was just a lovely and genuine in person as she was online.We hung out at her studio for the day and photographed each other, it was sooo much! She even did my makeup for the session, talk about multi-talented! She submitted the images she took of me to Philosophie Boudoir Magazine (put out by AIBP - Association of International Boudoir Photographers) and they were accepted. She wrote a beautiful article which you can read below as well.This was my 2nd time having a boudoir session done for myself. The first time was almost 3 years ago, and was a very different experience than I had with Jana. The images she captured I felt were a better reflection of me, not just a pretty pose and picture. She broke down some of my own mental walls and barriers and even got to me to show a little vulnerability, which is quite the feat! I have been sitting on these images for a few months because I had so much I wanted to say but I always seem to be at a loss for words. and yesterday I had another personal boudoir session done (blog post to come in the near future haha) so I knew it was time to share these with all of you now, even if I don't have all the words in mind.Honestly, the article Jana wrote pretty much sums up the day for me as well. I am proud to call Jana my friend and thank her immensely for this amazing opportunity. When I started 2015 one of my goals was to get published as a photographer, I never imaged I would be published, as well, as the subject matter! I do want to say this though... I am 35 years old, I have carried and given birth to three amazing little boys, and my body foreign to me. I was petite most of my life and the last couple of years I have put on a significant amount of body weight. I don't recognize this shell but I decided it was time to embrace it, love it and reclaim it. You are always going to find an excuse not to do something so amazing, as an intimate portrait session for yourself. But in 5 - 10 - 20 years, you are going to look back on these images and pat yourself on the back and say, I did it! Look at me, I am an amazing human being! There is no perfect time like the present. Do your research and find a photographer that resonates with you and that you trust. You won't regret it! Artist Jessica Rae with Jana Roller Boudoir summer 2015

You can purchase a digital or pint copy of Philosophie Boudoir Volume VI here

1/9/16 1/9/16

Victorian Boudoir : Gilded Magazine : Vancouver Published Editorial Boudoir Photographer

At the beginning of December I was playing around with new studio setups and fell in love with this one so much that I put together a team right away and the next day this session happened. Sometimes the best laid plans aren't plans at all but whims of fancy! I partner up with one my of my favourite designers Charlene Rowley of Faye Tality Couture, she had the most amazing pieces to pull off the look I was aiming for. Fellow Maple Ridge photographer, Tanzyn Ambrose graciously agreed to be my muse for this set and she got all glammed up by the talented Makeup in Session's, Sana Nurani. I am so blessed to call all of these amazing women friends, and that they go along with my mad ideas <3These images have been featured in Gilded Magazines issue 7 vol 2 edition. Victoria Boudoir - Gilded Magazine - Jessica Rae, Faye Tality Couture, MakeupinSession, Tanzyn Published Dec 2015

You can purchase a digital or hard copy HERE

11/12/15 11/12/15

ThrowBack with Miss. M - Fraser Valley Boudoir Photographer

I've been so busy I have fallen behind on blogging! I have so many sessions waiting for me to share them with the world!So here is one that is long over due. My session with Miss. M from March of this year. This was our very first time working together and I'm happy to say there have been many more session with this beauty since. I have been published in a number of magazines with her since this boudoir session and one of my most favourite sessions with her ever will be released in the next couple of weeks! I cannot wait to share that one with you <3In the meantime, please enjoy my very first session with this beauty....Hair and Makeup by: Master Stylist Kat MissM by Artist Jessica Rae - Fraser Valley womens photographer

9/3/15 9/3/15

Miss O : Chronic Illness and the journey to a Healthy Happy place : Fraser Valley Boudoir Photography

What Miss. O had to say about her session with Boudoir By Jessica Rae and why she chose to do a boudoir session..."I've always been body conscious growing up, it's one of the many reasons I used to exercise daily and restrict my diet, and everything was going well up until about 6 months ago. All of the sudden I was loosing weight rapidly, at first I thought it was because of my diet and my exercise regimens so I thought nothing of it. As the month progressed my diet got worse and I found myself craving sugary foods and becoming so thirsty I couldn't sleep at night, all while loosing weight continuously. It got to the point that I had gone from a healthy diet and weight of 125 to 90 pounds and dropping while eating nothing but ice cream, chips, and anything sweet I could get my hands on. Eventually this led me to the emergency room with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. After regaining my health and balancing out my body levels I gained the weight back rapidly, going from 90 pounds of bones to 140 pounds and bloated. The rapid weight loss and even faster weight retention cause my body to change, I didn't even recognize myself in the mirror. Not only did I have this chronic illness to deal with for the rest of my life, not to mention injecting myself two to three times a day, but now I had to deal with the emotional implications of what it had done to the way I looked. Over the few months that followed I slowly evened out and decided it was time to take back my body and feel good about myself again.This is when I contacted Jessica Rae, I saw her work through a friend and the beauty of the shots along with the kind and comforting responses showed me I was in good hands. The shoot was wonderful and fun, I felt inspired and beautiful again and I left so excited and ready to do many more! When I returned with a friend to view the photos and pick my favourites I was blown away at my images, I never thought I could look like that and I actually had a difficult time deciding which to pick, something I never do regularly as generally I hate photos of myself.Jessica Rae was incredibly sweet and gentle with a wonderful sense of humour and this experience gave me back my confidence and let me feel comfortable in my own skin again. Boudoir is not an experience just for someone else, it is all about your own feelings and the power it gives you. Given the opportunity I would do it again in a heartbeat." Miss. OReading her words gave me goosebumps. I am honoured and thrilled to be a positive part of her journey to being healthy, happy and positive <3 Thank you for sharing your story with us and thank you for allowing me to share your stunning images <3 xoxoxoHair and Makeup by Marecel Daniel Fraser Valley Boudoir Photographer Diabetes Health Journey

Client privacy is held in the highest regard as I believe that the portraits we create are private by their very nature. Please be assured that images published by Boudoir By Jessica Rae are done so only with written permission by the client.

4/27/15 4/27/15

Couples - Vancouver Boudoir Photography

Photographing this couples session was a new experience for me; it was beyond anything I have ever photographed before. The chemistry these two have - it's hard to find the words.Sensual, intense, charismatic, intense, bold... those are a few that come to mind. As I was compiling the images for this blog post I started to see the story unfold. Seeing their images, speaks for themselves.......Click to play video slideshow[video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.artistjessicarae.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/01-434-post/Cynthia-and-Levi-April-2015.mp4"][/video]Music by: Lo-Fang - "You're the one that I want"

JessicaRae Vancouver PittMeadows MapleRidge FraserValley Boudoir Intimate Portrait Photographer Client privacy is held in the highest regard as I believe that the portraits we create are private by their very nature. Please be assured that images published by Boudoir By Jessica Rae are done so only with written permission by the client.

3/22/15 3/22/15

Miss B - Greater Vancouver Boudoir Photography

Doing a boudoir shoot is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. I personally chose to do one with Jessica in order to overcome self-limiting beliefs I had about myself, and my body. I believe as women, we are often bombarded with overwhelming messages on what the “ideal” body type is. Throughout most of my life, I have struggled with anxiety, and insecurity. Once I became fully aware that I was in charge of choosing my thoughts, I began to choose them wisely. The negative “self-talk” disappeared. However, I would noticed certain beliefs were still lingering. As a makeup artist, and a wellness coach, I work very close with women in helping them overcome any negative obstacles holding them back from achieving optimal success. Doing a boudoir session is the ultimate confidence booster. Say goodbye to your inner critic, and unleash your inner bombshell.Britta - Makeup Artist & Wellness Coach britta jessicarae boudoir maple ridge vancouver boudoir intimiate portrait photography colour blackandwhite portraits pink lingerie britta jessicarae boudoir maple ridge vancouver boudoir intimiate portrait photography

2/13/15 2/13/15

Miss. N :: Vancouver Boudoir Photographer

I had the privileged to photograph the feisty Miss N in my Maple Ridge studio a couple weeks ago. I am IN LOVE with her confidence! She fully embraced the experience of a boudoir photo session and the results speak for themselves!Hair and Makeup provided by the ever talented Master Stylist Kat JessicaRae Vancouver Boudoir Maple Ridge Photographer floral lingerie studio photography

2/8/15 2/8/15

Ms K : Fraser Valley Boudoir Photography

"Initially this session was for my husband. I wanted to do something for him that was COMPLETELY out of my comfort zone. Within minutes of meeting Jessica, I was put at ease. Before we started the shoot I told her that I'm probably the least "sexy" person out there. Ya, I felt awkward. Ya, I felt silly but after the first couple shots Jessica made me feel so comfortable.
Initially, I didn't want my photos posted online. No way! But after seeing them and seeing my husband's reaction, I'm very proud of how they turned out. I never imagined I could ever look or feel that sexy. In the end, this shoot ended up being more for me than anyone else. Thank you, Jessica." - Ms. K Maple Ridge Vancouver Fraser Valley Boudoir Intimate Portrait Photography Studio

2/5/15 2/5/15

Miss. R : Vancouver Boudoir Photographer

"Wait a second,Why should you care, what they think of youWhen you're all alone, by yourselfDo you like you? Do you like you?

You don't have to try so hardYou don't have to give it all awayYou just have to get up, get up, get up, get upYou don't have to change a single thing

You don't have to try, try, try, try

......

Take your make up offLet your hair downTake a breathLook into the mirror, at yourselfDon't you like you?Cause I like you"

Colbie Caillat

Maple Ridge Vancouver Boudoir Photographer Studio Pitt Meadows Fraser Valley Greater Vancouver Intimate Portraits

11/8/14 11/8/14

Sweater Session : Miss. E

I want to show you that you don't have to be scantly clad, get all dolled up, or be provocative to have boudoir photos done. You can simply wear a comfy sweater and your favorite pair of fluffy socks. Like someone might catch you on a Sunday morning, warm cup of coffee in hand just relaxing in your bedroom. I find it is the simplest of settings that are the most beautiful, the most romantic, the most sensual. Let me show you how beautiful you are, just as you are.An authentic intimate portrait.

Hair and Makeup provided by: Make-up By Laurie

JOURNAL

Photography Mentoring

I would say this experience was remarkable! Worth every minute and penny. I've never looked so good!

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