Playful Muse: Outdoor Boudoir in Madison
This is Jenn. When I met her all I could think was “this woman knows how to live”. Just read her responses and I think you’ll agree- she is fabulous. Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious and she just oozes joy and honesty. We took these pics at Governors Island last month and she said “I kinda want to climb a tree in a tutu”. All I could say was “YES, Fuck YES”! We giggled together sooooo much that I instantly smile when I look at these images.
It stands out when you meet a woman who is so comfortable with themselves, and it is also truly frickin refreshing. Thank you Jenn for taking the time to share your sexy badass self with us.
What interested you about having a boudoir shoot?
I’ve spent a lot of time over the last few years unfairly comparing my aging body to my younger self and comparing myself to others. As an act of self love I booked a session. It took me a long time and a lot of healing to get here, and I sure am glad I had the courage to do it. I was tired of waiting until <fill in the blank with whatever ridiculous unrealistic expectation I have of myself>. Right now is the time to fall in love with myself.
How does your favorite photo from your session make you feel?
My favorite color is rainbow and my favorite picture is ALL of them, especially together. I see the story unfolding, the comfort deepening. I keep looking at the photos and loving them. I see the beauty in how Maureen captured the life force within me. I am excited when I realize it is me, that’s me, my body is making the picture so beautiful. I feel bold, beautiful, sexy and adventurous.
What would you say to a woman who doesn't think she is beautiful enough to be photographed?
Loving yourself is an act of liberation, don’t waste one more second thinking you are not enough. Stand up to that hog wash. When we can truly love ourselves, that energy is felt everywhere. It is strong enough to make flowers grow and heal the world.
What are your reflections on “beauty” in our culture?
I was remembering I also hated my body/myself when I was young and weighed 100 lbs soaking wet. I have literally spent decades upon decades hating my body. Thinking beauty lived elsewhere. I believed all the ads, movies, etc that said I needed to do better, be better. No matter what I looked like I was not satisfied. It’s a journey to love ourselves. I am excited that our culture is shifting. I’m excited for people like Maureen who really embrace and celebrate bodies. I want to be part of that culture. I am part of the shift.
What are your hopes for the next generation of women? What advice would you give to them?
Love yourself and love each other. Stop the comparison, start accepting what is in front of us. Love it just as it is. I want the next generation to show that beauty belongs to all of us no matter the shape of your body, the color of your skin, the wrinkles on your face, who you love, or if you have long toes or hairy arms. Love it, just love it. This is how we can deeply love each other, by first deeply loving ourselves. Don’t shy away from pleasure, you need to explore more pleasure. Whatever brings you pleasure, do more of that. Even skip work to have pleasure!
What would you tell your 16-year-old self if you could meet her now?
My 16 year old self was pretty brave and badass, and she danced to her own beat. I would tell her to keep dancing and don’t let all the external negative hub bub take residence and live inside of you. Find people who love all the delicious, beautiful and even the dark parts of who you are. AND Don’t ever let anyone tell you who you are or who you are not. Be yourself.
Oh and sex is super pleasurable, you are gonna love it.
What do you love most about being a woman?
Oh. My. God. I love my boobs, like seriously boobs are awesome.
I also absolutely love the fact that we can grow little people inside of us if we want. It’s amazing to think about what our bodies can do and create.
