Happy 2021!!! 

As a culture, we always enter into a new year with hope for what is to come. 
We look back on the year before and imagine all of the things that we would like to do better, start doing ... or things we don't want to repeat.. etc.  

Am I alone in feeling like we are in unchartered waters this year?? 
Last year was one for the books in so many ways!  I don't have to make a list,
we are all hyper-aware of the entire list and all of the gory details. 
Upon entering 2021, I did so with cautious optimism....still licking the wounds inflicted by the previous year... 
So far, this year hasn't been much different.  But in total honesty-I can't say I am surprised by that!  Nothing actually resets at the stroke of midnight on December 31st of ANY year. 
The only thing that changes, aside from the calendar, is our mindset! 
We resolve to make changes and improvements, most of which are nothing more than a foggy memory by March!  

Now... 
with all of that being said... wouldn't you agree that it's kind of up to us to make this year...whatever we want it to be?  Because if it's all about mindset-then no one else can help that but us! 
It's OUR MIND. 
No one else's! 
So take a moment..

..ponder...
​
think deeply and allow those deep desires and goals to bubble up to the surface. 
Look at them. 
What do they look like? 
Do they bring you joy?
What will it take for you to make them happen? 

I challenge you to add something to your goals this year.  Make TIME for yourself.  I'm not talking about spa days or anything like that, even though that is never a bad idea!! I'm referring to time that you spend in reflection, time you use to just sit and think and BE.  Use this time to adjust your focus, calibrate your mind and fuel your psyche with the proper nourishment to be healthy and happy.  Once you master this (which I haven't, so I'm mainly writing this TO ME...) you'll be able to tackle anything else on your list. 

Now, I know it's been a pretty wordy post, so I will leave you with some flaming photos to enjoy after absorbing all of this!  And remember-YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!  

Lots of love!!!!! 
Now go and make 2021 a better year than any other one before it! 
XO
​Bethany

Do you need something to look forward to after this ridiculous year?! 

We could all use that, right?? 

That's why I have created this special offer.  Whether you are single or married, self-employed or an intern, seasoned pro or newbie....this offer is exactly what you need!  

$100 gets you either.... 
*A personalized branding session thru my Social Butterfly service, which includes a FREE upgrade of a custom ToonUp of an image from your session as well as the option to add a free Logo Consult! 
OR
*A deposit to hold your spot, within my current 2020 pricing!  This can be for any kind of session, including BOUDOIR!!!!  Your spot must take place before April 1, 2021 to take advantage of this offer! 

Let me hear from you TODAY, November 30th, to get you set and ready to kick 2021 off with a BANG.... 

XO
Bethany 

Sexy.
Definition of sexy


1: sexually suggestive or stimulating : EROTIC
2: generally attractive or interesting : APPEALING; a sexy stock

Synonyms for sexy

• bodacious, 
• desirable, 
• dishy, 
• hot, 
• luscious, 
• toothsome

Thank you, Merriam-Webster.

This helps us to clarify what we already knew about the word...but what IS sexy. 
Really. 
What is it to you? 
All of the terms and descriptions listed above make it sound like a term used to label or describe something or someone.  

My personal opinion? 

Sexy is a feeling.  I don't just mean a feeling of confidence or a momentary boost given by a partner or even a random stranger who compliments you.  I mean a feeling that you ARE sexy, that you embody sexiness, you have the carnal power within you to be whoever and whatever you desire to be.  

You don't need to be in a relationship to feel sexy.
You don't need to buy an entirely new wardrobe to feel sexy. 
You don't need a makeover to feel sexy. 

So what DO you need? 

Excellent question! 

You NEED to.... let go.   

Let go of the societal standards that have been drilled into your mind for your entire life.  
Let go of your perception of sexy as it has been embedded into your daily life by magazines and social media. 

Once you've let go of all of that.... 
Introduce yourself to new ideas of sexy.  Allow yourself to learn what really makes you feel your most sensual and ALIVE.  For some that might be getting a massage, going all day without a bra...in PUBLIC,  wearing make up (for yourself) for the first time in a while, or going without make up for the first time in years.... taking a dance class (whether it's ballroom, ballet, or pole...) Do something for YOU and watch how it completely empowers you in ways you never thought possible. 

I realize as I write this that the things I mention here may not seem too far outside the norm, you may take a regular dance class, get weekly massages and not even own a bra or mascara... and that's fine!   You just have to try things and find what works for you.  We are all different.  We are beautifully designed that way.  Which is also something that makes us sexy!!! 

As a boudoir photographer, I find that most women who come to me, do not see themselves as sexual beings. 
Mothers, who have watched their body change significantly over the years. 
Women who have been in toxic relationships and made to feel like they aren't worthy or deserving of anything good. 
I could go on.... and on..... and on.
SO many women come to me with insecurities and "flaws" that only THEY can see.  Literally every woman I've ever photographed has had something that they see "wrong" with them.  
That is INSANE.  And yes-I'm guilty of it, myself, probably more so than most of my clients.  But I'm also here to tell you that we are crazy to think we are anything less than perfectly how we are meant to be.  So learn to accept yourself, as you are.  Then you can find the path to actually LOVE who you are, how you look....and feel SEXY! 

Now, with all of that said, I'm going to leave you with some images of women that are all different in appearance.... but also incredibly, undeniably S.E.X.Y.
(c) Bethany May Photography

​***A little note to inform you that as I published this blog, I made a post on social media asking what SEXY meant to people and the #1 thing each response had in common.....
CONFIDENCE.
Interesting. 
~Follow me on Instagram to see more SEXY!! 

I have stretch marks. 
I have this situation where my once-flat tummy used to be...I'm still coming to terms with that. 
I finally have some boobs...they're not huge, not even close!  But I have them. 
Took me 30 years to be able to say that. 
No-I didn't pay for them...
they came with the new,
non-flat tummy and all the other accessories in the
'Welcome to 30' package,
a lovely parting gift from my ex-metabolism. 
So woman-to-woman, mom-to-mom, human-to-human, let me be honest with you when I say that I completely relate to looking at pictures of myself or even in the mirror and thinking
"what happened there?" 
You're not alone!  But let me also tell you that...we've got to STOP that! 
What happened there is....
LIFE.  Motherhood.  Stress.  Marriage.  Daily life.  
Don't let that define you!  
You are more than these things. 
​You are a beautiful creature and should be admired and appreciated.

If you aren't convinced yet-let me just say one more thing.... 
I have Photoshop.
There.  I said it.  I don't like to put that out there.  But it's true.  I have it. 
So for those of us who don't look like a perfect Victoria's Secret Angel, have no fear. 
By the way... 
a little secret.....
they don't look like that either!  
You know why that is? 
Photoshop. 

So, ditch the excuses, I've heard them ALL.
Even the ladies with the most perfect figure, gorgeous faces, luxurious hair, etc--
they look at the back of my camera and find SOMETHING to criticize. 
It's how we are built. 
It's in our DNA. 

On the other hand, I've also had many women look at their images,
pre-photoshop,
on the back of my camera and CRY...in awe and utter disbelief that that's actually how they look.  And I eat that ish right up! 
​THAT'S WHY I DO THIS!

So, come on! 
If you still aren't convinced that you are worthy of doing this for yourself,
​slide into my DMs, comments, emails, or wherever you feel like sliding and let's chat!
I've got you.

Boudoir photography can be an intimidating concept to ponder.  

Most women have a long list of reasons NOT to do their own session.  I am here to tell you-EVERY WOMAN has reasons not to.  Let me also tell you-those reasons, although valid, are ridiculous!  Each woman on this planet is beautiful in her own way.  These sessions are the perfect way to allow yourself to SEE that in YOU!  

Many clients have come to me and said "I'm doing this for my husband...our wedding/anniversary is coming up and he'd love this" ... newsflash-of course he will love it!!!  If he has eyes and a brain in his head-he's going to love it.  What I want is for YOU to love it!  

I have had other clients come to me, booking this session for themselves...because they just lost a little weight, their birthday is coming up, they're newly single due to a break up or divorce, etc etc etc.  

Boudoir is not about creating a modeling portfolio to submit to Victoria's Secret....it's about feeling your sexiest and realizing just how gorgeous you really are! 

Now... for those reasons that are hindering the booking process..... 
"I want to loose a few pounds first..." 
"I can't afford to spend that much on myself right now" 
"I'm single, I have no one to do it for..."
"I just don't feel sexy."
"I'm a mom/grandmom-I can't do something like this!"
"I need to work on my tan.."
"I'm too nervous!!"
"I'm not photogenic"

That list could go on and on and on... but I'm here to help you debunk those mythical excuses!  Follow along in a series of blogs where I go in depth and discuss these reasons I've been given over the years.  I will help you see exactly why these reasons should NOT hold you back from booking a session.
​

If you have reasons that were not listed above, I'd love to hear from you.  Leave a comment here or shoot me an email through the contact form and let me know what it is, so we can chat about it!  No matter what it is-I can guarantee you-you're not alone. 

Have you ever had this craving deep within yourself to do something completely outside your comfort zone, completely unusual and unlikely? 

Well for me-I have those cravings often when it comes to my creative side.  One example of this would be that for many years I have wanted to have my own art show.  As a photographer-that can be more challenging than you realize.  I specialize in portraiture with an emphasis on boudoir.  So it seemed highly unlikely that I could make this happen.  

One day, I took a leap of faith and set this goal into motion.  I researched local spots that I might be able to do something and hit the pavement.  And by pavement I mean-social media.  That's the modern equivalent, right?  I won't bore you with the details of how this vision came to life, but just know that it has, in fact, come to LIFE!  

​Many thanks to Mitchell's Coffeehouse in downtown Lakeland, FL for hosting my work for the entire month of January!  I have been creating and collecting pieces for this eventual showcase for over a year and the time has finally come!  If you are local to Lakeland, please pop into this (my favorite) coffee shop and check it out!!  I am sharing the space with another gifted photographer, Monica Stark.  Show us some love!  Leave me a note in the comments, I'd love to hear your thoughts!  
If you are interested in purchasing any of the pieces, please reach out on the contact form and I will get you the hook up!