Last week, Leaf & Lace reached her 4th birthday!! Since then, I've been reflecting my journey as a Photographer, Business Owner and a phenomenally cute human. The past 12 month has been so exciting as Leaf & Lace continues to grow and blossom so I want to share with you some of the things that are worth celebrating and deserve a special mention.
1. I am a Boudoir Photographer
If you are new here: Hi I'm Shelby and I'm a Boudoir Photographer.
Last year just before Leaf & Lace turned 3, I decided that Boudoir was what I wanted to do. I am so deeply in love with all things that come with Boudoir that it just felt right to keep pursuing it. Over the past 12 months, I've continued to work hard at establishing a strong foundation for Leaf & Lace to continue to grow on and this year has granted me with so many beautiful moments and more. I am so proud of Leaf & Lace and INCREDIBLY grateful for everyone who has continued to support me!
2. #goals
One of my biggest goals in the past year was to bring the Leaf & Lace community together. To achieve this, I decided it was going to happen in two parts. For Part 1 of the plan, I decided to start a Brand Ambassador Program. With the help of the beautiful humans who were involved, they helped me create an online space where the Leaf & Lace community can support each other! It was so exciting to share a little bit of the behind the scenes of Leaf & Lace with some phenomenal women.
Thank you Verity, Chantelle, Kelsey, Alix and Bianca!
3. First Group Photoshoot and Event
The second part of my plan of bringing together everyone in the Leaf & Lace community was to host the first social/group photoshoot with Leaf & Lace. I wanted to create a space that empowered everyone who came and celebrated all things Body Love. I was so excited for this event because this would be the first time I was photographing this many people at once and it was such a refreshing step out of my comfort zone!
With summer just around the corner, I decided the theme for this event was "Every Body is a Bikini Body". It felt like such a privilege to be able to witness a group of women come together and support each other at whatever Body Love stage they were at. To participate in a space that was full of just love and free of judgement. it was an honour to capture all of them The whole day was inspiring and empowering. It was everything I wanted and more.
Ps. if you missed out, I'll definitely be hosting another one so watch this space!
@createwjay
4. Leaf & Lace makes headlines
In July, I was approached by Author, Wilma Stevens, to be interviewed for a piece about Leaf & Lace. This was the first time something like this had happened and I felt very proud to be able to take a moment and share my story. However once the piece was finished, reading about my business through someone else's eyes was an experience that made me feel more proud and inspired by everything I was working towards this year. You can read the article here
5. New Session - Bestie Boudie Sessions
Leaf & Lace has always been about celebrating yourself but this year, I launched a new session type. Whether you are feeling too shy to book your own Boudoir Session or just want to capture memories with your favourite gal pals, a Bestie Boudie Sesh is the perfect way to celebrate you and your besties. These sessions are designed to capture the essence of your friendship and highlight how you empower each other. And I must say, they have been a delight to capture!!
If you are and your Besties are interesting in booking. Contact me!
6. Prints & Albums
This year I added Print Products as an additional option to all final galleries. I truly underestimated how powerful it would be for me to see my images in print and I can only imagine what its like for my clients. It's been such a beautiful experience to share tangible proof of how phenomenal some of my clients are.
Every session now has the option for an A La Carte option of prints and albums available once your gallery has been delivered!
7. The Body Love Project 1st Anniversary
Last year I created The Body Love Project as a way to empower the Leaf & Lace community outside of the realms of just my photography. The Body Love Project is a monthly event that I host on my social media to focus on normalising normal bodies. It is raw and unfiltered. Each month has a different theme that is chosen by the Leaf & Lace community. This year we celebrated the first anniversary of The Body Love Project. I am so proud that for 12 straight month's we have consistently celebrated all things Body Love!
8. The Great Tragedy
This year's reflection wouldn't be right if I didn't include the greatest tragedy that has ever happened to me as a Photographer. Less than a month before the 4th Birthday week celebrations, I accidentally took myself and my camera for a swim. It's an experience I would NOT recommend!
However, after sharing the tragedy across my socials, I was in awe of how many kindhearted people are a part of the Leaf & Lace community. I was instantly offered spare cameras, kind words and support from so many people. Although the day was a stressful one, the kindness that it brought out made me so grateful.
This year has gone above and beyond all my expectations. Leaf & Lace is expanding and so is my love for all things Boudoir! I am constantly grateful for all the support that Leaf & Lace receives and I cannot wait to see what the next 12 months brings the beautiful, growing community.
Stay Lovely,
Shelby xxx