Aug 7

Aug 7 THE DAY KARA BROKE THE INTERNET + SOME BOUDOIR MYTHS

Cate Scaglione | Editor, Photographer, Business Owner

As a boudoir photographer, I get to meet all kinds of people. Every once in a while, you meet someone who you know, almost immediately, is 'your people.' YOUR TRIBE.

(C) 2017 CATE SCAGLIONE | WWW.LIFEASFINEART.COM

Kara is THAT person.

Kara is a master color artist and hair stylist at one of the busiest salons in Red Bank, L'Studio. Here, she beautifies women on the daily, but also fills many other roles here in town with publicity and marketing campaigns.

She is THAT person, the one who gets things done.

The she is also person who is all things to all people...
the professor of joy,
and queen of laughter,
and ray of sunshine,
and purveyor of positivity,
and duchess of resourcefulness,
and soldier of confidentiality,
...it is a pretty long list of roles, but she fills all of them. YES, she is THAT person for EVERYONE that meets her.

When you know a person like this, it is easy to rely on them and go to them with your needs, especially when you want to feel better.

But, when she needs to feel better, who does SHE go to? This is often the dilemma for empaths.

Kara is a single mother -- a damn fine one, with an exceptional child. She has raised a young lady to be as strong and kind and mindful as she is. And though she is hot as hell, and turns many heads -- she selflessly puts her daughter first at all times. Often, this is to her own sacrifice. She never complains...It is a conscious CHOICE she makes.

Recently, Kara had gone through a breakup.
She texted me to let me know, albeit very cheerfully.
Though still a source of comedy and sage advice, I began to see through the veil of humor and notice she was a little down. She was let down.

I felt like a boudoir experience might help her. She told me she not only wanted it, she NEEDED it.

It's inevitable to feel low when a relationship disappoints.
BUT I might say it wasn't his fault... It just simply takes a stronger man to recognize how rare and valuable qualities like hers are.

It's been decades since I was on the dating scene, so the advice I can offer is next to nothing. But, what I CAN offer?...

...A DAY that can change a single woman's life;
...A day that reminds her and gives her permission to spoil herself;
...A day that will lift her up and make her see herself (quite literally, in a mirror!) as exceptional;
...A chance to see herself as a spectacular creature...not for the sake of any MAN... but in her own reflection;
...An opportunity to push her from her comfort zone through a fun, bold and cathartic experience.

And most of all, to face the truth that unfortunately... not ALL people are worthy of HER.
This is not just a message for Kara, but for all single women I work with. To examine what you tolerate, and love yourself in the ways you are so willing to love others.

THAT was what Kara's boudoir session was about.
She is strong, confident. sensual and maternally heroic every single day.
Why not immortalize that in photographs?

"Today was one of the best days of my life. I felt more beautiful today than even on my wedding day," she told me.

It is SO easy for women to forget -- but their powerful sensuality is not defined by a relationship status. It is defined by an inner spirit.

Kara has that spirit. My camera bears witness -- and documents it.
And now, she bravely gives us permission to show you what this looks like, so you can see it too.

As a portrait artist, the things I love best are her eyes, her amazing hair, her perfect lips, and her curves that the camera fell in love with. But it is that underlying boldness that really makes the photos. SHE BROUGHT IT.

And as for her oversized sense of humor? Well--that I can save for a NSFW post.

The day I first posted Kara's photos on social media, she nearly broke the internet. But in the process, Kara also shattered a few boudoir myths:

You do not need a man to shoot a boudoir session with me. This is FOR YOU.
Just because you are over 40, doesn't mean you are not just as damn desirable as the inner 25 year old within you. (I'd argue Kara is 21 inside, LOL)
You do not have to be a size 4 to be sexy AF.
Boudoir is not just an album or sexy photo prints -- it is a women's right and experience.

See more from Kara's session...

So I hope you enjoyed this post, and I am sorry that we broke the internet. But happy to shatter the myths. Because Kara and I? We are rebels like that.

xoxo,
CATE

PS - Kara is a master stylist and hair color expert at L'Studio | 732.530.0313 | 31 Monmouth Street, Red Bank