An Apology Letter to my Body | Kansas City Boudoir and Body Positivity Photographer

When I first took these self portraits. I hated them. In fact, I didn’t even look at them again for another week. Seeing them now, in a different headspace, it makes me a little sad to think about. How unfair and unkind I was to myself that day. The pictures are the exact same. I didn’t retake them. Someone didn’t sneak in and photoshop away my insecurities. I was feeling frustrated [read hormones] with my body that day. I felt sluggish and bloated and just not like myself. I ached all over and PMS was hitting my emotions hard. Now I see art, strength, and love. So I wrote an apology letter to my body from my soul and we became best friends as a result.

Self PortraitTara SmithMarch 8, 2023Nude, Bodyscape, self portraitComment

2 Ways to Instantly Make Your Boudoir Photos Hotter | Kansas City Boudoir Photographer

Remember these Self Portraits I shared last October over on social media?! This amped up Sex Swing Set was the theme for last years Halloween Limited Edition Sessions. I loved the simple spooky vibe it gave without being overly themed.

The thing is, I loved this set so much, I regularly come back to it any time a client wants to really “Sex Up” the Sex Swing! Many clients don’t realize before coming into the studio just how versatile my sets can be!

HERE ARE 2 WAYS WE CAN INSTANTLY ADD MORE HEAT TO ANY BOUDOIR PHOTOSHOOT SET

Self PortraitTara SmithFebruary 15, 2023Self Portrait, Sex Swing, Candlelight Set, Client ClosetComment

VALENTINE'S NAUGHTY CABARET PHOTOSHOOT | KANSAS CITY BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER

SOMEONE IN THE VIP GROUP SAID MY FEBRUARY SELF PORTRAITS REMINDED THEM OF A NAUGHTY CABARET AND I DUNNO IF I HAVE EVER BEEN MORE PROUD. HA! AS A GAL WHO LOVES A LITTLE DRAMATIC MOMENT - BEING IN A CABARET WOULD BE THE STUFF OF DREAMS.

I SHARED SOME OUTFIT OPTIONS FOR THIS MONTH’S VIBE OVER ON INSTAGRAM AND THIS SAUCY LITTLE NUMBER WAS THE WINNER! I LOVE THAT YOU ALL ALSO LOVE A LITTLE DRAMA IN YOUR LIFE! I’M OBSESSED WITH THE RED ON RED ACTION AND MATCHING HEART PASTIES WITH MY NEW SPOTLIGHT!

LESOTM, Self PortraitTara SmithJanuary 23, 2023self portrait, client closet, Spotlight Set, Valentine's Day, Limited Edition SessionComment

BOUDOIR SELF PORTRAITS AT THE DIVE MOTEL AND SWIM CLUB | NASHVILLE, TN

NOW - YOU KNOW I WASN’T GOING TO BOOK THIS FUN ASS ROOM AND NOT TAKE SELF PORTRAITS! SINCE I DROVE TO NASHVILLE, I MAY HAVE OVER PACKED IN THE WARDROBE DEPARTMENT AND ENDED UP PHOTOGRAPHING 3 DIFFERENT LOOKS IN THE ROOM.

Self PortraitTara SmithJanuary 13, 2023Nashville, Self Portrait, Widow Robe, The VaultComment

LIMITED EDITION SESSION OF THE MONTH | Kansas City Boudoir Photographer

Now offering Exclusive Limited Edition Creative Phootshoots every month of 2023 in my rural Kansas City Studio. January’s theme includes fun lighting and metallic fringe curtains to help add a little sparkle to your New Year!

LESOTM, Self PortraitTara SmithJanuary 9, 2023LESOTM, Limited Edition Session, Self Portrait, Client ClosetComment

Turning Off a Negative Inner Critic - May Self Portrait Session | KANSAS CITY BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER

I turn off my inner critic by acknowledging it and actively fighting against it. REGULARLY. I’m not perfect and I don’t love every part of myself - and THAT’S OK! When I feel down about one area, I acknowledge the feeling, and then don’t give it another ounce of my mental energy - usually by diversion or distraction. I may not love my boobs, but I do love my eyes, my smile, and my creative mind. So I think about that instead. Seems so simple really. And honestly, over the last 5ish years, it has gotten much easier than it started out. Practice makes perfect right?

Self PortraitTara SmithJune 14, 2022Self Portrait, Client Closet, Nude, Implied NudeComment

April Showers - Self Portrait Boudoir Session | Kansas City Boudoir Photographer

I couldn’t decide if I wanted to do a shower theme for April or a 420 theme…and then I remembered I’m an adult and can smoke a bong in the shower if I want to. So here we are!

Self PortraitTara SmithMay 18, 2022Shower, cannabis, 420, Self Portrait, ToplessComment

Gold Foil Boudoir Session - March Self Portraits | Kansas City Boudoir Photographer

I was so excited to try out this gold foil concept for March’s self portrait session. I’ve had this saved in my inspiration folder for ohhhh several years now but just hadn’t tackled it yet. March was the perfect opportunity to give it a go for a nod to St. Patrick’s day without being too obvious about it. I love the combination of green and gold!

Self PortraitTara SmithApril 10, 2022Self Portrait, Nude, Topless, Implied Nude, Set Add OnComment

Nude or Nah | Kansas City Boudoir Photographer

It is nerve wracking to strip naked in front of someone else, let alone knowing there will be photos taken. I totally get it. But that is precisely why you should do it. Something powerful happens when you let your guard down and are vulnerable in a safe space with someone you can trust. Someone that is not going to make you feel less than. But instead is going to hype you the fuck up and make you feel seen and empowered. A person that is going to stand next to you in your most vulnerable, insecure state and instead of criticizing says “YOU’RE A BAD BITCH!” Let me be that person for you.

Self PortraitTara SmithFebruary 18, 2022Self Portrait, Destination Session, Colorado, Vintage Vixen, Nude, Implied Nude, ToplessComment

The Hallmark Holiday - February Self Portrait Session | Kansas City Boudoir Photographer

I tell my clients all the time that the best time to do a boudoir session is when you aren’t feeling your best. And this week I practiced what I preach and was reminded just how powerful a session can be for your confidence.

These images still aren’t exactly what I hoped for - and I’m admittedly still a little butt hurt that my inspo didn’t work out. But I love them all the same. I feel beautiful and fierce when I look at them. And that is exactly the point of everything I hope to achieve in my business.

Self PortraitTara SmithFebruary 16, 2022Valentine's Day, Bedroom Set, Red Sheets, Self PortraitComment

A Year of Self Love | Kansas City Boudoir Photographer

I have been hoarding the remnants of this silver party backdrop since my Boudiebassador Kick Off Party towards the beginning of the year to use in a set. Honestly, I hope to shoot with it some more this year. I am IN. TO. IT. That party really inspired this entire set to kick off the year. I hope you are into sparkles because I piled that shit on - down to the 3 different highlighters I used on my face! I wanted to set the general tone for the year right off the bat.

BOLD

OVER THE TOP

AND A LITTLE BIT WEIRD

Self PortraitTara SmithFebruary 2, 2022Self Portrait, Clawfoot Tub, Client Closet, Neon Lights, Implied Nude, Nude, ToplessComment

Sex Swing, It's a Sex Swing | Kansas City Boudoir Photographer

We got an adult swing in the studio…. a leather swing…..fuck it, sex swing. It’s a sex swing. I never know what to call it on social media to avoid getting flagged or banned - so we just say THE swing. tehehe

I CANNOT WAIT to photograph you in this beautiful thing! Until then, you know I had to test it out myself first! I really wish I would have recorded behind the scene video of me trying to capture these self portraits. It was NOT as glamorous, sexy, or coordinated as it appears from the final images. Those that have had a session with me know how this goes. It RARELY feels as good as it looks. BAHAHAHA

Self PortraitTara SmithJanuary 17, 2022Sex Swing, THE Swing, Bondage Gear, Self Portrait, Bedroom Set, Black Sheets, Neon LightsComment

Colorado Self Portrait Session | Kansas City Boudoir Photographer

I am totally digging the wood filled cabin aesthetic paired with the warmth from the chandelier above the table at our condo in Keystone, Colorado. Equally as pleased with myself for bringing along the mustard velvet bodysuit from the client closet. I knew it was going to play well with the atmosphere here!

Self PortraitTara SmithJanuary 14, 2022Self Portrait, Destination Session, Colorado, Nude, Client ClosetComment