A little about me----My name is Candace Gurley, I am your photographer and personal hype woman, I am a wife, a mommy, a major book worm, and I'm what you may refer to as a bit of a photography fiend. Some call my love of photography an obsession; I call it a passion. Either way, one thing's for certain: I love taking pictures! Better yet, I love taking pictures of people. Landscapes are cool, but there's something about engaging with real life humans that takes my job to the next level of fun. I feel so lucky to get to do what I love.
Read More“Seeing my finished photos was a huge confidence booster. This middle-aged, post-four-kids body's still got it! I did the session as a gift for my husband but I feel a bit selfish because I think I got more out of it than he did (even though he LOVED the photos, definitely the best gift I've given him in 16 years of marriage). It has been really hard for me not to share any of the pics on social media (I'm in a career where that wouldn't be appropriate). I didn't expect to want other people to see them but I'm really proud of them, I look hot!”
Read More“Since having my daughter, my body had gone through changes that were opposite to most others. Loosing too much weight and not being able to gain back, when you were originally on the smaller size anyways was extremely hard for me. Looking in the mirror exhausted me. I seen and heard how everyone said that a session with you was life changing. It was said that it helped boost self confidence so much, and that I needed. I also thought about it being an amazing wedding gift for my soon to be husband.”
Read MoreBelieve it or not, the holidays are fast approaching! If you want to have your boudoir session and have your products back in time for Christmas or Valentine’s Day, this post will give you some important dates and information.
Read MoreThis year I have had two major milestones in my life. I turned 40 and celebrated my 15th wedding anniversary. As the year progressed, I began to think about where I am now. It is so hard to define ourselves as women beyond the roles we play in other people’s lives. I am a wife, mother of two boys, teacher, etc. Over the course of the last decade or so, I felt as if I had lost some of what made me – me. I wanted to do something to shake me out of my day to day routine and remember what it was like to see myself in the mirror and not focus on the small lines, changing body type, and graying hair. I stumbled across Candace’s Facebook page and was so mesmerized by the images she created.
Read MoreDid your fears ease after the shoot began?
“I immediately felt as ease once I met Candace in person. Prior to my shoot, we went over my outfits, desired looks, and how things would work. Getting the run down, with my clothes on first, was comforting. She spent time creating a comforting atmosphere by talking to me and laughing with me while I was getting my hair and makeup done. Once we began, Candace told me everything I needed to know. Every pose, the way to make my lips look, the girl even cleaned the bottom of my feet for me in between shots... that's dedication!!!!!”
Read More“I am so glad that I completed the session because I can look back at my photos and think how I felt that day. If I ever have a bad day where I am self doubting myself I go back and look at the photos! All of the self-confidence that I had that day comes back!”
Read MoreToday marks our third year of specializing in boudoir portraits! It has been a journey! I have gotten to work and meet so many incredible women. We have grown and changed so much just this past year alone. We now have our very own studio dedicated to our boudoir portraits. AND… we are getting ready to open a Lingerie Boutique that will have sizes small-4x!
Read More“Before doing this shoot with Candace, I never imagined myself being this adventurous behind a camera. I’ve always been super shy and conservative, but after seeing her work, I knew I wanted some of her shots. It’s artwork in the form of lingerie and beauty.
After I signed up, I will admit, I was still super nervous to take the plunge because that’s my impurities, my imperfections, out there for the world to see, but then I realized a part of this process is coming to terms with the fact that if you’re ok with your imperfections, other people will be too(if not then they don’t matter.) They may not even realize they are there. So after coming to terms with that- I was SUPER stoked!”…
Read More“Making a bold choice like taking boudoir photos for “no reason” other than to find another way of appreciating my body, makes me feel so empowered. I also wanted these photo to be a reminder that I have worked hard for this body and to embrace every flaw because that’s what makes me...ME. These photos are a reminder to myself that I am worth my own attention.”
Read MoreWhat made you choose Candace Gurley Photography?
“ I have been wanting to do a boudoir photo session for a long time, but I can honestly say I did not have the confidence to go outside of my box and comfort zone. I feel there is so much truth when we say we are our own enemy and we are our own worse critic. I felt I could never amount to anything and look as great as these ladies do. I was added to Candace’s group and from there, I began stalking her work. Totally blown away and completely AMAZED by her talent .. I was in awe. She has a eye and she is able to capture beauty from within. When Candace posted for a Model Release Call, I contemplated on whether I should or shouldn’t, told myself I might as well try. OMG never did I think I would have a chance, but I DID! I was given the opportunity to do a Model Release AND the chance to work with such a talented photographer.”
Read MoreIt is easier for us to justify doing things, if it is for someone other than ourselves. Some of us find it so hard to spend time or money on anything that is for us alone.
Yes, my husband will definitely love them and he had “requests” but the experience was for me alone. Now that does not mean that I did not have fears or insecurities that I couldn’t stop stressing and obsessing over... shopping for outfits was terrible! I hate shopping for myself anyways, so having to try lingerie on was a nightmare. I went to several different stores, ordered several pieces online not having a clue if they were going to fit or look good on me at all. It was so stressful! I had to keep reminding myself why I was doing this. I needed this experience for myself. I needed to feel beautiful, to feel empowered, to not feel like an overweight exhausted mom of three..lol
I don’t believe in gray areas. I’m either all in or not at all. It’s taken me 26 years, but I’m finally learning to accept who I am, flaws and all. “ -Britt
“Self love is the greatest middle finger of all time”
Read More“I am so glad that I went through with this! Maybe it is silly, but I have found myself waking up a bit earlier so I can do makeup and reaching for the sexy underwear just because. The best though is this sexy confidence! Mom-mode doesn't have to mean bland!”
Read More“But it truly makes you take a different look at yourself, surrounded by the social pressures of so called “perfection”. The session taught me that perfection isn’t real, and that I have certain qualities that make me beautiful as a whole.”
Read More“Beads and bling. It’s a Mardi Gras thing.”
Read More“When I initially set out to have the session I wanted to do it for my husband but quickly realized that it was actually a gift to myself! I feel that boudoir is more than just capturing images for your partner to have it is a powerful and empowering thing that can revitalize your outlook on yourself and your life.”
Read More“As a mother I feel we are so hard on ourselves about the way we look, and we are so concerned with taking care of our families that we forget the beauty that is contained within. A woman has the power to light up a room, she can turn heads from any angle with the grace of her smile. Our love is so strong for our relationships, careers, and whatever we set our minds to that sometimes we forget to love the woman inside of us. I chose to do a session with Candace not just for her beautiful pictures, but to recapture the raw energy of my womanhood again.
Read MoreI want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for following along with me on this journey this past year. I have gotten to meet so many amazing women online and in person. I have gotten to help other women embrace and celebrate their individual beauty, as well as grow as a woman myself. The trust that each of my clients put into me touches my very soul, there are not words to describe how truly privileged I feel when I am chosen to capture my clients intimate portraits.
Read MoreHello, Everyone! My name is Crissy Cox and I am a Freelance Makeup Artist here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I'm 25, Mama to a sassy 3 year old little girl, and a bit of a fitness fanatic. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a Makeup Artist, but never really knew if it was possible.
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