Last year, when I turned 60, I thought I’d handled it pretty well…the “Big 6-0” hadn’t affected me at all – or so I thought. I didn’t realize it, but I started using my age as an excuse to get lazy, forget my sex appeal, and basically find a reason not to be intimate…”I’m too old to be frisky anymore,” I told myself. Basically, I thought that all was left to me was the rocking chair and my knitting needles.
Enter Katie Larrington Boudoir Photography.
My partner recognized that I was pre-emptively sliding headlong into my AARP-era when he suggested that we take part in a boudoir shoot for our birthday (we celebrate our special day, with him being 3 years younger…call me a Cougar-ette). Having just celebrated our 10th anniversary, I had gifted myself / him with some cute and sexy lingerie since it had been quite awhile since I’d worn anything special for him. He noticed how much fun I had with that, thus the spark of a boudoir shoot was ignited.
I surprised even myself when I immediately pounced on his suggestion. I’ve never been overly-modest and I admit that I found the idea of such a thing to be titillating and sexy – and certainly just the gift to myself to help celebrate both my birthday and a recent 40 pound weight loss. I was thrilled and surprised when my partner eagerly agreed to take part in it with me!
In the weeks leading up to the shoot, I knew I wouldn’t be at my ideal weight or even in the shape I would love to be in by shoot time, but I still worked on getting my daily steps in, a wee bit of resistance training, and a LOT of sit ups. I finally faced the fact that I would never be the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model ideal I was pursuing, so I decided to love the body I was in and I jumped in with both feet.
I also spent that time doing the “fun stuff”: curating a wardrobe and making a mix tape of music that made me happy, made me feel sexy, and would put me at ease. (as it turns out, Katie has great pieces to augment any wardrobe – right down to accessories and shoes. I only wish I had enough time in our shoot to get to all of them!)
I took a bottle of Persecco to enjoy among Katie, Jessica, and myself while I was getting my hair done. I chose to do my own makeup since I know my way around a mascara wand and it was important to me to look as much as my authentic self as possible. The bubbly and the camaraderie among us girls were a HUGE help in putting me at ease. My partner even came early to watch that part just to see me in my element…did I mention what a terrific sport he is!? Any other time, I would say that the “pre-gaming” was my favorite part, but…
The shoot was a total blast. I’ve never felt more attractive, alive, or vibrant - and certainly have I never felt sexier than I did for the next 90 minutes. Katie simply blended into the background as my partner and I retreated to our own little, sexy world. She provided direction when necessary, but basically left it to us to be as intimate and romantic as our instincts took us. I could definitely feel that he was into it (ya get me, guys and gals?). I had no idea that my otherwise quiet, stoic, and “vanilla” guy had such an exhibitionist streak in him…and I loved it! There are so many things to say that I loved about the experience, but seeing myself through his eyes made me feel something that I don’t think I’d ever felt in all our time together…and I don’t think I’ve ever felt so desired – or desirable. I won’t even go into the post-shoot adventure that we enjoyed once we got home.
The wait for the photos seemed like forever when in actuality, it was a very short turnaround. Katie even teased us with a small group of preview pics that only served to whet our appetite for the final product – which we loved. Words fail to properly describe how much we love the end result…there are times I can’t believe it’s actually us…she made us look just that good – and HOT!
To anybody on the fence or having doubts, I say unequivocally, “GO FOR IT!!” There is no question that it is one of the most adventurous, daring, and rewarding experiences of my life. I feel better about myself (even my “muffin top”) and the appeal of that rocking chair no longer calls to me.
Our relationship has regained its footing and dare I say our intimacy level is off the charts. Going forward, anytime either of us start to fall into that old ennui or get “stale”, I guarantee we’ll pull out our photo album and remember that day in late April when we came alive and rescued our mojo.
Thank you, Katie. You’re a magician with a camera. I’m telling everybody I know they NEED to spend an afternoon with you and get their sexy back!