Page 102 of Embracing Trust

“Just relax,” I assure her. “It’s just us in here.” I adjust the studio lighting above the bed.

“And you promise this will be tasteful.” Ophelia shakes out her hands.

I smile. “I promise. Trust me. We can stop after a few and I’ll show them to you on the computer.”

“Now what?” Ophelia asks.

“Let’s start by sitting on the edge of the bed with your feet on the floor. Let me take a few and check my lighting.”

Ophelia cautiously sits on the edge of the bed, straightens her back, and smiles.

“Very good,” I say as I continue to fine-tune my camera and then the lights. I approach the bed. “Okay, now let’s have you sit with your legs out to your side.” I adjust my lens. “Perfect.”

I take a few shots. “Lean on that right hip.”

I give Ophelia instructions to look up at the camera, toss her hair around, look down. I can see the lighting is perfect—soft and sexy.

“I think that’s it. If you want to step back in the bathroom and change, I will put your pictures up.”

Ophelia moves to the baby carrier and smiles when she sees Jack is still asleep. “I’d like to make an appointment for him for his three-month pictures. That’ll be here soon.”

“I’ll grab my schedule.”

Ophelia heads to the bathroom to change while I load the photos onto my oversized monitor and quickly flip through them. I bite my lip. This is probably one of the best boudoir sessions I’ve ever done.

After a few minutes, Ophelia returns and comes up behind me. “Oh my gosh!”

“What do you think? I hope I captured what you were looking for.”

“These are…I don’t know what to say. I love them.”

“I still have some edits to do, so they’ll be better,” I assure her. “I’ll call you in about ten days and we can go through your final proofs. Sound good?”

“Thanks so much, Julia. I can’t wait to see the proofs. I’m so glad I got the nerve to do this.”

“It was fun. I’ll call you.”

Ophelia and baby Jack leave my studio. I step into the office to check the time on my calendar for my next appointment. I smile when I see this was my last appointment for the day. Nothing better than ending on a high note. I also need to pack my bags for Denver. I’m leaving tomorrow.

I gather up the props I used today and toss them back in the trunk. I carry the basket of used blankets to the laundry room. When I reach up to turn off the spotlights and the empty bed looks so romantic, I hesitate.

I dash back to my bedroom, slip off my jeans, t-shirt, and undergarments. I slip on a red lacy camisole, matching red thong, and red heels. I scurry back to the studio, pull out a faux fur blanket, and spread it across the bed. I check the view through the lens and tuck the remote shutter under the blanket. I situate myself on the bed and lie down on my stomach. I prop up on my arms and cross my legs at the ankles, showing off the red heels. I let out a laugh as I toss my hair around and try to push up my breasts to show off my almost nonexistent cleavage. After I’ve taken several photos, I punch a few buttons, so the pictures show up on the monitor. I chuckle to myself. What a vixen. Pretty damn good, but a little work with the editing software will help.

All of that biking, walking, and running on the beach has kept my ass looking fine.

My eyes wander around the studio. I dig through a few trunks and remove some of the props. I find numerous strands of pearls I often use for little girls. I hold them up to my chest and tap my chin. I readjust the camera, so it is parallel to the bed. I slip the camisole off and put on all the strands of pearls I have and check that my nipples are completely covered. I lie down on the bed on my back and make sure only a small portion of my breast is showing and get several photos like that. I sit on the edge of the bed with the pearls covering my bare chest. I take a few more photos with the pearls—standing against the studio wall, laying on the floor, and seated in a chair.

I put my clothes back on and sit behind my computer. I go through the photos one by one. Carefully. To assure I don’t have anything showing that shouldn’t be.

I lean back in my chair and wonder what Ryan would think of my photos. Not only the photos but my boldness for even shooting them. I grin.

You started with only a few clients and now you’ve grown to be successful. On. Your. Own.

All of these years I’ve been taking photos, this is the first time I’ve ever stepped on the other side of the camera. Especially wearing nothing but pearls and a smile.

Chapter Forty-four

Ryan

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