The Art of Coaching Authentic Joy: Insights from My Coaching Class

The Art of Coaching Authentic Joy: Insights from My Coaching Class

This week in class, we dove into the art of coaching for genuine, authentic joy. Yes, you can actually coach for joy in pictures and capture that real, unfiltered happiness. I often hear from clients that my photos don’t look posed—they look happy, genuine, and not forced. And trust me, my goal is always to avoid that "constipated" look or the overly cheesy smile we've all done a million times when someone says "cheese."

Genuine Joy is a state of being that allows one to experience feelings of intense, long-lasting happiness and satisfaction in life. Being able to capture that joy in my clients is priceless. In our day-to-day lives, we rarely get to see ourselves in moments of pure joy—everyone else does, but we often miss it in ourselves. Seeing that joy reflected in a photograph is a powerful experience.

There are different levels of joy too. It can range from a subtle level 1 to an exuberant level 10, and even beyond. Some of us are more level-one types, while others can go from 1 to 10+ in a matter of minutes. The beauty of it is that there’s no right or wrong way to express joy—all the flavors are okay.

Here are some tips I have to help bring out those genuine smiles:

1. The Fake Laugh: Yes, just do it. As weird as it sounds, it works. It starts with a fake laugh, and soon enough, it turns into real laughter.

2. Breathe: Most of the time, we hold our breath when taking photos, making our smiles look forced. Take a deep breath and relax.

3. Part Your Lips: Ever so slightly parting your lips can make your smile look more natural and less posed.

Through these techniques, I’ve been able to capture moments of pure joy that my clients and I cherish. Here are some joyful images from recent sessions—each one a testament to the power of genuine happiness.

Seeing these moments reminds me why I do what I do and why I am passionate about capturing not just images, but emotions. Check out these joyful images below and see for yourself the magic of coaching for real, authentic joy.

A Journey of Growth: Taking Stripped Down for the Final Time

A Journey of Growth: Taking Stripped Down for the Final Time

Hello lovely Boushie Babes,

I am beyond excited to share some wonderful news with you all! I have won a scholarship to attend the final round of The Art of Emotion in Photography: Stripped Down with the incredibly talented Denise Birdsong. This means I’ll be diving back into online classes this summer and continuing into the fall. With your support, I even hope to attend one of the workshops in person—fingers crossed!

For those who have been with us from the start, you know that Stripped Down has been a significant part of my journey for the last four years. I've been taking this course annually, sometimes even twice a year, to push myself and grow as an artist. This will be my fifth and final round, as Denise is moving on to other exciting ventures. I am determined to make the most of this experience, pushing myself beyond my comfort zone and bringing you all along on this journey.

Stripped Down is not just a course; it’s a transformative experience. It’s about pushing boundaries, exploring the depths of emotion, and capturing the raw, beautiful essence of our subjects. As I prepare to embark on this final round, I reflect on the incredible growth I've experienced and the countless lessons I've learned.

One of the highlights of the course is Selfie Week, which is coming up soon. I’m already brainstorming creative ideas for this year. I recently did headshots, so it's time to think outside the box and capture something unique. It’s an opportunity for me to experiment and express myself in new ways, and I can’t wait to share the results with you.

Through Stripped Down, I’ve learned so many things that weren’t even part of the official curriculum. From nuanced posing tips that you just pick up over time, to lens and gear recommendations tailored to my shooting style—like the beloved "nifty-fifty" lens. I’ve picked up editing tricks, such as perfecting skin tones and mastering masking techniques, and even leveraging AI to streamline my workflow. The actual course content has transformed how I coach and direct my subjects, making posing a breeze when it used to be a challenge just two years ago.

But this journey isn’t just about me. It’s about all of us—those of you who have supported me, and those who are brave enough to embark on your own journey of self-love and discovery. I want to showcase your stories and celebrate your courage. For those willing, ready, and able, let's create something beautiful together.

This summer is going to be packed with exciting projects and opportunities. To make sure you don’t miss out, I encourage you to sign up for our email list. Not only will you stay updated on all the amazing things we have planned, but we also have some exclusive offers just for our email subscribers. Plus, if social media ever goes down, we can stay connected and keep you in the loop.

I am so grateful for each and every one of you. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to share this final Stripped Down journey with you. Together, let’s explore, create, and grow.

Thank you for being part of this incredible adventure.

With love and gratitude,

Accalia Carter
Boushie Babes Photography

I am a Boushie Babe!

I am a strong empowered Goddess!

I embrace my divine feminine and all that she creates!

I make time to nourish my body, mind, and soul daily!

I empower others along the way!

I am a Boushie Babe!!!

🌟 Boushie Babes Photography Mission Statement 🌟

At Boushie Babes Photography, our mission transcends the realm of capturing moments – it's about orchestrating an experience that empowers, celebrates, and reveals the unique beauty within each individual. We believe in the transformative power of genuine connection, the kind that goes beyond the click of a camera.

Our lens doesn't just freeze time; it narrates stories, weaves dreams, and paints portraits of authenticity. We are devoted to unraveling the multitudes within you, capturing the nuances, the laughter, the vulnerability, and the strength that make you who you are.

In this space, we redefine photography as a celebration of self-expression, self-love, and the kaleidoscope of emotions that define your journey. We specialize in coaching moments, not just capturing them, ensuring that each image is a mirror reflecting the truest version of your essence.

Nurturing Artistry: Our Journey with the Stripped Down Method

Hey, Beautiful Souls!

October was a month filled with adventures, new beginnings, and an incredible opportunity to elevate our craft. I recently had the honor of attending yet another Stripped Down workshop, and I can't wait to share my journey with you all. 😍📷

The Stripped Down workshops have become a regular part of our yearly growth and learning process, and I must say, it just keeps getting better. It's not just a workshop; it's an experience filled with creativity, community, and personal growth.

One of the most beautiful aspects of these workshops is the opportunity to build a community and create lasting friendships. Surrounding myself with fellow creatives who genuinely care and support one another has been nothing short of magical. 🌟

And of course, the chance to grow and refine my skills is something I hold dear to my heart. These workshops push us to embrace new challenges, explore uncharted territories, and think beyond the ordinary. This time around, we delved into the world of editorial-style photography, and guess what? I absolutely fell in love with it! 📰✨

As part of our commitment to offering you the best experience when you walk into our studio, we strive to stay at the top of our game. The Stripped Down workshops have played an integral role in this journey, helping us grow both as artists and as professionals. The knowledge and skills I bring back from these workshops are invaluable, and I can't wait to put them to work for you. 📸🔥

Be sure to stay tuned, as we'll be sharing a gallery of the incredible images we captured during the workshop on our website soon. You won't want to miss it! 😉

We're not the best-kept secret in Idaho for no reason. It's because we're dedicated to continuously improving, learning, and growing for you. Your trust means everything to us, and we can't wait to show you the results of our ongoing journey. Thank you for being a part of our community and allowing us to create magic for you. 💖🌈

With love and gratitude,

Accalia

Boushie Babes Photography 🌷📸