He got the shots I didn't even KNOW I wanted!
I contacted Merv when I was looking for a gift for my husband to celebrate our one year (paper) wedding anniversary. I read all the reviews online - and it turns out that they were spot on in regards to Merv's enthusiasm, ability to put one at ease, open communication, professionalism and talent! All those things are true but I want to mention his "make it work attitude specifically".
I was so sure when I got in touch with Merv that there was no way my timeline would work and I'd receive the photos in time for our anniversary, but Merv was immediately bought in and much to my surprise was sure that we could make it happen. In the end, he did! And when the rushed print job meant one of the photos came out with a bit of a blur, he immediately let me know he'd get it reprinted and promptly sent me a new and perfect copy. I really came into our first conversation thinking - no way this will work and I'll just give my gift late - but Merv was on top of everything and true to his word, he made it happen.
Not only did Merv go out of his way to make my timeline work, he was also so open to my ideas. I asked him if I could bring flowers to our shoot to recreate a few photos I'd seen on pinterest. He was like - bring anything you want - we'll make it work. Not only did he encourage me to bring the flowers but he was super thoughtful about how we used them. I'm sure he'd seen the photos on my pinterest board, but when it came time he didn't just recreate those poses. Instead he considered me, the flowers, the lighting, and the space we were in and had me do something completely different with the flowers. In the moment I was having so much fun I didn't think about it, but I'll admit after I left I had a moment of "did we get the shot I wanted?" After reviewing the photos, it turns out he got me shots I didn't even KNOW I wanted! We didn' recreate the pinterest shots at all, but did something completely unique, artsy, tasteful and lovely. They were by far my favorite photos of the session.
I echo the other reviews and testimonials - Merv is great to say the least - and a session with him is sure to be memorable!
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Beautiful experience
I've decided to book a photoshoot with Merv as a result of my personal self love journey I've started this past year. And what a wonderful way of continuing my journey! Having a photoshoot with Merv is more than having some photo taken, it's a deep journey into your soul. I firstly saw Merv on an instagram live and I thought it sounded very professional and most of all genuine. He will plan every single detail with you and will guide you along the way. He's very easy going, cares deeply about what he does and he will make you feel at ease. If you are thinking about investing in your self and seeing your beauty thorugh the lens of Merv's artistic photography, I would definitely recommend to book a call with him. I had an amazing experience and I could see that he's really passionate about making women feel confident in their own body! Thank you Merv :-)
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I just loved everything about this...
I just loved everything about this experience. The process was simple and easy but, more, Mervyn is an absolute gem - it was very easy to feel relaxed with him and I would do this again in a "flash".
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You are in very safe hands with Merv so go for it!
I decided to book a shoot with Mervyn to celebrate myself for my birthday. Having seen the portfolios of a few boudoir-style photographers, I immediately loved Mervyn’s work due to its softness and his non-generic approach. I followed him on Instagram and was further encouraged by his desire to curate shoots/experiences for all kinds of women and his commitment to centring his clients’ needs in his work. So from there, booking with Merv was a no-brainer for me!
Arranging the shoot was very easy. I started by filling out the ‘shoot finder’ which allowed me to communicate my vision and expectations for the shoot. I then had a call with Mervyn which felt just like talking to an old friend! I was made to feel very at ease - it was like Mervyn had pre-empted any questions or anxieties I might have had. We had an in-depth talk about what I was aiming for and it felt very much like a team working together towards my specific vision - how exciting!
My shoot was in a hotel room and Mervyn was happy to reconstruct the room in a creative way get the best shot! I felt really comfortable on the day thanks to Mervyn, and he really knew his stuff with regard to the flow of the shoot and how to put me at ease. It wasn’t an issue whatsoever that Mervyn is a man, he puts you at ease throughout and has a great understanding of what women feel like on the day.
2 weeks later I received my shots which I was very happy with. They captured the day perfectly and have definitely been a worthy investment
If I’m thinking about a shoot again in the future I would definitely contact Merv again, and would encourage you to do the same!
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You will not regret it
I think I stumbled across Mervyn and You at Yours in early 2020, via The Self-Full podcast. I really liked his ethos and the images he created, so started following on Instagram, thinking ‘one day’. When Mervyn held a competition, I entered but thought nothing of it. I was thrilled (and anxious) when I found out I’d won a home shoot and immediately booked a call with him.
The shoot was booked for early 2021 and for the few months beforehand I was anxious about everything being perfect - my hair, makeup, outfits - but on the day I felt remarkably calm.
Mervyn made the whole experience so easy, suggesting the order of outfits and guiding me through the poses, that by the end, I was comfortable wearing far less than I started with.
I’ve never enjoyed being in front of a camera but Mervyn managed to capture some great candid pictures. If you’re thinking about doing a shoot, go for it.
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Very creative and beautiful photos
Would really recommend a photoshoot with Mervyn. I love the style of the photos. He's put a lot of thought into his business and really cares about the final product.
The experience of the day is pretty surreal too. if you're worried your property doesn't look like the best place for a shoot, you will be very pleasantly surprised by Mervyn's creativity to shoot almost anywhere and still make it look amazing!
I can't wait to start hanging mine up!
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SO glad I finally took the plunge!!!
I had been back and forth in my mind about having a photoshoot for over a year, but always found a reason not to go for it (nerves, self doubt, worries that I'd feel awkward and won't know what to do in front of the camera etc). By chance I stumbled across You at Yours on Instagram and loved what I saw but what stood out to me the most was Merv's passion for his mission and his friendly, approachable demeanor.
Fast forward to the day of the shoot and any remaining nerves were swiftly and firmly forgotten about. I just had the most fun from the moment I arrived.
Merv is genuinely not only a master of his craft but also incredibly professional, patient and holds a unique ability to create an environment which makes you feel totally at ease. I came away feeling totally empowered from the experience, giddy with pride that I'd finally done it (it was far easier than I'd envisaged) and sort of sad that it was all over!
I wholeheartedly recommend You at Yours to anyone like me who might be sitting on the fence, just take the leap, you'll be glad you did it, too!
Mervyn a huge THANK YOU - I'm so grateful for the incredible experience and totally in love with the images.
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Take my advice, don’t put this off
For almost a year, I wanted to have this experience. But I was uncomfortable with the thought of bearing all for the camera. After getting brave one day I booked a call and spoke to Mervyn, he was friendly reassuring and supportive, so I bit the bullet and I booked in a date whilst I had the courage, I'm so glad I did as it was a great decision.
I was just expecting some nice pictures, but that was really just a small part of what you get. I'm not going to lie, when I got there I felt a little nervous and really worried about my belly. For the first few pics I was slightly uncomfortable with it being on show. I don't know when in the photoshoot it happened but I realised I wasn't worried anymore, and I fully comfortable being myself and in my own skin. I felt so confident.
After the shoot I was on a high and it had a knock on effect in other areas of my life, I think if you're feeling low or lack confidence in any area of your life this helps. We all know everyone has hang ups even those we look at as perfect. Even the insta famous, and actually famous. its doesn’t matter if you need to be confidence at work, or look in the mirror and face yourself everyday this can help.
What have you really got to lose?
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A brilliant experience - I want a 2nd shoot!
I had a boudoir photoshoot with Mervyn in August 2019. I initially began thinking about it at the start of 2019 and I asked him a few questions on instagram which led to a phone call. It was like speaking to an old friend. Mervyn made me feel that no question / concern / anxiety was a stupid one and it gave me the confidence to book a shoot. My main concern was that my photos were secure because of the nature of my job and Mervyn really took my concerns on board and explained in detail how he keeps client photos secure.
Before the shoot I was given lots of support in preparing for the shoot - possible outfits the style of photo etc.
The shoot itself was so much fun! At first I was really nervous and worried about how every part of me was looking, but by the end of it, Mervyn had made me so comfortable that the nerves disappeared and I ended up with some really powerful looking photos. Best experience I've had - brilliant for my self esteem! Not only that, he managed to make my very tiny house look amazing in the photos!! I didn't think the space I had would be photoshoot "worthy" but it looks great in the photos.
I thought the best part of this experience was choosing which photos I wanted in an album, but nothing compares to seeing your printed album / photo box. I was on such a high afterwards!
Throughout this whole process, Mervyn has put me at ease and been professional and courteous. He is super professional and has a real gift for working with people. I think if you're unsure about doing a shoot, give him a call and talk through your thoughts and concerns. If you don't have any concerns, don't bother to call - JUST BOOK!
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A boyfriend's view on his partner having a shoot...
Okay, so being honest I had a lot of reservations about Emma having this shoot with Merv. I trust Emma though, and Emma trusted Merv, so I trusted him by association. I think it’s important to say that while I look out for Emma, because I love her more than anything, I don’t own her; I’m not her boss; I don’t get to tell her she can’t do something. So, apparently a lot like Emma, I was really nervous on the day of the shoot. Now, I cannot emphasise enough how proud I am of Emma and how amazing her pics are and how thankful I am to Merv. I have seen her transform from the shy, beautiful woman I love into someone who’s starting to see herself the way I see her, and her shoot with Merv played a huge part in that. From what she has told me Merv has been an absolute professional throughout the whole process but, more than that, he’s been really supportive to her, recognising her nerves and reassuring her the whole way. The pictures are amazing, but it’s not just about the pictures. What Merv did for Emma, and is doing for other women, is borderline therapy. I can not recommend the experience enough and for any guys out there who have doubts about letting their partners do this I’ll just say trust your wife/girlfriend, remember it’s not your choice and just be the partner she needs you to be by supporting her journey to finding who she is and who she can be. Trust me, you’ll reap all the benefits and be glad you did.
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Ms. O
I have to say, overall I loved being pregnant, I was a lucky one & my body took to growing my child with love & thankfully very few issues.
Birth now...well that was a different story..but hey we keep it moving 🤣🤦🏽♀️
Despite being physically fit, mentally I took a few knocks towards the end of my pregnancy & with timing more perfect than he will ever know, in stepped the insanely talented Merv to take me on a beautiful journey of self-appreciation & empowerment with this stunning pregnancy shoot.
I had committed to throwing myself into this shoot & letting go of any nerves or insecurities, but I don't think I really had contemplated the effect it would have. I left that day on cloud nine, I'd had the most fun, I felt so at ease & seeing the shots afterwards, is one of my proudest moments.
I hadn't planned on sharing the images, but truth is, i love them & they remind me of the physical & mental strength I built in 2020.
I would recommend the experience to everyone. Merv helps people meet a version of themselves they probably haven't given enough love & thanks too....oh & he also provides cookies on the day! So wins all round!
Thank you Mervyn 💙
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Ms. M
I don't think I knew how much I needed this shoot until I booked it. I felt I could do with a confidence boost and hoped to have a nice pic for my partner. It turned out to be more than just some photos, it was an amazing experience that will stay with me forever. You know when you meet someone for the first time and you instantly want them to be your best friend? Well that's Merv. He made me feel so relaxed and although I was really nervous before the shoot I felt in complete control the whole time and really enjoyed myself. I have been grinning all weekend since getting my photos and I'm starting to realise the potential I had in me. The potential my partner already knew I had but I couldn't quite believe. I feel so much braver and in control of my life with a little bit of badass!! Thank you Merv for your patience, your energy and for the massive confidence boost that has already changed my life. I love my photographs, I love your work and I love your genuine passion for helping women achieve body confidence. I can't wait to book another shoot with you and would recommend anyone else to do the same.
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Ms. B
He taught me to love myself
I first saw You at Yours on a Google search when looking for boudoir photographers. I loved how natural the photos were and that they looked like real women. I then gave Mervyn a follow on Instagram and I loved what his businesses values were. He wants to empower and make women feel confident in their bodies.
I then booked a phone call and spoke to Mervyn who explained how the process worked and answered all my questions. He is a really friendly guy who came across so chilled.
Leading up to the photoshoot he sent me his get prepped guide, which helped me plan for the shoot. He once again answered my questions promptly.
Then was the big day, I was so nervous but he managed to ground me and I came out feeling more confident. Mervyn firstly sat down and spoke about what to expect from the shoot and explained everything will be taken to my pace. We then looked at my outfits and picked out the top three I wanted to wear in the shoot. He could tell I was nervous, but he continued to reassure me throughout the process. He made me feel confident throughout the entire process. Mervyn put on music, we laughed and I learnt so much about myself. I felt comfortable with Mervyn`s guidance and loved how he kept referring back to my Pinterest board to ensure we got the right look for my photos.
The photos look stunning, he is an amazing photographer who is truly talented in his art. He has made me love parts of my body i disliked before the photoshoot. I highly recommend having this experience for any woman. I will definitely do it again in the future.
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Proud fiancé
I just wanted to say Kate and I are so pleased with the photos you took. She came out after the session with a constant smile on her face. It was lovely to see her so happy. She couldn't wait to tell me about how confident and at ease you made her feel. Finally you made her realise I'm now her fiancé 🤣 she is still trying so hard not to say partner. I can see a real difference in the way she excepts her body. Despite the fact I have told her for years she has lovely hips and smile. She can now accept it since seeing those photos. Only took 7 years of us being together for her to realise. I am so grateful you have made her see what I have and continue to see every day. I would feel comfortable in Katie coming and doing another shoot with you as your professionalism was outstanding. You was very welcoming when I met you briefly before the her shoot and Katie talks very highly of you.
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Ms. T
Merv... where do I start?! Thank you for being so caring and professional from start to finish, from the moment I arrived you greeted me with that massive grin and made me feel at ease straight away. The location you picked was stunning you really thought about my mood board and made it to suit my interests, hair and make up was there ready for me to get glammed and you kept me company through the whole process. I had a few nerves but I was so ready to get shooting with you after I showed you my outfits. You knew exactly where to have each outfit and what poses would suit best for the shot, you helped me through and guided me into posing correctly to capture my body at all angles. By the end of the shoot I just felt on top of the world and so proud of myself, you was complimenting throughout and made me feel beautiful. I left the location feeling so emotional and over whelmed after we went through the pictures, it was such a great and uplifting moment. Thank you for capturing my body in ways I have never seen it before, we had a laugh. I will always look back at this experience as a big accomplishment for me, so thank you for letting that happen. I will do definitely be returning for more shoots in the future. Love Emma xx
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Ms. W
Where to even start!? My experience with Merv was hands down the best thing I did this year, and is one of the best things I have EVER done for myself.
Merv has a very special gift for making you feel comfortable and at ease and he really understands the emotions you might go through during the course of this whole experience. For me, the shoot was not just about getting some amazing, sexy images of myself (although BOY OH BOY did I get those), but also about proving to myself that I had it in me to do something this vulnerable - especially with someone who is basically a stranger. I can promise you that Merv won't feel like a stranger for long! He was with me every step of the way, from our first phone call to the photo reveal, guiding me through the process with patience, humour and understanding. Honestly, this whole experience would have been worth it even if there was no photographic evidence at the end - but I am over the moon with the photos. Merv managed to coax out a sexy, fun, seductive and playful side of me that I hope I can bring out more in my day-to-day life, and his talent and eye for setting up a photo, for lighting and for angles has just blown me away. I can't wait until I'm a fabulous old lady and I can get the images out at a family gathering and watch everyone's mouths fall open.
I really can't recommend this experience enough. If you're thinking about it, take the leap and do it - you will be so glad you did :) Thanks for everything Merv xx
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Ms. P
I was lucky enough to win a shoot with Merv via Instagram which included the cost of the shoot and one image, however I loved what he created so much, I ended up purchasing more plus an album. The whole experience from start to finish was wonderful. Merv is very genuine, funny, and authentic throughout which puts your mind at ease considering you're about to drop trow in front of a stranger. If you're thinking "Oh, it's just another man trying to perv over my naked visage", you're 100% wrong. The day was incredibly professional and the level of nudity is dictated by you, not him. So if you want to go full on Lady Godiva, that's your choice and not only will he support you through it, but he'll make you feel like God damn queen too. I can't thank him enough for his patience, kindness, and the work he's doing to bring out the fire within women of all shapes and sizes. If you're on the fence about it, hop over! You'll be pleasantly surprised and feel unstoppable afterwards.
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Ms. D
A couple of years ago I was feeling quite lost, displaced, fragile and just a bit unsure of everything around me including myself. Then I met a guy.. not like that!
I met Merv and I was blown away by how comfortable I was around him and how in tune he seemed to be with the female mind. He told me what he done for a living and spoke about it with such passion that in an instant I knew I wanted (maybe even needed) to be a part of it.
I went for it and had a photoshoot with this fantastic photographer who happens to be one the most genuine nicest humans I've ever met. I didn't know I was capable of feeling as nervous as I did but as soon as we got down to it I was right at ease and we had such a laugh. I walked away on a high with any lost confidence already restored.
I would recommend a photoshoot with Merv, you will walk away feeling liberated, beautiful, confident, happy, strong and full of love for yourself.
Thank you Merv, for giving me what I needed to get through a particular unpleasant time in my life. Would love another shoot one day.
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Ms. G
One of the best things I've ever done! Before the shoot I was super nervous but also so excited as I had spoken to Mervyn a few times to plan it all and I felt so at ease! During the shoot I felt super comfortable and it flew by, time really does fly when your having fun!! Great shoot, Mervyn really knows his stuff! After the shoot I felt a sense of empowerment & confidence! I left on such a high I was already planning in my head what I want to do next time! I cannot wait to come back and do another shoot! If your on a self love journey you need this man in your life!!!
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Ms. C
I first came across Mervyn’s page on FB
And I wanted to do something special for myself for my birthday. And this is how I booked a session with him. Due to being at the end of the year, and mostly my busy schedule...we agreed to meet in January and during the 2 months I felt mixed emotions, sometimes excitement, sometimes asking myself: “why did I do that?!”
Until 2 days before the shoot where I was so nervous, I couldn’t sleep. Reached out to Mervyn the evening before the shoot and he found the exact words that would calm me down.
The photoshoot itself was a piece of cake 😎
I realised that I was pretty confident in my body already. I believe the thing I was scared about was the result... I’ve never liked any recent pictures of me. So when Mervyn showed me a few pictures on his camera… I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait to see them all
Mervyn is a talented and caring photographer with a hint of innocence that made me trust him in the first place. I would definitely recommend a photoshoot with him.
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