Lessons I’ve Learned From Photographing Hundreds of women: the secrets Behind Every Boudoir Experience

When I first picked up a camera, I had no idea just how transformative boudoir photography could be. We often hear clients talk about how they felt before, during and after a session, but rarely do we hear photographers discuss how each session transforms them as well. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of photographing women from all walks of life, and what I’ve learned along he way has changed the way I view not just the portraits that we recreate, but also, the power of self-expression.

Boudoir photography creates a space where women feel safe, seen and celebrated. It is a space where we forget about the outside world, let our guard down and are free to be exactly who we are. Here are a few of the most important lessons I’ve learned from behind the lens - and how these lessons can help you feel confident and comfortable as you consider you own boudoir experience

EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN STORY

One of the most eye-opening lessons I’ve learned is that every woman brings her own unique story to each session. Some women come to boudoir as part of a self-love journey after a major life change. Others simply want to capture varying emotions and see themselves in was they’ve never seen before.

No matter the reason women pursue a session, they all have one thing in common. They want to celebrate themselves and where they are in their lives right now. Boudoir is perfect for that. you don’t have to wait until you reach a certain goal or fit into a specific mold. Every story, every journey, every roll, every scar is worth celebrating, just as you are.

LETTING GO OF EXPECTATIONS - WHERE THINGS GET REAL

This is the biggest transformation that I see during boudoir sessions. There is always a moment when clients just let go. They release expectations - of themselves, of the process, and of the outcome. It’s normal to walk in feeling nervous or worried about how you will look in your photos. Let me tell you - every woman experiences this. It doesn’t matter if they’re a size 0 or a size 6x, there is some part of all of us that we feel insecure about. But, there is the thing. The moment we just stop…Stop trying to be any one particular thing and just be who we are, that’s where the real transformation begins. The important thing to remember is that boudoir is about capturing you in your most authentic form. It’s really not about being perfect or looking amazing in lingerie. True beauty is always breathtaking and it exists in each and every one of us.

CONFIDENCE LOOKS AMAZING ON EVERYONE

One common misconception is that emotions looks the same on everyone. Think of confidence. You may think that confidence is a bold stare into the camera, but everyone exudes this emotion differently. For some, it’s in the way they lift their chin slightly, quietly taking up space. For others, it’s the calm, steady way they make eye contact or the way their shoulders relax, standing tall without even trying. Feeling confident shows in so many ways, even through more subtle gestures. It could be the way your hands rest gently on your hips or how you move with intention, your emotions will show through your photos. It’s part of what makes them look incredible!

BOUDOIR IS A CELEBRATION

Over the years, I’ve seen boudoir become a sort of right of passage for women. Of course there are some women who step into the studio bursting with confidence and just ready to capture amazing photos but there are others who are on a journey to learn to love themselves again. This experience is a celebration of your life. The happiness, the joy, the vulnerability and the raw uninhibited version of who you are. You don’t need to fit a mold. Break it. You don’t need to let society or social media dictate how you feel about yourself. Understand that there is beauty in every part of you, even those parts that you don’t necessary love the most. Trust me, I know it’s hard. I had to learn this too. It took me a while but I found my way. I can help you do it too.

YOU ARE STRONGER AND BRAVER THAN YOU THINK

Believe it or not, even my most nervous clients end up beyond thrilled that they conquered their fears and went through with their session. It feel SO GOOD to make it through the other side of this experience. It has helped change women in so many ways.

Personally, my boudoir session helped me understand that even though I am not shaped like Beyonce, my body is still absolutely beautiful. My rolls, my stretch marks, my scars…they are all a part of my story and they are nothing to be ashamed of. Facing my nerves, letting my guard down, being vulnerable and seeing myself in ways I had not seen before really helped me find my voice and my power again. I learned that “NO” is a complete sentence. I also learned that I had the right to do whatever I needed to do to set and enforce my boundaries and keep the peace that I wanted so badly in my life.

As boudoir photographers, we often say that “boudoir is more than just photos” and for me, this is the “more” that I am referring to. When you start feeling yourself in this way, it becomes very difficult to settle for less. You find your strength during this experience and that stays with you long after your session is over.

YOUR BOUDOIR EXPERIENCE AWAITS

So, what is your story? Every session is unique and every client is special in their own way. It doesn’t matter if you’re stepping into this experience to capture stunning fine art, reclaim your confidence, celebrate a milestone or treat yourself to something truly special, I am here to guide you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to connect with you to discuss the many ways boudoir is for you. Click the button below to schedule your complimentary consultation and let’s create a beautiful experience together!

I look forward to meeting you!