What Boudoir Means to Me, the Photographer

I found the art of boudoir on accident.

Since, it has transformed my life in every way. Not only has it allowed me more career freedoms, boudoir has changed my outlook on life, society, and relationships.

I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity to serve women and show them their beauty. It brings me great joy to be a part of your life!

I never underestimate the amount of courage it takes to have a boudoir session. It is such a vulnerable experience to put trust in a stranger. I am lucky enough to see, firsthand, the transformational impact it can have. It happens right before my very eyes.  

From our first phone conversation about why you want a session, I feel an instant bond. It's usually something along the lines of, "I have been struggling with my self-image, and need a confidence boost," or "I am finally feeling better about how I look, and I want to document it." Most are seeking to capture their beauty with subtle sexiness. Maybe it's an opportunity to finally do something for yourself. A chance to be the priority for once; instead of the mother, student, or employee role you always play.

From that initial connection, women open up their lives to me. I listen and inquire. 

Something about sitting in the hair and makeup chair really lets your guard down. Everyone loves opening up about where they are in life and how they got there. I see the resilience of women day in and day out. How you can overcome hardship in life and love. Life never goes the way we expect. Yet, we persist with positivity.

In that way, I am able to connect to everyone's story and see a bit of myself in them. We build a bond over our shared love of food, travel, music, or let's be honest... Disney. You share stories of happiness and heartache, love and loss, strength and weakness. I love seeing the dichotomy of those attributes and how we can't have one without the other. 

Your experience is fully guided by me, but the tone is always set by you. For some, it is a joyous occasion to celebrate. For others, it gives them freedom to overcome past traumas. There are often tears as we look at the images on the screen. A disbelief. Conquering your inner self-talk. Those that start off shy and reserved can blossom into full on ENERGETIC BABES! Hitting poses they've never imagined. "I can't believe that's me!"

Women often tell me "I thought I would be insecure about XYZ, but I don't even notice that." Or "I decided I don't want retouching on my imperfections because they are part of me." Or "I would have never thought this outfit would look so good on me."

Afterwards, I have received touching notes about how you've gained the confidence to leave your job or a bad relationship. To start a new hobby, or try a something new. 

Some of my favorite feedback has been from husbands. Not about the images. About their wife's newfound confidence!

I am also surprised the similarities in women from all backgrounds, regardless of relationship status, age, education, employment, motherhood, health, etc.

 My main takeaways are:

• Opening up and being vulnerable allows for growth
• We all suffer from our own insecurities, no matter how "perfect" we appear
• Women feel so much pressure to look a certain way
• We are our own worst critics
• You never know what burden someone else is carrying
• Growing old is a gift
• Tell someone they are beautiful! They may never hear it
• Nobody knows what they're doing
• How we talk about our own bodies matters
• Don't project your beauty ideals onto others
• It's necessary to take care of yourself

By the end, it's always like saying goodbye to an old friend. One I may never see again. But I'm always grateful for the day we shared. The smiles we've exchanged.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: It's not really about the images. It's about how you feel about yourself. The confidence you gain. And overcoming fear. 

The photos are a really nice souvenir of that memory. One you can hold onto.

Oh, I almost forgot the question!

Boudoir makes me feel... ALIVE. It's a reminder of fleeting moments, the power of our thoughts, and the beauty within.