When you think of a boudoir photoshoot what comes to mind? Scandalous? Sexy? Risque?
And why a boudoir photoshoot? What do you think the motivation is to do a boudoir photoshoot? Purely for intimate reasons? Or could there be something deeper, something life-changing and transformative about a boudoir photoshoot?
My approach to boudoir photography might not be the norm…
I actually call my boudoir photo sessions “self love” photoshoots. I see boudoir photography as a means to self-love, self-expression, and embodying deep self-worth. Working with women in the boudoir setting has been enlightening and beautiful in my experience.
Let’s dive deep and get personal about the power of boudoir photography & why I am so passionate about my self-love/boudoir photoshoots.
A peek inside my self-love photoshoots…
So, I’m a Philadelphia boudoir photographer and wedding photographer, but I don’t really advertise my boudoir photography as “boudoir.” Instead, I call it self-love photography. Like I said before, maybe you’ve only ever thought about boudoir photography as being romantic or sexual – like the only purpose could be for an intimate partner. And that by itself is a beautiful and empowering thing! But boudoir photography can be so much more than that.
My self-love sessions are about stepping into your personal power, living in a state of confidence and gratitude for your body, and embracing every part of you – EVERY PART.
I work really hard to earn my clients’ trust and help them feel comfortable both with me and in front of the camera. These are very vulnerable sessions, and I approach them with more love and more passion than I ever thought one person could hold.
I love the women I work with. I love making them feel beautiful and perfect, just as they are.
To really understand my passion for boudoir photography and the transformation my self-love photo session creates, you kinda need some background information about me.
Getting personal…
I’m just gonna come out and say it: I’ve suffered from body dysmorphia since I was about 10 years old. But common to the millennial-experience, I didn’t have a name to call the way I felt or realized how deeply those inner thoughts and feelings ran until I was 30. And I’m still unlearning 20 years of toxic thoughts and behaviors.
Maybe it’s a trope and maybe it’s not – but it’s no secret that a lot of photographers prefer to be behind the camera instead of in front of it. And I’m definitely one of those photographers! My body dysmorphia and anxiety has always made it so hard for me to be the “subject” instead of the creative director.
And I’m sure that all of us have experienced these thoughts and feelings at some point: becoming harmfully self-critical of pictures, eying your body and passing judgment on yourself, followed by defeat and loathing. It’s a deep cut, but it’s important to talk about these things.
When I look back at photos of me taken over the years, I get so incredibly sad – because I remember being so hard on myself in that moment, feeling self-conscious and judgmental. And now there’s that light bulb moment of “You are so beautiful.” Why couldn’t I see it then??
And all of this led me to do my OWN boudoir photoshoot…
My own experience with a boudoir photoshoot…
This was a huge milestone for me: my own boudoir photoshoot. I realized that I’d been helping other women heal, to feel beautiful, to be bold and brave. But I was still unpacking my own insecurities and struggles with my body. Plus – as a mom of two, my body has gone through MAJOR changes over the past 4 years!
So I decided to be brave and practice what I’d been preaching on my Instagram – it was time to step in front of the camera for a self-love photoshoot of my own.
Not gonna lie – it was hard at first. I got my hair and makeup done by some beautiful industry friends of mine. I put on my sexy, black lingerie set, and there was definitely some panic.
Thoughts and feelings of the past came flooding back. I was back on the battlefield, but I knew my enemy this time. I brought myself back to center, I reminded myself how safe I was. I was surrounded by the most supportive people, and my body and I deserved to be celebrated.
My body has gotten me to this point. My body keeps me safe and healthy. My body made my beautiful babies. My body is worth, perfect, and deserving of love.
Anxiety became excitement, and excitement became joy, and joy eased my fears. I owned it. Me and my hype-women had the best time, and let me tell you – the photos are gorgeous.
They are a reminder of how beautiful and perfect my body is. And even though I know this is a lifelong battle, the photos and memories I made in my boudoir photoshoot have served as pivotal moments in my life.
My “why” for boudoir photoshoots
I guess it really comes down to these things:
- My deep desire to help women see themselves through my lens and the way I see them.
- I know from personal experience how deeply transformative a self-love photoshoot can be.
I can’t even really explain the feeling I get after my boudoir photo sessions. There’s such a deep, unshakable bond that’s created between me and the women I’m photographing, and opening their eyes to their own beauty is the most rewarding and important thing I do.
This is why I’m so passionate about my boudoir photoshoots. Not only am I healing through these sessions, but I’m also helping to lift women up and see themselves in a way they haven’t in a long time, the way they’ve always been:
Beautiful.
What transformation could a boudoir photoshoot bring to you?
Well, you won’t really know until you try! But for my clients and myself, doing a boudoir photoshoot is a life-changing experience. And boudoir photography is the most meaningful service that I offer. The inner glow, the healing, the transformation, the celebration… there’s nothing like it.
If you are looking for your own Philadelphia boudoir photographer, I would love to book a self-love session with you! You can click the button below to inquire.
So embrace yourself, your body, your beauty – and see yourself through someone else’s eyes. You’re worth it. I’m here whenever you’re ready – let’s do this THANG!
