What I Learned From My Third Boudoir Session: Confidence and Self-Love

My Boudoir Journey: From Bride to Empowered Woman—Why I Did It (Again)

Boudoir photography has been an incredibly powerful experience for me over the past 11 years.

And not just as a luxury boudoir photographer, myself.

As someone who’s had three boudoir sessions, each one has been different, reflecting where I was in life, and how I felt about myself at the time. My latest session was no exception. It was my third boudoir experience, and it was just as transformative as the first two, but this time, it was for my confidence, for my self-love, and for my personal growth. Let me share my journey with you.

Session 1: A Bride’s Gift of Love

My first boudoir session was almost 11 years ago. I was a bride-to-be, excited about starting a new chapter in my life with my soon-to-be husband.

The photoshoot was simple, intimate, and very “safe.” I chose outfits that concealed more than they revealed, and the photos took place in the comfort of our bedroom.

It was a beautiful way to gift my husband a personal, intimate album, but it wasn’t necessarily a moment of deep self-love for me—it was a way to make him smile. A gift that only I could give him.

At that time, boudoir wasn’t something I did for myself—it was for him.

Session 2: Embracing My Postpartum Body

Fast forward eight years, and my second boudoir session came 13 months postpartum with our youngest daughter.

At 205 pounds, I didn’t feel great about my body. It was still adjusting, and I wasn’t happy with the way I looked or felt. I struggled to find outfits that made me feel good, and I doubted whether I was “ready” for a boudoir session. But I did it anyway, I did it scared.

And it turned out to be one of the most empowering experiences of my life.

For the first time since having babies, I wasn’t ashamed of my body.

The session gave me a new perspective on my body—appreciating what it had done. My body had grown and nourished two children, and it had kept me alive, healthy, and active as a busy momma.

Most importantly, this session taught me that it wasn’t selfish to care for myself. I started prioritizing self-care, scheduling regular appointments for me, and finally realizing that I deserved to be taken care of, too.

Boudoir photography gave me the permission to love myself again.

Session 3: Finding Confidence After Struggles

Fast forward to the present.

October 2023, I fell in love with my Peloton. I’m currently on a 155 day streak logging in and moving my body. I have learned that change only comes after challenge. That consistency is more important than perfection. That each day brings a better version of me.

I’m still not at my goal weight, but over the last 18 months, I’ve focused on prioritizing myself—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’ve struggled with the scale and felt “stuck” at a weight, but I knew I needed this boudoir session for so many reasons. It was more than just a photo shoot—it was an investment in my confidence, a boost that would remind me how far I’ve come. It was also an opportunity to see photographic proof that all my hard work was paying off.

I had my own hesitations leading up to the session. That “mean girl” voice in my head kept telling me I wasn’t ready. That my stomach wasn’t toned enough. That my legs have too much cellulite to look beautiful in a boudoir shoot. But guess what? I did it anyway. I did it scared. I trusted the process of a luxury boudoir experience.

The Results: Confidence, Beauty, and a Surprising Reaction

The results were nothing short of amazing.

• Insane confidence boost: The moment I saw the photos, I couldn’t believe how beautiful I looked. I felt radiant and empowered in my body.
• Appreciation for my body: I found a deeper respect for everything my body is capable of—first, growing and nourishing two beautiful babies, and now, allowing me to live an active, healthy life.
• An unexpected bonus: My husband LOVES the photos. I knew he would, but he still can’t stop talking about them. He’s even encouraging me to get wall art for our bedroom because he wants to see those photos on the walls as much as I do. It’s been so incredible to see him appreciate them just as much as I do.

Encouragement for You: It’s Time to Get Out of Your Head

If you’ve thought about doing a boudoir session but haven’t taken the leap yet, I want to encourage you to stop waiting for the “perfect” moment.

The perfect moment is now.

You are worthy of feeling beautiful, confident, and empowered, exactly as you are right now. Don’t let the mean girl in your head tell you that you need to lose a few more pounds or tone up before you can book a session.

That voice is lying to you.

When you step into my studio, I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way. I’ll help you feel comfortable, beautiful, and confident. You’ll walk out of your session feeling like you’re on cloud nine, with a renewed sense of self-worth and a confidence boost that will last for months to come. Trust me when I say, you will look AND feel amazing.

So, if you’re ready to embrace your body, celebrate yourself, and experience the empowering magic of boudoir photography, now is the time. You’ve got this.

Book your session, step out of your head, and do the damn thing. You deserve to see yourself as the confident, beautiful woman you truly are.

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