A Celebration: A Boudoir Photography Experience
Boudoir photography is more than just capturing images; it's about celebrating oneself. It is a celebration of confidence, beauty, and self-love. I recently had the pleasure of working with Megan, a vibrant young woman, and mom, who wanted to embrace her femininity and celebrate her body for a very deep, meaningful reason.
The First Connection
Our journey began with a phone call. Megan shared her reasons for wanting to do a boudoir session: a very personal and emotional one, a gift for herself to celebrate her female form heading into breast cancer treatment. We discussed her comfort levels and the kind of vibe she wanted for her photos. Megan resonated with my artistic style and black-and-white imagery. She envisioned something timeless, tasteful with a hint of playfulness.
“…(the) reason for doing a boudoir session is that I was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. I'm facing a long road ahead, including surgery and hormone therapy. I honestly don't know what my body will look like after all this, so I'd like to preserve this moment in time”
The Day of the Shoot
On the day of the session, Megan arrived at the studio with a mix of anticipation and butterflies. We started with a glass of bubbly and a chat to ease any last-minute nerves. As we talked, Megan’s excitement grew, and her initial jitters began to melt away.
We began with a professional hair and makeup session. As the makeup artist, Bri worked her magic, I could see Megan relax and her confidence building. She was glowing, and it wasn’t just the makeup; it was the realization that this session was all about her.
Stepping into Confidence
Megan brought a selection of outfits although we also grabbed some studio pieces that caught her attention and inspired us in the moment - I love it when that happens. We started with a simple black bodysuit and then moved to a black beaded neckpiece (part of the studio wardrobe) and simple underwear. I guided her through some gentle poses, capturing her natural beauty and the softness of the moment. Megan’s initial reservedness transformed into laughter as we chatted and joked between shots, but we also screamed at cancer and cried a few tears. A real emotional rollercoaster. Fuck Cancer!
Next, we moved on to her more daring lingerie pieces. With each change of outfit, Megan’s confidence soared. She embraced the sensuality of the poses, and her playful side came alive.
Capturing the Essence
One of the most memorable moments was when Megan wore a beautiful lace robe. We decided to do some silhouette shots against the light. As she struck a pose, the sheer joy and confidence she radiated were palpable. It was a powerful moment of self-acceptance and celebration.
Throughout the session, I made sure to tell Megan how amazing she looked and assured her that we were creating magic. Celebrating herself through boudoir photography was an empowering experience for her. She was able to appreciate her beauty in a new light, one that highlighted her strength and femininity.
I love all her images of the days but the last ones of her dancing and smiling in her cut-off jean shorts and simple white tank top through laughter and tears were some of my favorites.
The Grand Reveal
A few days after the session, Megan returned to the studio for the reveal. We sat together, and as the slideshow of her images began, I watched her eyes light up with amazement. She saw herself as she had always wanted to: confident, beautiful, and unapologetically herself.
Megan chose a selection of her favorite images to create a luxurious photo album. As she flipped through the pages, I could see the pride in her eyes. This wasn’t just a collection of photos; it was a testament to her journey of self-love and empowerment.
Reflections
Megan’s boudoir session was a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do. Boudoir photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about creating a space where someone can truly see themselves, embrace their beauty, and celebrate who they are. Megan left the studio with more than just photos; she left with a renewed sense of confidence and self-love.
Every boudoir session is unique, and each story is special. Megan’s session was a testament to the transformative power of embracing one’s true self. I feel incredibly honored to be a part of these journeys, capturing moments of beauty, strength, and confidence.
