Listen up, Buttercup. It’s time to rile up this blog with a few hot takes. 🫣
Here are the lies we’re not falling for this Summer – or any time really.
1. You need to lose weight before booking a photoshoot.
Let’s start with a classic. I’ve heard woman after woman use this line over a decade & it’s no more true now than it was when I began boudoir. Here’s the truth: You are worthy of being photographed at all stages.
Not just when you’re 10, 50, 100 lbs lighter.
If you put it off now, you’ll find a reason to put it off then.
A little secret I’d like to pass on is not everyone steps into my studio brimming with confidence. That feeling comes after the experience.
In case you’re not convinced, I’m just going to pop in this quote from one of my lovely clients:
2. You’re “too old” to do a boudoir session.
Who says?! Like, where is the cut-off? Because getting to know and photograph women who are in different stages has been a dream. You don’t loose value the more you age.
You’re not alone, I get it.
Actually I’ll let you in on one of my insecurities: I was feeling really worried that no one would want to book a boudoir photographer who is over 40. Am I over 40 yet, no – I’m about to turn 39.
I just think back to my surveys from clients in the beginning who say I was such a cute & fun young photographer & then let the bad thoughts get me down thinking I’ll be old news soon.
Don’t worry, I don’t have plans to retire & I have sense met some amazing photographers with thriving businesses after 40. When I think rationally, I know you all are going to want to book with me because I’ve got experience, the fanciest studio around & can make you feel like a million bucks.💁♀️
Now that I’ve laid all my crazy on the table, it’s time to share a quote from a fabulous client who almost held herself back from doing the dang thing…
3. You don’t have anyone to gift the photos to.
Yes. You. Do.
Yourself.
That’s the only person these photos need to be for. You don’t have to have a significant other, that’s not a requirement what-so-ever.
This experience is for you. The photos are for you too. If you share the photos with anyone else, they’re super lucky.
During her second session, Ms. L (the woman that the next quote is from), told me that she keeps the polaroid prints in her purse as a regular reminder & I cannot stop thinking about how amazing that is.🥹
4. You’re too awkward.
You’re not. Or you might be? Aren’t we all a little awkward?
I am. I will tell you the most random stories, do little happy dances & become a giant nerd over the perfect lighting.
That’s the thing about this studio, we’re not over here judging. We’re delighting in the fun quirks that make you you. Also, I would never ever let you look awkward in a photo. That’s not happening, I’ve got you.
5. Investing in yourself is selfish.
If you don’t, who will?
Self care is important, it’s not selfish. You can’t pour from an empty cup. All of the sayings are true!
Clients have cried in my studio, told me they’ve never felt more beautiful, felt more themselves for the first time in years, one even went out & got a new job afterwards, etc.
Maybe a boudoir session creates that wow factor for you, maybe it’s a small step into seeing yourself as more. It’s not the cure-all, but it’s a step up in the right direction. If you’ve been craving this experience, there’s a reason. You are worthy of being seen.
6. Your Significant Other said no.
Ope. This is the hot take that I almost left out. 😬
Here’s my quick thoughts on this touchy subject: I understand that boudoir is foreign to some people & they’ll never understand. Having an open & honest conversation about why you would like to do a boudoir session is key.
What I tend to see is:
-The would-be client wants to feel more comfortable in her skin, she wants to see herself in these photos.
Boudoir can be whatever you want. Plenty of lingerie covers more than a swimsuit even. You also never are forced to share images online or in sample products – all of that is up to you on your terms.
Now, the problem we run into is when the other person in the relationship has some control issues. Alright, alright… I cannot hold in some of my disgust over here.
Like this time when a boyfriend gave an ultimatum of “I’ll leave if you do a boudoir session.” I really hope she comes back someday & decides to book. I’ll be sure to update this post & put her quote below.
Doing a boudoir session is actually beneficial to those around you. If you have higher levels of confidence, it’s shows. Your radiance leaks into all aspects of your life, which leads to better relationships.
ChatGPT agrees with me… & gave me some studies to add some credibility: Murray, Holmes, & Griffin (2000), Barelds & Dijkstra (2009), Guerrero, Hannawa, & Babin (2011)
One last quote:
Over the last 11.5 years, I’ve met so many incredible women & I’m grateful for the time & thoughtfulness they put into their surveys. I hope their words inspired you!
If they did, be sure to CLICK HERE to get more details for your own experience!
