Shooting boudoir photography is a passion that heals me and clients.
My childhood was filled with neglect and abuse, and it’s something that has stayed with me even into adulthood. But through boudoir, I’ve helped women find their self-esteem and create happier versions of themselves—and myself along the way.
Growing up, my mother never took care of herself physically or emotionally. I attribute that mindset to societal pressure that prioritized caring for others, especially children, above one’s own needs and desires. Mental illness was definitely a key component as well, but was exacerbated by everything else. She had nothing for herself that wasn’t shared with me. No career, no friends, strained relationships with family, minimal support, and I also inherited the same insecurities that I watched her struggle with.
My parents thought “they’re our kids, it’s no one else’s job to raise them.” I never once had a babysitter or went to daycare. I didn’t spend the night at a grandparent’s house or with friends or go to preschool. My mom stayed at home with me while my dad worked, so she never had breaks until I was old enough to go to kindergarten. By then the damage was done.
As a result, I grew up resenting my childhood, and I think a small part of me always will. But my experience has also given me a unique perspective on why self-care, self-love, and self-esteem are so essential. This is especially true for women who are pressured to put others before themselves. Most of us feel guilty focusing on ourselves when we have children or a partner, often leading to neglecting our own needs.
As a former child raised in that mentality, it can be a slippery slope to not doing anything for yourself at all.
Boudoir helps my clients heal without a doubt, but it’s also a healing journey for me. Not only do I get to help women find their self-esteem, I hope that I indirectly get to help their families by helping women create the happiest version of themselves. Those little eyes always watching you will grow into adults one day and replicate what they see as the norm. You could say that I’m working on healing my inner child with each and every picture I take. The craziest part? I didn’t even realize this until 2023, I’ve just been drawn to this genre for the last 6 years and couldn’t explain why.
Boudoir photography is more than just a photoshoot. It’s a journey of healing and self-discovery. We as women often feel guilty for spending money on ourselves with children or other family members to care for. However, boudoir photography is an investment in ourselves. It allows us to take the time to focus on our own needs and desires, to embrace our sexuality and femininity, and to become the best version of ourselves.
Here, we help women to take control and present them as they wish to be seen, rather than being defined by societal standards or expectations. Boudoir photography provides women a transformative experience to boost self-esteem and promote a positive self-image, which can have a profound impact on various aspects of life, including physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Through boudoir, I help women find their inner strength and confidence that they may have forgotten. Most of my clients come into the shoot feeling nervous and unsure of themselves. By the end, they’re laughing and feeling empowered. Watching someone transform right in front of your eyes is truly an incredible experience.
People assume it’s just about taking pretty photos, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about reconnecting with your body and your sexuality (for yourself rather than performatively for others). It’s also about building up your self-esteem, and becoming the happiest version of yourself. And if there’s nothing else my clients take away from the experience it’s this. Self-care is not selfish.
So if you’re nervous about booking a boudoir photoshoot, know that you’re not alone. But I promise you, it’s a journey of healing that you won’t regret taking that will leave you feeling empowered. You’ll be working with someone that’s in this field to truly help people-not to just take pretty pictures. Growth often comes from discomfort.
