Okay, so let’s talk about boudoir photography. You know, those intimate, empowering, sometimes sultry, always stunning photos that make people feel like they’re on top of the world. I love being a boudoir photographer, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure. It’s not all about capturing beautiful bodies (though, let’s be real, that part’s awesome too), it’s about giving people the chance to see themselves in a new light.
I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to be a boudoir photographer. It wasn’t like a “Hey, I think I’ll grab a camera and start taking sexy photos” moment. No, no. I was actually on a quest—OK, maybe not a quest, but more like a search to find something that really resonated with me. I wanted to do something that was meaningful, something that made women feel amazing and strong in their own skin. And bam, that’s when I stumbled upon boudoir.
I didn’t have a clue where to begin, though. Sure, I knew how to take pictures, but boudoir? That’s a whole different beast. Enter Curtis Jones. If you’re not familiar with him, he’s an Orlando boudoir photographer who is basically a genius when it comes to this art. I had the chance to take one of his courses (yes, the Curtis Jones!) and let me tell you—it was life-changing. It was like stepping into a whole new world of creativity and empowerment. I learned not just how to take beautiful photos, but how to make people feel comfortable, how to make them own their own beauty. There’s a difference, y’all. There’s the “take a picture” kind of photography, and then there’s the kind that makes someone feel like they can conquer the world. Curtis taught me that. You can check out his work and learn more about his courses here.
There’s something so special about boudoir. It’s not about the clothes or the setting (though the fancy lingerie and dim lighting definitely add to the magic). It’s about peeling away all the layers we put on ourselves—metaphorically and physically—and getting to the heart of who we really are. Women, especially, have this crazy tendency to downplay their beauty, to hide behind self-doubt or “flaws” that don’t even matter. So when I see that look on someone’s face after their boudoir shoot, when they see the photos and can’t believe that’s them? That’s the moment I live for. It’s pure magic. And it never gets old.
I’m not gonna lie, sometimes the shoots feel like a whirlwind. One minute you’re chatting about favorite wines (because, let’s face it, that’s important), and the next minute, you’re photographing a woman who’s feeling a little nervous but so ready to rock her session. That transformation—watching someone go from “Oh gosh, I’m not sure about this” to “Wow, look at me!”—is why I do what I do.
And then there’s the joy of capturing each person’s unique personality through a lens. No two boudoir sessions are alike. One day, I might have someone who’s all about playful and fun, laughing between shots like it’s a fashion show. The next day, it’s all about sensuality and elegance, creating a vibe that feels like a Hollywood movie. Both are beautiful in their own way, and both make me feel so lucky to be the one behind the camera.
What I love most is when my clients tell me how much more confident they feel after their boudoir session. That’s priceless. Seriously. I know it sounds cheesy, but there’s something magical about showing someone their own beauty, helping them see themselves through a different lens. And after taking that course with Curtis Jones, I feel like I’m more equipped than ever to create those moments.
So yeah, being a boudoir photographer is a little bit like being a confidence coach, a little bit like being an artist, and a whole lot like being someone’s biggest cheerleader. It’s the kind of work that fills you up in ways you didn’t even know you needed.
I’m just over here living the dream, one boudoir session at a time, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If you’ve ever thought about doing a boudoir shoot, let me just say this: You’re more ready than you think. Trust me. And if you’re curious about how I got here, check out Curtis Jones—he’s the guy who taught me so much of what I know, and I’ll forever be grateful for that. You can find his work here.
Here’s to feeling fierce, fabulous, and, most importantly, yourself!