So What’s a Boudoir Session Actually Like? 13 Things I’ve Learned After 27 Years Behind the Camera

Insights from a Boudoir Photographer in Portland, Maine:

First of all, I’m so so glad you asked. With over 27 years of experience helping women feel safe, seen, and honored through boudoir portraits, I have a few takeaways about these empowering sessions.

It’s so much more than just lingerie and pretty photos. It’s more than posing and glam. It’s even more than feeling beautiful in your own skin (although that’s part of it.)

Read on to see the themes and through lines I’ve discovered after so many years of working in this unique specialty.

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1. Empowerment: We are your hype team throughout your session in a fully accepting space. For many it is the first time they get to experience genuine encouragement and adornment around being in their bodies.

2. Safety: We provide safe space for you to be in your body as you are. No expectations or judgements. Just acceptance. All ages, sizes, and backgrounds welcome.

3. Playfulness: Boudoir is almost never entirely serious. You can toy with your own ideas or try out new poses as we go. We will laugh, play, create and have fun.

4. Sensuality: For many this is an opportunity to safely tap into and celebrate their sensual side, a side that may have been hiding or dormant for some time. A chance to reignite a flame within.

5. Comfort: Beyond capturing stunning portraits, our primary job is ensuring you feel safe, comfortable and relaxed, so that you can have fun and enjoy every second of this sacred experience.

6. Healing: For many these sessions are a first step towards overcoming body issues. An opportunity to see themselves in a new light and heal past wounds. An actionable decision to love themselves as they are.

7. Creativity: No session is the same. We will tailor your session to match your unique style and vision.

8. Power: When you work with us, the power is in your hands. We are here to support and empower you in any way that works best for you. You have full control of what that looks like!

9. Resilience: Life is not without hardship. Many women book as a way to mark a period of resilience in their life. Whether it be overcoming an illness, career setback, or any big life change- boudoir can be a beautiful way to give some love back to your body.

10. Sisterhood: We are a fully female team. We will celebrate and cheer you on every step of the way!

11. Celebration: No matter the occasion, for many women these sessions are form of celebrating their authentic selves. Yes, you can bring champagne!

12. Reclamation: No male gaze here. No societal expectations. Your body is yours. To celebrate and enjoy. In any shape or size. This seemingly simple notion is a bold and defiant act of reclamation.

13. Liberation: Every woman on earth can understand the constant STRUGGLE of just existing in our bodies in a world that tells us how to look. These sessions are a fun and thrilling way to say f* that, here I am. I love my body as it is.

Ready to experience it for yourself?

Learn more and book your Boudoir Session with us!

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