How to know if boudoir experience is right for you...

What exactly is Boudoir?

Boudoir. I’m still working on fully embodying this word without immediately making people’s minds jump to just sexy. Because it’s more than that.

Looking closer, its French origins refer to a woman’s private retreat – her own space to withdraw, reflect and just be. It comes from the French verb bouder (to sulk or pout) or boudeur (sulking), hinting at the idea of a sanctuary away from the world.

A woman taking space. A luxury then, really only available to the upper class, but in a sense a luxury now too – as the weight of responsibilities is heavy with bearing children, as well as building careers, keeping everything afloat and feeling all the feelings about the world wide issues. Finding time just for yourself feels like an indulgence, when really, it’s an act of self-love.

What could this experience mean to you?

You want to celebrate YOU

Boudoir experience is for everyone.

There’s no other requirement, no milestone you need to hit, no “perfect” time to book a boudoir session. You don’t need a special occasion, a particular body type, a certain age – or even a partner to gift it to. This is for you.

My own perspective on boudoir has evolved so much over the years. When I first started photographing these sessions some 15 years ago, I saw it through a different lens. I was young, fine art focused, ready to prove how good I was with lighting. How naive. Deeper I went into the world of working with women, the more I realised just how meaningful these are.

Now, I can’t imagine doing this for any reason other than to celebrate yourself – just as you are. To embrace your body, your story and your strength. To step in front of the camera not for someone else, but for you.

Boudoir is about more than just photos. It’s about feeling liberated, strong, powerful. It’s about seeing yourself in a way you may have forgotten – or never truly seen before. And that’s something worth celebrating.

You want to practice your femininity

We all struggle with body confidence. Every so often, I have conversations with women who are excited about a photoshoot for themselves, their family or a business but just can’t bring themselves to go through with it – at least not yet. They tell me they need to lose weight first, that they don’t like how they look in the mirror and it just doesn’t feel quite the right time. So, they push the idea further down the line, hoping that one day they’ll feel ready.

And honestly? I get it. I have those days too. The ones where I don’t want to face being the face of my brand, when nothing looks exciting on me, so I just put the same hoodie on and sweep my hair in a bun. But those feelings come and go. Some days, it’s just hormones messing with our confidence. Other times, it’s the weight of life making us see ourselves differently. And if you’ve had a baby, I especially understand the “WHOSE BODY IS THIS?!” stage that can last for months… or decades.

You don’t need to be “perfect” to deserve this experience. My job is to work with light, posing, movement and emotion to help you see yourself in a way that feels good.

You want a unique, meaningful gift

Whether it’s a surprise for a partner or a gift to yourself, a boudoir photoshoot is more than just beautiful images. It’s a deeply personal experience that captures your essence in an intimate, artistic way.

One of the most meaningful ways to personalise your session is by incorporating things that are significant to you. Maybe it’s your partner’s favourite shirt, a delicate piece of lingerie they gifted you or a piece of jewellery that was passed down to you. If you’re celebrating an anniversary or planning a bridal boudoir shoot, incorporating your wedding veil or a bridal robe can add a romantic and symbolic touch.

But this isn’t just about them – it’s also about you. At its core, boudoir is about self-expression and storytelling. What elements would you like to weave in that hold a special place in your heart?

You want to step out of your comfort zone

I get it, boudoir can feel like a big step. It’s easy to tell yourself I’m not ready, I’m not photogenic or I could never pull that off. 

Stepping outside your comfort zone doesn’t mean changing who you are. It means giving yourself the chance to see who you are – without the filters of self-doubt or comparison.

For some, it’s about letting go of perfectionism and just embracing you – exactly as you are.
For others, it’s about feeling powerful in their own skin for the first time in a long time.
And sometimes, it’s simply about doing something completely for yourself, no reason needed.

You don’t have to be fearless to do this. You just have to be willing to take that first step. 

What's next? How to take the first steps...

I’m still finding my voice in this space – figuring out how I run these sessions, how I talk about them and most importantly, how I hold space for the women who trust me to capture them. But the one thing that makes this journey so fulfilling? The conversations I’ve had with women who truly get why it matters.

So, what about you?
Does the idea of a boudoir session excite you?

If you’d like to chat more and explore why this experience calls to you or just to get a feel for how it all works – I’d love to connect. Send me a message, and we can arrange a call to talk through your ideas and hesitations. No obligation.