“You found the sun”: AmandaJean’s joyful, self-celebratory boudoir videography session

The first time I worked with AmandaJean, she chose to do an outdoor boudoir session with me at Superior Point. This session marked the 10-yr anniversary of her recovery from a life-threatening stroke, and it was such a powerful way to honor the grit of survival and the gift of life. It’s been almost five years since that meaningful outdoor session. This winter AmandaJean decided to do another boudoir session at my Minneapolis studio to celebrate how her relationship with herself and her body has shifted from one marked by survival to a season of flourishing.

Boudoir inspiration + wardrobe planning

When planning the session, AmandaJean shared that although recent years have held both grief and beauty, she has arrived at a season of life where she feels a sense of strength and acceptance in her own skin. She wanted printed art that would help her remember and savor this time of feeling beautiful and at home with herself and her body. She envisioned candid, storytelling portraits that would capture the genuine emotions this season of life has held - including joy, reflectiveness, self-love, softness, gratitude, strength, resilience, and ease.

AmandaJean chose two distinct looks for her minimalist session. She started wearing a bra and high-waisted underwear set in a luminous teal color. This was a color that made her feel really happy, and this bright, joyful energy shines through powerfully in her portraits. For her second look, AmandaJean wore a lacy black bra and underwear set with soft, scalloped edges. She felt so good about herself in this set, (which is my top recommendation for planning what to wear for a boudoir session: choose what you feel radiant in!).

AmandaJean’s empowering boudoir video + love letter to her body

AmandaJean is also one of the participants in my “Dear Body” series, and she wrote such a beautiful reflection for her body after her session that she’s given me permission to share.

“When I look at this body of mine, I see strength and determination that knows no bounds.

If younger AJ could see you, she’d be in awe of how far you’ve come. You’re no longer a wallflower.

You found the sun, and bloomed into your beautifully broken self.”