A reflection of joy, beauty, and strength: E’s self-loving boudoir session

While the clients I work with decide to do boudoir for a variety of reasons, I have many clients who schedule a photoshoot to celebrate a milestone birthday. E booked her boudoir session a year in advance, and she was thrilled to have this self-loving gift to look forward to for her upcoming milestone birthday. It is always an honor as a photographer to work with clients who bring so much happy anticipation into their sessions, and I was delighted to hear how long E had been eagerly awaiting and planning for her session! 

In the year leading up to her photoshoot, E’s life had held multitudes – including moments of joy and challenging unexpectedness – and she wanted her boudoir session to capture the breadth of who she is now and who she is becoming, all through the lens of self-compassion. It felt extra fitting to mark her milestone birthday with a day devoted to gentleness, reflection, and self-care. 

After the photoshoot, E shared the sweetest words: “I’d been looking forward to this day for almost a year and booked it as a birthday gift for myself. It turned out to be so much more; it became a reflection of joy, beauty, and strength for a year that has been about growth and self-compassion.”

E’s Boudoir Vision + Wardrobe 

E brought bright energy and intentionality into her boudoir session. She envisioned portraits that felt calm, easy-going, and celebratory of her body. Above all, she wanted the session to feel authentic and uplifting. 

E started the session with a cozy look – wearing a black bra and underwear set paired with a textured cardigan that had a very relaxed, everyday feeling. Next E wore a pair of cheeky black underwear with a green sweatshirt that read “still kickin.” She loved how this look felt both effortless and emblematic of her strength and perseverance. E wrapped up the session with a series of implied and fine art nude portraits. E gave permission to share only anonymous portraits from her session, and I’m so excited to share those inspiring portraits here today. 

E’s Boudoir Portraits

I love how calm and reflective this portrait feels, as E sits on the floor and embraces herself. 

The soft light streaming in from my studio window casts lovely, gentle shadows across E’s hair and legs. This portrait feels so peaceful and self-loving.

This portrait exudes strength, femininity, and gentleness. The black backdrop adds sensuality and drama, accentuating the natural lines and shadows on E’s legs.