“M’s” relaxed, authentic, creative outdoor boudoir session
These are super fun pictures to share! “M” had been thinking about doing a boudoir session for a super long time. She got connected to me by a past client and said that my style really resonated with her, which was such an honor to hear. She shared that she had a milestone birthday coming up that was the impetus for her to do a session!
“M” is a photographer as well and an overall creative person, and she has so much appreciation for boudoir photography. She shared with me that while she is a photographer, she is a little uncomfortable in front of the camera – which is absolutely normal! I always like to share with clients that it’s totally okay to feel nervous and where about 98% of my clients are when they come to their boudoir session. (After all, most of us aren’t used to being in front of a camera very often, let alone in our underwear!) I often find that my clients come in a bit nervous but excited, and then feel themselves ease into having their photo taken within the first 5-10 minutes of the session.
“M” loves being outdoors and really connected with the idea of doing a sunrise session at Palisade Head up on the North Shore! When we first talked, “M” said that she initially felt that her boudoir session would have to be overtly sexy, provocative, and showing lots of skin, because she thought that's what boudoir "should" be, but she noted that this didn’t feel super authentic to her. As we talked and planned her session, I encouraged her to set aside that sense of what boudoir “should” be and instead think about what would feel more true to her.
In the end, “M” decided to focus more on an aesthetic that felt more genuine to who she is: relaxed, peaceful, and centered on her connection with nature. I loved how she decided to follow a direction that felt so good to her, and I LOVE how her portraits turned out!
“M’s” boudoir session
“M” brought three outfits to her outdoor boudoir session. The first was a beautiful bralette and underwear set with a lacy rose pattern on the front, which she paired with a cozy cardigan. The next outfit was a bodysuit with sheer mesh panels that had “beauty comes from the inside” embroidered on them! Finally, she ended the session with a dusty pink-colored bralette and high-waisted bottom.
Palisade Head is this amazing rock formation on the cliffs of Lake Superior. We met super early in the morning, when it was still misty and a little cool out. The light was really ethereal and soft before the sun came over the horizon. As the sun rose up over the edge of the water, it cast a gentle glow over everything. It felt super magical!
Whenever I do an outdoor session with someone, I always spend some time beforehand talking with my client about how comfortable they feel taking pictures outdoors, knowing that other people could walk by. “M” requested that we choose a time and day of the week where there would be less foot traffic, and she opted to wear outfits that felt more akin to wearing a swimsuit in terms of coverage. We also made sure that we were mindful of the comfort of anyone else who might walk by and kept a light cardigan on hand in case “M” wanted to cover up quickly – our goal is to make sure everyone feels totally at ease, including “M” and any passersby!
At the end of “M’s” session, we took a few portraits in the wooded area nearby. I love how the sun lit up everything around her! It was such a special morning.
Some powerful words that "M" shared about her boudoir experience
A quick heads up: while positive and powerful, the following content may be challenging to read for those who have struggled with body image and/or eating concerns.
"I am so grateful for my experience doing boudoir photos with Alyssa! I had been wanting to do boudoir photos for a long time and as soon as I found Alyssa's work I knew she was the person I wanted to work with. She is truly a body positive photographer and she really listened to my thoughts and concerns and was able to guide me into making my portraits feel authentic to me. She made me feel comfortable and confident from the first phone call to the reveal appointment. I was especially excited to be able to have my session outside in a place that I love and is meaningful to me!
“I have struggled with my feelings toward my body for as long as I can remember. After years of eating disorders and body dysmorphia, I wasn't sure that I would ever truly love a photo of myself, much less boudoir photos, but I felt like it was something I needed to do on my journey toward acceptance and self-love. Looking at my photos now and absolutely loving them, I feel so at peace with myself in a way I don't think I would have been able to without this experience." –“M”
“M,” it was such a delight to travel to Palisade Head and create these portraits with you! Your kind, creative spirit and deep connection with nature absolutely radiate in these pictures. Thank you so much for trusting me with your boudoir portraits and for your truly beautiful words. I am really grateful that we got to work together!