A year in review at Illuminate Boudoir

As 2023 comes to a close, I am inspired by the breadth and depth of moods and styles this year has held at Illuminate Boudoir- both in my new studio and in the magical spaces outdoor boudoir took me to.

Some sessions felt super glamorous and dramatic; some felt very artful and whimsical; some exuded an effortless, everyday energy; some held profound gentleness; some captured inspiring strength; some were bursting with joy and color; some felt like a peaceful, self-loving exhale; and many times a single session held a multitude of these moods. I am truly humbled to have witnessed and captured so much radiance, inside and out.

Below I’m sharing a collection of some of my favorite portraits from the year – and these only include the ones I have permission to share! As you scroll and see what multitudes this year has held at Illuminate Boudoir, I hope these portraits may fill you with compassion, spark joy, remind you of your strength, and give you a little dose of inspiration for what boudoir could hold for you in 2024, and beyond. 

Some of my favorite boudoir portraits from 2023

In my new Minneapolis boudoir photography studio

Client boudoir outfits:

If you’re wondering what to wear for a boudoir session, these examples show some of the range of options!

Client wardrobes varied as much as their moods and styles this year, ranging from chic business casual for professional branding portraits, to bold bodysuits, to romantic and self-loving implied and fine art nude portraits.

Flower boudoir sessions

Nature inspired boudoir sessions

I was so inspired by floral boudoir this year - the bouquets of tulips, dahlias, peonies, and more that would fill the studio on floral boudoir days added incredible warmth and color to the portraits.

I have really enjoyed taking portraits in front of my black backdrop panel. They feel full of drama and power, with such amazing warm highlights.

Outdoor boudoir photography in Minnesota

This year, outdoor boudoir took me to the gorgeous woods of Northern Minnesota and the sunlit fields of Western Wisconsin. I love how much texture, color, and playfulness outdoor boudoir photoshoots can capture. I left these sessions feeling grounded and inspired.

Boudoir sessions for self-love

Celebrating self-love and strength were two themes woven through many of my clients’ stories and sessions this year. It is one of my highest honors as a boudoir photographer to help people create art that showcases and reminds them of their radiance, inside and out.