As a boudoir photographer, I spend my days behind the camera, helping women feel empowered, beautiful, and confident in their own skin.

But one day, I realized that to truly give my clients the experience they deserve, I needed to step into their shoes (heels and all). I needed to feel what it was like to be in front of the camera, to feel vulnerable and brave all at once. That’s when I decided to do something completely outside my comfort zone: a boudoir selfie session.

What started as part of a mentoring program for boudoir photographers turned into something deeply personal and transformative. Then COVID hit, and suddenly, this session became more than just a professional exercise. It became an act of self-discovery, a way to reconnect with myself, and a reminder of the magic that boudoir photography can create, not just for my clients, but for me too.

Why I Did a Boudoir Selfie Session

When the world shut down during the pandemic and my studio had to temporarily close, I found myself craving creativity. I missed the energy of a shoot - the buzz of planning outfits, the excitement of hair and makeup, and the way the music fills the studio as the session unfolds. With no clients to photograph, I decided to turn the camera on myself.

At first, I saw this as a professional exercise, a way to better understand the experience my clients go through. But as I planned and prepared, I realized I needed this session for ME. I wanted to reconnect with myself, to see myself through a different lens, and to remind myself of my own beauty and power.

Preparing for the Session

Because I was quarantining, I didn’t have access to professional glam services. I had to do my own hair and makeup, which was definitely outside my comfort zone. Normally, when clients walk into my studio, they’re treated to a full luxury experience, complete with hair and makeup from my amazing glam squad. That time of pampering allows them to relax, unwind, and ease into the session.

But for my selfie session, I didn’t have that. It was just me, alone in the studio, figuring it all out on my own. And let me tell you, it was nerve-wracking. Even though I was the only one there, I felt silly slipping into lingerie I don’t usually wear and trying to get comfortable in front of my own camera.

Finding My Confidence

When the session started, I’ll admit I felt insecure. I had the same doubts and fears that many of my clients express before their shoots. I found myself focusing on the things I don’t love about my body, the parts of myself I’m most critical of. My mind kept saying, “You could be thinner. You could be younger. You could be prettier.”

But as the session went on, something shifted. I got into a rhythm, and I started to see the beauty in myself, the same beauty I always tell my clients they have. When I looked at the photos I had taken, I was stunned. I had the exact same reaction many of my clients have: “I can’t believe that’s me!”

The Power of Seeing Yourself Differently

One of the images I took during my session impacted me so deeply that I had it turned into a 30x40 metal wall art piece that now hangs in my office. Every day, I see that image, and it reminds me of something important:

I am sensual.

I am powerful.

I am sexy.

I am fierce.

I am soft.

I am caring.

I am empowered.

Having that image displayed in my studio isn’t just a decoration, it’s a daily affirmation of everything I am. That experience gave me a new understanding of why so many of my clients choose to invest in wall art for their homes. Seeing those images every day is a powerful reminder of your worth, your beauty, and your strength.

What My Selfie Session Taught Me as a Photographer

This experience didn’t just help me connect with myself, it helped me become a better photographer. It gave me a deeper understanding of what my clients feel when they step into my studio: the nervousness, the vulnerability, and ultimately, the confidence and empowerment that comes from seeing yourself in a new light.

My goal has always been to help my clients change the way they see themselves - not physically, but mentally. I want to help them rewrite the negative self-talk and replace it with love, acceptance, and confidence. My selfie session reminded me that boudoir isn’t just about taking photo, it’s about creating a safe space where women can embrace their insecurities, celebrate their beauty, and rediscover their power.

A Message for Boudoir Photographers and Clients Alike

To my fellow boudoir photographers: if you’ve never been in front of the camera, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether it’s a selfie session or a shoot with another photographer, the experience will transform the way you approach your craft.

And to anyone considering a boudoir session: DO IT. Whether you’re nervous, unsure, or full of doubts, I promise you this experience will be worth it. You’ll see yourself in a way you never have before, and you’ll walk away feeling more confident and empowered than ever.

I’ll be booking a professional boudoir session for myself next year to experience the full glam treatment and keep learning and growing. But for now, I’ll cherish the lessons I learned from my selfie session, a journey I’ll never forget.

If you’re ready to experience the magic of boudoir for yourself, let’s set up a time to chat.

You deserve to see yourself the way the world sees you - confident, radiant, and beautiful.